In September 2021, the conservation organizations of the Montérégiennes hills - which constitute the geological entity stretching from Oka to Mont-Mégantic, in addition to Mont Rigaud - joined forces to elevate efforts to protect these rich territories of southern Québec to a higher level.
In April 2023, each organization unveiled a conservation plan for its hill, in addition to a major regional conservation and connectivity plan. The objectives behind this vast scientific effort were as follows:
- Raise the $150 million needed to implement the conservation plans;
- Rally even more players around this movement;
- Adopt regulatory measures favorable to conservation;
- Invite the public to take concrete action to protect the hills.
And now, in April 2024, the Coalition receives an award crowning its vision and approach, which is coordinated by Sylvie Guilbault, formerly Executive Director of Les Amis de la montagne.
A "pat on the back" for continued efforts
For Les Amis de la montagne, as for our other member organizations, this award is an encouragement to continue our efforts in the field, for example:
- controlling invasive exotic species,
- educating hikers about eco-responsible practices, or
- monitoring the health of certain sensitive environments.
But this award also encourages us to maintain our concerted efforts with our public, institutional and private partners. Collaboration with the latter is essential if we are to be able to count on the funding and support needed to implement conservation actions throughout the mountain.
Government plans and strategies to watch
In 2024, the Québec government is expected to unveil its Plan Nature 2030, while the Canadian government is expected to adopt its 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy.
Les Amis hopes that these plans, along with initiatives by private landowners, will advance the protection of natural environments in the face of anthropogenic and climatic pressures - to name a few - that are increasingly felt in our forests, woodlands and urban parks in southern Québec.
Stay updated!
- Subscribe to the Coalition's LinkedIn page to be informed of our progress.
- Follow the Réseau des milieux naturels protégés, which organized the event at which the Coalition was honored, for a global look at projects and news in the Québec conservation ecosystem.
- Subscribe to Coalition members' respective newsletters.
Finally, Montrealers and lovers of Mount Royal, what better way to show your support for our precious mountain than by making a donation to Les Amis? ♥
