NEWSLETTER
ST LAWRENCE VISION 2000
VOLUME 12 – ISSUE 6 – DECEMBER 2001
Preceding issues

George Arsenault recognized for his commitment to wildlife conservation and development in Quebec

From left to right: Don McCallum of the Basin Head Lagoon Ecosystem Conservation Committee (PEI), Adrian Phillips of the World Conservation Union, Hélène Chevrier of Attention FragÎles, George Arsenault of the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec (Quebec Wildlife and Parks Corporation), Ed Wicken of the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas and Vince Zelazny of the New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy. Photo: Jean Gagnon, Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec.

On October 25, the Canadian Council on Ecological Areas (www.ccea.org), a conservation organization, awarded two prizes to Quebecers. In the individual category, George Arsenault of the Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec (Quebec Wildlife and Parks Corporation) won the Gold Leaf Award for his lifelong dedication to the conservation and development of wildlife in Quebec. The organization Attention FragÎles, of the Magdalen Islands, also won a Gold Leaf Award in the organization category for its contributions to conserving the islands’ natural heritage.

Arsenault, a native of PEI, began his career in Quebec at Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service, where he worked, among other things, on establishing national wildlife areas. He then served as director for Ducks Unlimited, and as Assistant Deputy Minister, Natural Heritage and Wildlife, responsible for wildlife and parks, for the Quebec Department of the Environment and Wildlife. From 1996 to 2000, he was co-chair for Quebec of the St. Lawrence Vision 2000 Action Plan, the objectives of which involve protecting and conserving natural habitats. From 1999 to 2001, he was Vice-President, Wildlife Development and Management, Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec, where he now serves as deputy chairman and CEO. Arsenault is also the government co-ordinator for the group involved in planning the Quebec strategy for protected areas (Stratégie québécoise pour les aires protégées).

The organization Attention FragÎles, which was also honoured, is actively involved in promoting the conservation and development of the natural heritage of the Magdalen Islands. Formed in 1988, this organization carries out annual surveys of endangered bird species as well as an educational program on the coastal environment and endangered species. Attention FragÎles is also active in dune restoration and controlling vehicle traffic in natural areas. In 1998, members of the organization created the Société de conservation des Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands Conservation Society), a trust dedicated to conserving natural spaces on the islands. In addition, Attention FragÎles has played a significant role in creating the Magdalen Islands ZIP committee.