Vallée-de-la-Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite Biodiversity Reserve
Biodiversity reserve located in Quebec, Canada. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
La Vallée-de-la-Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite Biodiversity Reserve, up to 2022 known as Réserve Aquatique de la Vallée-de-la-Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite, is a biodiversity reserve in Quebec (Canada), located in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord regions. This 321 km2 protected area is dedicated to conserving the ecosystems of the Sainte-Marguerite River valley. The latter is located in a glacial valley separating the Saguenay Graben from the Monts Valin. The proximity of these two physiographic units favors the diversity of the flora, with several species at the northern limit of their range.
Vallée-de-la-Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite Biodiversity Reserve | |
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Réserve de biodiversité de la Vallée-de-la-Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite | |
Type | Biodiversity reserve |
Location | Quebec province, Canada |
Nearest city | Located in Saint-Fulgence, Quebec; Sainte-Rose-du-Nord, Quebec and Sacré-Coeur, Quebec |
Coordinates | 48°20′57″N 70°8′48″W |
Area | 124,093234 sq mile |
Created | May 13th, 2020 |
Owned by | Le Fjord-du-Saguenay Regional County Municipality |
Administered by | Ministry of the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change |
Status | WCPA: II (National park) WDPA: 555567266 |
Other information | It also includes the Mont-Valin, Quebec an unorganized territory (territoire non organisé) in Quebec |
The Sainte-Marguerite River has been used for hunting and fishing by aboriginal peoples for 8,000 years, as it lies within the traditional territory of the Innue Essipit. The Sainte-Marguerite is renowned for its salmon fishing, which has been practiced recreationally since the mid-19th century. In 1885, the Ste. Marguerite Salmon Club became the exclusive club for this sport. In 1980, with the creation of the Zec de la Rivière-Sainte-Marguerite, the river ceased to be the club's exclusive preserve. In 2005, a large part of the valley was withdrawn from logging and mining operations. After public consultations, the reserve was officially created in May 2020.