Ducks Unlimited Canada and its partners begin second phase of detailed wetland mapping in the Outaouais

Gatineau — Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is proud to announce the start of a second phase of detailed wetland mapping in the Outaouais. In collaboration with several partners, this initiative is part of a significant and highly detailed wetland mapping project for populated areas of southern Quebec. The project is being led by DUC and the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC).

This mapping will provide accurate and up-to-date data on the location, classification and status of wetlands larger than 0.3 hectares in the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais and in the MRC de Papineau. This information will empower city planners, developers and agricultural producers to make informed decisions that will protect these valuable ecosystems.

The area being mapped spans more than 3,800 square kilometres and encompasses 22 municipalities, in whole or in part. This work, which represents an overall investment of more than $350,000, is in accordance with the Canadian Wetland Classification System and the Guide d’identification et délimitation des milieux humides du Québec méridional, produced by the MELCC.

The continuation of an ambitious project

This work is part of an ambitious project launched in 2009 by DUC and carried out in collaboration with the MELCC that aims to map all the wetlands in inhabited areas of southern Quebec. Many stakeholders have identified the need for this data due to the historic losses and ongoing threats to wetlands in their region. The results of this mapping will allow the MRCs to establish or update their regional wetland and water plans, in accordance with the requirements of the Act respecting the conservation of wetlands and water.

Nature of the work

Wetland mapping will be conducted using photo-interpretation (identifying the location, delineation, classification of wetlands) using the most recent aerial photographs and digital stereoscopic models for the study area. Part of the photo-interpretation work will be validated by field visits and aerial surveys to ensure a good level of accuracy and reliability, as well as to document the state of the wetlands and the pressures that may affect them.

Funding Partners
The financial partners of the project are the following:

• the MELCC
• the MRC des Collines-de-l’Outaouais
• the MRC de Papineau
• the Conseil régional de l’environnement et du développement durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO)
• the Canadian Wildlife Service (CSW).

The project also benefits from various initiatives that fund conservation in Quebec, including the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture (EHJV) and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). In addition, three watershed organizations will participate in the project. These include the Agence de bassin versant des 7 (ABV des 7), the Comité du bassin versant de la rivière du Lièvre (COBALI) and the Organisme de bassins versants des rivières Rouge, Petite Nation et Saumon (OBV RPNS).

Quotes:

“Wetlands are the equivalent of the kidneys of our planet: they filter and clean water, regulate the flow of rivers and streams, and mitigate the effects of droughts and floods. They capture and store large amounts of carbon, which helps combat climate change. For all of these reasons, the mapping work we are doing in the Outaouais is of critical importance.” – Sébastien Rioux, Manager of Provincial Operations in Quebec, Ducks Unlimited Canada.

“This new alliance is a reminder of the importance that the MRCs of the Outaouais place on increasing their knowledge of wetlands. Mapping will allow all stakeholders to guide the development of the municipalities concerned in order to limit the impacts on essential environments. Wetlands and water environments rightly play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and fighting climate change.” – Benoit Lauzon (MRC de Papineau) and Marc Carrière (MRC des Collines de l’Outaouais)

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. To learn more about DUC’s innovative environmental solutions and services, visit www.ducks.ca