The St Lawrence River

The Saint Lawrence River drains 20% of the Earth’s freshwater reserves, making it one of the most significant waterways in the world. At 800 miles (1,287 km) long, it is the second-largest river in Canada and the third-largest in North America. Often described as a hidden gem in the backyard of every Quebecois, it plays a crucial role in the region’s identity and environment. The area protected by Age of Union and the Nature Conservancy of Canada extends from Montreal to Quebec City and up to Anticosti Island. Beyond this point, the river’s waters mix with the Atlantic Ocean, transitioning into a vast and dynamic marine ecosystem.

The Saint Lawrence River faces significant threats that endanger its delicate balance. Invasive species disrupt native biodiversity, while its use as a seaway generates underwater noise pollution and accelerates shoreline erosion. Runoff from agricultural activities further degrades water quality, and the impacts of climate change—particularly rising temperatures—put many species at risk. These growing challenges highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to safeguard this vital waterway for future generations.

Partnership Impact

• 654.8 hectares (1,618 acres) designated as protected areas: NCC expanded its network of protected lands by officially designating as conservation areas a total 654.8 hectares within their partnership with Age of Union, helping to safeguard critical habitats for wildlife and biodiversity.

• 11 new management plans for protected areas: To strengthen conservation efforts, NCC developed 11 new management plans, ensuring these protected areas are maintained and restored according to the best ecological practices.

• 90 hectares (222 acres) under ecological restoration: NCC undertook ecological restoration on 90 hectares of land, improving habitat quality by restoring native vegetation, wetlands, and forest ecosystems.

• 10 new stewardship agreements with local municipalities & citizens: Building strong community partnerships, NCC signed 10 new stewardship agreements with municipalities and local citizens to support the long-term care and protection of conserved lands.

Mission

The project aims to preserve the Saint Lawrence River from Montreal to its estuary by focusing on key natural habitats along the river through approximately 35 conservation and restoration projects. Strategies include:

• Land acquisition to secure protected areas in perpetuity
• Enhancing land stewardship in collaboration with key municipalities and local stakeholders
• Developing strategies to manage and control invasive species
• Contributing to habitat rehabilitation programs
• Engaging with local communities to raise awareness and promote conservation efforts
• Providing farmers with sustainable alternatives for more eco-friendly agricultural practices
• Initiating dialogue with First Nations communities to integrate traditional knowledge into land-management decisions

Timeline

• 2021 – Acquisition of 200 ha of forest and wetlands at Boisé de Carillon / Acquisition of 3 ha of forest, wetland, aquatic, and riparian habitats at Île Ronde.
• 2022 – Acquisition of a 5 km-long sandbar at Barachois-de-Malbaie, which separates the Gulf of Saint Lawrence from a body of brackish water / Acquisition of 13 ha of floodplain at Lake Saint-Pierre for potential fish spawning ground restoration / Implementation of management for Pointe-Sauvage – Petites-Bergeronnes with the Essipit Guardians.
• 2023 – Acquisition of 197 ha of wetlands, natural tide, and beach at Baie-Saint-Paul / Restoration of Bouchard Island in partnership with the Waban-Aki First Nation, who conducted an archaeological study on the site.
• 2024 – Acquisition of 5 ha of forest and wetlands at Île Perrot / Protection of 350 ha at Cap au Saumon, offering critical refuge for species such as the golden eagle and Saint Lawrence beluga, and hosting over 100 bird species during migration.

Project Visits

The Age of Union team has had multiple opportunities over the past few years to visit sites in the field, meet with project leaders, and attend various land acquisition announcements. These visits have strengthened our connection to the work on the ground and deepened our understanding of the project’s evolution and impact.