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Save Our Seine has treasured the Bois-des-esprits, in south St.
Vital, as the 'heart and lungs' of the 27 km. Seine River Greenway.
It is the largest remaining riverbank forest in the City of Winnipeg
and is situated on the frontline of urban sprawl.
What makes it so treasured is that it is still 'virtually undisturbed.'
Imagine! A perfect forest within our City! A natural forest accessible
to all citizens by transit, bike, canoe, foot, cross-country ski,
or wheelchair. A forest that offers opportunities to observe diverse
wildlife and enjoy other passive recreational activities!
Winnipeg will boast of having one of the largest, pristine urban
forests in Canada, if not North America.
The next largest 'greenspace' along the Seine River is a golf
course. Few would argue that it is considered 'natural' habitat.
 Read more
about the Bois-des-esprits in SOS's recent Newsletter.
SOS is also pleased to provide a virtual
tour of the Bois-des-esprits. These 40 images are the impressions
of the forest and the Seine River through the lens of local photographer,
Mike Grandmaison.
For those who could not attend SOS's Discover
the Bois-des-esprits October 18th guided tour and BBQ, you
can discover the beautiful forest online.
If you would like to view the forest by canoe, SOS has a virtual
paddle (2:30 mins) through the Bois-des-esprits. Click here
to view.
Save Our Seine and Riel Corp. participated in a study
by Gaboury Prefontaine Perry Architects in 1999/2000. The study
considered the best way to integrate a new 80-acre natural park
into the community.
City Hall and the City Administration understand the value of
this opportunity and have committed to purchase as much of the
80-acre forest as possible.
The owner has agreed to sell all 80-acres to the City if their
asking price is met by December 31st, 2003. (Forest owners are
Ladco 62%, Provincial Government 38%) If not, a significant portion
will be bulldozed for condos!
SOS has raised over $110,000 with help from the Winnipeg Foundation,
Investors Group, Winnipeg Game and Fish and Mountain Equipment
Co-op. Sadly there are a limited number of organizations that
can help. It will take more than three months for the $15, $25,
$50 and $100 from citizens to meet the City's challenge. Hundreds
and hundreds of people across Canada have sent SOS donations and
will receive a tax receipt.
Save Our Seine is still committed to save as much of the forest
as possible before the deadline of December 31!
So far the Province has not responded and time is running out!
SOS has launched it Postcard
to the Premier Campaign. SOS would like to assist citizens
in sending a message to the premier. The postcard message stresses
that the sender wants the most sensitive and diverse urban landscape
in the city protected. The Premier of Manitoba is the last hope
of saving the entire forest.
SOS needs you, your family, your group, church group, classmates,
coworkers and neighbours to send a postcard to the Premier. To
order Postcards please contact SOS at the address/phone number
below or email here. SOS will mail them so please indicate mailing
address and number of postcards you (or your group) wish to send.
"Dear Premier Doer:
Bois-des-esprits is 80 acres of pristine forest along the Seine
River, hidden East of St. Anne's Road, between Bishop Grandin
Blvd. and Warde Ave. It is Grade A habitat, defined as “the best
quality of habitat and most sensitive to disturbance.” I believe
that the Province, as co-owner of Bois-des-esprits, has direct
responsibility to step forward as Steward of the Environment and
Sensitive Lands, and prevent the destruction of any portion of
this forest before the Dec. 31, 2003 deadline. At a time when
natural places disappear daily, this is an opportunity to create
a natural legacy for future generations."
The postcard photograph was taken by Mike Grandmaison and designed
by Segun Olude of Indigo Ink Studios. The printing has also been
kindly donated.
Renowned Artist and Nature Lover, Robert Bateman has challenged
Manitobans to match his contribution of $50. This will qualify
you to enter a draw to win a signed copy of his book BIRDS. Draw
will be held on December 1st, 2003. Click here to learn more about
the Challenge.
Contributions will be doubled by the City of Winnipeg. To donate
to the Bois-des-esprits, please send to:
Save Our Seine River Environment Inc.
Box 83-208 Provencher Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB
R2H 3B4
Or call SOS's Coordinator at - 470-9247
Click here to download a donation
form
Charitable tax number: 89399 6975 RR0001
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