The Ranch Timeshare The Wildlife Largemouth Bass Fees Contact
Would you like to "timeshare" my dream? It is a country retreat (we call it the ranch), a simple new cabin (we call it Krista Lodge), hidden beside Timothy Lake, a private man-made 20 acre lake set in the middle of 400 acres of ranchland just 90 minutes north east of Toronto.
Ten individuals will be invited to share: waterfowl conservation projects, the best Largemouth Bass catch and release fishing in Canada, swimming, Hiking, canoeing, sunsets, privacy, bird and animal viewing, habitat development/plantings for deer, grouse, rabbits and song birds, trout catching and eating, cross country skiing, horseback riding (if you have a horse), snowmobiling (if you have a snowmobile), ATV riding (if you have one) and the knowledge that each member is part of a working conservation, multiple-use recreation project.
A model of a similar opportunity eludes us. Golf course and yacht club memberships have been studied along with time share concepts but none lend themselves fully to this concept of sharing a unique property.
To obtain real privacy and intimacy with nature, you must have exclusive use of the entire property and all that it contains. I must trust that you will respect it as I do. This is not a social club or a place to entertain but a personal, private retreat and each member will have his/her own keys to the gate, the cabin, etc.. This is a timeshare concept in that it reflects an RTU (right to use) plan which requires scheduling.
Each member must possess similar conservation values to protect the environment for the long term enjoyment of all members, therefore rules have been developed and must be agreed to before commitments can be requested or offered. For the most part, however, they are based upon the Boy Scout adage: leave the site better than when you found it.
The current carrying capacity of the land for both fish and wildlife is being enhanced. Although investment has been considerable to date, there is much more to achieve, particularly in terms of habitat management. For fish and wildlife, we wish the ranch to be all that it can be with Aldo Leopold's "wise use" management. Already it is becoming a staging area for migrating waterfowl and a nest ground for a broad selection of upland and marsh birds.
Largemouth Bass are managed on the ranch to produce the largest specimen in Canada by the year 2001 (we hope). After only four years, Timothy Lake has already produced six pound bass. Licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as a fishing reserve under the name of "Bass B&B", it is expected to produce seven pound Largemouth Bass in 1997. Angling for these fish must be limited to assure quality fishing. Sport fishermen just share a dedication to the development of trophy Largemouth Bass through sporting ethics (artificial baits/barbless hooks) and the practice of catch and release angling. To add variety, large Rainbow Trout will be introduced in early spring.
Initiation is $10,000 payable over three years. This participation is required to further develop the ranch and discourage those who might not look upon this as a long-term relationship which should foster a sense of stewardship. Unlike golf courses, yacht clubs or even time shares, no one will be stationed on site to monitor the activities or behavior of members, therefore each will be chosen carefully. Your participation in referring other potential members could be most useful in the selection process.
Annual fees which include fishing, are $1,800 per primary member for 14 days/nights occupancy of which not more than four days may include weekends. The fee for the member's husband/wife is $200. Children over the age of five years are welcome at $400 per annum to age 21. The children of members will be given first consideration for membership in the event of any members' resignation. Initiation fees, however, are nontransferable and nonrefundable. Guests will be accepted at $200 per day or day part only if the member is present and their conduct is the responsibility of the member.
In response to inquiries form those who do not share my interest in fishing but fully appreciate many other features of the ranch, including the wonderful opportunities for riding horses, snowmobiles or ATV's full membership of which three days may include fishing, is available at $1,400. The fee for the member's spouse remains at $200. Children over the age of five will be welcome at $300 per annum under the three day fishing membership.
If it is possible that your dreams can be realized by being a member of the ranch, please contact Larry Johnston for additional information and an application form at:
Telephone: (416) 282-0772
Fax: (416) 724-5834
Internet: ljohnst@ibm.net
Here is a list of some of my favourite sites!