Îlets Percés/Île aux Raisins

(Cadastral map of site also available: 76 K)

Located at the eastern end of Île du Moine, in the Berthier-Sorel archipelago, the Îlets Percés and the Île aux Raisins feature an extensive marsh zone, like all the other islands in the area. Because the islets and island are located between the river bank and the Seaway, sediment deposition occurs on the south shore, a situation which has promoted the development of marsh vegetation covering a much greater area than the terrestrial area of the islands themselves.

Inside marsh on Île aux Raisins. Photo: CWS

These two island habitats have a wooded zone (silver maple stand), tall-grass prairie (reed canary-grass), and extensive areas of marsh dominated primarily by bulrushes, arrow-leaf and cattails. During the migration, nesting and brooding periods, dabbling ducks like these islands because of their diverse habitats. The main species observed there are Gadwall, Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Mallard and American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal and Green-winged Teal. Major waterfowl zones, both islands also have a high potential as muskrat habitat and as spawning and nursery areas.

Acquisition of the sites began under Phase I of the St. Lawrence Action Plan, and during Phase II (St. Lawrence Vision 2000), the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) continued its efforts to consolidate this protection. In concrete terms, this action included the acquisition of privately owned lots on the Îlets Percés and a public lot on Île aux Raisins. In all, 8.53 ha has been added to the CWS holdings, which now protect more than 76% of the terrestrial part of the two islands.