Leaders of the Bay
"Payne Marine is very proud to support the GBLT in their efforts to preserve properties and land for everyone's enjoyment for generations to come. In a time with a rapidly growing population, and in turn extreme building pressures, it is more important than ever to work to secure properties now before it is too late! This special place should be available for everyone to enjoy, to swim, picnic, and take in a breath-taking Georgian Bay sunset! The GBLT's tireless work and dedication will ensure these are realities 50 years down the road for all who wish to do so. We are very proud to be associated with their fine organization."
In response to a real and demonstrated need, a dynamic group of committed people from the Georgian Bay community is assembling to provide backing to the Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT).
The Leaders of The Bay play an important role in ensuring that support is in place to enable the GBLT to fully achieve the ambitious goals set out in its 20 year vision and 2010-12 strategic plan to protect significant properties on Georgian Bay and the North Channel for generations to come.
The Leaders of The Bay,
• Engage and provide capital support for special projects as they arise to allow the GBLT to act quickly
• Participate in key discussions to confirm the GBLT’s progress in reaching its strategic goals
• Provide an annual contribution in support of GBLT programs supporting land acquisition, land stewardship, and education at a level of $5,000 or more per year for a minimum of five years
Who is the Georgian Bay Land Trust?
Founded in 1991, the GBLT has become an increasingly important contributor to the conservation of the eastern shore of Georgian Bay and the North Channel. The GBLT has also enjoyed a period of tremendous growth resulting in increased results. Outstanding examples of land preservation have been accomplished, including the successful protection of 425 acres of Sandy Island just off the west shore of Parry Island which represents one of the most ecologically rich areas in the archipelago. This project, combined with previous efforts, has allowed the GBLT to be in a position to secure and manage more than $16.5 million of land, primarily secured through donations, and $940,000 in stewardship endowment funds.
The urgency…
Despite the GBLT’s successful work, the need to do more and to act quickly continues. There is much more to accomplish, and numerous significant properties are coming to the surface for protection – none can be ignored due to lack of resources as there will be no second chances. In the last 5 years, the GBLT has more than tripled the number of acres to over 1,200 and expects to add an additional 6 properties (approximately 100 acres) in the next 6-12 months. This will significantly increase the demands on our stewardship program, which has become so successful that it has expanded beyond the care of the GBLT’s properties to provide support in the care of other environmentally significant lands under both private and public ownership.
Why the Georgian Bay Land Trust?
As a land trust, the GBLT is in a unique position to respond and act quickly. The GBLT’s current strategic plan and 20 year vision are built around a significant investment in program activities by investment in core program areas, land acquisition and stewardship, and maintaining the support network to maintain a healthy, sustainable organization over the long term.
The year ahead…
2012 represents the final year of the current strategic plan and we are on track to meet our ambitious targets. These include building networks of volunteers to keep the GBLT aware of opportunities to secure land, a pro-active plan to ensure priority environmental areas are actively pursued for protection, adequate stewardship of all of our properties with support from local volunteer stewards guided by science-based management plans, and an education strategy that builds people’s understanding and appreciation for this remarkable area.
If we don’t do this now, who will?
To join the Leaders of the Bay, please fill out the Leaders of the Bay Gift Form and mail it back to the office.
To make a gift of shares, please fill out the Securities Transfer Form.
Leaders of The Bay
as of March 2012
The Honorable William G. Davis & the Davis Family, Honorary Chair
Jon K. Grant, Co-chair
Jennifer Ivey Bannock, Co-chair
Susan Armitage
Rick Balaz
David & Shelagh Blenkarn
John & Margaret Catto
Bruce Croxon & Debra Thier
Fred & Sue Dalley
David & Ann Doritty
Sted & Robin Garber
Jean Hughes
John Irving & Janet Turnbull
The Jackman Foundation
Ted & Alice Kernaghan
Wally & Marilyn King
Donald & Lorraine Lawson
Sheila MacFeeters
Paul McLean
The McLean Foundation
Robert & Robin Ogilvie
Michael & Agneta Owen
Payne Marine Ltd.
Francie & John Pepper
Sandy & Marilyn Phillips
Bill & Carol Prior
Emery & Tara Prior
William & Meredith Saunderson
The Samuel Family Foundation
Tom & Pamela Scoon
John & Chris Stark
The W. Garfield Weston Foundation
Bella White
The Georgian Bay Land Trust seeks to preserve the unique archipelago and the adjacent water bodies which lie along the eastern shore and North Channel of Georgian Bay that are of ecological, geological and historical importance, and to promote the appreciation of this special area.