Sharing our expertise to preserve the our lakes’ environment

Context

The Algonquin community of Kitigan Zibi is located south and west of the city of Maniwaki. Covering an area of ​​184.37 km², the territory of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation has Rivière de l'Aigle and Rivière Désert as its northern boundaries. The northern portion of Grand lac des Cèdres is located on the territory of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. Did you know that it is the largest of all the Algonquin communities in Canada? A video produced by community members does a good job of explaining the characteristics of this growing community.http://kzadmin.com/AboutKitiganZibi.aspx

Given the geography of Grand lac des Cèdres, the APLC is intent on strengthening ties with representatives of the Kitigan Zibi community. We are all committed to protecting the environment of our two lakes, to preserving the beauty of the landscape and also to passing on a healthy environment to future generations for their enjoyment. We have several areas of common interest, including:

• the fight against the Eurasian watermilfoil, mainly in Petit lac des Cèdres, and the actions taken by the APLC to limit the proliferation of this invasive plant and to prevent its establishment in Grand lac des Cèdres;
• the management of the beaver population and dams not only in Ruisseau des Cèdres (between the two lakes), but also just north of Petit lac des Cèdres, in the territory of the Kitigan Zibi community;
• the making of bylaws by the Municipality of Messines aimed at preserving the quality of the aquatic environment in its territory, including our two lakes (e.g., mandatory boat washing prior to launch).

Chronicle of activities

2020

• Due to COVID-19 public health measures, as well as directives issued by the Outaouais public health authority and those decreed by the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Band Council, it was not possible for us to meet with the representatives of the community’s Natural Resources and Wildlife Department.

2019

• The APLC set up an ad hoc committee made up of representatives of the Kitigan Zibi Natural Resources and Wildlife Department and of our own Association. The main objective of this initiative is to share information with representatives of this administrative group reporting to the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Band Council in order to collaborate with them and share our expertise to preserve the environment, the ecosystem and the land surrounding our two lakes.
• Two (2) meetings have been held to date and several topics have been discussed including the Eurasian watermilfoil eradication project, the protected areas, the boat washing station and the regulations in force concerning the mandatory washing of boats and the management of beaver areas.