About Us
Our Vision
Beautiful Mississippi Madawaska wilderness protected for all time, where all species thrive and people engage with nature.
Our Guiding Principles
- To champion land conservation and the rights of all species to exist.
- To practice the best standards of stewardship for the benefit of plants, animals, and landscapes.
- To foster a respectful relationship between people and natural spaces.
- To connect people with nature’s healing power to meet their physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual needs.
- To encourage community engagement and collaborative initiatives.
- To lead in innovative approaches.
What is a Land Trust?
The Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust (MMLT) is a non-profit charitable organization that works on behalf of the people and communities in the region, to preserve ecologically sensitive lands for the long term. As a registered charity incorporated under the Canada Corporations Act, we work directly with private landowners interested in permanently protecting our natural and cultural heritage, often bringing a number of tax benefits. We also work with volunteers, members, families and friends to provide the best wilderness experiences for all ages. Our guided tours and personal approach bring thousands of visitors from across the country to make one-of-a-kind memories with us. The MMLT is a member of the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA), a province wide umbrella organization for the several dozen land trusts in the province.
How Does A Land Trust Work?
- Accepts qualified lands through gift or purchase to be managed by the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust as nature reserves.
- Enters into conservation easements with landowners to legally restrict future development.
- Fosters greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the values of nature through various projects and public education initiatives.
- Works cooperatively with other organizations, both private and public, to acquire and manage ecologically significant lands.
Determining Which Lands to Protect
MMLT can only consider properties that meet specific assessment criteria based on sound ecological science. Such criteria include:
- Diversity of habitat
- Nationally/provincially designated rare species
- Old growth forest
- High wilderness quality
- Bog, fen, or large marsh
- Consideration of the broader landscapes to identify conservation needs and priorities. With the support and cooperation of private and public landowners, field work is carried out to identify the most ecologically valuable natural areas
- Upon request and with the consent of property owners, site assessments are conducted using specific evaluation criteria common to Ontario land trusts.
