Sophie Demers
Local Journalism Initiative
MRC PONTIAC – A call for projects was announced in early June by the Environment Ministry (MELCCFP) for conservation projects for public forests and waterways.
The initiative was in line with Quebec’s commitments made at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) to protect 30% of land and waterways by 2030. As of March this year, almost 17% of Quebec’s territory was
protected. The government will need to double the size of the current protected areas to meet its target.
The Outaouais chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wildness Society (CPAWS) coordinated the submission of seven projects for the Pontiac, proposing a total of 2,111 square kilometers of protected area.
1. Noire and Coulonge Rivers corridor
This 403 km2 area is home to a wealth of significant landscapes and ecosystems including various bodies of water and a mature forest. Bryson Lake Lodge and the Forant Lake Outfitter are located within the targeted area and Lodge owners Laurel and Denis LeBrun said they support the proposition. A May 2024 inventory identified more than 40 species in the area, including six with provincial and federal conservation status. The proposed 403 km2 will expand on the 852 km2 already designated as a conservation area last year.
2. Lac-Brûlé
This area covers 837 km2, the majority of which is in the MRC Pontiac. A small portion, 48 km2, is located in MRC Vallée-de-l’Or and 205 km2 are in MRC Vallée-de-la-Gatineau.
The project was proposed following a meeting with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg community who highlighted that mining exploration in the area has environmental repercussions on the Coulonge River. If the conservation proposal is accepted by the Ministry, the mining exploration will be stopped, according to Yanny Ritchot, CPAWS biologist and conservation project manager for Western Quebec.
Additionally, a 2020 field study by biologists identified 55 area species that are considered at risk.
3. Lac-Dumont-Ellen-Murray
CPAWS found several landscapes of interest when they visited this 172 km2 area in July. A 2012 plant inventory indicated the presence of old-growth forest in the area. The forest is 80 years old, populated by sugar maples and red oak. Another section showed signs of being 100 years old.
4. Lac-Saint-Patrice and Poussière River
This 490 km2 area contains parts of two controlled harvesting zones: ZEC Saint-Patrice and ZEC Rapides-des-Joachims. CPAWS proposed this conservation area because of the interesting landscapes, important aquatic ecosystems, and its use by the community for outdoor activities.
5. Coulonge-River-East
CPAWS proposed this 510 km2 area for conservation due to the presence of animal and plant species of interest, important ecosystems, and aquatic environments. The area is home to rare and endangered species including the wood turtle and Canada warbler. A 2020 study found the presence of 55 at-risk species in the Noire and Coulonge watersheds.
CPAWS also highlights that the Coulonge watershed is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, which can contribute to the local economy by supporting tourism-related businesses. The proposal suggests promoting “trackless ecotourism” to preserve the area’s natural flora and fauna.
6. Presqu’île du Lac à l’Indienne
This 823 km2 area was proposed due to the presence of important ecosystems, environments of interest and its significance for outdoor activities. The proposal covers part of the Nilgaut Lake area and part of the Municipality of Otter Lake. Eagles’ nests have been observed as well as the presence of 100-year-old trees, indicating an old-growth forest.
7. Alvars and riverbanks of Bristol and Clarendon
CPAWS proposed this 16 km2 area because of the presence of important ecosystems, environments of interest, and its popularity for outdoor activities. The majority of the area is located in MRC Pontiac, however 3 km2 are in the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
The area has a range of wetlands, forests, and riverbanks, as well as a variety of species, including some at-risk. Studies have found a total of 110 bird species, and 57 species whose status is being evaluated.
According to Ritchot, the proposals will be analyzed by MELCCFP. In the next year, a list of retained areas will be announced. The change to conservation status should be finalized for the selected areas in two years.