Dumoine

Protecting one of the last untouched watersheds in southern Quebec

If you ever have the opportunity to see satellite images of Quebec showing the extent of deforestation and urbanization, you will become aware of how very few untouched forest massifs are left. This will no doubt leave you feeling quite disturbed. These untouched massifs, also called old-growth forests because their trees have never been cut down, are extremely rare in southern Quebec. Recent Global Forest Watch studies on the last great forest landscapes in Canada leave no doubt as to the state of the situation in Quebec: there are only two areas south of the 48th parallel which feature untouched forests larger than 500 km2. One of these areas, forming the Grands Jardins and Jacques-Cartier national parks, is protected by law. The last great massif is located at the confluence of the Outaouais and Témiscamingue regions. The region is drained by several magnificent rivers (Noire, Coulonge, etc.), but only one is still undammed: the Dumoine River.

The Dumoine River has its headwaters in the heart of the boreal forest and flows through a deciduous forest before flowing into the Ottawa River, draining one of the last untouched watersheds in southern Quebec. Famous for its beauty, bordered by breathtaking landscapes, the Dumoine River is well-known among kayakers and canoeists for its whitewaters and is already the destination of choice for hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts. Yet the watershed of this jewel of southern Quebec currently enjoys no protection, having been entirely allocated to logging companies.

In this context, CPAWS-Montreal and CPAWS-Ottawa Valley are working in close partnership to obtain the permanent protection of the entire Dumoine River watershed. As part of the actions we have taken since last winter, we are circulating postcards intended for Mr. Béchard, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, to bring to his attention the public’s interest in protecting the river’s wild beauty  and to encourage him to act in this respect. Over 1,000 postcards have been signed so far!

Thanks to letters from thousands of people since CPAWS issued an alert last spring, the Québec government is now in the final stages of negotiations about protecting southern Quebec's last wild rivershed -- 4,400 km2 surrounding the scenic Dumoine River. CPAWS is convinced that if there is enough pressure from the public, the regional and provincial governments will act according to popular opinion with regards to protecting Quebec’s forests.
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