Pointes Hébert et Goyette

(Cadastral map of site also available: 99 K)

These two points, located in the municipalities of Maple Grove and Léry, contain the second largest spawning ground within the floodplain of Lac Saint-Louis, after the Ruisseau Saint-Jean site. Northern pike, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and brown bullhead are just a few of the many species that come to this spot to spawn. Wildlife habitats on Lac Saint-Louis have been heavily impacted in terms of both abundance and quality, and few of the remaining floodplains and marshes are intact. It is therefore essential that steps be taken to protect the subsisting riparian habitats of value in this sector of the St. Lawrence River.

Although the marshland has been fragmented by road construction, the Pointes Hébert et Goyette site still has an abundance of flora and fauna. It has been designated as a priority habitat for fish species, but is also one of the main fall stopover places for migrating waterfowl. The site offers favourable waterfowl conditions for nesting, brooding and feeding activities, but is used by other waterbirds as well, including Great Blue Herons and Black Terns. Muskrats, painted turtles and bullfrogs are abundant in this environment.

Aerial view towards south-east of Pointes Hébert et Goyette. Photo: FFQ

The Pointes Hébert et Goyette site encompasses an area of roughly 70 hectares. The Fondation de la faune du Québec (FFQ), which first began acquiring land for this important site at the inception of St. Lawrence Vision 2000, has brought nearly 40% (27.90 hectares) of the land holdings under protection through this action plan.

More than 15 hectares of this total area has not been acquired but is instead covered by conservation agreements between the FFQ and all the landowners involved, who have thus made a voluntary commitment to protect the wildlife habitats on their respective properties, for periods ranging from 5 to 40 years.