Photo credit: Beth Clifford

The Spirit of Big Wolf

The Spirit of Big Wolf: The plaque under the picture of Ferris Meigs in the clubhouse states that he established a summer colony at Big Wolf Lake in 1916 “for fellow lovers of the wilderness.” In keeping with this vision, the preservation of wilderness values which first attracted Ferris Meigs and the original camp owners continues to be a first priority of the Big Wolf community. These values include protection of the purity of the lake water and the integrity of the surrounding forest, the preservation of the shoreline vistas from the camps and the lake, and maintenance of the peace and quiet of a wilderness lake. Equally important is the sense of community which manifests itself in respect for each other as individuals, a commitment to our common interests, and a determination to maintain Big Wolf as a safe and welcoming

place for our children to grow up nurtured by family and friendships with an appreciation for the natural world.

Of course, from the beginning Big Wolf, the lake and the surrounding woods, has been a place to be used for fun and recreation. Adapting the lake for such use has always required some compromise with its wilderness values. Camps and boathouses were built, and motorboats were used from the beginning of Big Wolf as a summer community, but simplicity and restraint have been practiced. Over time, as the population of the lake grew, rules have of necessity been adopted by the community placing limits or setting standards for building, boating, forestry and other activities which have an effect on the wilderness values of the lake and its enjoyment by the entire community. Often there have been differing views on what limitations needed to be placed on lake activities for reasons of safety or to preserve the shared commitment to the preservation of the wilderness values of Big Wolf. Much that is special to us is not “enforceable,” but depends on a willingness to balance various points of view with the needs of the community as a whole.

We believe that if Ferris Meigs were to return he would find his vision for this place unimpaired, and it is our desire that this should be true for many generations to come.