The
37 protected sites of Saint-Laurent Vision 2000:
|
|
| Conservation
of 7000 hectares |
Ruisseau Saint-Jean
The Ruisseau Saint-Jean site is located
on the south shore of Lac Saint-Louis, near the Marguerite-d'Youville
wildlife reserve. It encompasses both sides of the stream in
the municipalities of Châteauguay and Léry.
| This protected
area contains the most important spawning ground located
within the Lac Saint-Louis floodplain. It is used extensively
for reproduction by many species, including largemouth bass,
northern pike, pumkinseed and bowfins, along with many cyprinids,
such as golden shiners. In all, 25 fish species have been
recorded at the site, including one rare species, the grass
pickerel. |
|
Largemouth
bass habitat.
Photo: G. Pageau, MEF
|
Lac Saint-Louis is one of the most important
staging areas for waterfowl. Since breeding habitats are fast
declining in this region, many duck species use the Ruisseau
Saint-Jean area, including Mallards, American Black Ducks, Green-Winged
Teals and Wood Ducks.
Given its diversity of terrestrial, riparian and aquatic vegetation,
and its large numbers of invertebrates, the site is home to
a wide variety of other species as well. Muskrats are especially
abundant. Many species of amphibians, reptiles and water birds
are also encountered. In addition, herons that nest in adjacent
areas forage regularly in the Ruisseau Saint-Jean site.
Aerial
view towards east of the Ruisseau
Saint-Jean site. Photo: Martin Léveillé, MEF |
|
In
view of the fact that this site is located in the midst
of a region that has already suffered worrisome habitat
losses, and given its rich diversity of habitats and multiple
wildlife uses, there is an urgent need for conservation
action. The stream site, covering a total of 200 hectares,
has been divided into six enhancement units. A portion of
the site has been acquired and restored for use as fish
habitat through the Fish Habitat Restoration Fund. The Fondation
de la faune du Québec has taken steps to protect the area
with the help of funding from St. Lawrence Vision 2000 and
from the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture. Another 79 hectares
or so of habitat has been either acquired or protected through
voluntary conservation agreements with landowners. |
|
