Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary

Elliot Lake, Ontario

(a brief summary)

1. The area, owned by Rio Algom Ltd, consists of 182 hectares (450 acres) of wetlands that include marsh, bog and shoreline, as well as mature mixed forest, regenerating woodlands and disturbed areas that resulted from forestry and mining during the late fifties



2. A stewardship agreement was worked out between Rio Algom Ltd (RAL) and the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists (PHFN). The proposal for stewardship was signed in May, 1997 and work began immediately to convert the area into a public access, wildlife management park.



3. RAL has generously provided the major physical improvements such as entrance causeway, parking lot, bridges, viewing stands and signage. The City of Elliot Lake has assisted financially to provide attractive signs and a four colour brochure which is available at the entrance.



4. Members of the PHFN have put in over 10,000 hours of volunteer labour in the 3 years since the Sanctuary was opened.



5. Three major trails have been cut, again with financial assistance from RAL. The Beaver Meadow Trail, Tamarack Bog Trail and Upland Forest Trail have all be marked and are being maintained by the PHFN.



6. There have been Loon and Goose nesting platforms and bird boxes built and erected by members. We have created, with the co-operation of the Elliot Lake Horticultural Club a Hummingbird/Butterfly garden.



7. Many forms of animal life are being successfully protected in this area. We have a great variety of waterfowl, wading and other smaller birds nesting on site. Mammals such as mink, beaver, otter, and Groundhogs live and raise their families in this sanctuary. There are also many species of reptiles and amphibians. Up to a dozen different species of frogs can be heard and seen in the marsh habitat. There are at least 14 species of native orchids growing at Sherriff Creek along with hundreds of other native herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. A species list is being developed by the naturalists to inventory all wildlife, both plant and animal, on the site.





8. The Official Opening, held on May 16, 1998 was attended by officials of Rio Algom, the Mayor of Elliot Lake, George Farkouh, and our Liberal MPP, Michael Brown along with representatives of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists and many of the citizens of Elliot Lake.



9. What was a mining waste management site has become, through wise management and considerable effort, a viable and attractive wildlife habit, home to a wide variety of Northern Ontario plants and animals and a place of interest for the residents and visitors to Elliot Lake.

To the residents of Elliot Lake and those who visit this city, the Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to enjoy and to learn about our wildlife heritage.. It is a "sanctuary" both for our native wildlife and for the people who visit.