Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust has worked with landowners along the West Canada Creek since 1995. In 2008, the Adirondack Nature Conservancy /Adirondack Land Trust transfered several easements to us because we were active in the area and could more easily perform the yearly monitoring obligations. These easements are on the Adams and Clarke properties and cover a total of 467 acres.
West Canada Creek is a trophy trout water stream which has special fishing regulations and provides tremendous coldwater fisheries, habitat and recreational opportunities. The lands bordering the river are a picturesque mix of farms, forests and scattered residences. This has become a focus area for us, and we are working to protect the entire stretch of river from the falls to the bridge over Rt. 28. Most recently, at the end of 2007 THTLT completed an easement with the Stetson Family and the O'Shea Family. The Stetson property is a 21 acre key parcel that protects the natural, scenic and open space resources of the property by limiting future subdivsion and residential development. The property has a variety of habitats that support many different plants and wildlife including open meadows, hardwood forests and a portion of an ever changing river island which has over fifty documented wildflower species. The second easement is with Brian & Peggy O'Shea. This 16 acre property is another key parcel in the land protection mosaic surrounding the river corridor.
The lower portion of the property has a unique park-like quality with its manicured lawns, large shade trees, scattered benches, bird houses and unique stone cairns. The location of the property, on the corner of Dover and Partridge Hills Roads makes it visually accessible to those traveling on the roads. From conversations with neighbors, it is a true asset to the community because of its open space value. In 2000, Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust completed two conservation easements that permanently protect an additional 82 acres of land along West Canada Creek in the Towns of Trenton (Oneida County) and Russia (Herkimer County). The Gilberts and the Millards placed the easements on their properties to protect the viewshed along both sides of West Canada Creek, and to protect water quality. The easements limit development on both parcels and allow for agricultural and forest activities within certain guidelines. Both Mr. Gilbert and Mr. Millard feel strongly that West Canada Creek is an important natural feature that needs to be protected, and we are pleased to partner with them to help retain the stream's high quality and scenic character.
