Bernie Letourneau, a long-time member of the Alberta Fish & Game Association (AFGA), fought more than one battle to keep his 79-acre property perfectly wild. Thanks to him, power lines don’t cross that piece of land, the watershed hasn’t been drained, and the trees have not been logged.

In the fall of 2014, Letourneau took advantage of the Environment Canada Ecological Gifts Program, ensuring a tax break for him, but more importantly, the assurance that the land he cherished would remain wild.

Since donating the land to AFGA and ACA, very little has been required to enhance the site. Nearly every type of tree found in Alberta can be recognized in the approximately ten acres of coniferous old-growth forest. Together with the muskeg, the land is providing habitat for ungulates, waterfowl, songbirds, and upland birds.

Letourneau's advice for landowners: "Once you let it go, you never get it back." To ensure that your property stays wild forever, contact Darren Dorge (403-562-3292 or [email protected]) to learn about options that are available.