Île Soyez

(Cadastral map of site also available: 85 K)

Île Soyez (also called île du Domaine), which is adjacent to Baie Lavallière, is located in the Yamaska River. It has a wet meadow dominated by prairie cord-grass and reed canary-grass, along with some small, shallow marshes characterized by arrow-leaf. Many breeding pairs of ducks occupy the marshland during the nesting season. Since the dense herbaceous vegetation is an ideal environment for rearing broods, a variety of duck species can be found at the site. Leopard frogs and muskrats have also been observed on the island. Ponds fringed with reed canary-grass also provide suitable spawning habitat for certain quiescent-water fish like northern pike.

Aerial view towards north of Île Soyez (center) and part of Baie Lavallière (left). Photo: Martin Léveillé, MEF

The island’s zoning plan, which permitted development, used to pose a threat to this productive waterfowl habitat since any type of construction could reduce the site’s wildlife value considerably. Fortunately, however, the Fondation de la faune du Québec became the owner of the entire site by acquiring 13.50 hectares. Protection of île Soyez represents a major stepping stone toward consolidating the Baie Lavallière region.