Batchewana Island now a protected area

Batchewana Island is now a protected area The Nature Conservancy of Canada announced the designation following lengthy campaign.

Lake Superior's largest remaining private island will now serve a permanent safe haven for wildlife.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada says Batchewana Island, north of Sault Ste. Marie, now falls under its protection.

"Not only is it an island, protected from things like road access and road mortality that can affect some species, but it's got a really diverse habitat type," said Kaitlin Richardson of the Nature Conservancy.

"There's sandy beaches and then there's coble and rocky cliffs on sort of the backside of the island. And then there's kind of a mosaic of deciduous and coniferous forests, including pockets of forested wetlands."

At more than 2,000 hectares, the island's size played a factor in its selection as a protected area, as well as its biodiversity.

Richardson said while the island is protected, human access is permitted for activities such as nature enjoyment, hiking and bird watching.

However, camping, fires and the building of structures on the island is not permitted.