Protected areas of Quebec

The first protected area was Parc du Mont-Royal in 1876 followed by parc de la Montagne-Tremblante in 1894.{{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/index.htm

| title = Register of protected areas

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date = March 13, 2009

}}

{{Main|Protected areas of Canada}}

Image:Paysage 01 - Cap tourmente - octobre 2005.jpg]]

Canada has five types of protections divided into two departments.

• The Environment and Climate Change Canada, through the agency Parks Canada, has two national parks (Forillon National Park and La Mauricie National Park {{convert|781|km|2}}) and a national park reserve (Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve {{convert|150|km|2}}).

The agency is also responsible for a national marine conservation area: the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park ({{convert|1246|km|2}}), which is co-managed with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, and Fight Against Climate Change.

Also the national historic site of Grosse-Île-et-le-Mémorial-des-Irlandais ({{convert|2|km|2}}) is also considered a protected area.

Through the Canadian Wildlife Service, which is managed by the same department, it administers eight National Wildlife Area ({{convert|58|km|2}}) and twenty-seven migratory bird sanctuaries ({{convert|518|km|2}}).

• Finally, the National Capital Commission (Canada), which belongs to the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, protects Gatineau Park and Lac-Leamy park ({{convert|364|km|2}}).

Under the "Endangered or Vulnerable Species Act", the ministry can also designate a plant habitat to protect a threatened or vulnerable plant. The fifty flora habitats cover {{convert|51|km|2}}.[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/04Habitat-efmv.pdf Register of protected areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008

{{Main|National Parks of Quebec}}

Image:Percé (village).JPG]]

The twenty-four national parks of Quebec, which protect {{convert|11077.22|km|2}} of territory,{{cite web|url=http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/register/reg-design/17Parc-nationalquebec.pdf|title=Register of protected areas in Quebec: Parc national du Québec|year=2009 |website=Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks|access-date=June 11, 2010}} are protected areas intended to protect territories representative of the natural regions of Quebec or sites of exceptional character. Its territories are also open to the public for educational and intensive recreational purposes.{{cite web|url=http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/parcs/cadre/loi.htm|title=Parks Laws|editor=Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks|access-date=June 11, 2010}}

The province also has six national park reserves in Nunavik which protect {{convert|26831|km|2}}.{{cite web|url=http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/register/reg-design/24Reserve-pnq.pdf|title=Register of protected areas in Quebec: National park reserve of Quebec|year=2009|website=Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks|access-date=May 30, 2009}} Although their legal status is lower, it offers a level of protection similar to that of national parks.

{{Main article|Aquatic reserve}}

Aquatic reserves are areas similar to biodiversity reserves; these areas aim to protect hydrographic basins and marine environments that have little or no modification by man. The first aquatic reserve, the estuaire-de-la-Rivière-Bonaventure aquatic reserve was created in 2009 ({{convert|1.8|km|2}}){{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/articles/090329/index.htm

| title = Quebec takes a historic step to protect its biodiversity

| year = 2009

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date = March 29, 2009

}} Eight other reserves are currently planned.

{{Main|Biodiversity reserves of Quebec}}

There are 5 biodiversity reserves in Quebec which protect {{convert|2286|km|2}} of territory.{{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/22Reserve-biodiversite.pdf

| title = Register of protected areas in Quebec: Biodiversity reserve

| year = 2009

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date = April 17, 2009

}} This type of zone aims to maintain biodiversity in the various natural regions of Quebec. 76 new biodiversity reserves are planned in Quebec and will cover an area of {{convert|58419|km|2}}{{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/23Reserve-biodiversitep.pdf

| title = Register of protected areas in Quebec: Proposed biodiversity reserve

| year = 2009

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date=April 17, 2009

}}

{{Main|Ecological reserves of Quebec}}

Ecological reserves, which number 70, protect {{convert|949|km|2}} of territory.{{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/25Reserve-ecologique.pdf

| title = Register of protected areas in Quebec: Ecological reserve

| year = 2009

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date = March 13, 2009

}} These are territories primarily devoted to conservation, education and research. Most of these protected areas, which are small in size, protect distinctive environments, such as a swamp, forest, or watershed. Most of the ecological reserves are closed to the public, with the exception of three, namely the ecological reserves of Forêt-la-Blanche, Serpentine-de-Coleraine and Tourbières-de-Lanoraie. This is the highest level of protection offered by the province{{Cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/reserves/index.htm

| title = Natural protected habitats

| year = 2002

| website = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| access-date = March 13, 2009

}}

{{Main|Exceptional forest ecosystems of Quebec}}

Exceptional forest ecosystems are territories designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fauna which protect various forest environments. These territories are protected, on public lands, by virtue of the "forest law".[http://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/forets/connaissances/connaissances-ecosystemes.jsp Forest ecosystem exceptional], Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, consulted on January 19, 2008 There are 3 types of exceptional forest ecosystems: “Old-growth forests” (92 sites, {{convert|223|km|2}}),{{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/register/reg-design/01EFE_Foret-ancien.pdf

| title = Quebec Protected Areas Register: Exceptional forest ecosystem (old growth forest)

| editor = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks of Quebec

| page = 8

| date = June 11, 2008

| access-date = September 1, 2008

}} the rare forests (35 sites, {{convert|28|km|2}})

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/02EFE_Foret-rare.pdf

| title = Quebec Protected Areas Register: Exceptional forest ecosystem (rare forest)

| editor = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks of Quebec

| page = 4

| date = 11 June 2008

| access-date = 1 September 2008

}}. and the refuge forests (18 sites, {{convert|18|km|2}}){{cite web

| url = http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/03EFE_Foret-refuge.pdf

| title = Register of Protected Areas in Quebec: Exceptional forest ecosystem (refuge forest)

| editor = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks of Quebec

| page = 2

| date = June 11, 2008

| access-date = September 1, 2008

}} On private land, owners must be informed of these sites and show an interest in voluntary conservation measures so that these exceptional forest ecosystems are protected.

A wildlife habitat is a territory offering various species an environment necessary for the basic needs in terms of shelter, reproduction and food, of the 11 types of wildlife habitats, 7 are recognized as protected areas: the "concentration areas of aquatic birds" (735 sites, {{convert|3876|km|2}}).,[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/05HF_Aire-ois.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008 the containment areas of the white-tailed deer (114 sites, {{convert|2526|km|2}}),[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/06HF_Aire-cerf.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008 the "habitats d’une espèce faunique menacée ou vulnérable" (habitats of threatened or vulnerable wildlife species) (2 sites, {{convert|653|km|2}}),[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/10HF_Habitat-efmv.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008 the bird colonies (133 sites, {{convert|8|km|2}}).,[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/07HF_Colonie-falaise.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, of the Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/register/reg-design/08HF_Colonie-ile.pdf Register of protected areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008 the muskrat habitats (173 sites, {{convert|136|km|2}}),[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/09HF_Habitat-rm.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on 30 the heronries (99 sites, {{convert|30|km|2}})[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/11HF_Heronniere.pdf Register of protected areas du Québec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008 and the "mud flats" (32 sites, {{convert|1|km|2}})[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/12HF_Vasiere.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development , Environment and Parks, consulted on January 30, 2008[http://www.mrn.gouv.qc.ca/aires/index.jsp Protected areas], Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, consulted on January 22, 2008

Wildlife refuges serve to protect wildlife habitats of national or regional importance or the habitat of species designated as threatened or vulnerable.[http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/faune/territoires/refuge.jsp Wildlife refuges], Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife, consulted on January 19, 2008 There are currently 11 wildlife refuges protecting {{convert|23|km|2}}[http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/20Refuge-faunique.pdf Register of Protected Areas of Quebec], Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, consulted on January 19, 2008

Voluntary conservation (Private Stewarship) is an approach that allows the owner to commit to the preservation of the natural heritage of his property through a non-governmental approach.

It is a community approach to conservation. Conservation organizations (land trust) are non-profit, non-governmental organizations whose mission is the conservation of nature. These organizations were set up across Quebec, Canada and around the world, by citizens who take the initiative to preserve the natural elements that are close to their hearts. Thus, conservation organizations assist owners who want to ensure that their land is protected for generations to come, they reconcile conservation and land use, they protect and enhance their properties through extensive and educational activities, they promote an integrated approach to land use planning.

On private land, this approach is the most promising for guaranteeing the preservation of biodiversity. Donations, conservation easements or acquisitions for conservation purposes ensure the conservation of sites in perpetuity and provide certain tax advantages for the landowner who undertakes to do so.

In Quebec, the Network of Protected Natural Environments brings together owners and managers who work for the conservation of natural heritage across Quebec. It plays a unique role in consolidating a network of partners and encouraging the sharing of conservation know-how as well as promoting the preservation of nature through voluntary conservation on private land.

Image:Mont-saint-hilaireJT2004.jpg

A nature reserve is private land recognized by the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks for its biological, wildlife, plant, geological or other value{{cite web

| url=http://www2.publicationsduquebec.gouv.qc.ca/dynamicSearch/telecharge.php?type=2&file=/C_61_01/C61_01.html

| title = R.S.Q., chapter C-61.01: Natural heritage conservation act

| publisher = Éditeur officiel du Québec (Official publisher of Quebec)

| date= August 1, 2008

| access-date=September 6, 2008

}} The level of protection of these territories can vary greatly from one reserve to another. Quebec's 33 nature reserves protect only {{convert|25|km|2}} of the province.{{cite web

| url=http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/registre/reg-design/28Reserve-naturellereconnue.pdf

| title = Quebec Protected Areas Register: Recognized Nature Reserve

| editor = Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

| page = 8

| date = April 1, 2008

| access-date= September 6, 2008

}}

Although it is not a protected area, the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune also has several types of wildlife management territories, including protected areas, outfitters and the ZECs.

{{Main|Outfitter}}

Wildlife reserves are public hunting and fishing grounds dedicated to the conservation, development and use of wildlife as well as, incidentally, the practice of recreational activities. There are currently has 21 wildlife reserves in Quebec covering a territory of {{convert|66886|km|2}} and {{convert|524|km}} of salmon rivers.{{cite web

| url=http://www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/faune/territoires/reserve.jsp

| title=Wildlife reserves

| year = 2005

| website = Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife

| access-date= March 14, 2009

}} They are all administered by the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec with the exception of the wildlife reserves of Duchénier, Dunière{{cite web

| url=http://www.sepaq.com/rf/dun/fr/

| title = Dunière Wildlife Reserve

| website = Sépaq

| access-date= March 15, 2009

}} and those located on salmon rivers which are managed by local organizations.

{{Main|Zone d'exploitation contrôlée}}

The 86 controlled zones (zec) are hunting and fishing territories located on public lands. They are administered by non-profit organizations.

Image:Miguasha panorama 1.jpg]]

Quebec has a natural world heritage site, namely Miguasha National Park. The province also has 4 biosphere reserves, i.e. the biosphere reserves of Charlevoix, Lake Saint-Pierre, Manicouagan-Uapishka and Mont-Saint-Hilaire. Finally, 4 Ramsar sites are included in Quebec, namely Isle-Verte Bay, Cap Tourmente, Lake Saint François and Lake Saint-Pierre.

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.environnement.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/aires-carte.pdf Protected areas of Quebec, December 2007]
• {{Wikivoyage inline|Canadian National Parks}}

Category:Protected areas of Quebec

Category:National parks of Quebec