The Northumberland Land Trust (NLT) says it has completed an acquisition of about 100 acres of land just south of Campbellford.
This land will create a new nature reserve. The property is located within the “extremely biodiverse region” of the Trent River/Murray Marsh corridor and overlooks the mouth of Percy Creek – an important cold-water stream at its junction with the lower Trent River, said NLT.
“Robert de Lint has cared for the property since the 1970s and ensured that its environmental values were protected and enhanced,” said Rob Kennedy, NLT president, noting this area was once largely agricultural property.
It has since been managed, under de Lint’s direction, to restore the forested drumlin, stabilize the creek bank with a vegetated buffer and maintain grasslands through light cattle grazing, explained Kennedy.
The property also contains about 1,200 metres of well-vegetated shoreline on Percy Creek, flowing along the entire west boundary.
De Lint started the process of donating his property several years ago, noted NLT. His house was severed from the surrounding property so he could continue to live in home, while the land trust could then take on stewardship of the land, it was explained.
A formal event commemorating the land donation will be held in early April.
“Some people want to donate their land as part of their estate planning,” added Kennedy. “The Northumberland Land Trust helps … owners sever the land from their house for the donation to NLT.”
Land donations do have tax implications and require severance, surveys, legal documents and township approvals – and this process can cost up to $30,000, in addition to ongoing stewardship costs, explained Kennedy.
“Donations are key to covering these expenses.”
To learn more about the organization and/or donations, visit nltrust.ca or people can email info@nltrust.ca or call 416-220-6807, noted the organization.
With this donation, the trust has 14 properties under its care now.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
