January 31, 2023, Gore, Québec – CONSERVATION LAKEFIELD has just completed a major acquisition to preserve 117 hectares (289 acres) of natural areas in Gore, Quebec. The two areas purchased are characterized by rich forests and exceptional wetlands. On the market for development, these lands will instead be kept in perpetuity in their natural state.
This is the largest protected area in Gore, and one of the largest areas ever protected in the MRC d’Argenteuil.
This conservation project has been made possible with funding from the Government of Canada through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), part of the Canada Nature Fund, and financial support from the Partenariat pour les milieux naturels (PPMN) from the Government of Quebec, the Echo Foundation and the immense generosity of many local citizens.
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We are so proud of our volunteers who worked tirelessly to protect this magnificent property from the serious threat of development. We could not have completed this project without the support of the municipality of Gore, the expertise of biologist Mathieu Madison, the collaboration of the Domaine Lakefield homeowners association (SPDL) and the dedication of those who supported our fundraising campaign. We thank G.S.L.L. Inc. for their trust, and for agreeing to withdraw these properties from the market while Conservation Lakefield raised the funds needed to proceed with this transaction. We are extremely grateful to all of our financial partners, including government donors through the PPMN and NHCP programs, the Écho Foundation, and above all, the many generous donors without whom this very important purchase would not have been possible.
- Patrick Demars, President and founding member of Conservation Lakefield
These large areas are strategically located within the ecological corridor of the southern Laurentians, and in the sectors targeted by the MRC d’Argenteuil in its strategy for the conservation of natural environments. All of the old forests and other forest stands, marshes, swamps, peat bogs and the Eastern River provide a mosaic of habitats for flora and fauna, including certain species at risk. Their protection in perpetuity will help consolidate the ecological connectivity of the region and protect the biodiversity of the southern Laurentians.
- Louise Caouette-Laberge, Vice President and founding member of Conservation Lakefield
The Township of Gore is proud to support its citizens in their efforts to protect the environment and ecosystems of our region. Our community supports initiatives to safeguard Gore’s natural attractions. On behalf of our municipal council, I warmly congratulate Conservation Lakefield for its important contribution to the preservation and protection of these important natural areas.
- Scott Pearce, Mayor, Township of Gore
Citizen-led conservation efforts are extremely important to protect and restore nature across Quebec. It is with great respect that I recognize the diligent work of the dedicated volunteers of Conservation Lakefield and the representatives of the Municipality of the Township of Gore for this extraordinary ecological project: a project that contributes to preserving the health and quality of the environment in Argenteuil. Let’s hope that this project sets an example!
- Agnès Grondin, Member for Argenteuil, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, the Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (protection of water and biodiversity)
Although the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss both have unique obstacles to overcome, we must tackle them together. They are two sides of the same coin. We are helping to protect the natural environment in Quebec and across the country by working with partners like Conservation Lakefield, and with the generosity of community members. Protecting more land is one of the ways we’re working to halt and reverse biodiversity loss and support the recovery of species at risk. Through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Government of Canada is making progress toward its goal of conserving 25 percent of land and water in Canada by 2025, working toward 30 percent of each by 2030.
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
About Conservation Lakefield
Conservation Lakefield is a registered charity, recognized by Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program. Its mission is to preserve, protect and conserve in perpetuity the natural environments, ecosystems and landscapes of great ecological value in the Gore, Mille-Îles and Wentworth regions.
About the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP)
The Government of Canada’s Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP) is a unique partnership that supports the creation of protected and conserved areas through the acquisition of private land and private interest in land. To date, the Government of Canada has invested more than $440 million in the Program, which has been matched with more than $870 million in contributions raised by Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the country’s land trust community, leading to the protection and conservation of more than 700,000 hectares of ecologically sensitive lands.
About the Projet de partenariat pour les milieux naturels (PPMN)
The PPMN is a grant of more than $53 million spread over four years, awarded by the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) to the Nature Conservancy of Canada in partnership with the la Fondation de la faune du Québec. By establishing financial partnerships with conservation organizations in the province, this program provides support for the implementation of voluntary conservation initiatives to ensure the protection of natural environments of interest. This agreement is primarily aimed at the direct acquisition of private properties of ecological value (through purchases or donations) as well as the establishment of real and perpetual conservation easements on private properties that qualify within the meaning of the Natural Heritage Conservation Act (LCPN) and are listed in the Register of Protected Areas in Quebec.
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Information
Patrick Demars
President, Conservation Lakefield
514-894-3792
info@conservationlakefield.ca
