Nature-Action Québec (NAQ) and its partners, including the Fiducie de conservation du patrimoine naturel de Rigaud (FCPNR), Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), announce the addition of 19.39 hectares (ha) to the areas protected in perpetuity on Mont Rigaud.

These three new lots, with a combined surface area of 19 ha, are now protected in perpetuity thanks to the action of Yvon Quesnel, who has owned these lands for the past fifteen years. This acquisition brings the total area protected to nearly 360 ha.

"I'm very pleased to have sold my properties on Mont Rigaud, which are considered to have a high and very high ecological value, to Nature-Action Québec, so that they can continue to be protected in perpetuity as natural environments in Quebec," says Mr. Quesnel.

Since 2011, NAQ has been acquiring properties on Mont Rigaud for protection in perpetuity. This new agreement will help consolidate the habitat of several wildlife and plant species associated with Mount Rigaud's emblematic maple groves, such as the Eastern Woodpecker and several spring plants sensitive to disturbance.

"I'm delighted with this excellent news for Rigaud Mountain, which is an essential part of our region. It's an important issue for me and for all Soulanges residents. I'm proud of the work accomplished on this file. I'd like to thank Nature-Action Québec, Mr. Yvon Quesnel, my colleague Benoit Charette and all the partners who contributed to this wonderful achievement," said Marilyne Picard, MNA for Soulanges.

Peter Schiefke, Member of Parliament for Vaudreuil-Soulanges, added: "Over the past eight years, our partnership with Nature-Action Québec has led to the strategic acquisition of a vast territory on Mont Rigaud for conservation purposes. This collaborative effort goes beyond preserving biodiversity, enhancing the well-being of our Vaudreuil-Soulanges community."

"Hills like Mount Rigaud are true natural gems. Every land acquisition dedicated to their conservation is a victory for the protection of biodiversity in southern Quebec. The presence of species at risk on Mont Rigaud only exacerbates the importance of preserving this essential living space. The combined efforts of NAQ and our partners made this acquisition possible, and I'd like to thank each and every one of them for their involvement," concludes Romy Bazo, Director of Natural Environment Conservation at NAQ.