The
37 protected sites of Saint-Laurent Vision 2000:
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| Conservation
of 7000 hectares |
Lac Saint-François
National Wildlife Area
Located in the southwestern part of the
province, at the junction of the Quebec, Ontario and U.S. borders,
the Lac Saint-François National Wildlife Area (NWA) is an ecosystem
that is unique in Quebec. It features an astonishing diversity
of habitats that can no longer be found along the St. Lawrence:
extensive sedge marshes, large marshes dominated by alder, willow
or red and silver maple, and a few hummocks, some of them covered
by maple–hickory forest. Many canals and streams, rich
in wildlife, are also part of the landscape.
The biodiversity of these habitats is equally impressive. More
than 500 taxa of vascular plants have been inventoried, including
many rare plants. A multitude of marine mammal, fish, amphibian
and reptile species have been recorded as well. This NWA is
an important staging area for migratory birds in Eastern Canada.
Waterfowl are omnipresent, during both the migration period
and the nesting season.
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Development pressures
have had a considerable impact along this part of the
St. Lawrence, where many marshes have been filled to make
way for cottages. Furthermore, many important habitats
located outside the present boundaries of the NWA are
still not protected. With the help of St. Lawrence Vision
2000 funding, the Canadian Wildlife Service has acquired
some sedge marshland and a silver maple stand. These sites
spanning just over 100 hectares are a welcome addition
to this large NWA.
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Sedge marsh.
Photo: Léo-Guy de Repentigny, CWS
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