About

About Us

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 found here:

Download Map

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, $3000 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.

Board of Directors and Staff

  • Kees van Frankenhuyzen (President)

    Growing up in one of the most crowded places on earth as the son of an enthusiastic naturalist, Kees acquired a deep appreciation for the natural world at an early age. He came to the Sault in 1985 to start a 31-year research career in forest entomology.  Living in the Sault and being able to explore its endless bounty of forests and waterways by foot, canoe, kayak, skis or bike is his dream come true. Kees is happiest when he is outside roaming the woods and lakes, with King mountain and Lake Superior being his premier playgrounds.  He was on the AHC Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008, and now that he is retired, is looking forward to renewing his commitment to conserving the natural beauty that surrounds us.

  • Laurie McBay (Secretary)

    Laurie McBay is an enthusiastic cross country skier and hiker. She joined the Board of the AHC in 2009 and became the secretary shortly after that.  Laurie is retired but worked as a physiotherapist for more than 40 years and recognizes the importance of ongoing physical activity to achieve optimal physical and mental health. She appreciates the unique value of the Algoma Highlands and the opportunity to enjoy silent sports in the outdoors. Laurie is pleased to support the goals and principles of the conservancy and acknowledges the contribution of time and expertise of many former AHC Board members and staff. 

  • Brian Anstess (Vice-President)

    Brian Anstess is a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma. He finds silent sport recreation in the Algoma Highlands to be a great diversion from work, and seeks to expose others to the many outdoor opportunities available in the area. The values of the Conservancy are much aligned with his personal principles, and he hopes to assist the AHC with conservation of these precious lands for his children and future generations. Brian is certified through the Ontario College of Teachers, and is currently employed as a Professor with the Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies Department at Sault College.

  • Dave Fanslow

    Dave has been a frequent visitor to the Algoma District since he first came on family fishing trips as a kid.  He’s been an avid Stokely skier for going on thirty years and spends as much time as possible skiing or hiking the trails of the AHC.  His professional background is at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor Michigan where he works as a Biologist focusing on the lower food web and the impacts of recent invasive species.

  • Ruth Koskenoja

    Growing up spending summers at camp, and after school hours exploring the fields and forests around her home in the Sault, Ruth has always loved the outdoors, nature and animals. An avid skier, snowshoer, hiker and backpacker, Ruth believes time outdoors in nature is time well spent. An educator for 28 years, and mentor for Korah’s Duke of Edinburgh club for 12 of those years, Ruth understands the importance of sharing environmental education and stewardship with youth and adults. The Algoma Highlands truly provide an invaluable outdoor classroom. 

Sault Ste. Marie, ON

Growing up in one of the most crowded places on earth as the son of an enthusiastic naturalist, Kees acquired a deep appreciation for the natural world at an early age. He came to the Sault in 1985 to start a 31-year research career in forest entomology.  Living in the Sault and being able to explore its endless bounty of forests and waterways by foot, canoe, kayak, skis or bike is his dream come true. Kees is happiest when he is outside roaming the woods and lakes, with King mountain and Lake Superior being his premier playgrounds.  He was on the AHC Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008, and now that he is retired, is looking forward to renewing his commitment to conserving the natural beauty that surrounds us.

Sault Ste. Marie

Laurie McBay is an enthusiastic cross country skier and hiker. She joined the Board of the AHC in 2009 and became the secretary shortly after that.  Laurie is retired but worked as a physiotherapist for more than 40 years and recognizes the importance of ongoing physical activity to achieve optimal physical and mental health. She appreciates the unique value of the Algoma Highlands and the opportunity to enjoy silent sports in the outdoors. Laurie is pleased to support the goals and principles of the conservancy and acknowledges the contribution of time and expertise of many former AHC Board members and staff. 

Ann Arbour, MI

Dave has been a frequent visitor to the Algoma District since he first came on family fishing trips as a kid.  He’s been an avid Stokely skier for going on thirty years and spends as much time as possible skiing or hiking the trails of the AHC.  His professional background is at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor Michigan where he works as a Biologist focusing on the lower food web and the impacts of recent invasive species.

Searchmont, ON

Growing up spending summers at camp, and after school hours exploring the fields and forests around her home in the Sault, Ruth has always loved the outdoors, nature and animals. An avid skier, snowshoer, hiker and backpacker, Ruth believes time outdoors in nature is time well spent. An educator for 28 years, and mentor for Korah’s Duke of Edinburgh club for 12 of those years, Ruth understands the importance of sharing environmental education and stewardship with youth and adults. The Algoma Highlands truly provide an invaluable outdoor classroom. 

Heyden, ON

Brian Anstess is a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma. He finds silent sport recreation in the Algoma Highlands to be a great diversion from work, and seeks to expose others to the many outdoor opportunities available in the area. The values of the Conservancy are much aligned with his personal principles, and he hopes to assist the AHC with conservation of these precious lands for his children and future generations. Brian is certified through the Ontario College of Teachers, and is currently employed as a Professor with the Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies Department at Sault College.

Annual Reports

Browse our annual reports to get an idea of what we have been up to since 2008 when the first report was published.

Strategic Plan

Our strategic plans guiding our actions can be downloaded below.

2009-2011 Strategic Plan 2015-2020 Strategic Plan 2023-2030 Strategic Plan
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