12 Jun A HISTORIC MILESTONE IN CONSERVATION: THE FORÊT BRIÈRE IS NOW PROTECTED

Sutton and Potton Township, June 12, 2025 – Appalachian Corridor and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) are proud to announce the success of their fundraising efforts. The campaign to protect the Forêt Brière is now officially over.

Thanks to a tremendous collective effort and the generosity of our donors, the goal of raising over $1,000,000 in private funds has been reached, meaning this exceptional 540-hectare property in the heart of the Northern Green Mountains will be protected in perpetuity.

A VICTORY FOR NATURE

The campaign succeeded because of the incredible support we received. In addition to significant donations from the federal government, the Quebec government, and our American partners, the contributions from citizens, businesses and foundations were what tipped the scale. All these stakeholders working together made it possible to take a site threatened by real estate development and transform it into a natural sanctuary that will be protected for future generations.

By agreeing to donate such a large tract of land, Guy Brière, the landowner, made a significant contribution to the project. His cooperation and commitment to conservation enabled us to take this important step toward protecting nature in the area.

A PRICELESS LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

The Forêt Brière is an essential part of the ecological corridor linking forests in Quebec and Vermont. Its protection builds on conservation initiatives undertaken over the past 30 years on both sides of the border, as well as contributing to international commitments to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030.

A KEY LOCATION FOR ECOLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY

This remarkably biodiverse area is home to over 250 species of endangered flora and fauna, and several threatened bats. The area also includes many different habitats, among them forests, waterways and wetlands. By safeguarding this strategic site, we preserve one of the most valuable ecosystems in the ecoregion and protect the water quality of the Missisquoi River watershed. The property, located in the Brock and Brûlé Mountains region, is recognized as a key area for large-ranging mammals such as black bear, moose, bobcat and fisher. Several plant species worthy of conservation have been found there, including the butternut tree, considered endangered in Canada. Among the 53 bird species that have been spotted are the Eastern Woodpecker, Wood Thrush and Canada Warbler, all three at risk in Canada. There are also numerous bats, including the little brown and the tricolored bat, which are endangered in Canada. The property’s streams provide high-quality habitat for three species of stream salamander, including the spring salamander, an endangered species requiring clear, cold, well-oxygenated water.

Because the Forêt Brière is part of a key ecological corridor, it plays a vital role in linking the region’s natural habitats. This exceptionally biodiverse area – part of the globally significant Appalachian ecoregion where the Green Mountains and Forêt Brière are located – is known for playing a critical role in climate change adaptation. In fact, it includes some of the largest remaining tracts of temperate hardwood forest in the world.

A MODEL OF CONSERVATION COLLABORATION

Protecting the Forêt Brière is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration between conservation organizations, governments, private stakeholders, and engaged citizens.

Appalachian Corridor and the Nature Conservancy of Canada would like to express their sincere thanks to the key donors whose support made this project possible: the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) through the Accélérer la conservation dans le sud du Québec (ACSQ) initiative (2023–2028), and the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for its funding through the Canada Nature Fund, and the Nature Heritage Conservation Program – Land Trusts Conservation Fund.

We’re grateful for the support of private foundations and businesses, including the Echo Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Service and Wildlands Network, the Beaulieu-Saucier Foundation, and the Toboggan & Co Foundation. We also wish to acknowledge the generosity of our anonymous donors. This achievement not only safeguards a vital natural area but also paves the way for future efforts to protect critical habitats in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.

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