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Historic Partnership Establishes Region’s First Indigenous Protected Area at Echo Lake

Garden River First Nation, Central Algoma Land Trust and Ontario Nature partner to protect nearly 1,000 acres of wilderness, establishing the region’s first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.

Paswe Protected Area © Carter Dorscht

Sault Ste. Marie, September 28, 2026 – Garden River First Nation (GRFN) and the Central Algoma Land Trust (CALT) have announced a historic partnership, with support from Ontario Nature, to acquire and permanently protect 392 hectares (969 acres) of culturally and ecologically significant land at the northeast end of Echo Lake in Kehoe Township. This landmark initiative stands as a transformative model for Indigenous-led conservation, establishing the region’s first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA). The property will be known as the Paswe Protected Area (formerly referred to as Echo Lake Wilderness Property). Paswe is the Anishinaabemowin name for echo, pronounced “puh-sway”.

In addition to landscape-level environmental protection, this initiative represents a meaningful, tangible step toward reclaiming history and restoring territory. The property was historically part of the GRFN reserve before colonial-era government reductions shrunk its original boundaries. Under the joint stewardship framework, GRFN’s Guardian Unit will lead on-the-ground management, including ecological monitoring, species at risk surveys, trail maintenance, and facilitating community-led ceremonies and traditional harvesting. A partnership agreement has been reached whereby CALT will hold legal title for an initial period of five years, after which the parties intend to transfer administrative ownership permanently to Garden River First Nation.

“The Garden River First Nation community holds a deep and enduring connection to Paswe Protected Area. This land was once part of the GRFN reserve, a place where our people gathered, held ceremony, and practiced harvesting traditions for many generations. This project, in partnership with the Central Algoma Land Trust, offers an opportunity for cultural revitalization and environmental reconciliation, benefiting both the GRFN community and the broader Algoma region through the creation of a publicly accessible Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area that showcases Anishinaabe Aki (land) stewardship.” – Aaron Jones, GRFN Community member and Guardian Team Lead for the GRFN Lands and Resources Department

The property falls within a priority cultural and ecological corridor collaboratively identified by GRFN, Ontario Nature, the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Highlands Conservancy and other regional partners – including Central Algoma Land Trust, known as the Bawating and Ketegaunseebee Ecocultural Corridor. The property borders the existing GRFN reserve and Crown land, directly connecting to more than 20,000 hectares of primarily natural lands within the GRFN reserve. This establishes a vast, contiguous wilderness corridor that serves as a critical terrestrial “pinch point” for wildlife movement across the landscape.

Paswe Protected Area boasts mature forested habitat, dramatic tall cliffs, and multiple biologically rich wetlands. It features a significant portion of the Upper Echo River, a waterway of deep cultural significance to GRFN, alongside pristine shorelines along Echo Lake and the majority of Fairy Lake. To enhance the aquatic environment, GRFN is leading a large-scale aquatic restoration project with governmental support to improve habitat connectivity, restore native fisheries, and manage invasive species within the Upper Echo River basin.

Ecologically, the property provides confirmed or potential habitat for many species at risk. Documented at-risk fauna include lake sturgeon, peregrine falcon, Canada warbler, and wood thrush. The land also protects black ash stands, a critical cultural keystone tree species. Even prior to a formal comprehensive inventory, over 400 diverse species of wildlife have already been documented on site.

“This property is a hidden gem. Offering everything from stunning scenic views and recreational opportunities to vital habitat for ecologically and culturally significant species, it truly has something for everyone. Our partnership with Garden River First Nation to protect this land represents an exciting and innovative new chapter for the Central Algoma Land Trust. I am optimistic that the success of this project will serve as a catalyst for future Indigenous-led conservation efforts throughout the region.” – Carter Dorscht, Executive Director, Central Algoma Land Trust

Ensuring the property remains a shared natural asset, the partners have confirmed that sustainable public access will be maintained under the new stewardship model. Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to continue responsibly enjoying the land for low-impact recreation, including hiking along the prominent Voyageur Trail that traverses the property. To balance ecological integrity, cultural protection, and public enjoyment, a detailed management plan will be collaboratively developed in the coming months to establish long-term guidelines for safe usage, trail maintenance, and ongoing oversight of the area.

Ontario Nature is seeking donations from the community to help ensure the long-term protection of this vital habitat. Gifts in support of Paswe Protected Area can be made online at ontarionature.org/paswe or call 1-800-440-2366.

“We are grateful for the trust and unique opportunity to support the Central Algoma Land Trust in the securement of Paswe Protected Area with the goal of transferring it to Garden River First Nation for permanent stewardship. Securing this property represents an outstanding opportunity to safeguard critical habitat for species at risk, enhance landscape connectivity in the Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River Ecological Corridor, and contribute meaningfully to the long-term conservation of biodiversity in the region.” – Andrés Jiménez Monge, Ontario Nature, Executive Director

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Contact

Troy Pine, Fish and Wildlife Coordinator, Garden River First Nation

Carter Dorscht, Executive Director, Central Algoma Land Trust

John Hassell, Communications and Engagement Director, Editor, Ontario Nature

About

Garden River First Nation Guardians Unit

The GRFN Guardians Unit is the land and water stewardship team of Garden River First Nation’s Lands and Resources Department. Guided by Anishinaabe knowledge, values, and responsibilities to the land, the Unit works to protect and restore the lands, waters, and living beings within GRFN’s territory. Since its beginnings under a Guardians pilot grant in 2021, the Unit has grown into a permanent team staffed entirely by Garden River community members, and now leads a growing portfolio of multi-year conservation projects in partnership with federal, provincial, and non-profit organizations. Its work helped establish the Paswe Protected Area, the first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in the region. The Guardians also lead a wide range of on-the-ground programs, including invasive species management, fisheries and aquatic habitat restoration on Paswe’a Ziibi (the Echo River), species-at-risk monitoring, and community land-based education.

Central Algoma Land Trust

The Central Algoma Land Trust is a registered charitable organization dedicated to protecting the natural heritage of the Central Algoma region. Since 2001, the organization has helped establish sixteen protected areas, totaling nearly 900 hectares of ecologically sensitive land. In addition to land conservation, it manages two public hiking trails and delivers a wide range of community programs and initiatives, including bird counts, water quality monitoring, bat research, youth education, guided hikes, litter cleanups, and tree planting events.

Ontario Nature

Ontario Nature protects wild species and wild spaces through conservation, education and public engagement. A charitable organization, Ontario Nature represents 9,500 members, 130,000 supporters and 159 member groups from across Ontario.