Eighteen forestry stakeholders in the Hautes-Laurentides joined forces to design and implement a plan that will honour the fundamentals of sustainable forest management for the benefit of the communities and those who rely on the forest for their livelihood. The project Le Bourdon was launched in December 2007 with the signing of a funding protocol between Natural Resources Canada and the Association des intervenants forestier des Hautes-Laurentides. The goal of this initiative is to foster an economic development based on the richness of the natural environment. The development model should result in a new and dynamic synergy among all participating stakeholders.
Background
Forest communities in the Municipalité Régionale de Comté (MRC) d'Antoine-Labelle have faced a major challenge for several years: maintaining their way of life, while ensuring their future. The MRC's economy is evidence of the remarkable ability of its people to harness the forest resources of the area through silviculture and primary processing but to no lesser extent through wildlife and through recreational eco-tourism.
A study conducted in 2004 by EcoTec Consulting brought to light the leading role played by the lumber and recreational eco-tourism industries in the MRC's economy.
Project area
The area identified for Le Bourdon Project is public land in Forest Management Unit 064-51. It covers an area of 10 680km2, more than two-thirds which is within the MRC d'Antoine-Labelle. Close to 75% is managed by various ZECs (Zones d'exploitation contrôlée / Fish and wildlife special management zones) and by outfitters.
Objectives
- To maximize forest production capacity while respecting the principles of sustainable development, and managing biodiversity at the landscape scale;
- To expand the economic benefits of the forest and recreational tourism sectors;
- To provide stakeholders and forest communities in the MRC d'Antoine-Labelle with the necessary tools to overcome challenges and capitalize on emerging forest-based opportunities;
- To be actively involved in local, national and international networks for the exchange of information about sustainable forest management and community development.
General Manager: Raymond Barrette
T: (819) 623‐5398
rbarrette@mrc‐antoine‐labelle.qc.ca
425 rue du Pont
Mont‐Laurier, QC
J9L 2R6
