The legacy of visionaries Chuck Peterson and Haakoen Lien, lives on in the Algoma Highlands, both in the form of the Stokely Creek Lodge and its associated trail system. As many repeat users know, two of the main routes on this extensive system of trails are specifically named in honour of these early pioneers of cross-country skiing in the highlands area. In an effort to perpetuate that legacy, the Algoma Highlands Conservancy has negotiated and signed a three-way partnership agreement with the Byker family - new owners of the Stokely Creek Lodge, and Astina Forest AG, who currently own the surrounding lands. The partnership specifically includes a 10-year trail-use agreement assuring continued use of the trail system for skiing and hiking, as well as the potential to broaden use to service a variety of other silent sport recreation and outdoor leisure pursuits including snowshoeing and back-country skiing. Together with our partners at the Stokely Creek Lodge, the Conservancy controls and maintains the trail system for use, not only by those on "skinny skis", but increasingly by those wanting to venture further into the woods either using those crazy "floppy-foot"
snowshoes or "fatty" back-country skis. Snowshoeing is becoming increasingly popular in the area for both young and old, particularly on the well-signed trails recently established by Bob Yankis and Lucy Gagnon along the banks of Stokely Creek which tumbles through glistening ice formations as it passes the lodge.. The 120 km of trails that have been developed since Chuck and Haakoen’s first adventures in the area, in combination with the scenic beauty of the Highlands and a reliable annual snowfall averaging more than 3 meters (9 feet), assures this 
will remain "the" destination of choice for track and back-country skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter activities in eastern North America for many years to come.
Of course the fun doesn't stop with the snow melt. The unique beauty of this area can be appreciated in any of the four seasons and the changing seasons provide a variety of other silent sport opportunities. The trail system that meanders through mixed-wood forests, along tumbling creeks and reaches up to the very summit of King Mountain, provides excellent opportunities for expanded low impact uses including mountain biking, hiking, trail running, as well as more leisurely artistic pursuits such as nature photography, painting, and bird watching. Late summer and fall, when the fire-red and soft-yellows of maples and aspen adorn the hillsides, are particularly spectacular times to enjoy these outdoor activities. In working with our partners at the Stokely Creek Lodge and Astina Forest AG, the Conservancy facilitates and promotes use of the trails for all of these low-impact, "non-motorized" recreational passions. In this regard, we join a growing number of conservancies that focus on the protection of nature through the purchase of land or establishment of land-use agreements to protect and enhance natural values. Our partnership agreement is an excellent example of synergy and benefits that accrue to all parties. With broader access and use of the trail system 
by a greater proportion of the public, more individuals can escape from an increasingly urbanized and hectic lifestyle to truly experience our natural environment, with all of the passive splendour and active recreational potential it has to offer. Many who visit this area will attempt to capture the scenic natural beauty and 
serenity of the Algoma Highlands, either in their minds eye, on canvas, or in a digital image. While that task is nigh on impossible, the essence and experience of the highlands is something that all who visit can savour as a memory, an experience to be tucked safely away deep in one's souls, re-opened when the need is felt, and perhaps passed on as part of one's own legacy to the next generation of Algoma Highlands explorers.
