Ottawa Valley old-growth forest at risk

Quebec's Dumoine River is one of the province's last undammed rivers, surrounded by some of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Ottawa Valley. It acts as a corridor between the forests of the Ottawa Valley and the Boreal to the north, allowing species to migrate. And thanks to your support, about 1/3 of the watershed was protected in May 2008.

But the province of Quebec is moving forward with plans to develop cottages and other infrastructure on Ingley Lake, within the part of the watershed that still lacks protection. The department responsible for the plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Wildlife hopes to start allocating lots on September 6, 2009.

Our view

CPAWS Ottawa Valley was pleased to see some protection, we maintain at least two thirds of the watershed, or about 2900 km², needs to be protected in order to safeguard the region's rich biodiversity. We're asking the Ministers to intervene to halt these plans until the public has had a say in the boudaries of the Dumoine protected area. We believe that no new development should be authorized in the entire watershed until public hearings have been held, and a report shared with the public.

Take action!

Please take a few moments to share your views on development within the Dumoine River watershed.