LAST MOUNTAIN NEIGHBOURS:
Across the Fence for Common Sense

WELCOME BACK and THANK YOU!

Last Mountain Neighbours: Across the Fence for Common Sense (LMN) has some exciting news to share with you!  We are pleased to announce that the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is working to conserve the Last Mountain Lake Project 1, which consists of 41 hectares (101 acres) of native grasslands and riparian habitat between the Resort Village of Pelican Pointe and Sun Dale Resort. This remarkable area is home to a variety of plants and animals and at-risk species such as bobolink, horned and western grebe, little brown myotis and northern leopard frog. This beautiful prairie oasis, and all the wildlife that depends on it, will be conserved forever.

Timeline of events to help conserve Last Mountain Lake Project 1:

January 5, 2021

Awareness of a proposal for a large discretionary-use recreation development on the land along the north shore of Last Mountain Lake.

February 26, 2021

A group of concerned citizens met to discuss questions such as:
(1) Does a recreational development of this size make sense for the land, water and infrastructure?
(2) What scientific reports have been done on the land and water, as well as how recent and extensive are they?
(3) There are three registered heritage sites on the land. Have all stakeholders been consulted, including Indigenous Nations and local communities?
(4) How will this impact the flora and fauna that depend on this land which includes wetlands, native prairie grasslands and a sensitive riparian shoreline?
(5) What threatened species will be affected?
(6) Is this a sustainable development as per the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? https://sdgs.un.org/goals

March – July 2021

Last Mountain Neighbours: Across the Fence for Common Sense was formalized. A website was developed, and an online petition launched. Signs were constructed and placed along the roadways. LMN members engaged with Indigenous Nations, local communities, and beach communities to discuss concerns regarding the proposed development. 

In the ensuing months we gathered research and consulted with rural municipality councils, government offices, webinars, conservation groups, and environmental experts. During discussions, we strove to be respectful, and sincerely listened to others as we wanted all voices to be heard. Please note that LMN is not anti-development. However, the project should consider the land, water, and infrastructure, and meet the criteria as a sustainable development.

March 2021

Representatives of LMN met with Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) representatives to explore the option of purchasing the property and donating it to NCC as stewards of the land. Fundraising efforts began to help conserve the land.

August 2021

Conditional offer by the previous landowner to the developer, preventing LMN from making an offer.

Sep. 21 – Mar. 2023

The new owner/developer put a portion of the property up for sale.

March 2023

LMN connected the developer to NCC, facilitating a potential sale.

February 25, 2024

A Town Hall meeting, sponsored by LMN and NCC was held at the Silton Community Centre to raise awareness and support for Last Mountain Lake Project 1. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who signed the petition and shared it with like-minded friends. In addition, your financial support is making a real difference in building a lasting impact for nature: Grasslands – Last Mountain Lake 2024.pdf

March 8, 2024

NCC formalized a commitment to conserve Last Mountain Lake Project 1. NCC’s fundraising efforts are underway to protect and care for this remarkable landscape.

“Thank you for being part of a community who values nature,” says Cameron Wood, NCC’s regional director in Saskatchewan. “Your support plays a vital role as we continue to fundraise to protect Last Mountain Lake Project 1 – a beautiful place to explore and spend time in nature. As you know, the world is facing the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, and these threats demand urgent solutions. Canada’s Prairie grasslands store billions of tonnes of carbon, provide protection from flooding and drought, and help purify our water. We’re rallying people and communities to care for this vital, endangered ecosystem. Your support will secure and restore Last Mountain Lake Project 1, protect species at risk, and help improve the quality of our air and water. Together, we can make a lasting impact, securing a thriving environment for generations to come.” To donate, visit prairiegrasslands.ca.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT