To conserve forest wetlands that are considered highly valuable habitats for waterfowl and biodiversity, the Fondation de la faune, with a contribution from Wildlife Habitat Canada, has implemented a financial support framework for forest stakeholders and environmental organizations. Since April 1, 2002, these groups have been able to receive an amount (maximum of 60% of the total cost of their projects) to finance the mapping and characterization of forest wetlands on private lands, to educate landowners about the importance of protecting these environments, and to sign conservation agreements with these landowners. To be eligible, each project must address at least 10 wetlands. Projects are submitted at the beginning of each year (early April), and they can be spread out over more than a year. However, they must be re-evaluated each year.

In addition to appearing in Quebec's NAWMP programming, this program is part of our Forest Landscape Intervention Strategy and has received financial assistance from the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada). This was realized through the involvement of many partners (there are already 16 participating organizations) working with landowners. In addition, the results of the first projects, specifically the signing of more than 474 conservation agreements and the protection of more than 3,600 ha, have been of interest to several forest organizations (private forest development agencies, forest associations, producer's federations, Model Forest), waterfowlers associations, and other habitat protection organizations. In 2005, we are continuing two projects that began in 2004 and will initiate approximately six new projects. These projects should make it possible to protect approximately 600 additional hectares of waterfowl habitats. Finally, many stakeholders are increasingly using this new method of voluntary conservation to protect a great variety of sensitive forest and agricultural habitats.

In addition to the Protection of Forested Wetlands Program, the Quebec Wildlife Foundation, thanks to funding from Wildlife Habitat Canada, will continue to contribute to EHJV - Québec's communications activities to publicize the excellent results of the Plan's partners' efforts in Quebec.

This proposal targets the specific waterfowl habitats located in the St. Lawrence lowlands (Grande Plée Bleue, Municipality of Lévis within the Chaudières-Appalaches region of southern Quebec, Bird Conservation Region 13) and in the Appalachians (Katevale Marsh, Lake Magog in the municipality of Sainte-Catherine-de Hatley, Bird Conservation Region 14).

The 2005-06 final project report is now available (pdf - 4.3Mb)

For more information on this project, please contact Claude Grondin, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Quebec Stewardship Coordinator, Quebec Wildlife Foundation, Sainte Foy, Quebec.