Thank you to everyone who attended the gathering to recognize the transfer of the 66-acre Shallow Pond property from the Audubon Society to the CLFLWD

On Friday, October 23, the Comfort Lake–Forest Lake Watershed District (CLFLWD) gathered with representatives from the Wild River Audubon Society, community partners, and local leaders at Hawk Meadows Trail in Wyoming to recognize the transfer of the 66-acre Shallow Pond property from the Audubon Society to the District.

The gathering provided an opportunity to recognize the many individuals and organizations involved in making this transfer possible, celebrate the Audubon Society’s decades of dedicated stewardship, and look ahead to the property's future under the District's care.

A special thank you goes to the Wild River Audubon Society and its President, Dann Adiar, whose vision, leadership, and commitment to conservation were instrumental in making this important milestone possible. Through the Society's efforts over the years, the Shallow Pond property has remained a valuable natural area that supports wildlife, protects wetland habitat, and provides opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors.

The property will become the first piece of the District's Greenway Corridor initiative, an effort to protect and connect wetland habitats along the Sunrise River between Forest Lake and Comfort Lake. This long-term initiative aims to preserve important natural areas, improve wildlife habitat, provide opportunities for floodwater storage, and support future wetland and stream restoration efforts.

The CLFLWD looks forward to continuing the high standards of stewardship established by the Audubon Society while exploring opportunities to restore and enhance the property. Shallow Pond will also remain open to the public for day-use recreation, allowing residents and visitors to continue enjoying this special natural area.

Thank you to everyone who attended the gathering and to all the individuals, organizations, and partners who helped make this transfer possible. Your dedication to conservation and protecting our local natural resources will help ensure that Shallow Pond remains a treasured part of the community for generations to come.

We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to building on the conservation legacy established by the Wild River Audubon Society!