Quebec Habitat Heroes Recognized as Ducks Unlimited Canada Celebrates 65 Years

Quebec City, Que., August 12, 2003—In 1982, Allen Lafranchise of Aylmer, Que., finally got the wetland he was waiting for on his Grand Calumet Island property. Lafranchise was one of the first private landowners in the province to voluntarily partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to improve habitat on his land. Water levels to the wetland on his property fluctuated greatly. He worked with DUC and the province to stabilize the water flow.

Since then, the 131 hectare (325 acre) wetland has constantly provided Lafranchise with opportunities to enjoy the province’s wildlife.

“The marsh attracts at lot of animals. You see more wildlife there in a day than anywhere else in a year,” Lafranchise said. “For the last 10 years, I’ve had sand hill cranes. I just saw a chick with an adult.” He also said that geese flock in the thousands during spring and fall migration.

This year marks 65 years of conservation for Ducks Unlimited Canada. In celebration of this anniversary, DUC is featuring landowners like Lafranchise all across Canada. These people form a network of more than 16,000 Canadian landowners who have voluntarily participated in programs that have saved 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres) of habitat in prime waterfowl habitats targeted by DUC.

Across Quebec, more than 200 landowners have helped DUC conserve, restore and protect a total of 21,119 hectares (52,188 acres) of lands that are critical to the survival of waterfowl and other wildlife. Lafranchise’s property along the Ottawa River is part of an area of great conservation interest to DUC. The river’s gently inclined shore has many bays and wetlands that are its most productive habitats for waterfowl and other wildlife. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these critical habitats left.

“Land use along the river has greatly reduced the amount of habitat available to wildlife,” said Raymond Sarrazin, DUC biologist in Québec. “Conserved wetlands provide all of us with improved water quality, better protection from severe floods and droughts and greater natural diversity in plants and animals. These contribute to our enjoyment of the outdoors. They are the rewards landowners give us when they choose to conserve habitat on their land.”

Since DUC started working along the river in 1973, it has invested approximately $1.7 million in the region. The Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec also recognizes the value of these lands. It –has been working with DUC on a $2.2 million action plan to improve existing habitats and ensure their long-term protection. Local landowners have been approached to participate in sustainable land-use agreements, wetland restoration projects and farm management plans. Where possible, project sites with public access will be enhanced with explanatory signs and trails.

Since 1938, DUC has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people.