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NATURAL HERITAGE STEWARDSHIP AWARDS 2005ROBERT AND
DONNA POILE
The very long shoreline has been left totally undisturbed, except for a small swim dock and two widely spaced and well placed boathouses. The main cottage, built in 1999-2000, is set well back from the water, amid a relatively undisturbed forest floor. The new buildings were designed to harmonize visually with the rock and tree setting. The various paths are soil, leaf litter, and wood chips for good water penetration. The minimal outdoor lighting conserves the dark sky atmosphere. WES AND MARY
CRAGG
The surrounding forest appears to be undisturbed as it nestles up to the old cottage. The two paths and the driveway follow the contours of the ground and are not surfaced. The only accessory building is a pit privy, set well to the rear of the property. With a minimum of modern lighting, the low profile building and the land seem ageless and compatible. THE DISTRICT
MUNICIPALITY OF MUSKOKA
In the early 1990s, the District teamed up with the Foundation and the Ministry of Natural Resources to undertake the first comprehensive biological inventory of Muskoka. Forty-eight significant areas were identified. These Heritage Areas are now protected through Official Plan policies and as crown conservation reserves. Corporate policy requires the use of Integrated Pest Management practices on all District-owned lands as well as dark sky friendly lighting for all District facilities. The District, in partnership with the Muskoka Heritage Foundation, established the Muskoka Watershed Council in 2002. Its aim is to bring together the many different stakeholders in Muskoka to encourage stewardship of Muskoka's watersheds. Even the landscaping of the newly renovated Pine Street offices employs native plants and rock exclusively, thus projecting a more natural Muskoka. This award is a tangible "thank you" for developing environmentally sound policies and practices for Muskoka. PETER AND
CYNTHIA KEMERER
The well weathered board and batten cottage is built on a rocky knoll, which actually forms one of the walls of the master bedroom. Thus blasting was avoided. Similarly, the surrounding forest and shoreline have been left pristine and untouched. The old crib dock is the only structure on the shore. All the paths are soil and leaf litter and are part of a local network of nature trails. The lighting consists of only four permanent interior fixtures. Both the human and built footprint are minimal and environmentally compatible with the beautiful natural setting. LARS AND
MONICA LONDEN Twenty of their
26 acres are designated as open space with their family compound
situated on the southern six acres. This was done to minimize and
localize the foot There is only one dock, one boathouse and one septic system providing little disturbance of the native plants and shoreline. The muted red paint on the buildings goes back to the 16th century and is often seen in rural villages in Sweden. It is water soluble and environmentally friendly. Although there is hydro, there is little outside light pollution. The family's
long history of good stewardship is being passed on to the younger
generations through this property. |
This
65-acre property is an excellent example of new construction that
gives major consideration to the maintenance of the natural environment.
This
cottage property has enjoyed more than 100 years of occupancy. The
entire shoreline has been left natural, except for one piered dock
and a small ancient boathouse.
For
over 30 years, District Government has provided leadership in natural
heritage stewardship for Muskoka. Some of the policies of the Official
Plan are directed at limiting lake development, maintaining shoreline
vegetation, preserving wetlands, keeping vegetation on steep slopes,
and regulating minimum setbacks for structures and septic systems.
The District has also produced many brochures that encourage landowners
to build and live in an environmentally aware manner.
This
14-acre property has 680 feet of frontage. The family purchased
it in 1987 and the cottage and docks were built in 1986/87. Besides
being noted for excellent natural stewardship, it is the home of
an annual Shakespearian festival, whose proceeds go to the Georgian
Bay Land Trust. 
The
Londens have a long cultural history of summering on rocky islands
with fragile plant life on the Scandinavian Archipelago. Here on
Galbraith Island, they apply their environmental principles to the
Georgian Bay Archipelago, 900 nautical miles south of their original
home.