OVER 200 HOURS OF VOLUNTEER WORK FOR THE RIVIÈRE NOIRE
Black River Floodplain of Valcourt region occupies a unique area, home to rare ecosystems deserving conservation. These ecosystems provide numerous services and are home to a rich flora and fauna. Furthermore, wood turtle, a Quebec’s vulnerable species [1], is present in this Floodplain. These ecosystems face numerous pressures, such as residential and commercial development, resource extraction, and climate change. In this situation, a project raised: aiming to develop a dynamic and resilient region where human activity harmonizes with biodiversity protection of its riparian ecosystems. To achieve this, a conservation, restoration, and sustainable use initiative has been implemented within the Black River Floodplain.
Black River Floodplain of Valcourt region
Hugo, a senior biologist and soil scientist, is one of the project’s initiators. Borrowed from T2 Environnement, over the past three years invested hundred hours of volunteer work for this project. It aims to preserve most of the wetlands, forests, and farmland. It also aims to restore aquatic habitats and degraded sections of the river. Finally, it aims to support farms in adopting practices compatible with the ecology of the floodplain and to promote nature’s public access.
Project’s public consultation
To date, the project stakeholders have conducted a survey of the area and a public consultation, in addition to writing a Plan of protection, restauration and sustainable use. They are also working with landowners interested in protection and restoration of their land, as with farmers interested in improvement of farming practices. They are also actively seeking fundings to implement the project.
There is still work to be done to meet the goals by 2031. The measures chosen for the Black River floodplain’s will greatly benefit its ecosystems, flora, and fauna.
Black River Floodplain visible from an agricultural field
[1] Gouvernement du Québec. (2026). Tortue des bois. Fiche des espèces fauniques. [Online]. https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/animaux-sauvages-quebec/fiches-especes-fauniques/tortue-bois#c205835
Written by Audrey Thériault and Hugo Thibaudeau Robitaille
