Funded Projects

Sampling and monitoring of water quality in the Grande Ligne stream 2023-2025

Project number: IC-5402
Proponent: Comité ZIP du lac Saint-Pierre
Component: Study
Description: This project is part of a more general approach to improving water quality in relation to non-point source agricultural pollution in certain tributaries of Lake Saint-Pierre. Samples will be taken from the Grande Ligne stream in Saint-Barthélemy to verify changes in water quality following work carried out in 2022. Several microbiological and physico-chemical parameters will be analyzed.
Amount allocated: $25 000
Project duration: 2023 to 2025

1-Implementation of innovative solutions to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution in two Montérégie areas. 2-Sustainable developments in agricultural watercourses to reduce diffuse pollution in two Montérégie areas

Project number: IC-5404
Proponent: Fédération de l'UPA de la Montérégie
Component: Action study
Description: The project aims to implement innovative solutions to reduce agricultural non-point source pollution in two Montérégie areas: the Pot au Beurre River and Séraphin-Choquette Creek watersheds. The project aims to set up a committee of agricultural producers, municipal and governmental stakeholders, and experts to evaluate the measures proposed in the preliminary studies. With the support of experts and stakeholders, it will be possible, in collaboration with producers, to implement an intervention plan that will include a model development inspired by the hydro-geomorphological approach. This model development will serve as a showcase to mobilize as many producers as possible to carry out other similar developments to benefit water quality.
Amount allocated: $198 350
Project duration: 2023 to 2026

Conservation of the biodiversity and ecosystems of the Delisle River

Project number: IC-5310
Proponent: Nature-Action Québec inc.
Component: Action study
Description: To improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem along the Delisle River in a highly agricultural area of Montérégie, Quebec. The development of extended riparian buffer strips and wildlife habitats, the collection of data, followed by the dissemination of results will contribute to improving water quality by reducing bank erosion and non-point source agricultural pollution, as well as protecting biodiversity. The first year is devoted to a territorial study of potential intervention zones, meetings with landowners and farmers concerned, and development plans, while the second and third years will focus on the development of facilities, the work required, monitoring and dissemination of results.
Amount allocated: $124 179
Project duration: 2023 to 2026

Improving the St. Lawrence ecosystem through ecological restoration of a section of the Bois-Blanc River

Project number: IC-5303
Proponent: Association de la gestion intégrée de la rivière Maskinongé
Component: Action study
Description: The project's objective is to improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem through ecological restoration of the shoreline and banks of the Bois-Blanc River in Mauricie, Quebec-- a tributary of Lake Saint-Pierre. The stabilization and revegetation of riparian buffer strips, the collection of data, followed by the dissemination of results will contribute to improving water quality, reducing bank erosion and diffuse agricultural pollution, and protecting biodiversity.
Amount allocated: $191 570
Project duration: 2023 to 2025

Seeing our wetland differently

Numéro de projet: IC-5406
Promoteur: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Volet: Raising awareness
Description: The objective of this project is to raise awareness among the citizens of the archipelago of the importance of wetlands, so that they are perceived as positive contributions to the landscape for the conservation of biodiversity, rather than as a constraint. To this end, a series of bilingual documentaries on the importance of conserving and protecting wetlands and the biodiversity they support will be produced. These vignettes will be distributed and used to support animated workshops, training courses and interactive activities with the local population.
Montant accordé: $70 250
Durée du projet: 2023 to 2026

Improving water quality and restoring riparian environments in the Marguerite River watershed

Project number: IC-5213
Proponent: Groupe de concertation des bassins versants de la zone Bécancour
Component: Restoration/protection
Description: This project aims to restore riparian wetlands and extend the riparian buffer strip beyond the regulatory zone in this watershed in order to reduce sediment and nutrient inputs from the Marguerite River to the St. Lawrence.
Amount allocated: $169 800
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Improving wildlife habitats in the Moulin River

Project number: IC-5203
Proponent: La Société des amis du Moulin Michel inc.
Component: Study-Action
Description: The aim of this project is to acquire knowledge about sediment dynamics and the integrity of wildlife habitats in the Rivière du Moulin and its watershed, and to implement an approach focused on identifying solutions in consultation with the various partners, users and municipal authorities. Finally, to implement the renaturalization solutions with the most significant environmental gains— to improve the ecological dynamics of the ecosystems.
Amount allocated: $170 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Promote optimal stormwater management to improve the environmental health of the St. Lawrence

Project number: IC-5208
Proponent: Organisme des bassins versants de la Côte-du-Sud
Component: Study
Description: In collaboration with citizens and the Municipality of Montmagny, the project consists of developing and implementing a management and intervention plan for stormwater discharging into the St. Lawrence River.
Amount allocated: $16 535
Project duration: 2022 to 2023

Wildlife management for yellow perch at Marais 2 in Odanak - raising the water level
 

Project number: IC-5101
Proponent: Abenaki Council of Odanak
Component: Restoration/protection
Description: This project is a continuation of the first phase, which aims to improve the habitat of the yellow perch and enhance its recruitment in the Lake Saint-Pierre sector. Raising the water level by means of a control and retention structure will increase the area of yellow perch reproduction.
Amount allocated: $39 811
Project duration: 2022 to 2024

Characterization of bulrush marshes in eastern Quebec City (Beauport) and identification of priority actions in an intervention plan

Project number: IC-5204
Proponent: Groupe d'éducation et d'écosurveillance de l'eau (G3E)
Component: Study
Description: This study project will contribute to improving knowledge of water quality and biodiversity in the bulrush marshes of Beauport with a view to conservation and protection. The environmental characterization activities will allow the identification and prioritization of actions to be undertaken to preserve water quality and wetland conservation. A database, a characterization report and an intervention plan will be produced as part of this project.
Amount allocated: $25 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2024

Invasive Alien Plant Control Plan for the St. Lawrence River Wetlands of the MRC des Chenaux

Project number: IC-5102
Proponent: Les Deux Rives ZIP Committee
Component: Study
Description: The purpose of the project is to detect and characterize the colonies of invasive exotic plants that compromise the integrity of priority wetlands along the St. Lawrence River in the Chenaux RCM. The objective is to develop an action plan to intervene on the territory to better control, prevent or even eradicate certain invasive alien plants.
Amount allocated: $25 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2024

Raising Awareness of Anthropogenic Issues and the Implementation of Good Practices for the Protection of the Coastal Environment of the Gaspé Peninsula

Project number: 5119
Proponent: Gaspé ZIP Committee
Component: Awareness
Description: The purpose of this project is to raise awareness of good practices for the preservation of coastal environments among young elementary school students and their families living in the coastal areas of the Gaspé. Awareness will be raised through a comic strip that addresses issues such as coastal erosion and microplastics. Animated workshops will be held in schools. The comic book will be distributed to several libraries and on social networks.
Amount allocated: $93 945
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Awareness and citizen mobilization for the fight against Japanese knotweed on the Île d'Orléans
 

Project number: 5115
Proponent: Association forestière des deux rives
Component: Awareness
Description: This project aims to combat Japanese knotweed, an invasive exotic plant species that is growingon Île d'Orléans. An awareness and citizen mobilization campaign will provide the community with adequate tools to identify the species and better control it. Revegetation and characterization activities will be carried out to limit the spread of Japanese knotweed.
Amount allocated: $100 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Restoration of the marsh in the Ile Lebel urban park in Repentigny by controlling a colony of common reeds
 

Project number: 5121
Proponent: Des Seigneuries ZIP Committee
Component: Restoration/protection
Description: This project aims to limit and control the invasion of the common reed (phragmites). This invasive exotic plant species affects the biodiversity of Île Lebel and its wetlands, which are of great ecological value. Repeated mowing will be carried out on a large colony of common reed, followed by the planting of competing native shrubs. With more than 200,000 visitors per year, the ZIP committee will take advantage of this high visibility to raise public awareness of this issue through a kiosk, a pamphlet and a citizens' conference.
Amount allocated: $200 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2025
 

Control of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Parc des Générations, Île Perrot

Project number: 5209
Proponent: Haut St-Laurent ZIP Committee
Component: Study-action
Description: The objective is to improve the water quality of the marsh and protect the biodiversity of Île-Perrot through restoration and revegetation activities at the site in order to better control invasive exotic plant species. This project involves site characterization, mapping and the development of an action plan. The mapping will measure the success of the interventions by tracking the survival of new plants and the decrease in the extent of the invasive exotic plant species.
Amount allocated: $97 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Protection of endangered plants on the Côte-de-Beaupré

Project Number: IC-5106
Proponent: Capital Nature
Component: Study-action
Description: On the Côte-de-Beaupré coastline, there are colonies of plants with a precarious status, including Victorin's gentian (threatened species). These colonies are threatened by the spread of four invasive exotic plants and by trampling. After the identification and delimitation of the gentian colonies, containment and control of the invasive exotic plants will be carried out. The involvement of local residents will be solicited to make them aware of the presence of plants with precarious status as well as of the problem of invasive exotic plants in their sector.
Amount allocated: $100 690
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Restoration and enhancement of the Noire River, Mawcook River and North Yamaska River

Project number: IC-5110
Proponent: SÉTHY Foundation
Component: Restoration
Description: This project aims to improve water quality in the Yamaska watershed by revegetating the southeastern sectors with the planting of 15,000 native trees and shrubs.  In addition, the development of some 15 wildlife habitats for birds will revitalize biodiversity. Community actions and citizen activity are essential to the successful completion of the project: installation of interpretation panels, signing of a declaration of intent and waste collection campaigns. Finally, beyond these activities, the project aims to carry out a series of ornithological inventories as well as characterizations of the shores of the Black River and the North Yamaska River in order to detect and map the vegetation and the invasion of riparian strips by invasive exotic plant species (IES) likely to threaten the sustainability of ecosystems.
Amount allocated: $149 002
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Protection and sustainable fishing plan for Atlantic tomcod in Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade

Project Number: IC-5113
Proponent: CAPSA
Component: Study-action
Description: This project aims to conserve and protect the Atlantic tomcod. This project has two main components: a study to determine the current status of tomcod exploitation and its population, followed by the implementation of an action plan to preserve the stock of this forage fish.
Amount allocated: $49 946
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Educate residents of the Quinchien River watershed on erosion and sedimentation issues

Project number: IC-5202
Proponent: Nature-Action Québec
Component: Awareness
Description: The purpose of this project is to raise awareness among residents of the Quinchien River watershed about issues related to sedimentation and erosion in the river. Awareness activities will be held with residents to highlight the issues and the actions to be taken to improve the health of the Quinchien River.
Amount allocated: $74 346
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Improvement of wildlife habitats in the Moulin River

Project Number: IC-5203
Proponent: La Société des amis du Moulin Michel Inc.
Component: Study-Action
Description: This project aims to reduce the sources of sedimentation in the Moulin River by identifying the source of the sediment and, with the stakeholders, to implement actions to reduce sedimentation in the river.
Amount allocated: $170 000
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Water Quality Improvement and Riparian Restoration in the Marguerite River Watershed

Project number: IC-5213
Proponent: Groupe de concertation des bassins versants de la zone Bécancour (GROBEC)
Component: Restoration
Description: This project to restore the riparian wetlands of the Marguerite River will make it possible to extend the riparian strip beyond the regulatory zone in its watershed, in particular to improve the quality of the water in this sector.
Amount allocated: $169 800
Project duration: 2022 to 2025

Clean-up campaign for the shores and littoral of the St. Lawrence River

Project number: IC-4908
Proponent: Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee
Component: Restoration
Description : The river is subject to several sources of pollution, including clandestine dumps in the territory covered by the Upper St. Lawrence ZIP Committee. This problem will be addressed with municipalities in the Beauharnois-Salaberry and Vaudreuil-Soulanges areas. To raise awareness among citizens and municipalities about plastic pollution of the water and the presence of garbage along the river, a shoreline clean-up campaign will be conducted on the site to encourage citizen participation. The involvement of local artists in the creation of recycling bins made from recycled materials and representing wildlife species of the St. Lawrence will allow for the appropriate disposal of waste in the riverside parks.
Amount allocated: 48 250 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2022

Development of New Fish Species to be Harvested

Project number:  IC-4910
Proponent: Corporation de gestion et de développement de la pêche sportive au lac Saint-Pierre commonly called Aire Faunique communautaire du Lac Saint-Pierre
Component: Awareness
Description : Lake Saint-Pierre is a privileged site for fishermen. Many varieties of fish inhabit this lake, yet to date, some species are less known by the population. To encourage sustainable fishing, a promotion strategy will be launched and information sessions will be offered to the population and fishermen to better identify the species of fish that have been underfished up to now. An awareness campaign will be carried out on social networks, in outfitters and through the distribution of information kits.
Amount allocated:  54 892 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2023

Fryer Island Aquatic and Riparian Habitat Restoration

Project number: IC-4916
Proponent: Nature-Action Québec
Component: Study-Action
Description : This project aims to preserve and protect the aquatic and riparian habitats of frogs and turtles, some of whose species are at risk. In the Carignan and Fryer Island sector of the Chambly Canal (Parks Canada), a wildlife inventory and an assessment of the quality of the habitat as well as a list of factors that disturb the environment will be carried out. Priority actions will be identified in an intervention plan. In addition, citizens and visitors to the parks and Fryer Island will be made aware of the issue of the spread of invasive exotic plant species in these habitats and will be able to participate in the planting of native plants.  
Amount allocated:  157 000 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2024

Restoration of the Malbaie Barachois Sandbar

Project number:  IC-4917
Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Component: Restoration
Description : The Malbaie barachois is an exceptional site for the richness of its fauna and flora. It also has many ecological functions for wetlands and dunes. This project aims to restore the degraded sites of the barachois sandbar, to channel access to the beaches and to delimit the walking paths in order to control the trampling of native plants and the formation of breaches. An information and awareness campaign will be conducted with residents and elementary school students by involving them in the planting and restoration activities.
Amount allocated:  76 547 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2024

Blue and Green Corridors - Chateauguay Valley

Project number:  IC-4918
Proponent: Ambioterra
Component: Restoration
Description : This project aims to protect and restore priority blue and green corridors in the aquatic and riparian environments of the Châteauguay River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River and a major source of pollution, on the south shore of Lake Saint-Louis. The holding of information sessions for the local population and ten landowners on the importance of riparian and forest ecosystems will make them aware of the connectivity between these natural environments and the importance of protecting them. Also, the planting of native vegetation and the commitment of the local population will contribute to the sustainability of these restored environments. 
Amount allocated: 53 311 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2022

Characterization of buckthorn outbreaks on the territory of the Seigneuries ZIP

Project number:  IC-4921
Proponent: ZIP Comitee Seigneuries
Component: Study
Description : Buckthorn is a very invasive shrub whose strong growth prevents the natural vegetation around it from developing. To facilitate its detection and control its spread, this project will focus on the characterization of invasion sites, particularly in the Repentigny and Lavaltrie sectors. To raise public awareness of this problem, an information campaign will be conducted on social networks. Also, educational material will be distributed and buckthorn identification activities will be offered to the population.
Amount allocated: 6 333 $
Project duration: De 2021 to 2022

Planning and implementation of the recovery of the Northern Map Turtle - Montreal Archipelago

Project number: IC-4705
Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
Description: This project seeks to implement protection, restoration and awareness initiatives to support the recovery of the Map Turtle population at priority sites on Lac des Deux Montagnes. The group’s conservation plan will be aligned with the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation and will be updated to reflect the most recent data on distribution and threats. 
Amount allocated: $140,736
Project duration: 2020 to 2023

Bringing about a change in behaviour among hunters, fishers and trappers of Lake Saint-Pierre and reducing ecological impacts

Project number: IC-4706
Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
Description: This project seeks to raise awareness among the hunters, fishers and trappers of the Lake Saint-Pierre islands of the importance of protecting aquatic grass beds, which provide wetland habitat for designated species, in order to preserve their ecological integrity. Outreach will be carried out through the distribution and promotion of a code of conduct by the Fédération québécoise des chasseurs et pêcheurs and the Lake Saint-Pierre hunters and fishers association. Information and awareness sessions will also be held. 
Amount allocated: $36,458
Project duration: 2020 to 2023

Building Support for the Conservation of Marine Birds of the Quebec Lower North Shore

Projet number: IC-4707
Proponent: Quebec-Labrador Foundation
Description: This project focuses on raising awareness among the Lower North Shore fishing community of migratory seabird populations. It aims to increase the community’s awareness and knowledge of threats to seabird populations and impacts on the integrity of bird sanctuaries. Interactive information sessions will target the communities as well as high schools. Outreach activities will take place in groups or one-on-one with community members. 
Amount allocated: $69,906
Project duration: 2020 to 2022
 

Invasive species Control Plan for the St. Lawrence River Wetlands of the Bécancour RCM

Project Number: IC-4602

Proponent:Les Deux Rives ZIP Committee

Description: The purpose of this project is to detect and characterize colonies of invasive species, particularly common reed and Japanese knotweed, that are compromising the integrity of priority wetlands along the St. Lawrence River in the Bécancour RCM. The objective is to develop an action plan to determine the actions to be taken in each of the identified wetlands. The approach is to eradicate, control, or prevent invasive plants  from becoming a problem . The plan will help raise awareness among elected officials, development officers and shoreline property owners of the issues related to the problem of EAB and to plan the necessary interventions.

Amount allocated: $25,000

Project duration: 2019 to 2021

Battures-de-Beauport IBA Conservation and Intervention Plan - Update

Project Number: IC-4504

Proponent: Water Education and Monitoring Group (WEMG)

Component: Study

Description:  As custodian of the Battures-de-Beauport and Chenal de l'Île d'Orléans Important Bird Area (IBA), the G3E has updated its Conservation Plan. Located in an urban and industrialized area, this zone is greatly impacted by human activities and better planning of its development will contribute to its sustainability. As part of the project, podcasts and video clips were also developed and a clean-up operation was organized. This IBA is considered a very rich territory and its 1 km riparian strip is composed of more than 80% wetlands including marshes, swamps, intertidal zones and wet meadows.

Amount allocated: $25,000

Project duration: 2019 to 2021

Restoration of the coastal habitats of the Chemin du Nord, Parc national du Bic

Component: Restoration

Project number: IC-4501
Proponent: Comité ZIP Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Component: Restoration
Description: Parc national du Bic is located in the lower estuary of the St. Lawrence. Its headlands, bays, coves, islands and mountains offer the public unique access to the St. Lawrence. It is with the goal of protecting these natural features that the Comité ZIP Sud-de-l’Estuaire is carrying out, in collaboration with Parc national du Bic, this project aimed at restoring four beach terraces located along a heavily used hiking trail. Awareness-raising activities aimed at users will also be carried out to help preserve shoreline vegetation.   
Amount allocated: $121,242
Project duration: 2019 to 2021

St. Lawrence challenge: microplastics/macroproblem

Project number: IC-4506
Proponent: Stratégies Saint-Laurent
Component: Awareness
Description: Stratégies Saint-Laurent wants to help address the plastics issue in the St. Lawrence River by developing tools to make shoreline residents more aware of the importance of reducing plastics use and to assess the impacts of this problem. Plastic waste and microplastics have impacts on biodiversity, water quality and the sustainable use of the St. Lawrence River. The public, the education community, decision-makers and tourism operators will be made aware of this environmental issue and encouraged to become involved in various ways, such as participating in shoreline cleanup activities and conferences, viewing videos or making use of educational materials.
Amount allocated: $85,000
Project duration: 2019 to 2022

Survey and characterization of the St. Lawrence River wetlands at Pointe-aux-Trembles and development of a restoration and conservation plan

Project number: IC-4507
Proponent: Comité ZIP Jacques-Cartier
Component: Study
Description: The section of the St. Lawrence River shoreline at Pointe-aux-Trembles targeted by this project is rich in biodiversity, but is currently exposed to pressures of natural and human origin, the scope and consequences of which have never been assessed. After conducting a characterization of the riparian buffer as well as wildlife and plant surveys, the Comité ZIP Jacques-Cartier will determine what is causing the degradation of the riparian environment. It will follow up with the development of a restoration and conservation plan to identify sites to be restored, vulnerable sites to be protected and sites that are suitable for recreational activities.
Amount allocated: $24,424
Project duration: 2019 to 2020

Protection and restoration of a coastal area of the Nitassinan of Pessamit

Project number: IC-4508
Proponent: First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI)
Component: Study-action
Description: The members of the Innu community of Pessamit are concerned about shoreline erosion along the St. Lawrence River, particularly since this phenomenon is intensifying because of climate change. This project will enable the FNQLSDI to support and assist the coastal community in combatting the loss of its natural environments of interest, which are places of cultural importance for the practice of traditional fishing, hunting and gathering activities. By identifying a priority site suitable for revegetation and incorporating community awareness-raising activities to promote the adoption of best practices in coastal environments, the project will help to protect natural environments that are important for wildlife and plants.
Amount allocated: $111,807
Project duration: 2019 to 2022

Restoration of biodiversity and consolidation of the banks of Mitis Bay by planting sand ryegrass and installing retaining structures

Project number: IC-4509
Proponent: Mitis River Park
Component: Restoration
Description: With this project, Mitis River Park will preserve the biodiversity of the various species of seaside plants in Mitis Bay by creating areas more favourable to their development. By planting vegetation in the areas most heavily affected by coastal erosion, this action will stabilize the banks and slow the progression of the erosion, which will help create sites conducive to colonization by plants as well as creating more favourable conditions for shorebirds. These activities will be combined with a community approach aimed at raising the awareness of and engaging a large number of area residents.
Amount allocated: $60,150
Project duration: 2019 to 2022

Voluntary conservation of the natural environments in the L’Île-d’Orléans MRC – Phase II

Project number: IC-4512
Proponent: Association forestière des deux rives (AF2R)
Component: Awareness
Description: With this project, AF2R is continuing its conservation efforts in the L’Île-d’Orléans MRC. The organization will endeavour to involve 20 new property owners in voluntary conservation of woodlands of interest, wetlands, and riparian plant and wildlife habitats. These efforts, combined with awareness-raising and information sessions aimed at property owners and local residents, will promote understanding and appreciation of the value of the island’s natural environments and encourage the adoption of best practices for protecting, conserving or restoring these environments.
Amount allocated: $68,274
Project duration: 2019 to 2021

Involving owners of riparian natural environments around Lake St. Francis in voluntary conservation

Project number: IC-4514
Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada   
Component: Awareness
Description: With this project, Nature Conservancy of Canada aims to involve 15 property owners in the voluntary conservation of their rich natural environments along the St. Lawrence River, in the Upper St. Lawrence area. These measures will help protect important plant and wildlife habitats and maintain the ecological services that they provide to the shoreline communities of the St. Lawrence River. In order to maximize the positive impacts of this project, four general public events will also be held.  
Amount allocated: $40,589
Project duration: 2019 to 2021

Planting competing native species on common reed control sites in the Lavaltrie Marsh

Project number: IC-4517
Proponent: Comité ZIP des Seigneuries
Component: Restoration
Description: With this project, the Comité ZIP des Seigneuries is seeking to protect the biodiversity of an exceptional wetland of the St. Lawrence, namely the Lavaltrie Marsh, in the Lanaudière region. The project involves planting a selection of native shrubs chosen for their ability to compete with the common reed, an invasive alien plant, and to provide habitat and food for wildlife, while maintaining a healthy biodiversity. The implementation of this project will also help raise community awareness and promote community involvement in the protection of the marsh. The project will also improve the community’s understanding of the services that the marsh provides both to wildlife and to local residents.  
Amount allocated: $57,306
Project duration: 2019 to 2022

Restoration of shrub and treed swamps along the shoreline of Île aux Castors and Île du Mitan

Project number: IC-4605
Proponent: Société de conservation, d’interprétation et de recherche de Berthier et ses îles (SCIRBI)
Component: Restoration
Description: Following the phase-out of intensive agriculture along the shoreline of Île aux Castors and Île du Mitan, in the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago, SCIRBI will create new habitats, specifically shrub and treed swamps. These habitats will benefit both the bird fauna and aquatic fauna of the St. Lawrence River. The environmental issues addressed by this project are related to the adverse impacts of annual cropping practices on these islands, which leave the ground bare in the fall, resulting in the loss of breeding habitats and modifying the quality of fish nursery areas.
Amount allocated: $48,420
Project duration: 2019 to 2020

90-Second Challenge

Project number: IC-4403
Proponent: Stratégies Saint-Laurent

Component: Awareness
Description: Every year, almost 8.8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the world’s oceans and contaminate our major rivers, including the St. Lawrence. Plastic waste and microplastics pose a major environmental challenge with impacts on biodiversity, water quality and sustainable use of the river. The 90-Second Challenge is a large-scale awareness and action campaign aimed at collectively combatting the accumulation of plastics in the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary. Citizens, academia, decision-makers and tourism companies will be encouraged to become engaged in various ways, such as taking part in shoreline cleanup activities, participating in conferences, viewing video vignettes or making use of educational materials. These opportunities will enable everyone to become actively involved in the challenge of reducing plastic waste and will increase their awareness of its impacts on the St. Lawrence.
Amount allocated: $97,213
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to March 31, 2020

Conservation of edible shoreline plant diversity in Baie de Mitis: a community and institutional engagement effort

Project number: IC-4407
Proponent: Parc de la rivière Mitis
Component: Study-action
Description: A number of the plant species that grow along the shoreline of Baie de Mitis, such as oyster plant (Mertensia maritima), glasswort (Salicornia europaea) and orache (Atriplex prostrata), are edible. Edible species are currently the victim of growing popularity among amateur foragers and culinary establishments that wish to showcase these plants in regional dishes. This project by Parc de la rivière Mitis is aimed at restoring and increasing edible plant populations in Baie de Mitis by encouraging foraging activities that are in keeping with sustainable development and resource protection principles. Project activities will include determining the status of the populations, developing action strategies to protect sites by regulating foraging, establishing planting areas to support foraging by the community and engaging in greenhouse production to increase access.
Amount allocated: $50,140
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to March 31, 2021

Plan for the conservation and restoration of the riparian buffer of the borough of Verdun on the island of Montreal

Project number: IC-4409
Proponent: Nature-Action Québec
Component: Study
Description: Located on the periphery of the Lachine Rapids eco-territory along the shore of the St. Lawrence River, Verdun’s 4.8 km vegetation buffer is an ecosystem of ecological and heritage significance. An important migratory bird corridor and critical habitat for the species of the St. Lawrence River, the green buffer is also a popular destination among residents. However, its biodiversity is threatened by invasive alien plant species and by beavers, which attack its mature trees. Trampling of vegetation, creation of informal trails and the presence of waste—all the result of the many visitors to the site—place additional pressures on the buffer’s biodiversity and cause damage to the area. A plan for the conservation and restoration of the ecological functions of the Verdun buffer will be developed to identify and prioritize future conservation actions aimed at protecting these valuable natural areas.    
Amount allocated: $25,000
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to September 30, 2019

Characterization of riparian buffers in agricultural areas on Île Bouchard

Project number: IC-4414
Proponent: Comité ZIP des Seigneuries
Component: Study
Description: Located in the municipality of Saint-Sulpice, Île Bouchard is an ecologically important area, home to many plant and wildlife species. The aquatic grass beds along its shoreline are critical to maintaining the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence River,-and several aquatic species use these shallow areas as foraging and breeding sites. Over the years, the landscape of Île Bouchard has been gradually altered. Intensive human activities (agriculture and urban development) are placing increasing pressure on water quality and the viability of significant wetlands. Given that close to 70% of the island’s area is devoted to intensive agriculture, this project proposes an action plan containing tailored solutions to biodiversity protection and enhancement in order to enable producers to ensure sustainable use of the island’s resources while reducing impacts on the environment and ecosystem of the St. Lawrence River.  
Amount allocated: $24,370
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to March 31, 2020

Raising cottager awareness of the protection of the biodiversity of the Lachine Rapids Islands

Project number: IC-4415
Proponent: Conservation de la nature Canada
Component: Awareness
Description: The Lachine Rapids Islands have been described as an ecological gem. The rich diversity of the island’s plant life, which includes 18 at-risk species, is indisputable. The islands are also home to the largest and oldest heron colony in Quebec. Given that a number of other bird species use the islands, they are recognized as a migratory bird sanctuary and nature reserve on private lands. The 84 families of cottagers on the islands, who have been there for four generations, see first hand the current pressures and threats to the islands’ ecological integrity. Pressure on the islands from the overpopulation of white-tailed deer and wildlife turkeys is exacerbated by encroachment by invasive alien plants and by the lack of understanding of the importance of vegetation buffers or behaviours that protect natural areas. The purpose of this project is to develop and deliver awareness workshops for the cottagers’ families with the objective of preserving the ecological integrity the Lachine Rapids Islands and to provide the services required to maintain the quality of the St. Lawrence River.     
Amount allocated: $74,750
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to March 31, 2021

Côtes-à-Côtes: Côte-Nord-du-Golfe

Project number: IC-4422
Proponent: Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe
Component: Awareness
Description: The Côtes-à-Côtes platform is a community of concerned citizens who have come together to protect the health of the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf by sharing observations on issues that are causing damage to shoreline habitats. This project proposes to integrate a specific module in the Côtes-à-Côtes platform for the Côte-Nord-du-Golfe that would allow the community to explore and learn about the various issues affecting the shoreline and about the fragility of the shoreline habitats of the St. Lawrence in the context of climate change. It is based on the premise that well-informed citizens are aware of the importance of coastal ecosystems and of the pressures on the integrity of these habitats. Education, awareness raising and mobilization are the means that will be taken to give the residents of Côte-Nord-du-Golfe the tools they need and to foster a discussion that could be reflected in perceptions, choices and behaviours vis-à-vis the shoreline and the protection of the St. Lawrence ecosystem.       
Amount allocated: $35,300
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to December 31, 2019

Improvement of the nesting habitat of Purple Martin, a species in decline, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River

Project number: IC-4423
Proponent: Regroupement Québec Oiseaux
Component: Study-action
Description: The Purple Martin is North America’s largest swallow. A colony nester, it feeds almost exclusively on flying insects. It prefers open habitat, particularly along the St. Lawrence River shoreline, where it finds abundant food resources. However, the species is in sharp decline, with its numbers dropping dramatically since the 1970s. Because Purple Martins readily use nest boxes designed specifically for them, it has been possible to implement conservation measures aimed at increasing Purple Martin populations in southern Montreal. An action plan will be developed to determine the most suitable sites along the river. The proponent will establish and maintain a network of multiple-roomed nest boxes. Ultimately, the establishment of this network will protect and promote the recovery of a declining species that uses the St. Lawrence River ecosystem as a feeding ground. The project will also promote community engagement by encouraging active participation of citizens, municipalities and conservation groups.             
Amount allocated: $100,680
Project duration: July 9, 2018, to March 31, 2021

Blue and green corridors – Châteauguay Valley – Phase 1

Project number: IC-4301
Proponent: Groupe Ambioterra
Category: Study
Description: The water quality of the Châteauguay River is being affected by the intensification of agricultural activities in the river’s watershed. Despite numerous initiatives aimed at improving urban wastewater treatment and the progress made in this regard, issues related to non-point source agricultural pollution and shoreline degradation remain. These conditions are having an impact on the habitat of species sensitive to disturbances. The development of an action plan will facilitate the identification of priorities for the restoration of riparian areas that provide good habitats for birds, fish and bats classified as sensitive species or species at risk. This plan will also make it possible to identify ways of reducing the foothold of invasive alien species. The implementation of this project will lay the groundwork for taking actions to protect and restore blue and green corridors in the aquatic and riparian environments of the Châteauguay River, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River.
Amount awarded: $24,500
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2019

The Tour

Project number: IC-4302
Proponent: Groupe uni des éducateurs-naturalistes et professionnels en environnement (GUEPE)
Category: Awareness-raising
Description: The Tour is an awareness-raising campaign aimed at young adults aged 20 to 35 and with the goal of educating them about the environmental issues affecting the St. Lawrence River in the Montreal area. This campaign will reach the target community through podcasts that people can listen to while hiking a trail along the St. Lawrence River or the Rivière des Prairies. Educational video clips on the issues specific to these various locations will also be produced. The proposed itinerary will encourage people to pay particular attention to invasive alien species, shoreline erosion, and the issues of access to these rivers and biodiversity, which affect the St. Lawrence River ecosystem.
Amount awarded: $18,535
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2019

Reintroduction of grazing on the Île du Moine to create habitat for farmland birds

Project number: IC-4303
Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Category: Restoration
Description: The Île du Moine, in the municipality of Sainte-Anne-de-Sorel, was historically recognized as one of the best grazing lands along the St. Lawrence River. However, the intensive agricultural activities currently being carried out on the island are having impacts on biodiversity, particularly bird populations. The objective of the project is to restore the ecosystem of the Île du Moine by implementing a collective approach to promote the adoption of good agricultural practices that will encourage the return of grazing on the island, which in turn will support an increase in the populations of farmland and insectivorous birds. In addition to the reintroduction of livestock, the activities will include a series of bird surveys, the engagement of the community in shoreline clean up projects, the installation of perches and the planting of mature trees.
Amount awarded: $49,900
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2020

Action plan aimed at controlling Japanese knotweed in the Battures-de-Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures nature reserve and involvement of the shoreline community

Project number: IC-4305
Proponent: Fondation québécoise pour la protection du patrimoine naturel (FQPPN)
Category: Study-action
Description: The Battures-de-Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures nature reserve, in the Quebec City area, is a sensitive ecosystem that is home to threatened species of flowers, such as Victorin’s gentian and Victorin’s water hemlock, which occupy a limited habitat in the littoral zone of the fluvial estuary of the St. Lawrence. However, the integrity of this habitat is threatened by the presence and expansion of colonies of Japanese knotweed, an invasive alien plant species, whose presence inhibits the growth of neighbouring plant species. The objective of the project is to develop an action plan, carry out activities to control this species in the nature reserve, and implement an annual monitoring protocol. An additional objective is to assist and promote the involvement of 12 shoreline residents living near the nature reserve in the management of this invasive alien plant species.
Amount awarded: $21,327
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to October 31, 2020

Restoration and development of coastal environments in the Magdalen Islands

Project number: IC-4306
Proponent: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Category: Restoration
Description: Located in the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Magdalen Islands archipelago is an exceptional environment that is home to numerous aquatic and terrestrial species, both plants and animals. However, the sea is eroding the coastline of the islands, a process that has accelerated in the past few years under climate change. The goal of the project is to engage and raise the awareness of the community in combating coastal erosion, while emphasizing a preventive rather than curative approach. By carrying out interventions other than riprapping, these solutions will make it possible to avoid shoreline hardening while reusing certain materials previously regarded as waste. Over the long term, the implementation of this project should help protect the rich coastal habitats of the islands, which will help maintain biodiversity and water quality, as well as the continuation of coastal uses.
Amount awarded: $49,900
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2019

Biological and geomorphological characterization study of the Portneuf-sur-Mer salt marsh

Project number: IC-4307
Proponent: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Category: Study
Description: Covering an area of nearly 40 hectares, the Portneuf-sur-Mer salt marsh as well as the various types of habitats that surround it constitute an exceptional ecosystem that has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA). The site, which is located between Tadoussac and Baie-Trinité, on Quebec’s North Shore, is considered a habitat critical to the maintenance of the overall health of the lower St. Lawrence estuary ecosystem in this region, providing food and shelter for the large number of wildlife and aquatic species that live there. Currently threatened by silting, erosion and submersion during coastal storms, exacerbated by climate change, the marsh is at risk of suffering a considerable reduction in its ecological functions and the loss of its biodiversity. The development of an action plan as part of this project will make it possible to draw up a comprehensive description of the habitat and then to propose measures to restore its biological productivity and protect it from coastal hazards, taking into account the threats related to climate change.
Amount awarded: $25,000
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to October 31, 2019

Preparatory work for wildlife habitat enhancements of streams and wetlands along the Lake Saint-Pierre shoreline

Project number: IC-4310
Proponent: Comité ZIP du lac Saint-Pierre
Category: Study
Description: The Lake Saint-Pierre region, recognized as a wetland of international importance, constitutes the largest freshwater flood plain in Quebec. More than 7,000 hectares of grassland, scrubland, forest and farmland are flooded every year. Over time, the intensification of human use of the littoral zone has caused the loss and fragmentation of important habitats for many species, owing to road, urban, suburban and agricultural development. The goal of this project is to develop a common vision for sound management of the natural habitats of the littoral zone and, specifically, to develop wildlife habitat enhancement concepts for some 50 streams and wetlands along the shoreline. These concepts will be developed on the basis of land surveys and shared with the various organizations active in the region, which will facilitate the effective planning and implementation of restoration work, while standardizing wildlife habitat enhancement methods.
Amount awarded: $25,000
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to January 31, 20200

Conservation plan for the Montour ecosystem in Trois-Rivières

Project number: IC-4314
Proponent: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives

Category: Study
Description: Located along the St. Lawrence River, west of the city of Trois-Rivières, the Montour ecosystem is characterized by a wide diversity of habitats, including marshes, swamps, wet meadows and areas of shallow water that provide favourable habitat for two aquatic species at risk, the copper redhorse and the bridle shiner. This important ecosystem is bordered from east to west by a residential development and receives significant inputs of pollutants from the intensive agricultural area in which it is located. An action plan is therefore necessary in order to protect this ecosystem. The project will involve drawing up a general description of the area, identifying the negative impacts on the habitat, delineating the priority zones requiring protection, and proposing targeted actions aimed at promoting the recovery of the species.
Amount awarded: $18,962
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2019

Implementation of agri-environmental action plans in the Lake Saint-Paul watershed – Riparian strip planting – Phase 2

Project number: IC-4315
Proponent: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Category: Restoration
Description: Lake Saint-Paul, located in Bécancour, is bordered to the north by the Léon-Provencher ecological reserve and is an ecosystem of great biodiversity. In addition to being recognized as the home of at-risk or vulnerable species, such as the bridle shiner, Lake Saint-Paul is also a preferred habitat for the yellow perch, an aquatic species of the St. Lawrence River for which a fishing moratorium is currently in place. Intensive agricultural activities in the watershed, which generate heavy inputs of nutrient-rich sediments into the lake from its tributaries, have resulted in a degradation of its water quality, leading to impacts such as the appearance of blue-green algae. Following the initiatives undertaken in project IC-3932 , which involved 22 agricultural producers in the implementation of agri-environmental action plans, the goal of this project will be to create 16 kilometres of riparian buffer strips and bring about changes in agricultural practices.
Amount awarded: $61,634
Project duration: April 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019

Restoration of agricultural streams and vegetation cover in the Bois-Blanc River watershed

Project number: IC-4316
Proponent: AGIR Maskinongé
Category: Study-action
Description: The Bois-Blanc River is a tributary of the St. Lawrence River, joining it near the Berthier Islands, just upstream of Lake Saint-Pierre. The water supplied by this river and its small tributaries contains high concentrations of nutrients and suspended matter owing to intensive agricultural practices, thereby creating local conditions of significant pollution in the St. Lawrence River. These conditions affect the biodiversity of the St. Lawrence. This project is part of the effort to implement the action plan (IC 4108 ) that has engaged the agricultural community in restoring the Lake Saint-Pierre ecosystem. The various enhancement initiatives that will be carried out under this project will make it possible to restore the natural flow of the streams, reduce erosion and retain sediments. These actions will also be combined with the adoption of different farming practices by agricultural producers, such as intercropping, which involves growing more than one crop in the same field at the same time, and including cover crops in the rotation, with the objective of reducing erosion and retaining sediments.
Amount awarded: $134,446
Project duration: April 3, 2018 to March 31, 2021

Restoration of the spit of the Saint-Omer bank

Project number: IC-4319
Proponent: Comité ZIP Gaspésie

Category: Study-action
Description: The Saint-Omer bank is considered unique in Gaspé, being the site of a beach recognized as one of the finest in Chaleur Bay. The spit of the bank is very dynamic, expanding and contracting in response to storm erosion and sediment inputs. This spit protects a lagoon, which contains a marsh of brackish water of great ecological value. However, without interventions aimed at countering coastal erosion and submersion of the bank, the salt marsh is exposed to serious consequences that could lead to its disappearance. As a result, wetlands could be degraded or destroyed, and the ecological services provided by the marsh to the species of the St. Lawrence River would be lost. The goal of this project is to preserve the integrity of the area through stabilization work, including sediment recharge and the planting of vegetation. A community awareness patrol to promote environmentally responsible practices in coastal environments is also planned during the two summer periods of the project.
Amount awarded: $92,890
Project duration: May 1, 2018 to March 31, 2021

Collective action plan for the sustainability of the Baie de Carillon

Project number: IC-4320
Proponent: Organisme de bassin versant de la rivière du Nord (Abrinord)
Category: Study
Description: Located in Saint-André-d’Argenteuil, at the confluence of the Rivière du Nord and the Ottawa River, the Baie de Carillon is recognized as a natural environment of regional importance. The bay includes a wetland complex covering 4.7 km2 that contains wildlife habitats of interest, such as spawning grounds, a migratory bird sanctuary and a waterbird concentration area. However, these important biological and ecological attributes are threatened by the degradation of the water quality of the bay owing to non point source agricultural pollution, the proliferation of cyanobacteria and the presence of invasive alien aquatic species. The development of a collective action plan for the Baie de Carillon, based on a characterization of the study area, will make it possible to address the concerns of the community, ensure sustainable use and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the site.
Amount awarded: $24,500
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to June 30, 2019

Characterization of sensitive environments and survey of clandestine dump sites in the coastal area of the La Côte-de-Gaspé RCM

Project number: IC-4321
Proponent: Comité ZIP Gaspésie
Category: Study
Description: The wetlands that comprise the coastal boundaries of the La Côte-de-Gaspé RCM constitute a natural barrier that helps reduce the risk of flooding and combat erosion, thereby protecting the shoreline. However, these wetlands are exposed to pressures from human activities, such as encroachment, waste, trampling, urbanization and industrial development. Since no characterization or survey has yet been carried out in this area, the project will consist in producing technical data sheets that will identify, for the 19 sites selected, the types of sensitive environments and wetlands and their plant composition, as well as the presence of clandestine dump sites, eelgrass beds, invasive species and special-status species. The project will highlight the main disturbances affecting these environments and will propose the necessary corrective actions to ensure the sustainability of these fragile habitats.
Amount awarded: $21,230
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2019

Habitat development for yellow perch in the Lake Saint-Paul area

Project number: IC-4324
Proponent: Groupe de concertation des bassins versants de la zone Bécancour (GROBEC)
Category: Restoration
Description: This project is in response to the decline in populations of yellow perch, a species of the St. Lawrence River for which a fishing moratorium has been in place since 2012. Following the completion in 2016 of work to characterize and model the species’ breeding habitat in the section of the St. Lawrence near Bécancour (IC 3710 ), the proponent has identified priority sites for intervention. With the objective of reversing the reduction in carrying capacity for the breeding and rearing of yellow perch, this project will make it possible to enhance the sites identified as priorities and thus restore areas of lost habitat in the littoral zone of Lake Saint-Paul, in Bécancour. The enhancements include widening and changing the slopes of agricultural ditches, creating basins and channels, and carrying out revegetation.
Amount awarded: $142,000
Project duration: April 3, 2018 to March 31, 2021

Protecting the shoreline of Baie-des-Sables through natural revegetation initiatives

Project number: IC-4326
Proponent: Groupe environnemental Uni-Vert région Matane
Category: Restoration
Description: Located across from the village of Baie-des-Sables, in the La Matanie Regional County Municipality, the target area for intervention under this project is a site of ecological interest that includes a waterbird concentration area, habitat for sea ducks and a migratory stopover for shorebirds. However, these rich shoreline environments are threatened by coastal hazards, which have been intensifying over the years because of climate change, contributing to degradation of the site and making it necessary to control coastal erosion in order to maintain biodiversity. The objective of the project is therefore to restore disturbed environments by stabilizing the banks and slopes using natural methods of revegetation that will promote restoration of the degraded areas while minimizing shoreline hardening.
Amount awarded: $39,905
Project duration: March 22, 2018, to March 31, 2020

Preserving the shoreline habitats of Nitassinan

Project number: IC-4327
Proponent: First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Sustainable Development Institute (FNQLSDI)
Category: Study-action
Description: The members of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit are concerned about shoreline erosion along the St. Lawrence River, particularly since this phenomenon is intensifying because of climate change. Through this project, the FNQLSDI will support the community in combating the loss of natural environments of interest on the reserve, which are places of cultural importance for the practice of traditional fishing, hunting and gathering activities. By identifying a priority site for restoration, using natural methods of revegetation, and incorporating community awareness-raising activities to promote the adoption of best practices in coastal environments, the project will make it possible to protect natural environments that are important for wildlife and plants. It will also promote the preservation of traditional gathering sites, used by the Innu for hundreds of years.
Amount awarded: $161,107
Project duration: April 3, 2018 to December 31, 2020

Riparian buffer intervention plan for Lake Saint-Paul Phase III

Project number: IC 4103
Organization name: Les Deux Rives ZIP Committee
Description: The goal of this project is to limit inputs of sediments and nutrients of agricultural origin to Lake Saint-Paul, in Bécancour. Lake Saint-Paul, a tributary of the St. Lawrence River, is prime yellow perch habitat. Working on the quality of this habitat is essential. The environmental issues of this project are related to water quality degradation through agricultural pollution and the previous presence of cyanobacteria. The deliverables consist of planning to establish riparian buffers and developing outreach tools for farmers. The main activities include a detailed characterization of riparian buffers, the preparation of intervention plans for farmers, and outreach aimed at farmers to encourage them to adopt soil conservation practices in fields and sign voluntary conservation agreements.
Amount awarded: $15,329
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 31-03-2018

Outreach to owners of forested swamps on the south shore of Lake Saint-Pierre for active conservation of their forests

Project number: IC 4106
Organization name: Agence forestière des Bois-Francs
Description: This project involves implementing measures to preserve the swampy forests on the south shore of Lake Saint-Pierre, particularly in the municipalities of Pierreville, Baie-du-Febvre, Saint-François-du-Lac and Nicolet-Sud. The environmental issues are related to the effects on these ecosystems of the constant encroachment of human activities on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, which contribute to wind erosion, water quality degradation and biodiversity loss. With their conservation and enhancement goals, the project’s main activities include offering field visits of private woods and preparing multi-resource management plans with a conservation option. In addition to raising awareness of the importance of preserving woods, these activities will make it possible to gather data on forest stands and to measure the extent of the lack of regeneration and biodiversity loss.
Amount awarded: $35,500
Project duration: From 29-05-2017 to 31-03-2019

Protection and improvement of rainbow smelt spawning grounds

Project number: IC 4107
Organization name: OBAKIR
Description: The goal of this project is to implement measures to protect and improve the spawning grounds of rainbow smelt, a species likely to be designated threatened or vulnerable, in four rivers in the Bas-Saint-Laurent municipalities of Rivière-Ouelle, Kamouraska, Saint-André and Rivière-du-Loup. The environmental issues are related to poor agricultural practices and various sources of pollution that degrade the aquatic habitat and the breeding sites of this species in the southern estuary of the St. Lawrence River. The deliverables consist of drafting intervention plans (one for each of the rivers in the organization's territory frequented by smelt) by consolidating and updating available information, analyzing water quality and gathering information in the field in order to prioritize and document the actions to be taken.
Amount awarded: $24,995
Project duration: From 29-05-2017 to 31-03-2018

Impact of agricultural practices in the Bois-Blanc River watershed on water quality and wildlife habitats in the St. Lawrence River: diagnosis and solutions

Project number: IC 4108
Organization name: AGIR Maskinongé
Description: This project involves implementing measures to improve the biodiversity of the Bois-Blanc River, including the littoral zone of Lake Saint-Pierre, and thus benefit the wildlife of the St. Lawrence River. The environmental issues are related to erosion and leaching in a watershed with high concentrations of nutrients from agricultural pollution. The expected deliverables consist of raising awareness among jurisdictions and farmers by developing personalized landowner booklets and drafting a three-year action plan for 2018–2021 to determine the priority actions needed to improve the water quality. The main activities include characterizing watercourses, making an inventory of riparian buffers and wildlife habitats, and developing an action plan and disseminating it among farmers and community stakeholders.
Amount awarded: $24,901
Project duration: From 03-04-2017 to 31-03-2018

Odanak yellow perch project: restoration of a marsh

Project number: IC 4110
Organization name: Council of the Abenakis of Odanak
Description: This project involves restoring a site to improve the movement of fish between a branch of the Saint-François River (Tardif Channel) and a marsh in the Odanak community. The environmental issues are related to the degradation of a historical spawning, nursery and grow-out area for yellow perch. The status of yellow perch in Lake Saint-Pierre is known and there has been a complete ban on fishing this population since 2012. Its decline is largely attributable to the degradation of its spawning grounds and grow-out area. The stream flowing between the marsh and the Tardif Channel has a fish ladder sitting above the river bed and a pronounced slope that increases current speed, which limits fish movement. The project will get members of the community involved in a wildlife project while improving the movement of fish through the stabilization and revegetation of the site.
Amount awarded: $39,126
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 31-03-2020 0

Japanese knotweed: restoration and good practices education

Project number: IC 4118
Organization name: Des Seigneuries ZIP Committee
Description: This project involves protecting the ecological richness of the St. Lawrence shoreline in urban and periurban areas of Montreal against the spread of Japanese knotweed. The environmental issues are related to the harmful effects on biodiversity as a result of the spread of this alien plant. The deliverables consist of restoring and protecting four riparian habitats invaded by Japanese knotweed in order to contribute to sustainable uses of the St. Lawrence. The main activities consist of performing restoration activities, initiating stakeholders to managing the plant and good shoreline management practices, and raising awareness in the community. The activities planned in the course of this project are inspired by project IC 3208, which was funded in 2012–2013 and carried out by the Jacques-Cartier ZIP Committee.
Amount awarded: $90,501
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 31-03-2020

Restoration of the riparian buffer of the Pointe-Sud on Nuns’ Island: developments for a healthy habitat

Project number: IC 4123
Organization name: Nature-Action Québec
Description: This project involves protecting the ecological richness of the riparian buffer on the Pointe-Sud of Nuns’ Island, an integral part of the St. Lawrence ecosystem in the Montreal area. The environmental issues are related to the limited diversity of vegetation and the invasion of riparian buffers by invasive alien species (IAS) that threaten the sustainability of the forest cover and wildlife habitats. The deliverables of this project consist of restoring and protecting the wooded area the most in need of action through community outreach and activities to eliminate IAS such as the common reed, Japanese knotweed and black locust. Another goal of the project is to revegetate the area by planting trees, shrubs and seedlings, and revitalize it by creating specific habitats for grass snakes and pollinators.
Amount awarded: $187,184
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 31-03-2020

À St-Ulric, le littoral, nous y tenons avec le génie végétal [Restoring the shoreline in St-Ulric with the help of bioengineering]

Project number: IC 4127
Organization name: Groupe environnemental Uni-Vert région Matane
Description: This restoration project involves restoring portions of the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River east of the village of Saint-Ulric, in the regional county municipality of Matane. The environmental issues are related to significant loss of land caused by erosion and the siltation of zones adjacent to waterbird concentration areas and capelin spawning sites. The deliverables consist of restoring degraded environments by stabilizing and protecting the shoreline using bioengineering techniques and planting a large number of native plants. The project will also raise awareness among shoreline residents of plant-based stabilization methods, and enlist the participation of some residents in certain activities.
Amount awarded: $63,390
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 30-03-2019

Changing the behaviour of boaters on the St. Lawrence River and reducing the environmental impact

Project number: IC 4128
Organization name: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Description: This project aims to change the behaviour of boaters to protect the plants and animal life on the nine islands in the St. Lawrence River situated near the Island of Montreal. The results of this project will support biodiversity conservation and address concerns related to the human activities putting pressure on the 230 hectares of habitat on these islands, including soil compaction, destruction of aquatic grass beds and declines in wildlife populations in the St. Lawrence ecosystem. The main activities include meetings with community stakeholders, the production of an awareness-raising leaflet, the installation of awareness-raising signs and the creation of two outreach officer positions to change the behaviour of boaters and develop a sense of belonging and pride in local communities with respect to the biodiversity of these natural habitats.
Amount awarded: $88,095
Project duration: From 01-04-2017 to 30-03-2020

2016 Odanak yellow perch project - Plans, specifications and authorizations for second wildlife development

Projectnumber : IC-3901
Organization name : Conseil des Abénakis d’Odanak
Description : This project will carry out the preliminary steps for the restoration of a site with the aim of improving fish movement between the mouth of the Saint-François River and a marsh belonging to the Odanak community. The project addresses environmental issues relating to the degradation of a historical spawning, nursery and grow-out area for yellow perch. The deliverables consist of work specifications and the authorizations required to restore the site. The main activities include assessing the feasibility of the work by taking water and land elevation measurements, establishing a monitoring program and preparing development plans.
Amount granted : 4 525 $
Project duration: 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Inventory and characterization of current and potential access points to the St. Lawrence River in the river corridor within the RCMs of Charlevoix and Charlevoix-Est

Projectnumber : IC-3902
Organization name : Zone d'intervention prioritaire (ZIP) Saguenay-Charlevoix
Description : By this project, the organization will prepare a portrait of environmental issues, as well as concrete action plans, related to current and potential access points to the St. Lawrence River in the upper estuary, corresponding to the territories of the regional county municipalities of Charlevoix and Charlevoix-Est. The main activities include carrying out a characterization study to identify the various uses, the related environmental issues and adverse effects, as well as proposing remedial actions with the aim of protecting habitats and species associated with the St. Lawrence and limiting conflicts between uses.  
Amount granted  : 18 745 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-01-2017

Characterization of sensitive environments and inventory of clandestine dump sites within the coastal sector of the RCM of Haute-Gaspésie

Projectnumber : IC-3906
Organization name : Comité ZIP Gaspésie
Description : This project aims to ensure the protection of sensitive coastal environments in the Gulf of St. Lawrence within the area delimited by the territorial boundaries of the regional county municipality of Haute-Gaspésie. The project addresses environmental issues related to erosion in the northern part of the Gaspé Peninsula and to the presence of sites with significant ecological potential that are under threat. The deliverables include preparing technical fact sheets on 21 selected sites that identify the various sensitive and wetland environments and their plant species composition, clandestine dumps, eelgrass beds and special-status or invasive species, as well as the main environmental disturbances.
Amount granted  : 15 521 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-01-2017

Outreach and characterization of the Vincelotte River with a view to restoration activities 

Description : This project aims to protect the Méandre nature reserve, which is located at the mouth of the Vincelotte River (a tributary on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River) in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. The project focuses on issues related to erosion and leaching in a watershed with high concentrations of nutrients from agricultural pollution. The deliverables consist of an intervention plan setting out priority actions for improving water quality, and outreach aimed at agricultural producers. The main activities include characterizing a 9-kilometre stretch of shoreline in order to describe land use, habitat composition, the extent of degradation and riparian buffers. Planned activities also include the distribution of outreach booklets and the signature of voluntary conservation agreements.
Amount granted  : 17 725 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Biophysical characterization and restoration of high bulrush marsh sites in Montmagny 

Projectnumber : IC-3918
Organization name : Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l'Estuaire
Description : This project aims to restore priority sites with high bulrush marsh in the Montmagny region. The project tackles issues relating to coastal erosion and to pressure from human activities that pose a threat to the biodiversity of the intertidal marshes in the area. The deliverables include a geomorphological and environmental portrait of the various habitats, restoration of a 0.1-hectare area of degraded habitat, and activities to raise shoreline residents’ awareness of vulnerable coastal habitats and green stabilization techniques. The main activities include characterizing the biophysical environment, hydrology and sediments and avifauna of the targeted sites, restoring the sites using bioengineering techniques, and planting 15,000 native plants. Talks on environmental topics are also planned to ensure knowledge transfer and capacity building.
Amount granted  : 175 110 $
Project duration : 28-06-2016 to 31-12-2018

Feasibility study for the installation of fishways and assessment of the spatial distribution and habitat of American eel in the watersheds of the Ha! Ha! and Petit Saguenay Rivers 

Projectnumber : IC-3919
Organization name : Conseil de la nation huronne-wendat 
Description : This project aims to assess the spatial distribution of American eel and carry out a feasibility study on the installation of fishways in the watersheds of the Ha! Ha! and Petit Saguenay Rivers. The American eel, which was assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, has suffered a population decline of 97% relative to the 1980s, mainly due to the loss of habitat connectivity caused by obstacles to the species’ migration. The deliverables include an assessment of American eel habitat in the targeted area, along with a feasibility study for the installation of fishways. The main activities include carrying out an inventory of the abundance, distribution and quality of habitat for this species, as well as assessing the passability of culverts in problem areas. The project also involves encouraging members of the Huron-Wendat Nation and residents of the Saguenay region to act as stewards for the recovery of the American eel.
Amount granted  : 24 450 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Feasibility study for the installation of two fishways in the Portneuf watershed and assessment of the spatial distribution and habitat of American eel in the watersheds of the Portneuf and Jacques-Cartier Rivers 

Projectnumber : IC-3921
Organization name : Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat 
Description : This project aims to assess the spatial distribution of American eel in the watersheds of the Portneuf and Jacques-Cartier Rivers and to carry out a feasibility study for the installation of two fishways in the Porfneuf River watershed. The American eel, which was assessed as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, has suffered a population decline of 97% relative to the 1980s, mainly due to the loss of habitat connectivity caused by obstacles to the species’ migration. The deliverables consist of an assessment of American eel habitat in the targeted area, and a feasibility study for the installation of two fishways. The main activities include carrying out an inventory of the abundance, distribution and quality of habitat for this species, as well as inventorying and assessing the passability of culverts. The project also involves encouraging members of the Huron-Wendat Nation and residents of the Porfneuf region to act as stewards for American eel protection by keeping them informed about the progress made in the study.
Amount granted  : 24 433 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Acquisition of knowledge on the islands in the St. Lawrence River 

Projectnumber : IC-3924
Organization name : La Société canadienne pour la conservation de la nature
Description : This project aims to establish an action and development plan with respect to uses and the flora and fauna, a planning phase to potential restoration activities on the islands in the St. Lawrence that belong to Nature Conservancy of Canada. The deliverables consist of biodiversity conservation actions and approaches for addressing issues related to the pressure exerted on the 230 hectares of habitat on the islands, including soil compaction, destruction of aquatic grass beds, and declines in wildlife populations. The main activities include carrying out surveys of flora and fauna as well as aquatic surveys in order to identify sensitive areas, characterize anthropogenic uses on the islands, and establish an action and development plan. Project outreach will include fostering a sense of ownership and pride among local communities in relation to natural environments.
Amount granted  : 25 000 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Protecting the shoreline in Les Méchins using bioengineering

Projectnumber : IC-3929
Organization name : Groupe environnemental Uni-vert Région Matane
Description : This project aims to restore portions of the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River near Anse-des-Méchins and Anse-des-petits-Méchins in the regional county municipality of Matane. The project tackles issues related to significant erosion losses and siltation in zones adjacent to waterbird concentration areas and capelin spawning sites. The expected result is the restoration of a 0.53-hectare area of degraded habitat. The main activities include carrying out shoreline stabilization and protection using bioengineering techniques and planting more than 13,000 native plants. The project will also raise awareness among shoreline residents about plant-based stabilization methods, and enlist the participation of some residents in certain activities.
Amount granted  : 50 477 $
Project duration : 10-06-2016 to 30-11-2017

Protection and restoration of the Pointe-à-Boisvert marsh and the Pointe à Émile spit in the Longue Rive area 

Projectnumber : IC-3930
Organization name : Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l'estuaire 
Description : This project aims to restore and protect the Pointe-à-Boisvert marsh and the Pointe à Émile spit in the Longue Rive area, within the regional county municipality of Haute-Côte-Nord. The project addresses issues related to the impacts of erosion and submergence, which are amplified by anthropogenic uses that threaten the integrity of the marsh. The deliverables consist of the protection and restoration of a 0.1-hectare area of degraded habitat. The main activities include planting 2,150 plants to stabilize slopes and restrict access, implementing awareness activities with schools and citizens as well as installing panels in order to raise public awareness on the importance of these wetlands.
Amount granted  : 38 019 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-12-2018

Riparian buffer intervention plan for Lake Saint-Paul phase II  

Projectnumber : IC-3932
Organization name : Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description : This project aims to implement measures to limit inputs of sediments and nutrients of agricultural origin to Lake Saint-Paul in the Bécancour area. The project addresses water quality degradation issues represented by the presence of cyanobacteria and agricultural pollution. The deliverables consist of planning to establish riparian buffer strips and outreach activities aimed at farmers. The main activities include a detailed characterization of riparian buffers, the preparation of intervention plans for farmers, and outreach aimed at 50 farmers to encourage the adoption of soil conservation practices in fields and the signature of voluntary conservation agreements.
Amount granted  : 21 758 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-03-2017

Wildlife habitat developments in the Saint-Éloi marsh

Projectnumber : IC-3933
Organization name : Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives 
Description : This project aims to take steps to protect wildlife habitats in the Saint-Éloi marsh which is located near the St. Lawrence River in the Eastern Townships (Estrie). At present, 73% of the watershed is agricultural, some cultivated areas are located in a zone with a flood recurrence interval of 0 to 2 years and the riparian buffers are inadequate. The deliverables consist of restoration measures that will ensure increased retention of sediments and nutrients, water quality improvements and habitat conservation. The main activities include interventions with 4 agricultural landowners who have already signed perpetual conservation easements, in order to implement riparian buffers extending over nearly 5 kilometres and revegetate 4.5 hectares of crop retirement zones. These measures involve planting a total of 7,900 native plants.
Amount granted  : 47 034 $
Project duration : 01-06-2016 to 31-07-2017

Characterization and surveying of the segment of the river located within the Charlevoix RCM

Project number: IC-3701
Organization name: Saguenay ZIP Committee
Description: This project consists of characterizing wetlands and surveying illegal dumps along the segment of the St. Lawrence River that lies within the boundaries of the regional county municipality (RCM) of Charlevoix. Characterization will make it possible to identify and describe the environmental issues and their adverse effects on wetlands in each of the selected sectors and to propose corrective actions that would ensure the continued viability of these wetlands. The information gathered will include the area occupied by the wetland, the type of aquatic grass bed, and special-status plants. Special attention will be paid to surveying and characterizing illegal dumps. The information will be compiled in technical fact sheets that will form the basis for an action plan in this sector.
Amount granted: $16,039
Project duration: 2015-03-12 to 2016-03-31

Voluntary conservation of riparian ecosystems in the Saint-Germain River watershed

Project number: IC-3702
Organization name: Conseil régional de l'environnement du Centre-du-Québec
Description: The purpose of this project is to facilitate voluntary conservation of riparian ecosystems in the Saint-Germain River watershed through engagement with private landowners. The watershed of the Saint-Germain River, a tributary of the Saint-François River watershed, is a significant source of nonpoint pollution in Lake Saint-Pierre.
The project will involve characterizing the riverbanks to identify the issues in this sector and recommending actions for improving and ensuring water quality. These recommendations will be compiled in a personalized workbook that will be given to each private landowner. Meetings will then be held with each landowner to promote their involvement in the protection efforts.
Amount granted: $31,500
Project duration: 2015-03-12 to 2016-03-31

Action plan on riparian buffers for Lake Saint-Paul – phase I

Project number: IC-3703
Organization name: Les Deux Rives ZIP Committee
Description: The purpose of this project is to limit inputs of sediments and nutrients of agricultural origin to Lake Saint-Paul by providing awareness and support to the agricultural producers involved. The project will involve creating riparian buffers at strategic locations, encouraging the producers to adopt soil conservation practices, delineating and selecting the riparian strips to be conserved, and asking the producers to sign voluntary conservation agreements.
Amount granted: $24,500
Project duration: 2015-03-12 to 2016-03-31

Protection of salmon through community management

Project number: IC-3704
Organization name: Conseil des Montagnais de Natashquan
Description: The project involves ensuring the sustainability of the Atlantic salmon population in the Natashquan River. The Quebec Western North Shore population of Atlantic salmon has been assessed as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The project includes the development of an Innu code of practice for salmon fishing. Among other things, there is a desire to promote angling rather than gillnetting to reduce pressure on the fishery. In addition, an overview of Aboriginal traditional knowledge of salmon fishing will be developed and the community’s concerns will be identified. The project will thus enable the Innu community of Nutashkuan to contribute to protecting the resource and its associated uses.
Amount granted: $74,000
Project duration: 2015-04-01 to 2018-03-31

Feasibility study on the installation of an eel ladder and assessment of the abundance, distribution and quality of eel habitat in the St. Charles River

Project number: IC-3707
Organization name: Huron-Wendat Nation Council
Description: The objective of the project is to contribute to the recovery of the American eel in the St. Charles River in Quebec City. The species has been assessed as Threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Suitable eel habitat will be assessed by means of a survey of habitat abundance, distribution and quality. The feasibility of installing an eel ladder at the Joseph Samson dam, near the mouth of the St. Charles River, will also be studied. The project will advance the knowledge of the ecology of this species, which was once a major food source for the Huron-Wendat Nation.
Amount granted: $23,885
Project duration: 2015-04-01 to 2016-03-31

Yellow perch habitat characterization and development in the St. Lawrence River at Bécancour

Project number: IC-3710
Organization name: Groupe de concertation des bassins versants de la zone Bécancour (GROBEC)
Description: The first step of the project will be to identify high-quality yellow perch spawning habitat on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in the Bécancour sector. There has been a moratorium on yellow perch fishing in that sector since 2012. The sites will then be restored to improve quality and access. A total of 1.7 hectares of spawning grounds will be restored or created.
Amount granted: $190,000
Project duration: 2015-05-01 to 2017-03-31

Protecting the shoreline around our villages

Project number: IC-3713
Organization name: Environmental group Uni-Vert in Matane
Description: In the Matane region, a number of waterfowl gathering areas and capelin spawning grounds are threatened by fine sediment silting due to shoreline erosion. The objective of this project is to develop an action plan to restore these shoreline habitats. Shoreline erosion sites will be identified and characterized over a distance of 20 km and an action plan will then be prepared to stabilize and restore the shoreline using revegetation or bioengineering techniques.
Amount granted: $24,250
Project duration: 2015-06-15 to 2016-12-16

Surveys of stinkpot turtle, identification of habitats and threats to the species in Lake Saint-François (Montérégie)

Project number: IC-3715
Organization name: Saint-Lawrence Valley Natural History Society
Description: Following the recent discovery of a population of stinkpot turtles in Lake Saint-François, the project seeks to improve knowledge of this population and to develop an action plan. The targeted sector includes the banks, wetlands and tributaries of the St. Lawrence River between the Akwesasne Territory and Saint-Anicet. The necessary actions for improving the habitat of this population and reducing the threats that it is facing in order to contribute to its recovery will be identified.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2015-03-12 to 2016-03-31

Protecting the shoreline in Sainte-Félicité through bioengineering

Project number: IC-3717
Organization name: Environmental group Uni-Vert in Matane
Description: The purpose of the project is to stabilize sections of the St. Lawrence River shoreline exposed to erosion in the Sainte-Félicité sector, east of Matane, through the use of bioengineering techniques. The project includes the planting of 8,000 native plants over approximately 1 km of shoreline having high environmental value due to its location adjacent to waterfowl gathering areas and capelin spawning grounds.
Amount granted: $58,104
Project duration: 2015-04-28 to 2016-10-28

Controlling invasive plants in the Saint-Vallier Important Bird Area (IBA)

Project number: IC-3419
Organization name: Nature Québec
Description: The purpose of the project is to reduce the spread of Invasive alien plant species (IAS) in Important bird areas (IBAs), starting with the Saint-Vallier IBA. IBAs play a vital role in maintaining bird populations. The quality of the habitat in IBAs is the determining factor that enables them to provide birds with the resources they need to fulfill their vital functions. The presence of IAS is degrading the quality of sites in the Chaudière-Appalaches region, including the Saint-Vallier IBA. Nature Québec hopes to reduce the introduction of IAS by developing expertise in identifying and surveying IAS through the creation of information and management tools and stakeholder outreach on this issue. This pilot project could be adapted and exported to other IBAs.
Amount granted: $75,000
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2016-02-28

2014-2017 Odanak yellow perch project

Project number: IC-3501
Organization name: Abenakis Band Council of Odanak
Description: The purpose of the project is to improve the free movement of yellow perch to a spawning ground by building an innovative wildlife channel. A channel 75 metres long will be built between the Saint-François River and the first La Commune marsh in Odanak. It will include meanders and 40 small pools and riffles and will be stabilized with natural stones and plants. The project also includes educating community members on the instability of the local yellow perch population, and encouraging the community to participate in this initiative 
Amount granted: $33,475
Project duration: 2014-04-01 to 2017-03-31

Characterization and survey of the river segment within the boundaries of the Charlevoix-Est regional county municipality (RCM)

Project number: IC-3505
Organization name: Comité ZIP Saguenay
Description: The purpose of the project is to characterize about 10 sites in the Charlevoix-Est RCM that are located along the St. Lawrence. This fluvial section contains riparian environments that are more fragile and are subject to human pressure of unknown magnitude. In the characterization, the environmental issues observed will be documented, their consequences will be assessed, and solutions will be proposed to ensure the sustainability of the habitats. The wetlands that are visited will also be characterized in terms of surface area, type of grass bed, and presence of rare species. Special attention will be paid to identifying and characterizing illegal dumps. The information will be compiled in the form of technical fact sheets that will provide the basis for an action plan for the sector.
Amount granted: $13,647
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2014-11-03

Plan for the conservation and restoration of riparian buffers in Pointe-Sud on Nuns' Island

Project number: IC-3508
Organization name: Nature-Action Québec
Description: The purpose of the project is to describe the status of biodiversity along 15 ha of the shoreline of Pointe-Sud of the island in order to plan the conservation and rehabilitation activities that are considered necessary. The population of Nuns' Island has been growing rapidly (40%) for the past 10 years. The resulting pressure on housing is a threat for the island's natural areas, which are already fragile and fragmented. Plant and animal wildlife studies will be carried out to develop a profile of the riparian buffer ecosystem. Issues such as the presence of IAS and tree removal will be documented. The possibility of creating a natural reserve on privately owned land will also be assessed.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2015-02-28

Voluntary conservation of wetlands at the mouth of the Rivière aux Orignaux and Rivière aux Glaises – Phase II

Project number: IC-3510
Organization name: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: The purpose of this project is to promote voluntary conservation of wetlands at the mouth of the Rivière aux Orignaux and Rivière aux Glaises, in the Mauricie region. The site targeted in this project is a complex of fragile wetlands that offers excellent biodiversity potential. However, it is subject to a variety of human pressures, such as ATV use, that may threaten its integrity. The project seeks to educate the shoreline property owners of the importance of preserving it. A property owner's manual will be developed for each property. It will contain a description of the characteristics specific to the site and recommended management approaches and actions for improving the conservation of the site. One-on-one meetings will then be held to with the 28 shoreline property owners to give them the manual and discuss the possibility of signing a voluntary conservation agreement.
Amount granted: $11,010
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2014-12-31

Biophysical characterization of Anse-du-Portage and restoration of vulnerable shoreline habitat

Project number: IC-3512
Organization name: Commité ZIP Sud-de-l'Estuaire
Description: This project is aimed at restoring the shoreline of a site used for recreation and tourism in Anse-du-Portage. The first component involves characterizing the targeted zone, which contains a number of habitats. Recommendations that will be provided will highlight green protection techniques supported by the guide to best practices for restoring and developing the Lower St. Lawrence shoreline published by the Sud-de-l’Estuaire ZIP Committee (Project IC-3006). The second component will consist of restoring the environment to protect and conserve the beach and marsh. It will limit coastal erosion, particularly by planting the degraded portions of the beach and marsh. In the last component, the work done will be presented to the general public in summer discussion sessions. The role of beach users will also be addressed, and they will be encouraged to adopt habits that are compatible with the restoration of the site.
Amount granted: $67,000
Project duration: 2014-05-01 to 2016-12-31

Conservation of birds on agricultural and natural grassland on the shores of the St. Lawrence

Project number: IC-3515
Organization name: Société de conservation, d'interprétation et de recherche de Berthier et ses îles (SCIRBI)
Description: The project consists of educating and coaching agricultural producers in the Lake Saint-Pierre archipelago and Lanaudière region on the adoption of agricultural practices that promote the survival of grassland birds. The project will make it possible to raise producers' awareness of species at risk nesting on their property, identify measures for reducing accidental bird deaths caused by agricultural operations, and help producers adopt these measures on a voluntary basis.
Amount granted: $62,000
Project duration: 2014-04-01 to 2016-09-30

Notre littoral, nous y tenons (We care about our shoreline)

Project number: IC-3517
Organization name:Groupe environnemental Uni-Vert région Matane
Description: The purpose of this project is to improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem and protect biodiversity by restoring coastal habitat in the Petit-Matane sector. It will involve carrying out various activities to control erosion and protect environmentally significant areas. Landscape engineering techniques will mainly be used to stabilize and protect the banks. A study conducted in 2012 already identified sites in the Petit-Matane sector where action should be taken.
Amount granted: $43,000
Project duration: 2014-04-01 to 2016-03-31

Project to raise awareness of best soil conservation practices and develop demonstration sites

Project number: IC-3518
Organization name: Club Argenteuil Agro-environnemental
Description: The purpose of the project is to reduce agricultural nonpoint source pollution in the Saint-André River watershed by educating agricultural businesses on soil and water conservation practices they should adopt. The targeted watershed contains habitat of fish species dependent on the St. Lawrence that are threatened or likely to be designated as threatened. The project includes the development of demonstration sites and one-on-one coaching for producers seeking to adopt soil and water conservation practices.
Amount granted: $36,740
Project duration: 2014-06-01 to 2015-12-31

Improving fish access to the Saint-Jacques River floodplain

Project number: IC-3602
Organization name: Accès Fleuve / Comité Zone d'Intervention Prioritaire (ZIP) Ville-Marie
Description: This project consists of improving fish access to the Saint-Jacques River floodplain in Brossard by digging a channel to connect two drainage ditches leading to an available spawning habitat. The creation of this new 2-ha spawning ground will help improve the St. Lawrence ecosystem, of which the Saint-Jacques River is a tributary. Furthermore, sport fishers will have access to the new environment that will be created.
Amount granted: $92,892
Project duration: 2014-01-01 to 2016-12-31

Agri-environmental action plan for the conservation of the wetlands of Valdor Island

Project number: IC-3606
Organization name: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: This project consists of improving wetland conservation on Valdor Island by tackling issues of agricultural origin. Valdor Island is one of the rare wetland complexes along the St. Lawrence in the Les Chenaux RCM. It provides critical wildlife habitat for a number of fish and bird species. With this project, the ZIP committee Les Deux Rives would like to continue its conservation work through the development of customized agri-environmental action plans.
Amount granted: $22,308
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2016-02-15

Clearing the logjam in the Saint-Jean River

Project number: IC-3607
Organization name: Société de gestion des rivières de Gaspé
Description: The purpose of this project is to clear a logjam that has been building up for years in the Saint-Jean River estuary adversely affecting aquatic fauna. The volume of accumulated wood is growing year by year, and monitoring of Atlantic salmon downstream migration indicates that fish are not surviving the crossing of the logjam. The purpose of this project is also to complete the clean-up of the channels. A survey of the salmon population will also be conducted.
Amount granted: $150,000
Project duration: 2014-06-03 to 2016-03-31

Voluntary conservation of significant riparian natural environments in the Orleans Island RCM

Project number: IC-3611
Organization name: Association forestière des deux rives (AF2R)
Description: The project involves voluntary conservation of significant riparian forest patches, wetlands, and animal and plant habitat on the north shore of Orleans Island. To counteract the disappearance and degradation of these natural riparian environments, outreach activities for property owners and local residents will be organized. The activities will educate the local population on the value of the natural environments present on their land and on best practices to adopt in order to protect, conserve or restore these environments. Information sessions, evening outreach events and site visits with specialists will be organized. The signing of voluntary conservation agreements is anticipated.
Amount granted: $100,000
Project duration: 2015-03-01 to 2018-02-28

The coastline of yesterday, today and tomorrow

Project number: IC-3612
Organization name: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Description: This project involves educating local residents and tourists on environmental issues affecting the Magdalen Islands. The amateur play that will be created will promote significant individual and collective involvement. Its purpose is to provoke behavioural changes in order to ensure the sustainability of the uses and ecosystems of the Magdalen Islands. A survey will measure changes during the months following the performances.
Amount granted: $59,257
Project duration: 2014-09-01 to 2015-10-15

Improving access to yellow perch spawning grounds in Lake Saint-Pierre and its tributaries

Project number: IC-3616
Organization name: Conseil de gouvernance de l'eau des bassins versants de la rivière Saint-François (COGESAF)
Description: The project involves a complete characterization of the potential of the last section of the Saint-François River, which falls within the community wildlife area of Lake Saint-Pierre, as spawning grounds for yellow perch. This process will lead to the development of an action plan and later to a series of landscape developments. This project has broad local support and rounds out other initiatives aimed at rebuilding the Lake Saint-Pierre yellow perch population, which is currently showing signs of collapse.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2014-08-07 to 2015-08-31

Restoration of the landfill in Cap Blanc (Anticosti) - Phase I - Feasibility study

Project number: IC-3617
Organization name:Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe
Description: This project involves a feasibility study in relation to an abandoned landfill with no owner, located on the banks of Anticosti Island near Port-Meunier. Erosion is causing waste from the landfill to fall directly into the St. Lawrence. The study will make it possible to develop and assess the feasibility of solutions for stabilizing the banks in the future, restoring the riparian buffer, cleaning up the beach, and removing waste from the slope and riparian buffer.
Amount granted: $17,731
Project duration: 2014-08-11 to 2015-03-31

Enhancing the area and raising awareness among users of the Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Project number: IC-3103
Organization name: Éco-Nature
Description: The purpose of this project is to balance conservation with enhancement of the Rivière des Mille Îles' natural environments by reducing the negative impact of users on the wetlands. To achieve this, Éco-Nature will develop a code of ethics for users of the Rivière des Mille Îles, develop sites to promote the natural environments' accessibility, reduce the impact of boating activities on these environments, and build awareness among users and involve them in the project.
Amount granted: $82,684
Project duration: 2012-07-25 to 2015-03-31

Restoration and enhancement of Anse Saint-Étienne

Project number: IC-3301
Organization name: Comité ZIP Saguenay
Description: The objective of the project is to protect the tidal flats of Anse Saint-Étienne, a significant wetland in Petit-Saguenay on the south shore of the Saguenay River. Minor infrastructure will be built to limit access to the sensitive areas. The project will also include planting 500 shrubs to control erosion in the sensitive areas, as well as installing educational signs to raise users’ awareness of the sensitivity of this shoreline ecosystem and behaviours they should adopt to protect it.
Amount granted: $32,830
Project duration: 2013-04-15 to 2014-06-01

Biophysical and environmental characterization of habitats in Anse des Rioux

Project number: IC-3304
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to complete a biological, geomorphological and physico-chemical characterization of the site of Anse des Rioux in order to make recommendations with regard to restoration.
Amount granted: $23,030
Project duration: 2013-04-11 to 2013-12-31

Blue and green corridors in the Rivière aux Anglais watershed

Project number: IC-3306
Organization name: Ambioterra
Description: The objective of the project is to examine the possibility of protecting riparian buffers along the Rivière aux Anglais and improving their quality in order to reduce the impact of agricultural nonpoint source pollution and restore wildlife habitat. The project will involve delineating and characterizing priority areas, recruiting 10 property owners interested in conducting a detailed diagnostic, and providing each owner with a manual setting out a riparian buffer management plan that is based on landscape engineering and agri-environmental practices.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2013-04-11 to 2014-03-31   

Targeted action to control the establishment and spread of the vase tunicate, an invasive tunicate species, in the Magdalen Islands

Project number: IC-3308
Organization name: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Description: The objective of the project is to control the introduction of a new invasive alien species into a section of the Cap-aux-Meules fishing harbour by removing the floating docks, cleaning them and applying an anti-fouling paint. The project will also involve controlling tunicate establishment and spread.
Amount granted: $102,655
Project duration: 2013-06-05 to 2015-02-28 

Conservation plan for the Northern Map Turtle in the Lac des Deux Montagnes area

Project number: IC-3311
Organization name: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Description: The project's objective is to create a conservation plan for the Northern Map Turtle in the Lac des Deux Montagnes area. The plan aims to identify land-use and protection measures for the species' primary habitats, as well as make recommendations to mitigate the impact of threats to the population. The project also includes implementation of part of the plan following the successful completion of certain priority actions on the target area.
Amount granted: $65,000
Project duration: 2013-04-01 to 2016-03-31

Improving knowledge on the yellow rail, a threatened species in Quebec – characterization and protection of wetlands on the north shore of the estuary that may contain yellow rail

Project number: IC-3314
Organization name: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to prepare a yellow rail management plan for the north shore. The study activities to be conducted will include acoustic and visual surveys and descriptions of the habitats used. A report will be produced, describing the protective measures to be implemented, useful developments and the planned restoration.
Amount granted: $24,010
Project duration: 2013-04-16 to 2014-03-31 

Characterization of tributary watercourses of Lac Saint-Pierre in order to carry out restoration activities

Project number: IC-3403
Organization name: Comité ZIP du lac Saint-Pierre
Description: Organic and chemical substances, as well as garbage left on the shorelines of small tributaries, end up in Lac Saint-Pierre's aquatic ecosystem as a result of erosion and run-off. The project's objectives are to identify degrading factors and their possible causes, evaluate the impact of these problems on the environment and the limits they impose on users, and target priority sites and intervene to correct some of the damage. Approximately 50 tributaries of Lac Saint-Pierre will be characterized and four watercourses will be restored.
Amount granted: $200,000
Project duration: 2013-09-19 to 2016-03-31

Experimental restoration of an eelgrass bed in Baie de Mitis

Project number: IC-3404
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l'Estuaire
Description: The project involves testing eelgrass transplantation techniques for the purposes of evaluating the potential effectiveness of these methods for a larger-scale restoration of the Baie de Mitis eelgrass bed over the next few years. Results of the tests conducted will be published on cotesacotes.org and the Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l'Estuaire's website.
Amount granted: $58,262
Project duration: 2013-09-19 to 2015-12-31

Education campaign: STOP the release of exotic life forms into the St. Lawrence

Project number: IC-3405
Organization name: Conseil québécois des espèces exotiques envahissantes
Description: The purpose of this project is to protect the St. Lawrence's biodiversity by limiting the introduction of exotic live species into the St. Lawrence and its watershed. To achieve this, an education campaign will be designed and disseminated. It will focus on three major vectors for introduction: people with aquariums, schools and non-native communities.
Amount granted: $98,400
Project duration: 2013-09-19 to 2015-05-30

Habitat conservation of Lac Saint-Pierre Yellow Perch by reducing sediment and nutrient inputs in the Rivière Maskinongé

Project number: IC-3406
Organization name: AGIR Maskinongé
Description: The project's overall objective is to contribute to the recovery of Lac Saint-Pierre Yellow Perch by reducing agricultural sediment and nutrient inputs from the downstream portion of the Rivière Maskinongé watershed. More specifically, the project will involve stabilization and revegetation work over a 12-kilometre priority section of riparian area along the Rivière Ormière, at the mouth of the Rivière Maskinongé.
Amount granted: $179,000
Project duration: 2013-09-18 to 2015-12-31

Delineation and improvement of riparian areas in the Ruisseau des Salines watershed

Project number: IC-3407
Organization name: Comité de bassin versant du ruisseau des Salines
Description: The project's objective is to raise public awareness about preserving and restoring riparian areas in the Ruisseau des Salines watershed. This watershed's watercourses are characterized by significant agricultural activity and contain strong nutrient and sediment concentrations harmful to the quality of aquatic habitat. The banks of the Ruisseau des Salines and its tributaries will be characterized to delineate the riparian area and identify the sources of degradation. The information collected will then be presented to shoreline property owners in the form of an intervention plan to encourage them to implement measures to improve the riparian area.
Amount granted: $24,500
Project duration: 2013-11-01 to 2015-03-31

Restoration of the mouth of the Rivière Brochu

Project number: IC-3408
Organization name: Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe
Description: The purpose of this project is to contribute to preserving wildlife habitats at the mouth of the Rivière Brochu, in Sept-Îles, and more specifically to restoring nesting sites and protecting the Common Tern colony. To achieve this, the project involves collaboration with École de Gallix to revegetate disrupted environments by planting sand ryegrass and to conduct awareness activities with users regarding the impact of trampling.
Amount granted: $89,660
Project duration: 2014-02-01 to 2016-06-30

Development of a plan to protect the main tributaries of the St. Lawrence River in the vicinity of the Battures-de-Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures Nature Reserve

Project number: IC-3409
Organization name: Fondation québécoise pour la protection du patrimoine naturel (FQPPN)
Description: The project consists of developing a plan to protect St. Lawrence River tributaries that discharge into the Battures-de-Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures Nature Reserve. The plan will be used to identify priority actions to be implemented to maintain water quality in certain tributaries and propose possible solutions, particularly to issues with clogging and erosion in the Charland, Curé and Desrochers streams.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2013-06-05 to 2014-03-31

Conservation stewardship of wetlands in the Île Valdor area

Project number: IC-3411
Organization name: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: The purpose of this project is to produce 25 customized handbooks for certain Île Valdor property owners. These handbooks will include information about the area's wetlands and will describe the distinctive features of the wetlands' wildlife habitats. Precise and detailed mapping of each property will be available in the landowners' handbooks, along with recommendations for management and customized action items. The project also aims to obtain signatures for conservation stewardship agreements.
Amount granted: $13,150
Project duration: 2013-10-28 to 2015-03-31

Identification of potential precision conservation and restoration sites in the agricultural environment in the Lower Laurentians

Project number: IC-3413
Organization name: Club conseil Profit-eau-sol
Description: The project's objective is to use geospatial technologies to map out areas of diffuse agricultural pollution and areas of ecological significance to restore or preserve over 1 042.5 km2 of land in the Lower Laurentians, north of Montréal. This study project will later be used as the basis for developing a response plan to reduce diffuse agricultural pollution of the area's watercourses covered by the organization.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2013-10-01 to 2014-03-31

Marine Mammal Emergency Response Volunteer Network

Project number: IC-3414
Organization name: Groupe de recherche et d'éducation sur les mammifères marins (GREMM)
Description: The project's objective is to raise public awareness to reduce incidents caused by human activities involving marine mammals. Every year, there are multiple incidents that may result in the death of marine mammals. The proposed awareness and educational activities would reduce the risk of incidents and improve the Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network's capacity to intervene. The project will be carried out on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, in Tadoussac, from September 2013 to March 2016. To involve shoreline communities in learning about and protecting the river’s marine mammals, more than 100 volunteers from the coastal area will be recruited and trained. They will help the network by validating a situation, documenting a case or raising public awareness.
Amount granted: $29,463
Project duration: 2013-11-29 to 2016-03-31

Creation of a riparian buffer for the rainbow smelt spawning ground in the Kamouraska River

Project number: IC-3423
Organization name: Organisme de bassins versants de Kamouraska, L’Islet et Rivière-du-Loup (OBAKIR)
Description: A biological monitoring project on the Kamouraska River has identified a rainbow smelt spawning area. To ensure the long-term preservation of the spawning area, a riparian buffer of shrubs and trees will be created around it. Furthermore, since the spawning ground is located in an agricultural area, an agri-environmental diagnostic will be conducted. It will be used to advise the riverside property owner on work to be undertaken to reduce the impact of their activities on the spawning area and water quality.
Amount granted: $25,000
Project duration: 2013-08-01 to 2014-06-30

Construction of fifth seawall as part of the Îles-de-la-Paix project

Project number: IC-3202
Organization name: Société d’aménagement du Parc des Îles-de-la-Paix
Description: The objective of the project is to create a habitat suitable for fish by constructing a seawall opposite Île à Tambault, located in Lac Saint-Louis, across from the Îles de la Paix archipelago. The estimated area of this new habitat will be 19.1 hectares. The project will also protect the Îles de la Paix archipelago from erosion.
Amount granted: $200,000
Project duration: 2012-12-20 to 2013-08-23

Wildlife habitat conservation plan for the Saint-Éloi marsh

Project number: IC-3203
Organization name: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: The objectives of the project are to characterize the habitat of the Saint-Éloi marsh, analyze sources of disturbance of the environment, propose actions for reducing the adverse impact of disturbance on the wildlife habitat, and work with local stakeholders to suggest ways of promoting the enhancement of the area in question.
Amount granted: $10,800
Project duration: 2012-08-15 to 2013-03-31

Action plan for the conservation of the shoreline corridor of Cacouna and Isle-Verte

Project number: IC-3205
Organization name: Corporation PARC Bas-Saint-Laurent
Description: The objective of the project is to locate sensitive species and fragile environments and assess direct and indirect impacts on those environments. The information will be compiled in an action plan that will become a guide for taking concrete short-, medium- and long-term protection actions. Regional stakeholders plan to create a shoreline park.
Amount granted: $19,875
Project duration: 2012-11-12 to 2013-03-31 

Prevent the proliferation of Japanese knotweed in the Montreal Metropolitan Community

Project number: IC-3208
Organization name: Comité ZIP Jacques-Cartier
Description: The purpose of the project is to raise awareness among people who have the authority to intervene and make land-use decisions by creating a coordination committee involving the participation of the municipal departments of the environment, parks, land use, and horticultural services. The project will assess the extent to which Japanese knotweed has established itself in various environments, determine methods for limiting its spread through concrete actions, and reduce its establishment at new sites.
Amount granted: $114,788
Project duration: 2013-06-05 to 2015-12-31 

Salt marsh restoration in the Rimouski IBA

Project number: IC-3210
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l'Estuaire
Description: The project's objective is to restore two sites weakened by erosion in the Sacré-Coeur salt marsh. Located in the Rimouski Important Bird Area (IBA), the marsh has unique characteristics. It is frequented by many species of migratory and breeding birds. The sites to be restored are situated in the upper part of the marsh, an area that has been significantly weakened by coastal erosion. Soft shoreline stabilization techniques will be favoured. This involves revegetating the upper levels of the marsh and transgressive lobe over an area of approximately 600 square metres, including 200 m2 with prairie cord grass and 400 m2 with sand ryegrass.  
Amount granted: $49,884
Project duration: 2012-10-29 to 2015-06-30

Geomorphological and environmental characterization of the salt marshes in Kamouraska Bay (Saint-Denis)

Project number: IC-3211
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Description: The aboiteaux (dikes built to enable farming of intertidal land) have been in poor condition for several years, and maintaining and repairing them will require major investment. The purpose of the project is to compile the existing information and fill gaps in knowledge on plant and animal species in order to make recommendations on the potential restoration of the marshes. The objectives of the project are to develop a geomorphological profile to assess the damage caused by erosion and by the many storms over the past 50 years and to study water contamination in nearby streams and in the marsh.
Amount granted: $24,995
Project duration: 2012-09-01 to 2013-03-31 

“Nettoyer la rivière Saint-Charles, un geste tout naturel!”

Project number: IC-3213
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Haut-Saint-Laurent
Description: The objective of the project is to organize a one-day clean-up of the banks and bed of the Saint-Charles River on land owned by the Municipality of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. Volunteers, including 40 divers, will take part in the clean-up. The day will serve as an opportunity to invite all residents to visit the clean-up site in order to raise their awareness of the importance of not using the area as an illegal dump. The project also includes three days of outreach in local schools.
Amount granted: $10,770
Project duration: 2012-09-04 to 2013-11-04

Sectoral working group on Saguenay River rainbow smelt

Project number: IC-3004
Organization name: Comité ZIP Saguenay
Description: The objective of this project is to create a regional public working group (municipality, farmers, boaters, etc.) to develop an action plan for the protection of rainbow smelt spawning and gathering areas in the Saguenay River.
Amount granted: $10,872
Project duration: 2011-08-31 to 2012-03-31 

Development and restoration of the Lower St. Lawrence shoreline: best practices in shoreline environment

Project number: IC-3006
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to protect beaches on the south shore of the marine estuary that are being degraded by human activity (construction of walls and destruction of stabilizing native plants) and are also undergoing natural erosion (e.g. severe storms). These beaches provide habitat for aquatic animals and birds. The proponent plans to produce a restoration guide tailored to the types of shoreline present along the Lower St. Lawrence and post it online to provide options for best practices to residents who expressed concerns during outreach activities conducted as part of the “Côtes à côtes” project (IC-2803). In partnership with the municipalities of Sainte-Flavie and Rivière-Ouelle, the proponent also plans to carry out physical characterization of two areas to determine whether it would be possible to reshape two beaches and stabilize the microcliffs and upper beaches by planting sea lyme grass and rosebushes.
Amount granted: $76,799
Project duration: 2011-08-04 to 2013-05-31 

Lac Saint-Pierre/Les Deux Rives water trail – north shore – Les Deux Rives portion

Project number: IC-3007
Organization name: Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: The project will give users access to the river for boating activities while ensuring that fragile and vulnerable environments are protected. Along 45 kilometres of shoreline in the Trois Rivières–Deschaillons area, the environments to be protected will be inventoried and maps will be used to convey information on access routes and areas to be avoided along this new portion of the water trail.
Amount granted: $34,390
Project duration: 2011-08-04 to 2012-09-28 

Habitat restoration for cavity-nesting (arboreal) ducks via the installation of nesting box networks

Project number: IC-3008
Organization name: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Description: In this project, 10 new networks, each consisting of 100 nesting boxes for cavity-nesting ducks, will be installed on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and its main tributaries (the sites that traditionally have the highest success rate for cavity-nesting ducks). The project will seek the participation of 30 property owners to host the networks and 100 local collaborators to perform the initial installation and annual cleaning of the nesting boxes. Each property owner will also have to sign a conservation agreement before a network is installed on their land, thus contributing to the protection of St. Lawrence wetlands.
Amount granted: $40,000
Project duration: 2011-11-01 to 2014-10-31

“Un coup de pouce aux cours d’eau” (A helping hand for streams)

Project number: IC-3009
Organization name: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Description: The purpose of the project is to develop training for road maintenance workers on best stream management practices. A plain-language guide to best roadside stream management practices will be prepared to complement the training. Some streams will be restored during hands-on training, and others will be restored as the situation becomes urgent.
Amount granted: $32,661
Project duration: 2011-08-15 to 2012-06-30

Upper St. Lawrence water trail, Phase II

Project number: IC-3012
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Haut-Saint-Laurent
Description: To complete the Upper St. Lawrence water trail project, a feasibility study will be conducted for the south shoreline of the Ottawa River from Hudson to Pointe-Fortune. Access agreements for previously inventoried areas will continue to be signed. Maps will be produced, and the route of the water trail will be established by volunteers.
Amount granted: $13,000
Project duration: 2011-08-03 to 2012-03-31 

Estuary conservation and riverside community outreach and engagment

Project number: IC-3014
Organization name: Fondation québécoise pour la protection du patrimoine naturel (FQPPN)
Description: The objective of this project is to create a forum to provide tools (reports, maps and information bulletins) to municipalities, RCMs and other entities concerned about riparian environments around the freshwater-to-brackish estuary. The forum will raise awareness of the ecological characteristics of riparian environments around the freshwater-to-brackish estuary and the policies and regulations governing riparian environments, as well as identify methods for describing floodplains and assessing the quality of the riparian buffer.
Amount granted: $75,000
Project duration: 2011-11-15 to 2012-09-30 

Biophysical characterization and drafting of a master development plan for Pointe au Maquereau

Project number: IC-3016
Organization name: Conseil régional de l’environnement de la Gaspésie et des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Description: The objective of the project is to complete a biophysical characterization of Pointe au Maquereau in the Gaspé Peninsula to help the RCM draft a master development plan forucssed on sustainable development.
Amount granted: $22,000
Project duration: 2011-08-01 to 2013-01-18

Feasibility study on the creation of open water areas in a eutrophic part of the Cacouna marsh and the installation of bird staging and nesting structures

Project number: IC-3018
Organization name: Corporation PARC Bas-Saint-Laurent
Description: The project consists of performing a feasibility study to restore an area that was filled in the 1970s. The purpose of the project is to create open-water areas in a eutrophic part of the Cacouna marsh and install bird resting and nesting structures. The facilities will benefit waterfowl in the Gros Cacouna marsh.
Amount granted: $23,000
Project duration: 2011-07-29 to 2012-03-16 

Preparation of marine emergency response plans for riverside communities on the north shore of the marine estuary

Project number: IC-3019
Organization name: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to support the 16 municipalities and 2 Aboriginal communities along 365 kilometres of shoreline between Tadoussac and Baie-Trinité in the development of the marine component of their general emergency response plans. The 18 marine components will prevent hydrocarbon spills from potentially damaging the habitat of a wide variety of plant and animal wildlife by improving knowledge of environmental elements necessary for an effective response. The project focuses on 20 shoreline habitats that are critical for a number of animal and plant species and 12 waterfowl gathering areas.
Amount granted: $33,627
Project duration: 2011-08-01 to 2013-03-31 

ducating Île Valdor residents on the importance of preserving the island’s wetlands

Numéro de projet : IC-3106
Nom de l’organisme : Comité ZIP Les Deux Rives
Description: The proponent plans to educate Île Valdor residents on the importance of preserving the island’s wetlands, particularly with regard to the harmful consequences of filling wetlands and the issue of the invasive alien species that have been found there (flowering rush and purple loosestrife). An information guide and a questionnaire about changing behaviours will be developed.
Amount granted: $10,589
Project duration: 2012-02-06 to 2012-08-31 

Enhancement and restoration of a beach at the mouth of the Mitis River

Project number: IC-2801
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to preserve the physical structure of the beach through revegetation (transplanting sea lyme grass) and maintaining cliff materials displaced by waves at the base of the microcliff, as recommended by a geomorphological characterization. ATV users will also be educated on the need to better control their movements (delineation of a parking area).
Amount granted: $41,531
Project duration: 2010-07-05 to 2011-08-31 

“Côtes à côtes:” Workshops on shoreline risks for RCMs from Montmagny to Rimouski

Project number: IC-2803
Organization name: Comité ZIP du Sud-de-l’Estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to build communities’ capacity to adapt to shoreline erosion and flooding. To do so, information workshops will be offered to residents in each RCM from Montmagny to Rimouski. The project is intended to improve knowledge of shoreline risks, raise awareness of actions being carried out here and elsewhere to deal with such hazards, and provide a forum for information and exchange.
Amount granted: $41,628
Project duration: 2010-08-26 to 2011-02-15 

Green cities for a healthy river and healthy communities: From theory to practice

Project number: IC-2805
Organization name: Great Lakes United
Description: The purpose of this project is to refine and round out awareness and training efforts undertaken in 2009–2010. The objectives are to promote low-impact development techniques and green infrastructure by presenting lectures for decision makers, contractors, developers and residents at a provincial conference. The conference will provide an opportunity to answer questions asked by participants in Phase I by facilitating the transition from theory to practice, and to create an online audiovisual educational tool that complements the guides developed by MDDEFP, MAMROT and GLU.
Amount granted: $99,115
Project duration: 2011-03-31 to 2012-02-15 

Restoration and enhancement of the Little Cascapedia River estuary

Project number: IC-2807
Organization name: Comité ZIP Baie-des-Chaleurs
Description: The land surrounding the Little Cascapedia River estuary has been owned by pulp and paper companies since the 1960s. With the decommissioning of the last mill in the mid-2000s, the community hopes to restore the use of the St. Lawrence to local residents. To do so, the site must be cleared of industrial debris and restored to promote colonization by endemic species. The purpose of the project is to clean up the shoreline through underwater diving with barges and divers, in collaboration with a group of young people. The riverbanks will then be recontoured as needed and revegetated with native species. In addition, 300 nesting boxes will be built and installed.
Amount granted: $12,379
Project duration: 2010-08-26 to 2011-02-15

Management of recreational diving activities around Bonaventure Island (Percé)

Project number: IC-2809
Organization name: Réseau d’observation de mammifères marins (ROMM)
Description: This project has three components for protecting benthic flora and fauna by controlling underwater diving activities and raising user awareness. The first component involves characterizing diving sites around Bonaventure Island to identify plant and animal species at risk and areas degraded by diving. The second involves preparing a diving management plan in collaboration with stakeholders. The third involves implementing measures to control activities and raise user awareness.
Amount granted: $33,175
Project duration: 2010-06-21 to 2011-11-30 

Characterization and ecological rehabilitation of riparian buffers along the St. Lawrence River near Repentigny

Project number: IC-2817
Organization name: Comité ZIP des Seigneuries
Description: The objective of the project is to raise riverside residents’ awareness of the importance of riparian buffers and educate the Municipality of Repentigny on the necessity of implementing the Protection Policy for Lakeshores, Riverbanks, Littoral Zones and Floodplains. The project will involve characterizing the shoreline near Repentigny, holding information sessions for the public, and creating a model riparian buffer.
Amount granted: $32,084
Project duration: 2010-09-17 to 2012-06-01 

“J’y mets mon grain de sable II” – Townships tour

Project number: IC-2821
Organization name: Mouvement pour la valorisation du patrimoine naturel madelinot
Description: In the context of climate change, habitat degradation is a major threat. Poorly targeted adaptation actions are being implemented, adding to human behaviours that are harmful to habitat (riprap and ATV traffic). The objective of this project is to set up committees of volunteers who will take part in dune restoration efforts. The committees will be created at meetings in townships in the Magdalen Islands, at which residents will be invited to suggest possible solutions for controlling shoreline erosion. The committees will be tasked with following up on the proposed measures to address the human factors targeted. Proposals for concrete action will be submitted to the relevant authorities and groups, such as the Magdalen Islands ATV club and hunters’ association.
Amount granted: $20,109
Project duration: 2010-10-15 to 2011-03-31 

Restoration and enhancement of five beaches degraded by human activity to control erosio

Project number: IC-2824
Organization name: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to control erosion by restoring and enhancing five beaches degraded by human activity. The project will involve organizing and developing official access routes that will be identified and marked, as well as installing information panels and revegetating bare areas. Outreach activities will also be implemented at four schools in the form of in-class presentations and field trips during which students will carry out hands-on restoration actions.
Amount granted: $39,908
Project duration: 2010-08-01 to 2011-12-31 

Rescuing our treasured streams

Project number: IC-2825
Organization name: Comité ZIP des Îles-de-la-Madeleine
Description: The objective of the project is to mitigate threats to a rainbow smelt population that frequents 13 streams in the Magdalen Islands. Following a consultation among local stakeholders, an action plan will be prepared and actions will be taken to protect the species’ spawning grounds. Local stakeholders will be made aware of possible solutions for reducing the impact of road construction or other work on such habitat.
Amount granted: $37,053
Project duration: 2010-07-13 to 2011-03-31

Enhancement and restoration of wetlands in the coastal corridor from Cacouna to L’Isle-Verte (Lower St. Lawrence)

Project number: IC-2904
Organization name: Réseau d’observation de mammifères marins (ROMM)
Description: The objective of the project is to prepare and implement an intervention plan based on records on the Cacouna–L’Isle-Verte sector in the St. Lawrence Shoreline Restoration Atlas. The project will create small islands for waterfowl resting and nesting in Cacouna Mountain Pond. It will also involve constructing one riprap sill in the main drainage channel of Cacouna marsh and four riprap sills in two areas of the L’Isle-Verte marsh, along with other secondary work in those two areas. Monitoring, bird surveys and field visits will be carried out to assess the environmental gains achieved.
Amount granted: $91,494
Project duration: 2011-02-15 to 2013-07-31

Restoration and enhancement of critical plant habitat in the Cap Ferré area

Project number: IC-2911
Organization name: Comité ZIP Côte-Nord du Golfe
Description: The objective of the project is to restore and enhance the Cap Ferré area as a critical habitat for sensitive or threatened plant species. The project includes creating an advisory round table whose members will work together to draft a restoration and development plan and implement site restoration and development and outreach activities.
Amount granted: $16,723
Project duration: 2011-01-31 to 2011-12-31 

Protection and restoration of the beach at Pointe-à-Boisvert, Longue-Rive

Project number: IC-2912
Organization name: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to restore the beach at Pointe-à-Boisvert to control erosion in several areas, namely the streambanks and the sand point protecting the second largest saltwater marsh on the North Shore. The erosion problem is exacerbated by the end effect caused by riprap on the west side of the stream. The planned restoration method is to remove rocks that have been carried into the stream, east of the beach, revegetate the streambanks with native plants, consolidate user traffic on a marked trail, and reshape the sand embankment protecting the marsh. A study by geomorphologists will confirm the selection of the restoration techniques one year before the work begins. Outreach activities will be conducted targeting area users (ATV riders and walkers) and elementary school students at École Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Secours. The restoration work will begin in the spring or summer of 2012, and the municipality has agreed to follow up after the project ends.
Amount granted: $34,900
Project duration: 2011-02-01 to 2013-12-31

Support for youth in the Pessamit community for discovering and monitoring the marsh and implementing a youth action plan

Project number: IC-2913
Organization name: Comité ZIP de la rive nord de l’estuaire
Description: The objective of the project is to educate elementary- and high-school students in the Pessamit community on the protection and conservation of the Pessamit marsh.
Amount granted: $10,000
Project duration: 2010-12-22 to 2012-03-31

Reduce the impact of tourism activities on seabird populations in Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock Provincial Park – Phase I

Project number: IC-2917
Organization name: Regroupement Québec-Oiseaux
Description: The objective of the project is to document the problem of seabird disturbance by boats and divers in the Bonaventure Island area in order to identify conservation issues and make recommendations to local authorities. The project also includes disseminating information to the target audiences (vessel captains, guides, divers, boaters, and park employees).
Amount granted: $24,700
Project duration: 2011-01-06 to 2012-04-30