The Nature Conservancy of Canada is purchasing the largest privately owned island in Lake Superior.

Kaitlin Richardson is the program director for Northern Ontario and says the fundraising for the island has been going very well.

“The closing date for the property is May 9th,” explains Richardson.

“Our total cost to purchase, protect and care for Batchawana Island is $7.2 million.  We’re thrilled to say we’ve successfully raised over 80 percent of the funds needed already.  So we have $1.2 million left to raise.”

Richards says during the first year, they will be making a plan for use of the island.

“We’ll become the owners and do a property management plan to see what’s there and what threats are there to wildlife we’re trying to protect and we can determine access.”

Batchawana Island is located on the east end of Lake Superior in Batchawana Bay and about 60 kilometres northwest of Sault Ste. Marie.

Richards says the NCC is buying the island from Michigan-based developer Joseph Acheson.

(Photo from the Nature Conservancy of Canada)