In December 1989, a 315 hectare tract of land was purchased from Opinicon Properties Ltd. The property was renamed the Cape-Sauriol Environmental Studies Area in 1990 in honour of Brigadier General John M. Cape, who made a generous donation towards the acquisition of the land, and Charles Sauriol, who played a crucial role in fundraising efforts. It contains extensive, undisturbed shorelines on Lake Opinicon, Hart Lake and Pothole Lake, and mixed deciduous woodland. The property provides important protection of shoreline habitats, used in fish studies, and prevention of overdevelopment of Lake Opinicon.
