Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

Last updated

Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Réserve nationale de faune du cap Tourmente
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
Paysage 01 - Cap tourmente - octobre 2005.jpg
Scenery at the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area.
Location Saint-Joachim, La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates 47°5′N70°47′W / 47.083°N 70.783°W / 47.083; -70.783
Area23.99 km2 (9.26 sq mi)
EstablishedApril 28, 1978 (1978-04-28)
Governing body Canadian Wildlife Service
Official nameCap Tourmente
Designated15 January 1981
Reference no.214 [1]

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is a National Wildlife Area (NWA) located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the National Provincial Capital Region of Quebec, established on 28 April 1978. It is one of the critical habitats for the greater snow goose during migration. Flocks of tens of thousands of these birds stop over to feed on the bullrushes in the spring and fall. The tidal marsh was recognized as a wetland of international significance per the Ramsar Convention in 1981, the first North American site to receive that distinction. [2]

Contents

Location

Cap Tourmente is 50 km from Quebec City, and sits on the St. Lawrence River. The park is part of Saint-Joachim municipality. The location of the park sits at an intersection of Appalachian Mountains, Canadian Shield, the St. Lawrence Lowlands. [3] Because of this, the park has a wide range of mountain views, marshlands, and plains, leading to diverse habitats and a diversity of plant and animal species. The marshlands of the park serve as many birds' migratory stopovers and breeding areas, which contributes to its importance as a protected area. The area is located at 47°03.860' N 70°47.774' W. [3]

History

A number of prehistoric Amerindian artifacts are found on the coastal plain, providing evidence of the presence of Indigenous peoples for over 2,000 years, starting at least 2,400 years ago. The evidence suggests the area was occupied by small bands of St. Lawrence Iroquoians, who were the dominant group in the St. Lawrence Valley for several centuries before the arrival of Europeans. They subsisted on agriculture, hunting and fishing in the St. Lawrence Valley region. [4] In the late 16th century, the St. Lawrence Iroquoians mysteriously disappeared, abandoning their former territories sometime between the last voyage of the French explorer Jacques Cartier in 1541—Cap Tourmente was the first land fall for Jacques Cartier in 1535—and the subsequent expedition of Samuel de Champlain in 1603. [5]

Within the wildlife refuge is a historic farm site, La Petite-Ferme du cap Tourmente, which was begun by Samuel de Champlain in 1626, as a food source for the fledgling Habitation at Quebec City. Later, the farm was purchased and run for nearly 300 years by and for the Seminary of Quebec. A farm house built around 1667 still stands, and is at the core of La Petite-Ferme du cap Tourmente National Historic Site, designated in 2018. [6]

The Canadian government acquired the area in 1969. It was later recognised as a National Wildlife Area in 1978 and as a wetland of significance per the Ramsar Convention in 1981.

Wildlife

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area has a wide range of habitats and comprises 400 hectares of tidal marsh, 100 hectares of coastal meadow, 700 ha hectares agricultural land and 1198 hectares of forest. [7] It is the home to a wide range of animals and plants, including more than 200 animal species and 700 plant species. The intertidal bulrush, coastal bulrush and coastal plain and mixed-forest plateau provides crucial habitat for the staging of migratory birds and serves as birds' breeding ground. The keystone species of the NWA includes greater snow goose, peregrine falcon, and warblers in spring. [8]

Plants

Intertidal marsh

The Cap Tourmente NWA was created mainly to protect the vast amount of intertidal marshes that are present in the NWA, especially the American bulrushes, which attracts tens of thousands of greater snow geese during the spring and fall migration period. These marshes occupy 2,500 hectares and include close to 60% of all the bulrush marshes in Québec. [9] Heavy tidal flooding by fresh waters on the coastal flats covers a large amount of intertidal marsh. The intertidal marshes in the NWA can be divided into three separate zones, including the upper, middle, and the lower zone. All three zones are predominantly dominated by American bulrushes. Southern wild rice (Zizania aquatica) and broad-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia) are also present in the upper and the middle zone. According to a study conducted in the NWA, the American bulrush has decreased significantly in the intertidal marsh during the year 1977 and 2002, and is being replaced by southern wild rice. But the American bulrushes remain the dominant species in all three zones. The plants in the intertidal marsh are crucial in protecting the coastal area from coastal erosion, and can serve as food for the snow geese. [4] Other animals also feed on these bulrushes, such as American Black Duck, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, and Wood Duck. [10]

Forested areas

The forested areas in the NWA covered around 40% of the total area. There are 21 types of forest stands found in the NWA, and sugar maple stands dominate the area.

Listed Plant Species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) include Victorin's water-hemlock and butternut. Habitat loss remains as the largest threat to the plants species in the region. [7]

Animals

Birds

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is one of the 325 Important Birds Area (IBA) in Canada, categorised under the A4 criteria.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the population of greater snow geese was dangerously low at only around 3,000 individuals. However, after conservation efforts like the establishment of the NWA, their population started to grow exponentially in the mid-1980s, and is now close to one million. During their biennial journey between the Atlantic coast and the Far North, greater snow geese stop in Cap Tourmente NWA where they feed on American bulrush rhizomes and also grain in the fields. [11] At 2021, up to 56,500 greater snow geese were counted at Cap Tourmente NWA.

In the spring, they gather at the Lac-Saint-Pierre and other sites, moving west to east along the St. Lawrence River, before they head north. In the fall, the birds disperse from the Quebec City area in late October and move a short distance southwest towards Lac-Saint-Pierre or northern Lake Champlain, where they feed in corn fields and where some remain well into November and December. [12] Cap Tourmente's location lies right next to their path of migration, which makes the NWA such an important part in the survival of this species.

At Cap Tourmente, bird species listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) include peregrine falcon (anatum/tundrius), bobolink, wood thrush, short-eared owl, bank swallow, barn swallow, chimney swift, olive-sided flycatcher, Canada warbler, least bittern, loggerhead shrike (migrans subspecies), rusty blackbird, yellow rail, and eastern meadowlark.

Fish

The strong tides bring slightly salty water from the river to the coastal region. The herbaceous environment with shallow water makes an ideal environment for fish species to spawn there, such as yellow perch, the northern pike, and the three-spined stickleback.

Habitat loss and obstacles to migration area the main threats to the fish species in the region. Other potential threats includes oil spill from the upper part of the river and other source of water pollution from human activities. [10]

Management

Environment and Climate Change Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) is the management agency of the NWA.

Hunting

When the territory was acquired by the federal government in 1969, all hunting activities were suspended. Since 1972, the Canadian Wildlife Service began its controlled hunting program in order to regulate the great snow goose population. The hunting programme was introduced to control the goose population and prevent overuse of the bulrush marsh and fields in the NWA or adjacent fields. In the fall, a controlled greater snow goose hunt is authorised in eight hunting grounds grouped into four zones with a total area of approximately 53 hectares. Participants are selected through a draw to decide the maximum of 512 permits. During the annual Waterfowler hunting day, permits are issued to maximum 12 young hunters to practice their waterfowl hunting skills and learn about wildlife conservation during the regular hunting season. [4]

In 2009 and 2010, an experimental licence was issued to the Association des Amis du Cap Tourmente, but the licence was not renewed afterwards.

The 2022 Hunt Program for the Greater Snow Goose is cancelled due to covid-19 concerns. [8]

Invasive species

Nine plants are considered invasive. Cow parsley, hedge bedstraw, and reed mannagrass are ubiquitous, and the common reed and Japanese knotweed are among the most threatening invasive species in the NWA. [4]

Park attractions

This park can be considered a nature attraction, where visitors are permitted to enter during set times with a small entry fee (up to $6 for adults) until a closing time at 5pm on most days of the week. [8] The park can see up to 40,000 visitors per year, with the attractions being hiking trails, nature observation, bird watching, picnic areas, and planned school trips. The official websites recommend spending from 2-4 hours per visit to the park. [8] With its location, the park itself is home to many migratory birds with the main attraction being the greater snow geese flocks.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snow goose</span> Species of bird

The snow goose is a species of goose native to North America. Both white and dark morphs exist, the latter often known as blue goose. Its name derives from the typically white plumage. The species was previously placed in the genus Chen, but is now typically included in the "gray goose" genus Anser.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada goose</span> Species of goose native to the Northern Hemisphere

The Canada goose, sometimes called Canadian goose, is a large wild goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and it is occasionally found during migration across the Atlantic in northern Europe. It has been introduced to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, New Zealand, Japan, Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands. Like most geese, the Canada goose is primarily herbivorous and normally migratory; often found on or close to fresh water, the Canada goose is also common in brackish marshes, estuaries, and lagoons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tantramar Marshes</span>

The Tantramar Marshes, also known as the Tintamarre National Wildlife Area, is a tidal saltmarsh around the Bay of Fundy on the Isthmus of Chignecto. The area borders between Route 940, Route 16 and Route 2 near Sackville, New Brunswick. The government of Canada proposed the boundaries of the Tantramar Marshes in 1966 and was declared a National Wildlife Area in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waterfowl hunting</span> Practice of hunting waterfowl for food and sport

Waterfowl hunting is the practice of hunting ducks, geese, or other waterfowl for food and sport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge</span>

Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge is located in the fertile Willamette Valley of northwestern Oregon, 12 miles (19 km) south of Salem. The valley was once a rich mix of wildlife habitats. Valley wetlands were once extensive, with meandering stream channels and vast seasonal marshes. Today, the valley is a mix of farmland and growing cities, with few areas remaining for wildlife.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baie-du-Febvre</span> Municipality in Quebec, Canada

Baie-du-Febvre is a municipality in the Nicolet-Yamaska Regional County Municipality of Quebec, Canada. The population as of the Canada 2021 Census was 961. The municipality lies on the south shore of Lac Saint-Pierre, a section of the Saint Lawrence River.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alaksen National Wildlife Area</span> National Wildlife Area of Canada in Delta, British Columbia

The Alaksen National Wildlife Area is located on Westham Island in the city of Delta, British Columbia. It is an important stopover point for many species of birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oak Hammock Marsh</span> Marsh in Manitoba, Canada

Oak Hammock Marsh is a marsh and a wildlife management area located 34 kilometres (21 mi) north of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The WMA is considered to be a Class IV protected area under the IUCN protected area management categories. The marsh is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its globally significant numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. It is a designated Ramsar site due to its international importance as a breeding and staging area for waterfowl and other migratory birds. It is 3,578.47 hectares in size.

Delta Marsh consists of an extensive open marsh located near the south shore of Lake Manitoba, approximately 24 km north of the town of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The marsh extends for nearly 30 km along the shore of the lake, and has a breadth of up to 4 km. The marsh consists of a network of interconnected shallow bays separated from Lake Manitoba by a wooded barrier dune ridge of 300m to 600m width.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Southern James Bay</span> Wetland in Ontario, Canada

Southern James Bay is a coastal wetland complex in northeastern Ontario, Canada bordering James Bay and Quebec. It was designated as a wetland of international importance via the Ramsar Convention on May 27, 1987. The shallow waters of the James Bay region represent an important late autumn staging area for migratory, Arctic-breeding waterbirds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary</span> Protected area and Ramsar site, Nunavut, Canada

Dewey Soper Migratory Bird Sanctuary, or Dewey Soper, is a migratory bird sanctuary in the Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada. It is located in western Baffin Island, from Bowman Bay to the Koukdjuak River, and is named in honour of zoologist J. Dewey Soper. It is an 8,159 km2 (3,150 sq mi) area that was classified a wetland of international importance via the Ramsar Convention on May 24, 1982. The bird sanctuary supports nearly 30% of the breeding geese in Canada, making it the largest goose colony in the world. Up to two million birds of various species use the area for summer nesting, and it is also "habitat for one of Canada's major barren-ground caribou herds". The sanctuary was established in 1957, and is subject to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which defines and governs ownership, land use and hunting rights in the area.

The McConnell River Migratory Bird Sanctuary is located in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada. The 32,800 hectare sanctuary is on Hudson Bay's west coast, 27 km south of Arviat, and 50 km north of the Manitoba border. Its namesake is the McConnell River which flows to the Hudson Bay. The Bird Sanctuary is home to and an important breeding ground for cackling goose, lesser snow goose, Ross's goose, and Canada goose.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area</span>

Polar Bear Pass National Wildlife Area is a National Wildlife Area on Bathurst Island within Qikiqtaaluk, Nunavut, Canada. It is on federal Crown land, and is administered by the Canadian Wildlife Service, a division of Environment Canada, with respect to the Canada Wildlife Act's National Wildlife Area Regulations. Land use is also subject to the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. To the north and west is Qausuittuq National Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baie de l'Isle-Verte</span>

Baie de l'Isle-Verte is a 22.2 square kilometres (8.6 sq mi) coastal wetland along the southern shore of the Saint Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. It was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance on May 27, 1987, is classified as a globally significant Important Bird Area, and contains a National Wildlife Area and Migratory Bird Sanctuary. It is located in the Rivière-du-Loup Regional County Municipality, in the municipality of L'Isle-Verte.

The Grand Codroy Estuary is a 925 hectare wetland on the southwestern coast of the island of Newfoundland in Canada, approximately 30 km north of Port aux Basques. It is "[one] of the most productive of Newfoundland's few estuarine wetland sites", and is "the province's most important wetland". It is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, receiving this designation on May 27, 1987. To the south is a globally significant Important Bird Area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary</span> Migratory bird sanctuary in Delta, British Columbia, Canada

George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Delta, British Columbia, Canada, and is part of the Fraser River estuary, designated a site of Hemispheric Importance by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network.

The Arctic Goose Joint Venture (AGJV) is a conservation partnership established in 1989 between governments, organizations, and conservation groups to coordinate research and monitoring of Arctic, sub-Arctic and boreal nesting goose populations of North America, specifically the cackling goose, Canada goose, emperor goose, greater white-fronted goose, Ross's goose, and snow goose. Executing Arctic research expeditions in collaboration with partners is a primary goal of the venture, so that the logistics of such research can be coordinated efficiently. One of its main activities is to collar geese in Canada, the United States, and other nearby Arctic areas, such as Wrangel Island of Russia.

The ZEC Oie-Blanche-de-Montmagny is a "zone d'exploitation contrôlée" (ZEC) in the municipality of Montmagny, in Montmagny Regional County Municipality (MRC), in the administrative region of Chaudière-Appalaches, in Quebec, in Canada.

Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area is a National Wildlife Area located near the south end of Pitt Lake in British Columbia, Canada. The property was purchased by the Nature Trust of British Columbia in 1973 and declared a National Wildlife Area by the Canadian Wildlife Service in October of that year. The Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area is a biologically diverse marsh wetland. It is the traditional territory of various First Nations groups. The Widgeon Valley Wildlife Area is a protected wildlife area that is home to a number of sensitive waterfowl and fish species. The public uses the channels through the Widgeon Valley National Wildlife Area for recreational canoeing, anywhere else within the protected area is strictly off-limits to the public. There are future plans to develop interpretive trails through the park and open it to the public.

Last Mountain Lake National Wildlife Area is a National Wildlife Area (NWA) in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. The protected area is in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, which extends throughout three Canadian provinces and five U.S. states. It is also within Palliser's Triangle and the Great Plains ecoregion. The site is an Important Bird Area (IBA) of Canada, designated as Last Mountain Lake NWA .

References

  1. ↑ "Cap Tourmente". Ramsar Sites Information Service. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Greater Snow Goose". Hinterland Who's Who. Environment Canada and the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Archived from the original on December 5, 2010. Retrieved December 15, 2010. In 1981, the Cap Tourmente NWA was declared North America's first Ramsar site, a site recognized as a wetland of international importance.
  3. 1 2 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (December 8, 2017). "Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area". www.canada.ca. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (January 11, 2022). "Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area: management plan 2020". www.canada.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  5. ↑ "St Lawrence Iroquoians | The Canadian Encyclopedia". www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  6. ↑ Canada, Parks (March 27, 2018). "Government of Canada Announces 12 New National Historic Designations". www.canada.ca. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Cap Tourmente | Ramsar Sites Information Service". rsis.ramsar.org. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Canada, Environment and Climate Change (December 8, 2017). "Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area". www.canada.ca. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  9. ↑ "BirdLife Data Zone". datazone.birdlife.org. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  10. 1 2 "IBA Site Listing". www.ibacanada.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  11. ↑ Canada, Environment and Climate Change (September 17, 2018). "Greater Snow Goose population monitoring at Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area". www.canada.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Hinterland Who's Who - Greater Snow Goose". www.hww.ca. Retrieved November 7, 2022.

Commons-logo.svg Media related to Réserve nationale de faune du Cap-Tourmente at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.