The Gaspé area is not only an iconic landscape for Quebecers; it is also one of the most important wilderness areas in the Appalachian region. The scientific work done in conjunction with Two Countries, One Forest (2C1F) identified this as one of the most important areas for wildlife in the Northern Appalachian- Acadian region and to the survival of specific species, such as Lynx, over a much broader area.

The Arch of Gaspé, referring to “Noah’s Arch” symbol and initiated by Nature Québec and SNAP Québec, aims to protect one of the most important remaining wildernesses in Eastern North America. The Gaspé mountain range, with 4 peaks higher than 1,000 meters, is delimited by the St-Lawrence Gulf and plays a role as a “rescue boat” for wilderness facing climate changes and habitat loss in the East Woodland continent.

Threats on Arch of Gaspé

Forestry industry

Since the 1980’s, the tourism industry has steadily kept developing its potential, in particular via four major parks: Parc de la Gaspésie, Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Miguasha provincial parks and Forillon national park. At the same time, the forestry industry, as in other regions of Quebec, faced serious economic and natural resource pressures. Logging is rapidly moving upwards in the mountain region.

Endangered species

The Arch of Gaspé area is unique and yet highly important and tangible. One of many endangered species found in this area are the last Woodland Caribou population south of the St-Lawrence living in and around the Gaspésie national park. Three out of the 4 nesting areas of the Royal Eagle couples remaining in Quebec are found in Gaspésie. An adaptation corridor is needed for Canadian lynx and wildlife.

The Arch of Gaspé is also highly prized worldwide as a fishing destination. The Wild Atlantic Salmon Rivers and the lodges that have spawned a thriving tourism industry have deeply influenced land use in this region.

Within the Quebec portion of the Eastern Woodlands three (3) priority conservation areas were identified:

• Enlarging the Gaspésie national park with new adjacent protected areas to ensure the protection of the Gaspé Caribou herd;

• Focusing on the Restigouche Watershed as it is one of the most important linkages within 2C1F ecoregion ;

• Working on the connectivity concept between Forillon and Gaspésie national parks.