A Brief Jaques Chapter History

Click here for some historical Photos form 1967 and 1969

The Chapter was first organized by Murray Olyphant in 1964 as the Agassiz Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America with a special concern for the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. By the end of 1965, there were 43 members, 5 of whom are still members as of March 2008. The emphasis gradually shifted to wetland issues, biological diversity, and other issues of concern in the northeast metro areas.

In the early 1960’s a member gave the Chapter permission to try various management opportunities on a parcel of unused farm land in Hugo. Various techniques were tested including blasting to create potholes. This opportunity dissolved when the land was sold.

In 1967, Carl Schuneman became interested in finding a conservation organization to take possession of and preserve as a wildlife refuge a marshy tract of approximately 100 acres 2 miles north of White Bear Lake. Schuneman donated most of this tract to the Agassiz Chapter in 1970. Projects continue on this land to this day.

In 2001, the Chapter chose to be known as the Jaques Chapter in honor of F. Lee Jaques, a noted artist who had been a charter member of the Chapter until his death. You may know his work through several dioramas at the Bell Museum or through his illustrations in books by Sigurd Olson or by Lee’s wife Florence Page Jaques.

Throughout these 40 plus years the Chapter has spread the word through public information meeting with speakers on current topics of concern and through the Chapter newsletter, The Acorn.