About Us
Algoma Highlands Conservancy
Our mission is to conserve the beauty and ecological integrity of key areas within the Algoma Highlands region.
The roughly 2,900 acres (1,180 ha) we currently own includes the western half of King Mountain, which rises about 1,200 feet (365 m) above Lake Superior and features a 400-feet (125 m) drop off to the Goulais River Valley in the form of the iconic Robertson Cliffs. These spectacular land forms are cloaked in a mosaic of mature hardwood forests, cliffs, streams, ponds and wetlands, and home to a variety of wildlife including wolves, lynx, moose, bear, peregrine falcons and a variety of flora including several rare plant species.
Our lands offer an extensive network of trails that are open year-round for low-impact recreational use, such as:
- Bird watching
- Photography
- Hiking
- Biking
- Snowshoeing
- Skiing
- Trail running
Come commune with nature, clear the mind, soothe the soul and join us in our efforts to protect this local treasure for future generations.
Our education programs are aimed at promoting conservation, while we contribute to a better understanding of local ecosystems though collaborative research projects.
Our History
Our story began with Chuck Peterson’s vision but was fully realized under the steadfast stewardship of Gaylen and Susan Byker at Stokely Creek Lodge.
For years, Chuck explored the Algoma Highlands on skis with local friends Hakon Lien and Erling Strom. In the mid-70s Chuck built Stokely Creek Lodge, which over the years morphed into a premier cross-country ski destination covering about 8,300 acres (3,360 ha) of land surrounding King Mountain.
The Algoma Highlands Conservancy (AHC) was incorporated as a bi-national not-for-profit charity in the early 90s. In 1999 we acquired our first conservation property, the 303 acres (123 ha) containing Robertson Cliffs. Chuck’s plan was to transfer ownership of his entire holdings to AHC but he passed away before the transfer was complete and his estate was eventually put up for sale.
With the desire to safeguard the ecological integrity of Chuck’s property, the AHC brokered a purchase agreement with neighbouring landowner, Astina Forest AG, under leadership of then President Doug Pitt. As a result of those efforts, Astina bought the Peterson estate in 2007, sold Stokely Creek Lodge to the Byker-Phair families, and offered AHC the option to purchase the southern ~2,600 acres (1,060 ha) , which include the western half of King Mountain.
A map showing the division of the Stokely property can be viewed below.
We funded the $1.5 million purchase by securing $400,000 in private donations, $400,000 from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Greenlands Challenge program, $150,000 from the EJLB Foundation, $10,000 from the McLean Foundation, $3,000 from the City of Sault Ste. Marie, and $240,000 from Chuck Peterson’s bequeathment to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy.
Gaylen Byker generously lent us the balance, which allowed us to complete the purchase in November 2009.
Raising the last $300,000 to pay of the mortgage, turned out to be a bigger challenge than raising the first 80% of the purchase price. After much effort and hard work, we finally paid off our debt in early 2017.
Strategic Plan
Our strategic plans guiding our actions can be downloaded below.
