A “larger than life” conservation project in Estrie

Initially, the site in the heart of a large forest area was intended for a large real estate project. “We were talking about 70 lots and residences, with paths on very steep slopes. It shocked us to learn that we were going to do such a project in such a sensitive ecosystem. Both in terms of water quality, forest habitats, for the connectivity of wildlife corridors and for the preservation of landscapes,” indicates in an interview the general director of the Appalachian Corridor, Mélanie Lelièvre.

The owner of the premises, Guy Brière, also the developer behind the housing project, had already started part of the work, in particular the development of paths. “It was one minute to midnight. The website for land sales was about to be launched. We had to mobilize,” argues the DG of the conservation organization.

The site in question is in the heart of the Green Mountains, which connect Quebec and Vermont, in the great Appalachian chain. “The northern part of these mountains represents one of the last regions of southern Quebec where large wilderness areas remain. Its large, unfragmented forests are home to incredibly diverse wildlife and provide valuable habitat for nearly 90 species in precarious situations, including the little brown bat, the butternut, the peregrine falcon and the purple salamander. on the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) website.

Furthermore, the work of CNC and Appalachian Corridor and their partners has already made it possible to protect part of the Quebec portion of this unique ecosystem. The addition of this private site of hundreds of hectares to the preserved area would constitute a “home run”, image Mélanie Lelièvre.

Out of the norm

The numerous meetings between members of the two conservation organizations and the owner bore fruit. “We managed to shake up its orientations. So much so that last July, we signed a purchase offer. This is our largest project to date in terms of surface area,” argues Mélanie Lelièvre.

The overall value of the site, including costs related to the preservation project, is estimated at $16.4 million. An “extraordinary” budget in the field of conservation, she underlines. “It’s a larger-than-life project on every level.”

For his part, Guy Brière has committed to donations of conservation easements estimated at $7.4 million, indicates the DG of the Appalachian Corridor. This is the largest ecological gift in the entire Green Mountains territory, she emphasizes.

CNC and Appalachian Corridor must therefore raise nearly nine million dollars to carry out the project. We hope to obtain grants totaling seven million dollars, coming equally from the Quebec Ministry of the Environment and its counterpart in Ottawa. We also plan to collect donations from private foundations to the tune of 1.5 million.

The two conservation organizations are also counting on donations from the general public to raise half a million dollars. The fundraising campaign is also underway. However, the financial package to complete the acquisition must move into high gear, because the deadline for gathering all the funds has been set for mid-February 2025.

Two birds with one stone

One might believe that the lure of profit was the leitmotif of the owner of the vast estate regarding the housing project originally planned. But no. Ironically, the profits generated by the sale of land were to be injected into a research project on the impact of climate change on wildlife. “Mr. Brière notes the impact of certain disturbances on the forest environment. And the desire to act was born in him,” summarizes Mélanie Lelièvre.

So, if the conservation project comes to fruition, Guy Brière will be able to ensure that the research project comes to fruition without having to sacrifice part of the forest.

At the time of publication, it was not possible to speak with Guy Brière.