Stokely Creek Lodge to Operate This Winter

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The Stokely land purchase. Click on the map for a larger version

Second, the AHC will hold a two-year option to purchase the 2,600 acres below the Tupper-Van Koughnet line (all lands immediately beyond the lodge, through to King Mountain and beyond to the Robertson Cliffs). The purchase price is set at $1.5 million. The purchase will guarantee a solid, protected, 3,000-acre land base for the AHC and Stokely to use as a platform for conservation, silent-sport recreation, outdoor education and research - in perpetuity.

Third, AHC Board member Gaylen Byker, president of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich.; his wife Susan, son-in-law Ian Phair and daughter Tanya will purchase and operate the Lodge under the name “Stokely Creek Lodge.” They will jointly hold the trail license with the AHC. Jamie Martin will continue to manage the lodge this year. Byker has also generously offered to match all private donations toward the purchase of the King Mountain property generated over the next two years.

While all these negotiations have been going on, a very successful and productive summer of achievements has been completed including a major cleanup at Norm’s Cabin, significant trail clearing and maintenance; cutting, splitting and piling of 70 cords of firewood and lodge maintenance. Trail clearing work is continuing through the fall – and the trails have never looked so good! Numerous Lodge repairs will also continue through the next few weeks. Now, with a little snow, Stokely will be back with major panache, offering a quality, top-notch experience this winter!

In order to exercise the purchase option, AHC must raise a total of $1.5 million through a combination of private, corporate and potentially, government sources. Currently, approximately $340,000 in private pledges, including Byker’s matching commitment have been committed. Approximately $300,000 of AHC funds will also be applied to this effort, almost half of the ultimate goal. Any new pledges should be made via email to info@algomahighlandsconservancy.org. In the near future, a dedicated trust for donations towards the King Mountain property purchase will be established.

Questions about new developments at Stokely Creek can be directed to info@algomahighlandsconservancy. org.

Thanks to the Algoma Highlands Conservancy for the information for this article.