Eastman, January 28, 2025 – The Massawippi Conservation Trust (MCT), in collaboration with Appalachian Corridor, is delighted to announce the protection in perpetuity of the Lim Wetlands property, a magnificent 8-hectare parcel located in the municipality of Hatley, near the mouth of the Tomifobia River. This property, made up mainly of aquatic and wetland environments, is of vital ecological importance. Thanks to this initiative, the biodiversity of this precious natural habitat will be protected in perpetuity.

A MAJOR ECOLOGICAL INTEREST

An in-depth ecological assessment of the property was carried out by Appalachian Corridor in the summer of 2022. This parcel is part of a complex of wetlands crucial to conservation upstream of Lake Massawippi. The Massawippi Conservation Trust is committed to protecting these habitats rich in biodiversity, which are home to species at risk or vulnerable to harvesting, such as St John’s Wort, Canada Lily, Ostrich Fern, Wood Turtle and four species of bat. In addition, 44 species of birds have been observed, including three species with special status: the Bank and the Barn Sallow, as well as the Eastern Woodpecker. This natural environment, which includes shrub and tree swamps, is an essential carbon reservoir and plays a crucial role in regulating water levels. By helping to reduce the risk of flooding and by filtering water, these unique habitats provide an essential refuge for many species throughout their life cycle.

“The Appalachian Corridor team is proud to have contributed to the preservation of this property by supporting the Massawippi Conservation Trust. The wetlands on this property guarantee high-quality drinking water for the surrounding communities. Protecting this precious ecosystem was vital because of its remarkable ecological services, which are essential to the local environmental balance” emphasises Mélanie Lelièvre, General Manager of Appalachian Corridor.

A STEP FORWARD FOR CONSERVATION

The donation of the Lim Wetlands property represents a significant step forward in the conservation strategy of the Massawippi Conservation Trust. Located just 4.3 km from protected areas on the western shore of Lake Massawippi, this property plays a key role in preserving the lake’s water quality. The Massawippi Conservation Trust and Appalachian Corridor would like to express their deep gratitude to the owners for their generous donation of land valued at 90,000$, which will help to protect biodiversity and support local ecosystems.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR BACKERS

This project was made possible thanks to financial support from the federal and provincial governments. Among others, through the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC) Natural Environment Partnership Project, a project that received financial assistance from the Quebec government, and also through the Community Designated Priority Sites for Species at Risk initiative of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Canadian Nature Fund. Additional funding was provided by the Massawippi Foundation, which supports the Trust in its conservation mission.