Quebec/ eastern region ( Atlantic )
Quebec • New Brunswick • Nova Scotia • Prince Edward Island • Newfoundland and Labrador
volume 31, number 1, 2010
DUC pins down conservation efforts on rivière au Pin
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The wetlands of Quebec's rivière au Pin, targeted by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) since 2003, heads the list of conservation priorities for the Chaudière-Appalaches region. DUC has concluded the purchase of approximately 62 hectares of habitat, thus assuring the longterm protection of one of the most important mosaics of inland wetlands located in Quebec's municipality of Irlande. This project benefitted from the financial contribution of partners: the Fondation Hydro-Québec pour l’Environnement, which contributed $76,500; the federal government, through the Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, which awarded a grant of $40,000; and the Natural Areas Conservation Program. The involvement of the municipality of Irlande and the Corporation Verte Irlande in the project was also crucial. This project was part of a major action undertaken initially by the municipality of Irlande, which focused on promoting environmental policies and developing our natural heritage, especially the wetlands. The rivière au Pin is particularly conducive to the creation of habitats for water birds such as the hooded merganser and wood duck. Close to 120 species of birds have been counted, mostly by the "Club d'ornithologie de la région de L'Amiante". These wetlands are good-quality habitat for the wood turtle, a species designated as threatened in Quebec. Plant life is characterized by major aquatic plants and a species that may be designated as threatened or vulnerable in Quebec and in Canada, the mild water-pepper. In summary, the surface area of this territory, its strategic location, the quality of its habitats and the presence of species with a precarious status were all factors that justified the efforts invested in this conservation process. Once again, DUC will have contributed, through concrete measures, to ensuring the survival of Quebec's natural habitats. S
Telus Community Investment Committee gives 276 Montreal students an introduction to marsh life
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As part of Ducks Unlimited Canada’s (DUC) Project Webfoot, 276 students from four Montreal-area primary schools were introduced to wetland ecology. Thanks to the financial participation of the Telus Community Investment Committee ($10,000), these Grade 4 and 5 students were able to participate in the Secret Life of the Marsh educational outing, developed and led by the GUEPE team, a combined group of naturalists and environmental professionals. In addition, 12 teachers were given the DUC educational kit to conduct in-class activities on wetlands. The marsh visits took place in two nature parks in Montreal: Bois-de-Liesse in Pierrefonds and Pointe-aux-Prairies. During their visit, students were able to participate in several fun activities, including fishing with nets for invertebrates and watching marsh creatures, such as ducks, blue herons and snakes. The students in Manon Léger’s class greatly appreciated the activity and sent drawings by way of a thank you. On behalf of all the students, their teachers and everyone involved in this project, DUC acknowledges the considerable generosity of the Telus Community Investment Committee. S
The Telus Community Investment Committee presented DUC with a cheque last May in Montreal. Left to right: Geneviève Meunier (DUC), two Telus representatives and Sarah Mailhot (GUEPE).
Quebec-wide picture of wetlands
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The launch of eight new regional wetland conservation plans totals 15 Quebec administrative regions now covered by this major conservation process undertaken by DUC and various partners. Detailed coverage of over 99 per cent of Quebec is accessible on the website www. canardsquebec.ca. Only Montreal and Laval are missing, although the implementation of their regional plans is scheduled in 2010. Due to the significant pressures on these regions, wetlands need detailed mapping. “We are very close to a complete picture of Quebec that will help further structure the wetland conservation projects,” says Bernard
Filion, manager of DUC Quebec. “The finalization of this project will facilitate the planning task ahead of development with both the promotors and the decision-makers. This is a major DUC contribution.” The process aims to give all of Quebec this basic tool, so that all regional players can share a common vision and participate in wetland conservation. The regional plans make it possible to identify wetlands one hectare and larger, draw up a detailed picture and present the main disturbances affecting them, as well as the consequences of degradation or disappearance. S
e a s t e r n r e g i o n ( q u e b e c / at l a n t i c )
DUC and world youth
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Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) brought the world to its Amherst and Fredericton offices by hosting work placements for Canada World Youth volunteers. The Amherst office hosted participants from a Canada/ Indonesia exchange. I Ketut Ary Wijaya was the participant from Bali, Indonesia, and partnered with Stephen Purificati from King City, Ont. They were part of an 18-member group who spent three months working in Amherst. They are now spending three months in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. “I’m very happy to have been part of the DUC team,” Steve said. “The staff here was so kind and helpful taking the time to show us how DUC works locally and nationally. I hope to take the knowledge I gained here and use it in the future, both abroad and back home.” Ary and Steve were at DUC one day a week. They helped with designing communication products, advertising DUC events, filing and scanning, entering scientific and GIS data and performing other odd jobs around the office. “I was very excited to volunteer at DUC,” Ary said. “Learning about wetland conservation and being able to work at Ducks has taught me so much. The nice and helpful staff made me feel at home here in Amherst.” Bronwyn Fairchild and Jeffrey Boateng volunteered at the Ducks Unlimited Conservation Centre in Fredericton. Jeff is from Accra, Ghana, and Bron is from Toronto. They were responsible for caring for the centre’s pets: a turtle named George, and several fish. They also helped to plan events such as George’s Super Sweet Sixteen birthday party on Oct. 28. “At the centre, we have mainly been helping out with the education programs,” Bronwyn said. “Working with the kids has been a great experience and has made us realize the importance of
I Ketut Ary Wijaya and Stephen Purificati check out the reindeer at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park at the Greenwing Legacy Interpretive Centre. educating the future generation. Since I started volunteering here, I’ve realized the value of wetlands and how dependent we are on our natural environment.” “I am gaining many new experiences through working at Ducks Unlimited Canada,” Jeff said. “Since the moment I set foot in the building I have learned so many unexpected things. With each day it feels like I am acquiring so much more knowledge, within a very short time.” Both sets of volunteers were very excited to learn about wetland conservation and the role these habitats play in the world, and hope to bring this knowledge back to their homes. DUC is proud to be involved in this unique program and happy to take part in this intercultural learning. Canada World Youth is a non-governmental organization that gives youth an opportunity to learn how to increase their own abilities and how to participate actively in the development of just, harmonious and sustainable societies. S
Charlottetown Shoot Each fall for the last three years, Roger Giddings, a Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) member from Charlottetown, has organized a DUC shoot for the Charlottetown committee. The shoot held at the local Trap & Skeet Club consists of 75 targets (25 each of trap, skeet and five stand) open to participants of all levels. According to participants it’s a day of shooting, camaraderie, good food and prizes for all. S From left to right; Jack MacMillan, Rossier Bruce and Syd Myers enjoy talk around the grill at DUC shoot
Partnership makes Newfoundland position possible
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A conservation program specialist was hired by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Matt Simms started in August to complete the six-month project. He is from St. Anthony and has been involved with DUC as a volunteer since 2000. He attended Memorial University and graduated with a BA in Geography in 2007. He completed the Fish and Wildlife Technician Diploma program at the College of the North Atlantic in the spring. “I’m really enjoying my time with Ducks Unlimited Canada and my time at the Kruger mill in Corner Brook. This position allows me to interact with a wide variety of people who are looking to help the environment, providing me with a great opportunity to listen to what people have to say and further educate myself about the proper steps that are needed to conserve, restore and manage wetlands for waterfowl and other important wildlife for years to come.” Simms will be looking at projects in the province such as wetland restoration, eider nest shelter deployment, purchasing wetlands, land donations and cavity nest box installations for goldeneye and hooded mergansers. These projects can be implemented over the next 10 years by DUC and its Eastern Habitat Joint Venture partners. This project was made possible by funding from EcoAction (Environment Canada) and in-kind support from partners such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Conservation and Environment – wildlife division and Corner Brook Pulp and Paper (CBPP). CBPP has offered free office space to DUC for Simms to use during his term. The two organizations have partnered since the early 1980s to restore and secure thousands of acres of wetland and upland habitat on CBPP lands. “Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is very pleased that we were able to support and assist Ducks Unlimited Canada in this project,” says Patrick Tompkins, woodlands manager with CBPP. “Although our primary purpose is to supply wood to our paper mill, we want to ensure that the forest also provides social and economic benefits to other users and stakeholders. Partnering with DUC on these projects provides us with opportunities to promote and enhance some of the non-timber values and benefits our forests provide.” S
quebec/ eastern Region ( atlantic )
The Flyway newsletter is published by Ducks Unlimited Canada Oak Hammock Marsh Conservation Centre P.O. Box 1160, Stonewall, Manitoba R0C 2Z0 tel (204)467-3000 fax (204)467-9028 toll-free 1(800)665-DUCK Please direct your inquiries to the following: Eastern Region Atlantic: Marci Dube Quebec: Bernard Filion Ontario: Lynette Mader Western Region Prairie-Western Boreal: Marci Dube British Columbia: Wendy Thatcher Flyway production staff Director of Marketing: Madeleine Arbez Editor: Duncan Morrison Assistant: Deb Menard Art Director: Tye Gregg Graphic Designers: Christa Edwards, Lindsay Pikta-Marie, Aquila Samson, Jeope Wolfe © Ducks Unlimited Canada, 2010 Printed in Canada on 100% recycled paper including 100% post-consumer fibres
Area Contacts Manager of Provincial Operations, Atlantic Tom Duffy (866) 903-8257 ext.234 Manager of Provincial Operations, Québec Bernard Filion (800) 565-1650 ext.15 Fundraising Manager, Québec Jocelyn Landry (877) 551-5757 Fundraising Manager, New Brunswick Barry Burke (888) 920-3330 Fundraising Manager, Nova Scotia James Young (888) 557-5554 Newfoundland and Labrador Kelly Sandoval (877) 243-8257 Fundraising
Matt Simms enjoys DUC position in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Québec (West) Pascal Desmedt
(877) 547-9494
Greenwing Liaison Kim Votour
(888) 920-3330 ext. 3
publication agreement #40064849