Cap au Saumon – Coastal forests and good neighbours

Coastal forest (Photo by Justin Landreville)

A site’s richness

La Malbaie lies in a magnificent region of boreal, mixed and alpine forests and is home to hundreds of plant and animal species. The magnificent St. Lawrence River completes this picture of exceptional biodiversity.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) now protects a 382-hectare site in this region, the equivalent of 550 soccer-sized fields. La Malbaie’s coastal ecosystems are particularly fragile, subject to harsh climatic conditions that slow vegetation growth, such as krummholz (wind-twisted forest) and maritime heaths. 

These conserved environments, home to a wide diversity of species, are also located within an important bird migratory corridor. During migration, over a hundred species fly low over the coast, using the site as a resting place.

Good neighbours

The Centre écologique de Port-au-Saumon (CÉPAS) (French only), adjacent to the newly protected site, protects an uninterrupted coastline of just over five kilometres. The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park (French only) also shares 3.2 kilometres of this boundary.

The integrity of the conserved site is threatened by land fragmentation, invasive exotic species and the effects of climate change. NCC, along with local partners such as CÉPAS, will ensure the protection of the site’s ecosystems and long-term conservation.

• The CÉPAS, located in the Charlevoix region, is dedicated to environmental awareness and education. It offers summer camps, nature classes, and hikes, allowing participants to explore diverse ecosystems and understand the relationships between soil, flora, and fauna.
• The Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is a protected marine area covering 1,245 km² in the St. Lawrence Estuary and the Saguenay River. It is home to around 2,200 species, including endangered ones like the beluga and blue whale. The park offers unique opportunities to explore diverse marine ecosystems and observe marine life in their natural habitat.

Acknowledgements
 

Fondation Beaulieu-Saucier, the Cabot Welch family, the Simons family, Olivier and Adriana