The
37 protected sites of Saint-Laurent Vision 2000:
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| Conservation
of 7000 hectares |
Rivière-aux-Brochets
Ecological Reserve
Located at the mouth of the eponymous river,
the Rivière aux-Brochets site (also known locally as Pike River)
is the only remaining natural habitat in the Quebec part of
Baie Missisquoi (Lake Champlain). Of tremendous ecological value,
this site has a remarkable diversity of habitats that support
rich and diverse flora and fauna.
| Although
comprising a small portion of marsh and wet meadow, most
of the lands acquired are characterized by treed swamp with
silver maple or red maple. The latter plant community (swampy
bog) is what makes the site unique
from a vegetation standpoint. A total of 15 plant species
likely to be designated as threatened or vulnerable have
been identified in the sector. Seven of them represent recent
records. |
Marsh of the Rivière-au-Brochet
site.
Photo: Michel Beaudoin, MEF
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The Rivière-aux-Brochets site also
has an outstanding diversity of wildlife. Its habitat is favourable
to a multitude of aquatic birds (waterfowl, herons, rails, etc)
and to passerines and raptors. In all, 76 bird species
have been inventoried in the region, including the Least Bittern
(Ixobrychus exilis), a species likely to be designated
as threatened or vulnerable.
The area is also known for its abundant and diverse ichthyological
fauna. Spring surveys have recorded the presence of 47 fish
species, including northern pike which spawn on the periphery
of the peat swamp, and walleye, for which a sport fishing sanctuary
was created in 1980 to protect spawners.
A survey of the amphibians and reptiles in the Rivière-aux-Brochets
area showed that it is used by 6 species of anurans and
4 species of turtles. The marsh is also the most important
leopard frog breeding site in the local area. As well, snapping
turtles and painted turtles lay their eggs near the river mouth.
Among these different species groups, three species are likely
to be designated as threatened or vulnerable: redfin pickerel
(Esox americanus americanus), spiny softshell turtle
(Apulone spinifera spinifera) and map turtle (Graptemys
geographica).
Part of this ecologically unique environment was acquired by
the Nature Conservancy of Canada and by the Quebec Department
of the Environment and Wildlife: 133.44 ha will eventually receive
legal protection when the conservation organization transfers
its land holdings to the provincial government to permit the
creation of an ecological reserve.
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