Press Release

Montréal, May 30, 2010 – The Government of Québec will grant Ducks Unlimited Canada financial assistance in the amount of $2,621,221 in the Partenaires pour la nature program. This amount will enable the acquisition of some 60 hectares of land along the Rivière à l’Orme in the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough on the Island of Montréal. These lands will be incorporated into the Anse-à-l’Orme nature park, and consolidate its protection. The step was announced at a press conference today by Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Line Beauchamp, accompanied by Minister of Immigration and Cultural Communities, Minister of Families and MNA for Nelligan Yolande James, and MNA for Jacques-Cartier Geoffrey Kelley.

“In this International Year of Biodiversity, Québec continues to make exceptional efforts to consolidate its network of privately-owned protected areas. The Rivière à l’Orme is one of the very rare sizeable rivers on the Island of Montréal that remains in its natural state. By supporting this project, the Government of Québec contributes to the creation of a remarkable conservation corridor in the very heart of the metropolitan area,” stated Minister Beauchamp.

The acquisition will enable the creation of a natural corridor between the river and the Cap-Saint-Jacques nature park that is located to the north of the properties, the Bois-de-la-Roche agricultural park to the west, the Anse-à-l’Orme nature park and Angell woods to the south, part of which has already been protected by Ducks Unlimited Canada.

This major project will also help protect a large flood plain. Flood plains, like all wetlands, play essential ecological roles that are of benefit to the entire Québec community, helping to regulate river water flow, acting as natural filters and providing irreplaceable habitats for large numbers of animal and plant species.

Minister James added: “This is a gift made to ourselves and to the public at large, for everyone can reap the benefit of these protected natural spaces. What is remarkable about this particular project is its successful protection of a major plain abutting the Rivière à l’Orme which is of such importance to the area’s population.”

The acquired properties also include agricultural wildlands, which are important feeding areas for many species of birds of prey found in the Anse-à-l’Orme and Cap-Saint-Jacques nature parks, such as the Red-shouldered Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk. The brown snake and Western Hackberry (a hardwood species considered as precarious), both likely to be designated as endangered or vulnerable and both found in this area, only increase the conservation value of this project.

As Member of the National Assembly for Jacques-Cartier Geoffrey Kelly concluded: “This project was brought to fruition through the collaborative efforts that brought to bear all the collective energy of the milieu. It is priceless work that enables us to protect a natural environment that is under considerable pressure.”

The Partenaires pour la nature program has a budget of 25 million dollars over five years. Based on a partnership concept, the program consolidates the network of protected areas on privately-owned lands by supporting the conservation initiatives of groups, individuals and corporations. The program also seeks to educate Québec society about the importance of protecting natural environments.

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