Mansonville, QC (October 21, 2021) – A 4.4 hectare plot of land, located in a rich habitat core in the Township of Potton, is now protected in perpetuity thanks to the generosity of John Haberl and his family.

“We are excited to protect the land forever and give it back to nature,” says M. Haberl who has owned the property since 1992. “We feel this is the best way to honour and immortalise all the moments we have shared here over the past three decades.”

Photo (from left to right): Marie-Claire Planet and Stansje Plantenga (FFVR), Louise Haberl (donor’s daughter),
Clément Robidoux (Appalachian Corridor), Murielle Parkes (donor’s wife), Guy Langevin (FFVR), John Haberl (donor),
Marie-José Auclair (Appalachian Corridor), Jennie Stonier (donor’s neighbor).
Credit: Appalachian Corridor

A HELPING HAND FOR THE WOOD TURTLE

The property, bordering the North Missisquoi River, is essentially forested with wetlands including marshes and swamps. This environment is a suitable habitat for the wood turtle, a species designated as threatened in Canada and vulnerable in Quebec. Habitat loss, road mortality, and agricultural, forestry and quarrying operations are among the most significant threats to the species.

“The property is located in a core of priority habitats identified within our ecological network, right next to an ecological corridor,” explains Clément Robidoux, Director of Conservation at Appalachian Corridor. “It is a place where we can observe important movements of species. It is even more essential to preserve these environments in their natural state to promote the continuity of biodiversity movements, which are amplified by the effects of climate change,” adds the biologist.

Wood turtle / Crédit: Appalachian Corridor

A SMALL PIECE OF NATURE WHICH PROVIDES A BIG GAIN FOR THE RUITER VALLEY LAND TRUST

As part of the project, Appalachian Corridor carried out the ecological assessment of the land, provided technical expertise, followed up with the landowner and raised the necessary funds. The organization also worked closely with its local affiliate, the Ruiter Valley Land Trust (RVLT), to oversee the various stages of the project including the working relationship with the donors.

“Our teams are delighted by Mr. Haberl’s contribution to the protection of a growing network of natural environments at a regional scale,” tell Mélanie Lelièvre, Executive Director of Appalachian Corridor, and Marie-Claire Planet, President of the RVLT, the organization receiving the donated property titles.

For the RVLT, this donation represents a first transaction east of the Missisquoi North River and allows for the “sowing of a seed” at the local level with a view to carrying out other conservation projects in the future.

“The family’s gesture is inspiring and reminds us of the key role that owners of ecologically valuable land play in protecting for ever the precious natural environments that surround us,” says Ms. Planet. “We are confident that the Haberl family’s gift will inspire others,” she adds.

Crédit: Appalachian Corridor

A GESTURE WITH ECOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS

Mr. Haberl did not have to incur any expenses to carry out the project and even benefited from the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts program. In addition to providing ecological benefits, this program offers considerable tax advantages to property owners who choose to invest in the protection of biodiversity.

Appalachian Corridor and the RVLT would like to thank the following financial partners who contributed to covering the project costs: the Fondation de la faune du Québec (FFQ), the Community Designated Priority Sites for Species at Risk program of the Nature Fund of Canada, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY OF THE HABERL FAMILY

ABOUT

The Fondation de la faune du Québec’s Protecting Wildlife Habitats Program

The Fondation de la faune du Québec’s Protecting Wildlife Habitats program aims to support initiatives to protect high-value wildlife habitats by concluding legally binding conservation agreements with private landowners. www.Fondationdelafaune.qc.ca

Community Designated Priority Sites for Species at Risk of the Canadian Nature Fund

The Nature Fund of Canada’s Community Designated Priority Sites for Species at Risk initiative is a four-year, $15.6 million funding initiative of Environment and Climate Change Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change.html

The Ruiter Valley Land Trust

The Ruiter Valley Land Trust (RVLT) is a conservation organization that has been operating in Potton Township for 23 years. It currently manages over 400 hectares of protected areas in the region and offers free access to its 30 km trail system in the Ruiter Valley. The RVLT is also known for its ‘Wildlife Without Borders’ training program, which is aimed at the public, schools, and specialists in the field. www.valleeruiter.org

Appalachian Corridor

Appalachian Corridor is a non-profit conservation organization created in 2002, whose mission is to protect the natural environments of the Appalachian region of southern Quebec. Through the implementation of its transboundary conservation strategy, Appalachian Corridor provides local communities with the means to maintain and restore a living environment that respects the ecology of the region, in a sustainable development perspective. 17 local organisations are affiliated members of Appalachian Corridor. The extent of the areas protected by Appalachian Corridor and its partners in the region is now 15,264 hectares. www.corridorappalachien.ca

*Note: This project was financially supported by an agreement submitted by the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBC). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of NEIWPCC, LCBP, or GLFC, nor does NEIWPCC, LCBP, or GLFC endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned herein.

CONTACTS

Frédérique Vuillermoz
Communications coordinator
Appalachian Corridor

Cell: 450-543-4999

Marie-Claire Planet
Président
Ruiter Valley Land Trust