Crooked Creek Conservancy Society of Athabasca
CONTACT INFORMATION
Harvey Scott |
 |
Organization's mandate
Crooked Creek Conservancy Society of Athabasca was formed in response to rapidly diminishing areas of wildlands and wildlife habitat. Members of the society are conservation-minded individuals working together to achieve long-term protection of specific areas within the Athabasca region.
The general objectives of the Society are:
- to secure, manage, and protect land for environmental, social or community purposes;
- to establish community ownership and stewardship of land and its biological diversity for this and future generations;
- to provide community awareness, education, and participation in maintaining natural habitats and wilderness areas;
- to encourage, foster and develop a recognition of the importance of wildlife habitat and conservation areas;
- to express an appreciation of nature; and
- to sell, manage, lease, mortgage, dispose of, or otherwise deal with property of the Society.
Geographic area of conservation program
The Athabasca region, centered on the County of Athabasca
Areas (geographic) of particular focus
N/A
Thematic or ecological areas of focus
The Crooked Creek Conservancy is interested in lands that represent the dry mixed wood and central mixed wood landscapes of the southern boreal region. Lands of most interest to them are those that are relatively undisturbed, generally non-agricultural, associated with riparian landscapes, and that provide significant wildlife habitat. They will also consider disturbed lands that have significant potential for rehabilitation.
Donation or sales
The Crooked Creek Conservancy accepts donations of easements and would, in extraordinary circumstances, consider a conservation easement purchase. They will act as a second conservation easement holder in certain circumstances.
Compensation
The Crooked Creek Conservancy can provide tax receipts through the Ecological Gifts Program.
Minimum parcel size
There is no minimum parcel size. The Crooked Creek Conservancy conducts on-site assessments to determine site suitability.
Associated programs
Subject to monetary and personnel considerations, the Crooked Creek Conservancy can provide qualitative assessment of a property's ecological significance and manage lands held by other agencies. It can also direct landowners to appropriate private land conservation agencies. Crooked Creek's most recent outreach efforts include: assisting a landowner financially with an appraisal and biophysical research; meeting with landowners interested in protecting their land to provide educational materials and information on conservation easements and gift of title through the Ecological Gifts program; presenting an evening of nature films; hosting a booth and nature walks at the Town of Athabasca Centennial Celebrations to provide information about the Society, private land conservation and the ecology of the local area.
Relationship with landowners
The Crooked Creek Conservancy engages with landowners to generate awareness of easements as a way of protecting land in perpetuity.
Support for landowners
The Crooked Creek Conservancy can provide Eco-gift support; advising on preliminary ecological assessments and appraisals; outreach, education and awareness programming; and referral services for landowners.
Stewardship activities
The Crooked Creek Conservancy monitors a minimum of once annually.
INFORMATION PROVIDED: The landowner is provided with a verbal report. A written report may be provided depending on resources.
Endowment fund
N/A
Grazing
Grazing may be allowed if it is specified as an allowable and exclusive use by the landowner.
Public access on conservation easement lands
The Crooked Creek Conservancy allows public access for non-motorized, non-consumptive foot travel on conservation easement lands.
Defense fund
N/A
Photo Credit: D. Webb
