Landowners, Wetlands, Wildlife

Additional habitats conserved along the edges of the Ottawa River in the Outaouais region

Portion of Grand Calumet Island is safeguarded for the future

November 19, 2024

In 2022, two brother-owners approached Ducks Unlimited Canada to explore possible conservation avenues for their properties located on the west side of Grand Calumet Island, totaling 80 hectares.

This portion of Grand Calumet Island is still largely undeveloped, but facing threats from forestry activities and housing development. The brothers, both passionate hunters, prioritized preserving the natural integrity and wildlife diversity of the area. Given Ducks Unlimited Canada’s widely known conservation reputation, they sought its assistance in safeguarding these lands.

This newly acquired land holds significant ecological value, notably due to its strategic location along the Ottawa River—a priority area for waterfowl conservation and habitat protection.

The wetlands encompass diverse habitats including wooded bogs, fens(1), marshes and swamps. These areas serve as breeding, foraging, refuge and stopover habitat for migratory birds and numerous species in precarious conditions, such as the northern water snake, bald eagle, and various species of birds, insects and small mammals.

Adjacent to established conservation areas, these land acquisitions will enhance ecosystem connectivity, crucial for maintaining regional biodiversity.

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“We grew up hunting on this land. We purchased a substantial amount in 1991, and now felt it was time to conserve a portion of it. We trust Ducks Unlimited Canada to protect both the land and its wildlife. Working with DUC on this project has been a pleasure!”

Property owner

Mobilizing Partners:

The land was acquired for conservation purposes by DUC and later transferred to the Quebec government, thanks to the contribution of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), which invested nearly $200,000, as well as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP), Echo Foundation, Fall Flights, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Conservation of this area will continue through the collaboration of Ducks Unlimited Canada.

(1) Fen – Generally open wetland fed by precipitation and runoff (surface and groundwater). As a result, it is generally richer in nutrients and less acidic than a bog. Fen vegetation is often found on lower slopes and in depressions along watercourses, where there is good circulation of water and nutrients. Fen vegetation varies according to soil moisture and nutrients. It is quite diversified and generally dominated by a herbaceous cover.

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