Spring 2017 Newsletter - Late in December 2016, TILT acquired the Armani-Weller Property, located in Blind Bay, near the Thousand Islands Bridge. This 16 acre parcel was donated to TILT by Dennis Weller and Eugene Armani. Despite its modest size, the tract protects approximately 550 feet of undeveloped forested shoreline and boasts excellent waterscapes of the shipping channel. A mosaic of mature trees, emergent wetlands and early successional forest creates a terrestrial habitat corridor that extends eastward from the River’s edge to Route 12 and beyond.
Most winters, this section of the River stays ice-free as a result of the sweeping currents. This lends to the development of large concentrations of waterfowl in the area.  Whitetail deer are abundant on the property, and Bald Eagles have been known to frequent this location throughout the winter months.
Notably, Blind Bay has been identified as a Muskellunge spawning ground and nursery. Conserving the uplands and coastal wetlands that surround this embayment will safeguard the high water quality and superb wildlife that we all enjoy.