What is Tomorrow’s Forest – Lac Saint-Pierre?

‘Tomorrow’s Forest – Lac Saint-Pierre’ is an ecological restoration project carried out in agricultural areas upstream of the Lake Saint-Pierre shoreline. Its objective is to contribute to the long-term improvement of the lake’s water quality.

By the end of 2027, Earth Day Canada, in collaboration with the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), will implement permanent vegetated installations in targeted areas.

This initiative is funded to the tune of $2 million by the Blue Fund as part of the National Water Plan under the Quebec Water Strategy, which implements concrete measures to protect, use and manage water and aquatic environments in a responsible, integrated and sustainable manner.

BACKGROUND

Recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve for over 25 years, Lake Saint-Pierre is a natural environment of great ecological richness at the heart of the St Lawrence River.

Currently, the quality of its water is partly influenced by runoff and the transport of sediments and nutrients from surrounding watersheds. These inputs contribute to increased suspended solids, the degradation of aquatic habitats and the decline of iconic species such as the yellow perch.

APPROACH

Based on the recommandations of the Pôle d’expertise multidisciplinaire en gestion durable du littoral du lac Saint-Pierre and based on a voluntary participation approach, the project aims to convert up to 30 hectares of cultivated land on steep slopes, located near watercourses upstream of the lake’s shoreline, into permanent vegetated areas composed of native herbaceous, shrub, and tree species.

Landowners whose properties are the most vulnerable to erosion will be contacted by the UPA’s regional federations. Participation in the project is entirely voluntary and includes financial compensation, with no costs to landowners for the planning and implementation of the restoration measures coordinated and carried out by Earth Day Canada.

OBJECTIVES

• To stabilise the soil along watercourses
• To limit the input of sediment and nutrients into aquatic environments
• To promote biodiversity through the establishment of diverse vegetation

 

CONTACT

Would you like more information about the Demain la forêt – Lac Saint-Pierre project? Write to us at plantation@jourdelaterre.org.