A forest “with twisted trees” now protected in La Malbaie

The coastal forest of Cap-au-Saumon, near La Malbaie, will now be protected in perpetuity by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. The organization acquired the land in order to preserve these “unique” environments from any disturbance of human origin.

The site covers a total of 382 hectares on the edge of the St. Lawrence estuary. Its integrity is threatened by issues linked to territorial fragmentation, the presence of invasive exotic species and climate change.indicates the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC).

The place will now be under cover in the form of a biological reserve and will contribute to the province’s network of protected areas.

What is worth noting is that will be protected in perpetuity. There is no going back.

The environment is made up of coastal ecosystems particularly fragileadds the organization. The vegetation is particularly subject to in harsh climatic conditionswhich makes it grow more slowly. The coasts of Cap-au-Saumon are thus characterized by its maritime moors and by the presence of krummholza forest with stunted trees.

This environment is typical coastal regions on the north shore of the estuary, explains Guillaume Proulx, project manager for Eastern Quebec at CNC. There we find lichens and certain plants that are usually more northern, such as Labarador tea.

Wildlife refuge

In addition to the vegetation and its unusual habitats, Cap-au-Saumon is also located in an important migratory corridor for birds. During the migration period, more than a hundred species fly over the coast at low altitude and can use the site as a rest area.mentions the Nature Conservancy of Canada in its announcement.

Some endangered species, such as the Bicknell’s thrush and the golden eagle, are among its visitors.

In the case of Bicknell’s thrush, this is a particularly suitable habitat. The forests favored by this species are characterized by a humid, cool and windy climate where fog is often presentunderlines the Ministry of the Environment.

In the water, the St. Lawrence beluga and other marine species can be observed from the shore.

Enhancement

The Nature Conservancy of Canada is initially committed to protecting this extraordinary site by carrying out rigorous monitoring. Biologists will explore the terrain to carry out wildlife and flora inventories, in particular.

He intends to eventually collaborate with the Ecological Center of Port-au-Saumon (CÉPAS) for the development and monitoring of the site. However, the precise plans have not yet been defined. THE CEPAS already offers access to summer camps, interpretive trails and various resort activities in the region.

Guillaume Proulx recalls that the CEPAS already protects the southern part of its property and that camps or chalets are not found in more sensitive areas.

The conservation objectives of the coastal portion are therefore consistent with the intentions of CNC. If he praises a turquoise water and drops of 175 meters near the cliffs, Mr. Proulx does not want either open the big doors to the public. Mr. Proulx mentions interpretation or educational activities, as well as trails.

CÉPAS shares this opinion.

To have a new neighbor like the Nature Conservancy of Canada is unheard of for us. We now know that the territory next to us is protected in the same coherence as what we have been trying to do for yearscommented Thomas Le Page-Gouin, general director of CEPAS.

The acquisition of land by CNC was financed by private donations as well as envelopes from the provincial and federal governments.