Carbon neutral deal helps protect 1,455 acres of local lands – and counting

A landmark carbon neutral partnership between the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF) and Modern Niagara has far surpassed its goals since the deal was struck in 2021.

At the time, Modern Niagara agreed to provide $300,000 to the Eastern Ontario land trust over five years to offset the financial costs of accepting local land donations. With these funds, the Foundation aimed to accept 375 acres of donated wetlands, shorelines and forests for perpetual protection. In return, these newly protected properties would help offset Modern Niagara’s carbon footprint.

But the plan has gone even better than expected, with the Foundation acquiring an impressive 1,455 acres already, with two years left to go. This was made possible thanks in part to Modern Niagara’s unique funding agreement, which supports the Foundation’s conservation lands endowment fund. This is critical to ensure there’s enough interest generated for each new property to cover taxes and annual maintenance costs into the future.

In short, with Modern Niagara’s support the RVCF now has the financial confidence to say yes to more – and bigger – land donations across the Rideau Valley watershed.

Properties protected so far include a combined 372 acres of forest, 459 acres of wetland and 521 acres of land suitable for tree planting. All of this adds up to 178,618 tonnes of carbon dioxide sequestered so far, with that number climbing to 346,166 tonnes by the end of 2024.

Congratulations to both the RVCF and Modern Niagara for this unprecedented partnership, which continues to benefit the watershed and all who call it home!

Property Highlight: ParMc Property

The RVCF accepted a 65-acre heritage farm donation along the shores of Big Rideau Lake in late 2023, protecting a wide range of sensitive lands including:

  • 2 acres of provincially significant wetland;
  • 34 acres of mixed forest;
  • 23 acres of farm fields (some to be planted with endangered butternut trees);
  • 2 small islands on Big Rideau Lake;
  • 200 metres of shoreline.

The property offers many opportunities for conservation and stewardship work. It even contains a confirmed colony of endangered black ash trees!

For more information, visit: www.rvcf.ca/modern-niagara