Drafted by: Serge Beaucher Edited by: Solange Deschênes Graphic design: Deschamps Design Cover photo: istockphoto, Marianne McEwen

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3 COORDINATION Luce Chamard, Environment Canada Jean-Sébastien Fillion, Environment Canada Andrée-Anne Labrecque, Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs Roger T. Drolet, Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs Drafted by: Serge Beaucher Edited by: Solange Deschênes Graphic design: Deschamps Design Cover photo: istockphoto, Marianne McEwen FOR MORE INFORMATION Coordination Office of St. Lawrence Plan 1141 Route de l Église, P.O. Box Québec QC G1V 4H5 Tel.: Fax: Website: tlau rent.qc.ca psl@ec.gc.ca psl@mddep.gouv.qc.ca Published by Authority of the Minister of the Environment Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2011 Published by Authority of the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Gouvernement du Québec, 2011 Legal deposit Library and Archives Canada, 2011 ISBN: Aussi disponible en français

4 Table of Contents Note to the reader Message from Canada s Minister of the Environment Message from the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks of Quebec A Word from the Agreement Co-Chairs Phase IV in brief Agriculture Marsh restoration in Lavallière Bay Water purification and flow regulation ponds in agricultural areas Access to riverbanks Development of Yamachiche Point Landroche Channel reshaping Community involvement and awareness Forum on Community Involvement Halte marine de La Pocatière Ecological integrity Inventory of protected areas in southern Quebec Conservation plan for the St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Champlain Navigation Measures to adapt to climate change Dredging Activity Planning Registry State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Second Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence River Rendez-vous St. Lawrence Integrated management Government expenses Conclusion

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6 Note to the reader Photo: Serge Beauchemin, Le monde en images, CCDMD This report outlines the activities that took place between 2005 and 2010 as part of the St. Lawrence Plan (SLP) for a Sustainable Development. It presents the objectives, expected results and a summary of main achievements for each of the Plan's six areas of intervention (agriculture, access to riverbanks, community involvement and awareness, ecological integrity, navigation, and state of the St. Lawrence monitoring). Two examples of actions implemented by SLP stakeholders and their partners are also presented for each area. Readers who would like more detailed information on this fourth phase of the SLP can visit saint lau rent.qc.ca. This website includes biennial reports ( and ), studies, fact sheets, scientific posters, articles and new releases. The site also presents broader information on the SLP as a whole since the first Canada Québec agreement on the St. Lawrence, signed in

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8 Message from Canada s Minister of the Environment Itake special pride in presenting this report, which highlights the successes achieved between 2005 and 2010 under the fourth Canada Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence. First ratified over two decades ago, the Agreement started out as an instrument for cleaning up the St. Lawrence. Since then, it has evolved into a much more comprehensive collaborative tool dedicated to enhancing the quality of this important Canadian ecosystem. The outcomes achieved since the first Canada Québec agreement on the St. Lawrence are reduced pollution, the protection of human health, habitat conservation for the ecosystem's flora and fauna, and greater community awareness and involvement. The objectives of Phase IV were to protect, conserve and enhance the St. Lawrence ecosystem by promoting sustainable development, fostering a better understanding of complex interactions within the ecosystem, maintaining its ecological integrity, closely monitoring its state, and increasing community involvement. The Government of Canada has been committed to, and has very actively participated in, every aspect of this plan by fully subscribing to its ecosystemic approach. The underlying approach of this interjurisdictional and interdepartmental partnership is simple and effective. It focuses on knowledge acquisition, information and expertise sharing, solution seeking, awareness raising and, lastly, the implementation of actions to protect and enhance the St. Lawrence's riches. Peter Kent 3

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10 Message from the Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks of Quebec Phase IV of the Canada Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence came to an end in This important phase focused on sustainable development helped protect and enhance the resources of this unique ecosystem. It embodies a true model of collaboration between scientists, government partners and representatives from municipalities and shoreline communities. Through productive dialogue and discourse, these dedicated stakeholders managed to find common ground for their respective interests in strategic areas: community involvement, agriculture, access to riverbanks, ecological integrity, navigation and state of the St. Lawrence monitoring. Through their efforts, they helped complete a second overview of the St. Lawrence and moved towards the integrated management of this vast watershed. Collectively, we are now more aware of the importance of protecting the St. Lawrence's biodiversity and of reducing the upstream threats to it. If we truly want to leave this magnificent body of water in the best possible condition for our children, the responsibility falls on each and every one of us, no matter how we utilize its resources. In his superb animated film The Mighty River, filmmaker Frédéric Back expressed his wish that we act to protect the St. Lawrence's vital resources. I am convinced that that wish is coming true. Pierre Arcand 5

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12 A Word from the Agreement Co-Chairs We are pleased to present this report on the activities carried out between 2005 and 2010 as part of the St. Lawrence Plan for a Sustainable Development. This report covers the work of all partners involved. The ongoing collaboration between the Canadian and Quebec governments since the 1988 signing of the first agreement has been enriched by a multitude of public and private stakeholders and their commitment to promoting the integrated management of the three fundamental components of sustainable development (i.e. the environmental, social and economic considerations). This period also saw greater community involvement, such as the 100 or so projects implemented through the Community Interaction Program (CIP) and the 2009 Des collectivités actives tournées vers le Saint-Laurent [active communities focused on the St. Lawrence] forum, which brought together some 150 stakeholders. In terms of outreach, youth were included among target groups, and they responded to the invitation to numerous projects designed specifically for them. Community organizations were actively involved in documenting indicators for the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program. In the area of agriculture, groups of growers were involved in the fine-tuning of best farming practices. With respect to access to riverbanks, major marine infrastructures were transferred and small wharves rebuilt in collaboration with municipalities. Lastly, certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) took on projects in the area of ecological integrity. Most notable was the development of the Conservation Plan for the St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Champlain. During Phase IV, the St. Lawrence Plan celebrated its 20th anniversary. Shoreline communities marked this anniversary through their ZIP committees, as well as through a science week called Secrets of the St. Lawrence, which was held at the Musée de la civilisation in Québec. For past and current architects of this federal-provincial agreement, it was the ideal opportunity to showcase the success of the St. Lawrence plans and to discuss the future of our collaboration dedicated to the river's protection and conservation. We can proudly say that the efforts made in this phase have led to a stronger long-term commitment by the governments of Canada and Quebec with respect to conservation and enhancement of the St. Lawrence ecosystem based on a more integrated and concerted approach. In doing so, we have come closer to attaining an ambitious vision: a St. Lawrence for everyone. Philippe Morel, Chair for Canada Charles Larochelle, Chair for Quebec 7

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14 Phase IV in brief Photo: René Therreault, MDDEP The St. Lawrence Plan for a Sustainable Development is the fourth phase of the Canada Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence and was implemented between 2005 and The plan aimed for participation by a greater number of St. Lawrence stakeholders and was based on the three fundamental components of sustainable development, namely environmental, social and economic considerations. The objective was therefore to contribute to a sustainable development that promotes ecological integrity, environmentally responsible economic activities, community commitment, and the informed, concerted and integrated governance of the St. Lawrence. To achieve this objective, the SLP's seven federal partners and three provincial partners agreed to take action in six areas of intervention: agriculture, access to riverbanks, community involvement and awareness, ecological integrity, navigation and state of the St. Lawrence monitoring. Their contributions materialized through commitments in one or more of these areas, as presented in detail below. For each of these areas, coordination committees have seen to the achievement of these results by planning and executing activities as well as ensuring information dissemination. These committees consisted of one co-chair for Canada, one co-chair for Quebec, experts from partner departments and ministries, and NGO representatives. As for the Agreement, it was administered by a management committee, which was chaired by Environment Canada (EC) and the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec (MDDEP). The committee also brought together stakeholders from all partner departments and ministries. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

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16 Agriculture Improvements to benefit aquatic ecosystems Agriculture interventions focused on resource conservation and the abatement of non-point source pollution in agricultural areas. The preferred means used to achieve this goal involved promoting a more integrated management of agricultural production methods based on a better understanding of the pressures that these methods put on the ecosystem, as well as perfecting and promoting environmentally beneficial management practices among farming businesses, particularly through field demonstrations. Photo: Philippe Brodeur, MRNF Targeted results Government partners Main achievements Reduce the impact of agricultural activities on sections of the St. Lawrence and its tributaries; and Improve knowledge so as to develop new agricultural management practices and to more effectively monitor the state of sections of the St. Lawrence and its tributaries. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; and the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec. Partner actions and achievements to attain the targeted results centred on three axes: the abatement of agricultural non-point source pollution, judicious pesticide use and biodiversity protection. The main activities that were carried out are as follows. Extensive water quality monitoring and pesticide impact assessment in certain sections of the St. Lawrence and at the mouths of certain tributaries; R A P P O R T Q u I N Q u E N N A L

17 Main achievements (cont.) Design of a watercourse development model for agricultural areas as well as the adaptation and implementation of a riparian corridor modelling system; Fine-tuning of watercourse quality monitoring methods in agricultural areas, including the development of new bioindicators; Water quality characterization and improvement projects in certain tributaries with a view to integrated water management by watershed; Joint projects implemented with local stakeholders to reduce sediment, nutrient and microorganism inputs; Development of six research programs involving agriculture's impact on water resources; fertilizer use; evaluation of water quality improvement management practices; insect pest control; crop disease control; and, lastly, weed control; Mapping of ecological resources on agricultural land to support the production of diagnostic logbooks for shoreline landowners; Assessment of the presence of pesticides in the air, water and soil of Saint-François Bay; Measurement of the effectiveness of various forms of pesticide use through digital simulators to identify practices with the least impact on the ecosystem and subsequently present these findings to users; Several wildlife habitat restoration and conservation projects and studies, in collaboration with groups of local growers and organizations, to promote biodiversity preservation in agricultural areas; Production of agro-environmental fact sheets, and the convening of a conference on multi-purpose riparian corridor development; Development of an integrated management approach for agricultural resources; and Design and distribution of seven scientific posters on indicators, studies, restoration projects and other topics related to protecting biodiversity in agricultural areas. 12 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

18 Marsh restoration in Lavallière Bay The Lavallière Bay Marsh is a 600-ha mosaic of waterways, marshes, swamps and floodplains. Although it was purchased and subsequently developed by the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune (MRNF) in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada some twenty years ago, the natural aging process inherent in any wetland has been occurring at an accelerated pace in this marsh, in part because of agricultural practices in its watershed. Photo: Pierre Dulude, Ducks unlimited Canada Since 2006, several SLP partners have turned their attention toward the state of this marsh located at the mouth of the Yamaska River, where it flows into Lake Saint-Pierre so that their combined efforts might improve the state of this wetland. This watershed drains 200 km 2 of mainly agricultural land, and observable signs of eutrophication have confirmed the need to take action through farm interventions aimed at reducing soil losses as well as nutrient and pesticide exports. A series of studies conducted from 2006 to 2008 led to the following findings: very poor quality water; water loaded with suspended solids, nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) and pesticides; oxygen-deficient water; decreased productivity rate of wildlife developments (e.g. fish populations declining and in poor health); very high sedimentation rate; and high soil erosion. In this context, 13 partners developed an action plan to implement various interventions over the next few years aimed at installing structures to control field water runoff, helping agricultural producers adopt best practices, raising public awareness, and conducting ongoing results monitoring. These partners are the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Pierre-De Saurel, the Fédération de l Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) [federation of the union of agricultural producers] of Saint-Hyacinthe, the Syndicat de l UPA de Bas-Richelieu, the Yamaska watershed management board, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Société d aménagement de la baie Lavallière [Lavallière Bay development corporation], F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

19 the Research and Development Institute for Agri-environment, the La Vallière agro-environmental club, Les Patriotes advisory club, the Ministère de l Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l Alimentation (MAPAQ) Montérégie-Est, the MRNF, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). Water purification and flow regulation ponds in agricultural areas The degradation of aquatic ecosystems is strongly linked to the levels of suspended solids and phosphorus they contain. It is known that phosphorus inputs from cropland are largely associated with runoff from meltwater or heavy precipitation. However, retention ponds used during these periods can catch this runoff, store it for some time, and then gradually release it into waterways after the peak stage has passed. This method helps decrease the risks of flooding and erosion. These ponds also capture fertilizers and sediments carried along by the runoff that can then be recovered and spread over the soil to enrich it. At the same time, these ponds can be used to water herds, irrigate crops, put out fires and even provide habitat for wildlife. Undertaken in 2008 in Saint-Samuel-de-Horton, in the Centre-du-Québec region's Nicolet River watershed, this experimental project was designed to quantify the impact of these ponds on water quality (phosphorus, nitrogen, sediments) and to characterize the agronomic potential of accumulated sediments. Conducted by MAPAQ researchers and professionals, this initiative also aimed to measure the effectiveness of a water purification and flow regulation pond at reducing peak flows. Preliminary results were conclusive, and this type of development is now included among the measures recommended to farmers for controlling non-point source pollution. In light of climate change, which threatens to produce increasingly extreme precipitation patterns, water purification and flow regulation ponds used in combination with other mitigation strategies will undoubtedly become a determining factor in soil and water quality preservation across watersheds. 14 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

20 Access to riverbanks Towards a more accessible St. Lawrence The objective of the access to riverbanks component was to promote public access to the St. Lawrence by supporting the creation, development and restoration of sites and infrastructures such as wharves, boat launches and nature trails. Photo: Grégoire Ouellet Targeted results Government partners Main achievements Rebuild marine infrastructures; and Support the completion of five municipal projects to increase access to the St. Lawrence. Parks Canada; Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec; the Ministère du Transports du Québec; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; and Public Works and Government Services Canada. Two main intervention types were used to achieve the targeted results: (1) Quebec government participation, most often in partnership with municipalities, to promote access to fishing, hunting or nature trail sites; and (2) federal government participation to rebuild and transfer federal wharves and other marine infrastructures to municipalities or non-profit organizations. More specifically, the following projects were carried out: F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

21 Main achievements (cont.) Construction of an access ramp and purchase of wharves at the mouth of the Saint-François River in Pierreville; Digging at the mouth of the Du Loup River at Lake Saint-Pierre; Installation of breakwaters, stabilization of banks and construction of an access ramp and a path along the foreshore of Isle-aux-Grues; Dredging of a channel in Notre-Dame-de-Pierreville to restore access to Lake Saint-Pierre for small craft; Purchase of 68 ha of private land in Louiseville (Pointe-à-Caron), pursuant to an agreement with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and restoration of a footbridge at that site; Development of access to the former Irving quay infrastructures, thanks to the rebuilding of the Champlain Boulevard in Québec, and development of three other access points along this major artery; Rebuilding and transfer of four wharves, including three at Bonaventure in Chaleur Bay (Fauvel, Cullen s Brook and Route Henry wharves) and one at Gascons in the Magdalen Islands; Transfer of 21 facilities used for small craft along the St. Lawrence or its tributaries, and rebuilding of wharves in Magpie, Saint-François-du-Lac and Portneuf-sur-Mer; and Production of a database and preliminary mapping for the creation of a directory of public access points to the St. Lawrence. 16 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

22 Development of yamachiche Point Yamachiche Point, a site long frequented by ornithologists, hunters and ice-fishing enthusiasts, now offers an unparalleled window onto Lake Saint-Pierre. It is now possible to walk along a birding trail, follow a boardwalk over a marsh and observe the birdlife from two lookouts. This showcase is the work of the MRNF with participation by the municipality of Yamachiche, the RCM of Maskinongé, the Lake Saint-Pierre ZIP committee, and the Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l Occupation du territoire, among others. Located just south of Autoroute 40 in the municipality of Yamachiche, this long hook-shaped point extends a good kilometre out into Lake Saint-Pierre. Wet meadowland (flooded in spring), mature forest, open areas and delta make up the point's ecosystem, which has been designated an important site for biodiversity by Nature Québec and the World Wildlife Fund. More than 100 bird species are spotted there every year, including some 30 duck and goose species, as well as a number of rare birds such as the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle. Shoreline erosion caused by illegal deforestation completely destroyed a riverside trail that once provided access to the tip of the point, and these changes subsequently cleared the way for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) drivers to increasingly encroach upon the surrounding vegetation. The twofold aim of these developments was therefore to protect the vegetation from worsening degradation and to offer natural beauty aficionados access to this exceptional environment. Installed between 2006 and 2009, these infrastructures consist of a parking lot, a raised boardwalk, lookouts, and a birding trail complete with interpretive signs. Photo: Roger T. Drolet F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

23 Landroche Channel reshaping Since its creation in 1964, the Landroche Channel in Baie-du-Febvre has been the preferred access point to Lake Saint-Pierre for commercial and sport fishers as well as recreational boaters. Over the years, however, sediment accumulation has limited access to the lake from early April to mid-july. Reshaping work was therefore needed to restore full access throughout ice-free times of the year. In this context, a project was implemented to dredge the full length of the 2.5-km channel. For safety reasons, National Defence first removed all traces of munitions that may have ended up in the channel as a result of activities at the nearby Nicolet Munitions Experimental Test Centre. Once the channel was safe, the project partners, consisting of the Corporation de développement économique de Baie-du-Febvre [Baie-du-Febvre economic development corporation] and the MRNF, began reshaping the first 1400 m in the winter of 2008, restoring the channel to its original depth and expanding its width from 4 to 11.2 m. A second phase in the winter of 2011 completed the remaining 1100 m. The sediment removed from the channel was recovered, processed and upgraded. It was ultimately used as fill in building a parking lot providing access to Baie-du-Febvre wildlife interpretive infrastructures. This reshaping gave users easier and safer access to the Landroche Channel, as well as to the UNESCO Lake Saint-Pierre World Biosphere Reserve, which offers unique vantage points for observing the flora and fauna. 18 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

24 Community involvement and awareness Learning about issues and working together The mandate of those responsible for the community involvement and awareness component was to raise awareness among communities, users and decision makers regarding the advantages of choosing sustainable development and the integrated management of the St. Lawrence, and to encourage their participation in related activities. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Fillion, Environment Canada Targeted results Support the joint action of shoreline communities, particularly for the execution of ecological rehabilitation action plans (ERAPs); Support the implementation of 150 community and environmental projects under the Community Interaction Program (CIP); Provide shoreline communities with scientific and technical support; Make young people aware of sustainable development; and Adapt and disseminate scientific information to meet the needs of people and organizations committed to the St. Lawrence. Government partners Parks Canada; Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

25 Main achievements The partners took the following actions and achieved the following for each targeted result in this area of intervention: Ongoing support and funding for Stratégies Saint-Laurent (SSL) and the 14 ZIP committees in their mandate of regional mobilization and cooperation, particularly for implementing ERAPs (approximately 240 projects), holding ZIP commissions and training members; Production of the Overview of Community Action Development, which reports on community involvement in the achievement of SLP results over the years; Support for the implementation of 125 community and environmental projects under the CIP; Several projects to raise youth awareness, including a summit on water and the St. Lawrence, BioKits for families, an environmental observation and action project called Mouille et grouille (action on water woes), a videoconference on the St. Lawrence, an adaptation of the Adopt-a-River Program for the general public, and the publication and distribution in schools of the magazine River Action; Creation and launch of the St. Lawrence Global Observatory offering fast and integrated Internet access to data from a network of federal, provincial and university organizations that are contributing to the sustainable management of the St. Lawrence. 20 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

26 Forum on Community Involvement The forum Active communities facing on the St. Lawrence, held in Trois-Rivières in March 2009 through Stratégies Saint-Laurent, provided an opportunity to discuss common concerns and helped initiate collaborative actions for the St. Lawrence with a view to sustainable development. Photo: Julie Moisan, MDDEP The activity also aimed to share specific examples of successful cross-sectoral collaborations in order to foster mobilization and provide tools and models to communities ready to get involved. At the forum, some 150 specialists and resource persons from every region and various backgrounds (government, university, municipal, industrial, community and First Nations) participated in this activity. After a few talks and a grand tour of collaborations showcasing examples of community successes, the bulk of the forum was presented in workshop format. The objective of these workshops was to identify courses of action centred around the five major issues surrounding sustainable development of the St. Lawrence: adaptation to climate change; recovery and reconciliation of uses; water quality improvement; biodiversity and ecosystem preservation; and sustainable resource development. A total of 140 courses of action were proposed. Two strong trends emerged from that exercise: the need for a more integrated approached through consultation with citizens and users, and the need for increased knowledge acquisition and information dissemination. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

27 Halte marine de La Pocatière Every summer since 2008, visitors stopping at the La Pocatière tourist information booth have been offered a brief foray into the world of the St. Lawrence. A marine educational centre provides an interactive exhibition, various interpretation activities related to the estuary and a creative walk allowing them to do some observational drawing, among other things. The objective of this approach, initiated in 2006 by the Association québécoise pour la promotion de l éducation relative à l environnement (AQPERE), was to develop a new concept for educational projects on the St. Lawrence that enables Cégeps, municipal administrations and environmental agencies to work together. This means that specific, conservation or enhancement projects for the St. Lawrence should be developed as part of a Cégep teaching program. The project developed at La Pocatière was integrated into two technical training programs: bioecology, for the content of the interpretation activities; and plastic arts, for the aesthetic design of the adjacent building and interpretation panels, as well as for the drawing workshops. The Sud-de-l Estuaire ZIP Committee and the Réseau d observation des mammifères marins have, for their part, offered students their knowledge and expertise. Lastly, the city provided the building and participated in hiring nature interpreters. This pilot project helped refine the model. Following the publication of the report Evaluation of a partnership model and approach for the protection and enhancement of the St. Lawrence, another document entitled Guide d implantation de projets de mise en valeur du Saint-Laurent [St. Lawrence enhancement projects implementation guide] was produced by AQPERE to facilitate the exportation of the concept to other Cégeps. 22 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

28 Ecological integrity Preserve the fauna, flora and ecological processes Ecological integrity intervention activities should help provide a better understanding of the evolution of flora and fauna habitats and populations and the functioning of the St. Lawrence ecosystems in order to ensure their maintenance, protection and better usage. Photo: Roger T. Drolet Targeted results Identify and evaluate potentially at-risk species and take specific actions to protect priority habitats; Develop and implement habitat conservation plans; Update and develop at-risk species recovery plans and implement recovery actions; Evaluate, consolidate and improve the developed or protected areas network; Gain and share knowledge on the St. Lawrence River's biodiversity; and Study the stresses on ecosystems: pollution, climate changes, certain invasive alien species and variations in water levels. Government partners Parks Canada; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec; and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

29 Main achievements In total, 120 projects targeted a wide range of species and habitats through specific protection actions, the completion of conservation or recovery plans, and the acquisition and sharing of new knowledge gained through inventories and modelling projects. The following is an overview. Studies on approximately 15 migratory bird species and their habitats, which resulted in particular in the development of management plans for the Eider Duck, the Greater Snow Goose, the Canada Goose and the American Woodcock, as well as a conservation plan for shorebirds in Quebec; Research and inventory work on several reptile and amphibian species, which led to the development of habitat conservation plans and recovery plans for six turtle species and two amphibian species at risk; Protection and recovery of at-risk animal species (Bicknell's Thrush, Yellow Rail, Piping Plover, Copper Redhorse, Striped Bass) and at least six at-risk plant species, including Green Dragon and False Hop Sedge; Publication of the Atlas of Copper Redhorse Habitats in the St. Lawrence River and its Tributaries; Launch, then update, of the Atlas of Bank Restoration Sites of the St. Lawrence River, which lists approximately 500 potential sites for the recovery of the main disturbed habitats. The atlas was designed to quickly meet the basic needs of agencies that want to get involved in restoring habitats along the St. Lawrence River; Creation of the Réserve aquatique de l Estuaire-de-la-Rivière-Bonaventure. This includes the entire Barachois-de-Bonaventure flora habitat (38.67 ha), and the southern part overlaps the Pointe de Paspébiac staging area for aquatic birds (20.92 km 2 ); Publication of a study on the phytogeographic limits of the estuary and Chaleur Bay; Digital terrain modelling that, among other things, enabled the mapping of the spring reproduction habitats of the Northern Pike and the Yellow Perch, and the summer habitats of a dozen or so fish species in the Fluvial Section of the St. Lawrence River; and Continuation of research concerning the effects that urban wastewater, climate change, flow regulation (habitat and water-level modelling), invasive alien species (Common Water Reed, Chinese Mitten Crab and Round Goby) and emerging substances present in effluent have on the aquatic ecosystem. Among others, these substances include a dozen pharmaceutical products for which the ecotoxicity was evaluated; the results enabled the City of Montréal to choose adequate sanitation treatment of its wastewater. 24 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

30 Inventory of protected areas in southern Quebec The plant and wildlife inventory program of protected areas in southern Quebec aims to determine the presence of at-risk species in approximately 20 protected areas (private and public) and to perfect knowledge on the biological diversity of these areas. The exercise also includes around a dozen islands that are still in their natural state but have no legal protection status. In addition to the Lake Saint-Francois National Wildlife Reserve, the reserves at Cap Tourmente, Pointe-au-Père and Baie de l'isle-verte were also visited. In all the territories studied, approximately 350 plant and animal species were observed, of which around 50 are rare. Certain pleasant discoveries sometimes surprised the inventory supervisors. For example, the Hoary Bat, thought to be threatened or vulnerable in Quebec, was found in all areas inventoried, which indicates that it is more common than previously believed. Also, at Lake Saint-François upstream from Montréal, 23 rare plant species, including American Ginseng (threatened) and Butternut (endangered), were inventoried. As a bonus, one of the largest populations of Eastern Sand Darter, a small threatened fish, was discovered there, illustrating the extraordinary ecological richness of the Lake Saint-Francois National Wildlife Reserve. In all, thousands of pieces of data were collected and secured in various electronic data banks. This inventory was the first phase in a program that will continue until Led during the third and fourth phases of the SLP, this project was conducted jointly with the following agencies: the Agence régionale de mise en valeur de la forêt privée du Bas-Saint-Laurent [lower St. Lawrence private forest promotion agency]; Attention FragÎles [attention fragile islands]; the Montréal Biodôme; the Nature Conservancy of Canada; the Société Duvetnor ltée; the Bas-Saint-Laurent Model Forest; Eco-Nature; the Salicorne; Association des amis du Cap Tourmente [friends of Cap Tourmente association]; Amis de la réserve nationale de faune du lac Saint-François [friends of the Lake Saint-Francois National Wildlife Reserve]; the Corporation PARC Bas-Saint-Laurent [lower St. Lawrence PARK corporation]; the Université de Montréal; the Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park; the Madawaska River and Lac Témiscouata Development Corporation; the Société de conservation de l'eider à duvet de l'estuaire [estuary eider duck conservation society]; the Société d aménagement de la baie Lavallière [Lavallière Bay development corporation]; the St. Lawrence Valley Natural History Society; and the Provencher [sic] Society of Natural History of Canada. Photo: Raymond Lévesque, Le monde en images, CCDMD F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

31 Conservation plan for the St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Champlain The ecoregion of the St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Champlain corresponds roughly to the St. Lawrence Lowlands. It is the most ecologically rich region in Quebec. Two thirds of the province's vascular plants are found there and only four amphibian and reptile species are absent. Also, 80 fish species inhabit its waters and 200 bird species nest there. Ironically, it is also the area where biodiversity faces the greatest pressure. In this context, the Nature Conservancy of Canada Quebec, an SLP partner, conducted the huge undertaking of inventorying and analyzing this region. In all, some 3000 parcels of forest, almost 2000 wetlands, 300 exceptional forest ecosystems, 45 threatened vertebrate species and 75 rare plants were scrutinized. The agency concluded that more than 1650 natural sites should be protected to maintain the entire biodiversity of the most populated part of Quebec. This initiative led to the publication in 2007 of the Conservation plan for the St. Lawrence Valley and Lake Champlain. 26 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

32 Navigation A strategy for environmentally friendly navigation development The St. Lawrence Plan's many interventions in navigation in the fourth phase of the Agreement were aimed at harmonizing navigation activity development with the protection of ecosystems and other uses of the St. Lawrence. This primarily involved the implementation of the Sustainable Navigation Strategy for the St. Lawrence, developed in the previous phase. Photo: Denis Chabot, Le monde en images, CCDMD Targeted results Government partners Maintain joint efforts among navigation stakeholders; Educate the public and decision-makers about the advantages of navigation; Implement the integrated management of dredging and sediment; Evaluate the options for adapting commercial navigation to lower water levels; Predict the impact of ships wakes on erosion-sensitive areas; Improve wastewater discharge and vessel cargo residue management; Reduce the risk of introducing invasive alien species through vessels; and Encourage the cooperation of shoreline communities in the case of a discharge. Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec; the Ministère du Transports du Québec [Quebec department of transportation]; Fisheries and Oceans Canada; and Transport Canada. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

33 Main achievements The interventions and achievements resulting from the engagement of navigation stakeholders cover a wide range. The following are a few examples. Awareness tour conducted by the Amis de la vallée du Saint-Laurent [friends of the St. Lawrence Valley], with the collaboration of the ZIP committees, in 12 shoreline cities along the St. Lawrence, to present the environmental benefits of maritime transportation. In total, 300 people representing 200 agencies attended the meetings; Organization of a navigation week to promote trades related to maritime transportation to young people; Implementation of the Eco-marinas Program in 2007 by the Quebec Marine Association, establishing environmental certification in St. Lawrence marinas; Identification of 17 measures and production of tools to establish integrated dredging management; Technical support for the restoration projects involving three contaminated aquatic sites: the Port of Montreal, the mouth of the Saint-Louis River and the Port of Gaspé. These projects led to the adoption of a standardized approach to contaminated site remediation; Follow-up on the voluntary measure to reduce commercial vessel speed between Varennes and Sorel aimed at reducing bank erosion by wakes in this particularly sensitive area. Compliance with the voluntary restriction was 90%; Education of recreational boaters about the problems of bank erosion by wakes; Proposal of a regulatory change concerning pollution prevention by vessels in order to harmonize wastewater and cargo residue management between the St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes; Implementation of a regulation requiring vessels and pleasure craft to discharge their wastewater into equipment at the dock; Participation in developing the Ballast Water Control and Management Regulations (adopted in 2006), aimed at reducing the risk that vessels entering the St. Lawrence's waters will introduce invasive alien species. The inspection, in 2009, of all vessels destined for St. Lawrence and Great Lake ports showed 97.9% compliance with the regulation that year; Holding of training and information workshops with shoreline communities regarding their collaboration on interventions during the discharge of dangerous products; and Publication of scientific posters about the SLP s main interventions in the field of navigation. 28 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

34 Measures to adapt to climate change An exploratory study published in 2005 by the partners in this component aimed to better understand the measures available in order to adapt to the lower water levels between Montréal and Trois-Rivières that are feared as a consequence of climate change. Photo: Denis Béchard, Transports Québec This study, entitled Climate change and marine transportation on the St. Lawrence River. Exploratory Study of Adaptation Options, predicts, in its worst-case scenario, a drop in water levels of as substantial as 0.3 m at Trois-Rivières and 1.0 m at Montréal by Although some of the four scenarios selected only involve improvements to the current tools (e.g. changes to vessel configuration to reduce draft), other scenarios consider signficant future adjustments to the river (dykes and locks in particular). The study also discussed the possibility of reorganizing navigation and port activity with a partial transfer of Port of Montreal activities to Trois-Rivières, Bécancour or Québec. Given its exploratory nature, the study did not recommend any particular option, as the work was, among other things, limited by uncertainty regarding climate change at the regional level. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

35 Dredging Activity Planning Registry The St. Lawrence Dredging Activity Planning Registry, accessible online, aims to support collaboration between promoters and various interest groups and so enable better regional planning of dredging activities in the St. Lawrence. The tool's ultimate objective is to help find optimal solutions to the difficulties that could arise from these activities. To record an activity in the registry, the promoters are invited to open an account on the site. Each activity has a corresponding record indicating the exact location and dates of the dredging, and the name of the promoter and a resource person. It is also possible to find out details associated with this activity: the type and frequency of dredging, equipment used, the quantity, type and proportion of debris (gravel, pebbles, stones, etc.), where the debris will be dumped (land, open water) and the registration date. In addition to making public all activities registered by promoters, the registry contains a section with links to the laws and regulations associated with dredging activities in Quebec. 30 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

36 State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Monitoring changes in the St. Lawrence ecosystem The State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program makes it possible to determine changes in the state of the St. Lawrence using a series of environmental indicators related to five ecosystem components (water, sediment, banks, biological resources and anthropogenic uses). Photo: Robert Desjardins, Le monde en images, CCDMD Targeted results Determine the state and evolution of the St. Lawrence with scientific information provided by the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program; and Regularly inform decision-makers and shoreline communities of the state and evolution of the St. Lawrence through dissemination methods that are adapted to their needs and facilitate access to information. Government partners Parks Canada; the Canadian Space Agency; Environment Canada; the Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs du Québec; the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec; and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

37 Main achievements Various actions and achievements have contributed to the attainment of the targeted results. Publication of 20 fact sheets updating the results obtained from the Monitoring Program for all environmental indicators; Publication of 35 scientific posters on sediment contamination, bank erosion, invasive alien species, the Northern Gannet and the estuary Belugas; Presentation of numerous talks during conferences, forums and other public activities; Improvements made to the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program, which Added new substances to the analyses, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pharmaceutical products and pesticides to evaluate the contamination of the water, sediment and birds; Included lakes Saint-Pierre and Saint-Louis in the sediment characterization work; Involved shoreline communities in monitoring invasive plant species, bank erosion and recreational uses of the St. Lawrence; Added freshwater benthic community monitoring; and Monitored land occupation using satellite data. 32 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

38 Second Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence River The health of the St. Lawrence continues to improve from how it was in the second half of the 20th century. However, it remains vulnerable on several fronts, particularly because of new issues such as the presence in its waters of emerging substances, the impacts of which on the ecosystems are still not well known. This observation and many others are listed in the second Overview of the State of the St. Lawrence River, drafted in 2008 as part of the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program. Photo: Nathalie Gratton According to this report, the reintroduction of Striped Bass seems well underway and the estuary Beluga population remains stable. The bird populations and wetlands show little change, for their part. Moreover, the shellfish water quality for mollusk harvesting seems to be improving and the sediment contamination in Lake Saint-Pierre has decreased. Lastly, the potential swimming sites situation remains almost unchanged, although there are several locations where the water's bacteria levels are good, even excellent, and where is it safe to swim. However, the ecosystem remains fragile in certain aspects such as bank erosion (in both the fluvial and marine sections), water turbidity, and water contamination by toxic substances in certain agricultural tributaries. Moreover, in one section that addresses future perspectives, the authors of the report highlight the emergence of new substances that are added by the hundreds to the St. Lawrence River every year and some of which, better known, have turned out to be endocrine disrupters. This section also covers the potential consequences of climate change for the ecosystem, the hypoxia phenomenon in the estuary and the gulf and the importance of continuing to closely monitor invasive alien species. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

39 Rendez-vous St. Lawrence 2006 What is the latest news on the health of the St. Lawrence River? This question was tackled over the space of two days by some 200 representatives from NGOs, industries, governments, research sectors and municipalities during the major forum Rendez-vous St. Lawrence, held in Nicolet in June Conducted under the theme Toward Integrated Environmental Monitoring, this forum was the second to be organized by the State of the St. Lawrence Monitoring Program partners since the program s official launch in The activity aimed to share the program's most recent results, inform stakeholders regarding the new issues for protecting the St. Lawrence, give locally involved communities the chance to be heard, and discuss potential program improvements. In short, it was an excellent opportunity to meet, share and collaborate on the health of the St. Lawrence River. A number of issues that the St. Lawrence must face in coming decades were discussed in conference or at round tables. Be it invasive alien species, the consequences of climate change, lower oxygen levels in the Laurentian Channel or the potential impacts of a wide variety of emerging contaminants in the St. Lawrence all subjects raised considerable interest...and some concern. 34 F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

40 Integrated management Photo: Denis Béchard, Transports Québec The challenge of a new governance Given the increasing complexity of the issues, SLP partners wanted to lay the groundwork for a new governance model based on cooperation and the requirement that all St. Lawrence River stakeholders participate. As a result, a concept was developed that encompasses the integrated management of the St. Lawrence and the tools required to implement this concept in a subsquent phase. The approach involves implementing a two-tier governance model at the regional level and the level of the entire St. Lawrence in which all interests of targeted areas will be represented. This new governance concept involves a more integrated and participative management of activities and uses to achieve more coherent actions in a context of collective responsibility. Definition of the integrated management of the St. Lawrence River Integrated management of the St. Lawrence is a permanent process based on the cooperation of all decision makers, users and civil society in planning and ensuring better alignment of protective measures and the use of resources of this important ecosystem, from a sustainable development perspective. F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

41 Government expenses Both governments committed large sums to the achievement of the activities in Phase IV of the Canada Québec Agreement on the St. Lawrence. These sums are presented here by partner and by field of intervention; the funding covers the period from April 2005 to March FIELDS OF INTERVENTION Government of Canada Integrated Community Ecological State of the Agriculture Navigation Access to Communications Total Management of the Involvement Integrity St. Lawrence Riverbanks and (in thousands $) St. Lawrence River and Awareness Monitoring Coordination Environment Canada Fisheries and Oceans Canada Parks Canada Canadian Space Agency Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Transport Canada Public Works and Government Services Canada Subtotal Government of Québec Ministère du Développement durable, de l Environnement et des Parcs Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune Ministère des Transports Subtotal * Total (in thousands $) Notes: The discrepancy between the budgetary forecast from the Government of Canada and the actual expenses is mainly related to consecutive budgetary cuts upon review of governmental programs. The discrepancy between the budgetary forecasts of the Government of Québec and the actual expenses is explained by consecutive adjustments to a budgetary cuts exercise. * This amount includes a transfer of approximately $2.27 million that the Government of Canada made to the Government of Québec to complete approved activities related to the fields of intervention in the St. Lawrence Plan F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

42 Conclusion Photo: Philippe Brodeur, MRNF Challenges call every one of us to action Ten government partners and many non-governmental partners, six fields of intervention, twenty-five results, hundreds of actions and achievements and the participation of thousands of people: in short, this is what the St. Lawrence Plan for a Sustainable Development was all about. This fourth phase of the Agreement was a continuation of previous phases in that it worked continuously to further understanding, and to protect, restore and enhance the riches of the St. Lawrence ecosystem. It also opened new avenues, including the consideration of sustainable development and the adoption of the new objective of developing a new governance approach that will promote the participation of all stakeholders involved in the St. Lawrence. Considerable progress was made during this period. The state of the St. Lawrence is improving, although the knowledge gained during this last phase has shown us that we must continue our efforts. Globally, pressures on the ecosystem remain, the interests at stake are multiplying, and the issues are becoming increasingly complex. The challenge is still there...as big as the St. Lawrence itself! F I V E - y E A R R E P O R T

43 This paper contains 100% post-consumer recycled fibre.