The area, owned by Rio Algom Ltd, consists of 182 hectares
(450 acres) of wetlands that include marsh, bog and shoreline,
as well as mature mixed forest, regenerating woodlands and
disturbed areas that resulted from forestry and mining during
the late fifties

A stewardship agreement was worked out between Rio Algom
Ltd (RAL) and the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists (PHFN).
The proposal for stewardship was signed in May, 1997 and work
began immediately to convert the area into a public access,
wildlife management park.

RAL has generously provided the major physical improvements
such as entrance causeway, parking lot, bridges, viewing stands
and signage. The City of Elliot Lake has assisted financially to
provide attractive signs and a four colour brochure which is
available at the entrance.

Members of the PHFN have put in over 10,000 hours of volunteer
labour in the three years since the Sanctuary was opened.

Three major trails have been cut, again with financial assistance
from RAL. The Beaver Meadow Trail, Tamarack Bog Trail and
Upland Forest Trail have all be marked and are being maintained
by the PHFN.

There have been Loon and Goose nesting platforms and bird boxes
built and erected by members.

Many forms of animal life are being successfully protected in this
area. We have a great variety of waterfowl, wading and other
smaller birds nesting on site. Mammals such as mink, beaver,
otter, and Groundhogs live and raise their families in this sanctuary
There are also many species of reptiles and amphibians. Up to a
dozen different species of frogs can be heard and seen in the
marsh habitat. There are at least 14 species of native orchids
growing at Sherriff Creek along with hundreds of other native
herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. A species list is being
developed by the naturalists to inventory all wildlife, both plant
and animal, on the site.

   THIS PROJECT IS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION
 BETWEEN INDUSTRY AND A LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION.

The Official Opening, held on May 16, 1998 was attended by
officials of Rio Algom, the Mayor of Elliot Lake, George Farkouh,
and our Liberal MPP, Michael Brown along with representatives
of the Penokean Hills Field Naturalists and many of the citizens
of Elliot Lake.

What was a mining waste management site has become, through
wise management and considerable effort, a viable and attractive
wildlife habit..home to a wide variety of Northern Ontario plants
and animals and a place of interest for the residents and visitors
to Elliot Lake.

To the citizens of Elliot Lake and those who visit this city, the
Sherriff Creek Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to enjoy and to learn
about our wildlife heritage.. It is a “sanctuary” both for our native
wildlife and for the people who visit. File: sherriff.wpd