Rehabilitation of degraded natural areas of the skiable terrain and golf course parkland

Rehabilitation program

This Web page reports on the progress of rehabilitation work on the natural components of the ski centre and golf course lands as prescribed by the Act to ensure the enlargement of Parc national du Mont-Orford, the preservation of the biodiversity of adjacent lands and the maintenance of recreational tourism activities. A description will be provided of the initial situation at each site covered by the plan as well as the measures taken to achieve environmental gains.

The starting point description includes an overview of the impact on the flora and fauna, along with the various factors currently influencing the habitat's components such as the soil and water.

A stop will be put to developmental aggressions and ecological conditions re-established to allow nature to reclaim its place.

The Act concerning Parc national du Mont-Orford, passed in May 2010, provides for continuing the rehabilitation program, extending its timeframe and expanding its application to the entire park and to the land acquired for its enlargement. The obligation remains on the ski centre and golf course management to design and implement an environmental maintenance program. These requirements will ensure the preservation of the natural Mont-Orford surroundings for many years.

Progress of rehabilitation

The first concrete actions were taken in the spring of 2008 when contracts were awarded to agencies specialized in environmental management. They were charged with detailing the features of the  sites on which the rehabilitation program calls for restoration.

The reports presenting the fruit of those contracts were submitted at the beginning of the summer that year, following which restorative work started up, under the responsibility of the Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec), interim operator of the ski centre and golf course until a private owner takes over.

The objectives of the different types of work can be found in one or other section of the heading that follows.

Main program elements

1. Erosion control
   1. Repair of the road accessing the summit of Mont Orford
   2. Erosion on ski slopes ans along Castel stream
2. Reduction in damage to the vegetation cover
3. Water management