14 Jun A SECOND CONSERVATION PROJECT FOR MRS. GAIL WATT

West-Bolton, Québec (June 16, 2022) – Appalachian Corridor would like to acknowledge Gail Watt’s donation of a 3.2-hectare conservation easement on her property in West Bolton. This represents her second conservation project and consolidates the network of protected areas in the region, including the nearby Mount Foster Nature Reserve. A relentless supporter of Appalachian Corridor since its inception, Mrs. Watt’s unwavering commitment to the protection of nature is exemplary.

Mrs. Gail Watt, on her property in West Bolton. Photo: Charles Dion

To highlight this second project, Ms. Watt recalls her motivations, as well as the events that led her to become so passionately involved in the conservation effort in the region.

In the spring of 2003, Terri Monahan, one of the three founders of Appalachian Corridor, was at my house. She came to talk to me about my land, approximately 12 acres, on the side of Mount Foster. Terri returned a short time later with a biologist. They walked the land and confirmed that there were endangered species and that they would lead me through the steps to protect it in perpetuity.

“Perpetuity” is the magic word, because laws, municipal and provincial can change over time. The process that Appalachian Corridor proposed to me was a solid guarantee! With their help, Nature Conservancy of Canada became the owner of my 12 acres. That was in 2003!

Having lived here for 19 additional years since that first project, my ideas and sentiments have evolved and it is now for the wildlife – my friends, the mammals, birds and plants – that I want to do more. But, what could I do next? I approached Appalachian Corridor with just that question.

We live on 8 acres of land with a house, workshop and garage. Does this land have ecological value? Could it be a valuable addition to the local conservation strategy?

Well, we just signed our second transaction!  There is now a servitude of conservation on a part of the property.  No matter whoever buys it or lives on it, they cannot change anything on the protected acres.

So if you love your land, big or small, don’t be shy. Approach Appalachian Corridor and let them evaluate if and how they can help.  Our goals are all the same.

I would like to encourage my neighbors and fellow citizens to get together as homeowners and take charge of protecting our area, one piece of land at a time. By committing ourselves in this way, we will be able to maintain the beauty and ecological richness of our region for ourselves and our grandchildren.

I dedicate my second transaction to Terri Monahan who passed away a few years ago.  Sorry Terri that it took me so long!

Mrs. Watt’s gesture allows her to remain the owner of the site, while ensuring its protection in perpetuity.