Ecosystems Under Observation
Mont Gosford © Nathalie Poirier
The Megantic region covers a huge territory of nature in its purest state. The diverse ecosystems open horizons to allow a tailor-made experience fit to the preferences of each individual.
The Marshland of the Lac des Joncs
The marshland of the Lac des Joncs is clearly distinguished from other wetlands by its great ecological importance. The marsh provides a rich habitat for aquatic fowl, spawning grounds for a variety of fish and a protected winter gathering place for deer. Great blue herons make their homes here. Also, it is an interesting site for Mallards, American Black Ducks and Blue-winged Teals, as well as abundant muskrats. In recent years, amateur birdwatchers have witnessed the return of the Bald Eagle and presence of the Osprey and Herons. To note, there are five plants identified as endangered by the MENV.
Public access to the marshland is possible by descending the Arnold River, or one may reach the marsh by boat or canoe from either Lake Megantic or Lac des Joncs. By land there is no direct public access.
Most of the marshland consists of land belonging to the municipality of Piopolis. Other parts of the marsh are on property in the municipalities of Frontenac and Saint-Augustin-de-Woburn.
Ecological Reserve Samuel-Brisson
The Ecological Reserve Samuel-Brisson consists of protected territory containing fragile ecosystems where rare and endangered plant species may be found. For example, this protected habitat insures the survival of wild leek. Since the territory is designated by the province as an ecological reserve, all human activity within the reserve is prohibited except by special authorization of the Minister of Environment and Fauna. Forest rangers strictly enforce the provincial regulation.
Marble Mountain Cliffs
The cliffs of Marble Mountain encompass a fragile ecosystem that contains rare, endangered plant species. For conservationists this sector is interesting due to the presence of three sub-Arctic plants known in Gaspesie: Sweetvetch (Hedysarum alpinum), Birdeye Primrose (Primula laurentiana) and Lanceleaf Arnica (Arnica lanceolata), the last two of which should be designated endangered and vulnerable. The area is also renowned for its great number and diversity of plants (236 species listed), ornithological interest (eagles), unique geology and an archaeological site.
Located on land of the public domain, this series of cliffs and landslides is found on the south slope at an altitude of 600-850 m for a distance of more than 1 km. The trail network of the “sentiers frontaliers” affords a view of the cliffs but does not offer access.
Activities such as nature interpretation, wildlife observation, scientific research and education in a natural milieu have been recommended. The Minister of Environment is presently studying the establishment of an ecological reserve in the sector of the Marble Mountain cliffs.
Mount Gosford Summit
Mount Gosford, an extension of the White Mountains in the United States, is part of the Applachian Mountain Chain. The summit with an altitude of 1193 m is the highest in the region. The project of an ecological reserve on the northern face of Mount Gosford’s summit has been considered since 1987.
The Mount Gosford summit comprises fragile ecosystems where rare and endangered plant species are found. The flora is made up of 207 vascular plants of which one is rare in Quebec. Conservationists also focus to protect a stand of red spruce trees firmly rooted on the steep slope (50%) and a spread of common wood-sorrel (Oxalis montana), both typical of high altitudes. These are vegetal groups that contain elements rare and unique to this massif.
This public domain territory belongs to the ZEC Louise-Gosford and to the “Forêt habitée du mont Gosford”. Hiking trails “sentiers frontaliers” lead to the summit of Mount Gosford where an observation tower has been built. Activities such as nature interpretation and wildlife observation are recommended.
