The Outaouais is coming together to achieve 17%: plan to create a protected area in the Noire and Coulonge Rivers watersheds
About the project
Since October 2019, CREDDO and the Ottawa Valley Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS-OV) have been conducting project planning activities towards creating a 115,000 hectares protected area in the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge Rivers (MRC Pontiac) as part of a Quebec government undertaking.
You have a question about the protected area? We have the answers!
The Outaouais can do more
The main objective of this project is to organize and conduct planning activities as part of an active approach to create a protected area by the Quebec Government.
The proposal put forward by CREDDO and CPAWS-OV would ensure permanent legal status to a protected area of more than 115,000 hectares in the Noire and Coulonge Rivers watersheds.
Furthermore, additional outcomes are anticipated:
Preserving ecosystem services
Increasing ecological connectivity
Working towards reconciliation with the Indigenous communities
Improving resilience to climate change
Encouraging the development of eco-friendly recreational tourism
Protecting more wetlands and waterways in the region
Expected results
Beyond providing protection for the lush wilderness of the Pontiac, this project will contribute to the area’s economic diversification by allowing, for instance, the development of recreational tourism in the Noire and Coulonge Rivers watersheds. This less-known area of the Outaouais, with its beautiful landscapes, is perfect for white water rafting. It is also very well suited for hunting, fishing and cottaging.
Video production : Five2Nine
Understanding the process
We have summarized in a simplified visual the different stages of creation of the Black and Coulonge Rivers protected area.
Citizen space
We already share a gorgeous territory. Now, let’s share a vision.
Commit
Every support counts. This protected area is yours. Let us always be more numerous to unite and show our fascination for this territory. Give your support to the project by checking the box of the form below.
Define the limits of the area
An interactive map is available to show the preliminary delineation of the area. Want to add your comments? You can! Participate with us in the creation of the protected area in an interactive way.
Build a vision of the area
We are convinced that the creation and demarcation of a protected area must be the result of collaboration with the various stakeholders in the region. We would like to know your vision on several points.
Discuss
We have created a public Facebook group that opens the conversation to anyone interested in the project. Get news, share your thoughts, join a community, this group is yours, check it out!
Photo credit: Nathalie Schneider
Mapping of preliminary delineation
Resources & publications
Press releases
It’s done! Our area is protected. Let’s continue the work together - August 30th 2023
Creation of a protected area in the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge Rivers: a first step for the population of the Pontiac - June 17th 2022
Le ministre Benoit Charette annonce son intention d’agrandir de près de 2 000 km2 le réseau d’aires protégées du Québec - Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques - June 17th 2022
Significant support for a 115,000 ha protected area project in the Outaouais region - June 5th 2020
Documentary resources
Appel d’intérêt (expired since July 1st 2022) - Only in French
Aires protégées au Québec - Contexte, constats et enjeux pour l'avenir - Ministère de l'Environnement
et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques
Newsletters
Escapade - Number #5 - May 2023
Escapade - Number #4 - February 2023
Escapade - Number #3 - September 2022
Escapade - Number #2 - February 2022
Escapade - Number #1 - June 2021
Medias
Quebec has plans for new biodiversity reserve along Noire, Coulonge rivers - CBC News - 06/20/2022
La réserve de biodiversité des rivières Noire et Coulonge deviendront des aires protégées - Le Droit - 06/19/2022
Entrevue - Benoit Delage - Rivières Noire et Coulonge - Chip 101.9 - La Radio du Pontiac - 06/17/2022
Québec bonifiera ses aires protégées au sud - Journal de Montréal - 06/17/2022
Création de l’aire protégée des rivières noire et Coulonge - Sur le vif - Radio Canada - 06/17/2022
Randonnée dans la région du Pontiac, un recoin pittoresque de l’Outaouais - Le Devoir - 01/22/2022
Une immense aire protégée dans le Pontiac - Le Droit - 05/08/2021
Want to join us as a volunteer?
You have ideas to share? A question to ask?
Don’t hesitate and write to us! We’ll come back to you as soon as possible.
Nathalie Magnan
Project coordinator in sustainable management of natural environments
CREDDO
T: 819-772-4925 Ext. 229
E: nathalie.magnan@creddo.ca
In addition to the contribution offered by the Government of Canada, this project is made possible thanks to the support of countless partners. We thank them wholeheartedly.
