More than 1,100 acres of natural habitat in the Laurentians have been conserved through several land acquisitions totalling nearly $6 million, including more than 345 acres in Lachute. Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and its partners announced the conservation projects on Thursday, October 15, during an event at 1001 Chemin de Dunany in Lachute, which also marked the opening of a new 1.5-kilometre trail through one of the protected properties.
The acquisitions cover land within the Oka-Tremblant ecological connectivity region, helping preserve biodiversity and maintain connections between natural areas. Landowners contributed significantly to the projects, with donations valued at more than $2 million.
“It is thanks to all of you that we are here today,” said DUC’s manager of provincial operations in Québec, Mélanie Deslongchamps. She said federal funding paid for most of the acquisitions, with additional support from provincial programs and other organizations.
Two land purchases in Lachute have protected more than 345 acres within the Rivière de l’Est watershed wetland complex. One property, covering 143 acres, was acquired through a sale with a partial donation from Christopher J. Sweeney.
A peatland spanning both properties provides habitat for the southern twayblade, an orchid listed as endangered in Québec.
Further north, acquisitions in Gore and Mille-Îles have conserved approximately 780 acres within a core conservation area and an ecological corridor. The Canada Warbler, a bird species that may be designated threatened or vulnerable in Québec, has been observed on one property and nests nearby.
New trail opens to the public
The new trail in Lachute offers visitors an opportunity to explore the protected landscape. The 1.5-kilometre route passes near the ruins of Parkes House, winds through a former quarry undergoing revegetation, and crosses a young pine forest. It also provides a vantage point for birdwatching.
Lachute Mayor Bernard Bigras-Denis said the project supports the municipality’s commitment to protecting natural areas and making them accessible to residents.
“Lachute and the MRC d’Argenteuil have also made a public commitment to protect 30 per cent of our natural environments,” he said.
Bigras-Denis added that municipalities have a responsibility to provide residents with access to natural spaces but cannot accomplish that goal alone. He said projects such as the conservation initiative would help the municipality and the MRC reach their target.
Collaboration key to conservation
Deslongchamps described the acquisitions as the result of cooperation among landowners, conservation groups, governments, and local organizations. Deslongchamps said federal funding negotiations were ongoing and could lead to additional money for land acquisitions.
Conservation Director at Nature-Action Québec, Romy Bazo, said in a press release that the protected properties would help maintain essential habitats and strengthen the resilience of local communities.
The projects also demonstrate the role private landowners can play in conservation. According to DUC, ecological donations can allow property owners to contribute to habitat protection while benefiting from tax advantages.
