Paswe Protected Area
A Vision for Conservation and Reconciliation
Creating an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area
Garden River First Nation and the Central Algoma Land Trust have entered into a landmark partnership, with support from Ontario Nature, to acquire and protect 392 hectares (969 acres) which will be called the Paswe Protected Area. Located at the northeast end of Echo Lake (Paswe is the Anishinaabemowin name for echo), this land was historically part of Garden River First Nation’s reserve before colonial-era government reductions diminished its original boundaries.
This project represents a transformative approach to Indigenous-led conservation. It serves as the first Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in the region. By combining Garden River First Nation’s traditional stewardship with the Central Algoma Land Trust’s conservation framework, we ensure the land is cared for by those with the deepest connection to it while advancing shared goals of reconciliation and landscape-level protection.
Project Overview
Reclaiming History & Restoring Connection
This project is a meaningful step toward restoring territory and reaffirming Garden River First Nation's enduring connection to these lands and waters.
An agreement has been entered between Garden River First Nation and the Central Algoma Land Trust outlining a framework for permanent protection. The agreement outlines both the short-term and long-term objectives:
Short-Term: The Central Algoma Land Trust will hold the title for at least the next five years while Garden River First Nation leads the annual stewardship.
Long-Term: It is highly anticipated that within the next five-ten-years, that the land will be transferred to Garden River First Nation administration with the legal assurances required by both leadership teams to ensure the land remains protected in perpetuity.
Tracking the health of the forest and water
Conducting wildlife surveys
Maintaining trails and other infrastructure
Facilitating ceremonial traditional uses
Garden River First Nation’s Lands Guardian team will lead the on-the-ground stewardship of the property. Their work will include:
Indigenous-led Stewardship
Miigwetch for the incredible support so far! We are just steps away from fully funding the long-term stewardship of the Paswe Protected Area. Donate today to help us close the gap.
Total Project Cost: $1,450,000
Raised to Date: $1,385,979.80
Remaining Goal: $64,020.20
All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Community Support Needed
About the Paswe Protected Area
Habitat for several at-risk and cultural keystone species
Including Lake Sturgeon, Wood Turtle, Peregrine Falcon, Canada Warbler, Wood Thrush, and Black Ash.
Protecting important waterways
The property includes portions of the Upper Echo River, which holds deep cultural significance, and most of Fairy Lake.
Recreational and scenic values
There are over 10km of trails, swimming and paddling opportunities, very scenic views of Echo Lake, and more.
Opportunities for traditional use
Anishinaabe cultural practices can occur, such as ceremonies, traditional harvesting, and cultural revitalization.
Community support is needed to make this a success
Your support is the final piece of the puzzle. We are calling on our community to help fund the long-term stewardship expenses that will bring this landscape into Indigenous-led protection. Your donations will also help support and improve public access to the property. Your gift is more than a donation because it represents a commitment to our natural heritage. By contributing today, you help cover the vital annual costs of ecological monitoring, maintenance, and care. You are not just saving a property but building a lasting legacy for future generations. All donations are eligible for a charitable tax receipt.
Double your impact! The Ontario Conservation Accelerator has generously pledged to match all donations up to $50,000 to help us reach the finish line. Donate by October 15th to take advantage!
Raised to Date: $17,989.90
Amount Matched by OCA: $17,989.90
Remaining Goal: $64,020.20
Ways to Give
The Central Algoma Land Trust is facilitating the purchase and are accepting donations on behalf of the partnership. You can make an immediate contribution via the credit card form on this page, but the following alternative payment options are also offered:
E-Transfer: Send to donate@calt.ca.
Important: Include “Paswe” or "Echo Lake" in the notes along with your full name, email, and mailing address so we can issue your charitable tax receipt.
Cheque: Make cheques payable to the Central Algoma Land Trust with “Paswe” or "Echo Lake" in the memo line. Include your email and mailing address for tax receipt purposes.
Mail to:
Central Algoma Land Trust
PO Box 127
Desbarats, ON P0R 1E0In Person: Donations can be dropped off at either the Central Algoma Land Trust Conservation Centre or the Garden River First Nation Lands & Resources Department.
Sponsorship: If you would like your business or organization recognized as a sponsor of this project in print and online materials, please contact the Central Algoma Land Trust at info@calt.ca or 705-782-2200 to discuss options.
U.S. Donors: If you are interested in receiving U.S. tax benefits for your donation, make a donation to the Friends of Central Algoma Land Trust and recommend it is granted towards this project.
Your support today ensures the Paswe Protected Area is protected forever. Chi-Miigwetch!
Any funds received beyond what is needed to fully fund the Paswe Protected Area will be reserved for future land protection projects.
Paswe Protected Area Supporters
and the generosity of our local community members!
“The Garden River First Nation community holds a deep and enduring connection to the 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.”
For more information about this exciting Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area project, please contact:
For more information about this exciting, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area project, please contact:
Aaron Jones, Guardians Unit Team Lead
Garden River First Nation
705-253-0225 | ajones@gardenriver.org
Carter Dorscht, Executive Director
Central Algoma Land Trust
705-782-2200 | carter@calt.ca
“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.”
Over 400 species of wildlife have already been documented utilizing the habitats of the Paswe Protected Area.
It is situated within the Sault Ste. Marie and Garden River National Priority Area for Ecological Corridors, acting as a critical "pinch point" for terrestrial wildlife movement.
The property includes approximately 2.8km of the Upper Echo River, which holds deep cultural significance for Garden River First Nation and supports habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
The Echo Ridges section of the Voyageur Trail traverses through the property, ensuring the trail’s extensive connectively remains intact along this stretch.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be able to continue responsibly enjoying the land for low-impact recreation. 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 the safe usage, trail maintenance, and ongoing oversight of the area.
Additional Information
“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.”
69 Boyer Drive
PO Box 127
Desbarats, ON P0R 1E0
705-782-2200
info@calt.ca
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