Quebec opens public consultation on forest work in Outaouais

Tashi Farmilo

Quebec is inviting residents of the Outaouais region to comment on new forestry plans aimed at recovering trees damaged by a major spruce budworm outbreak. The public consultation started on October 28 and runs until November 21.

The plans propose logging, replanting, thinning, and roadwork in parts of the Pontiac, Papineau, La Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, and Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais. Some forest units also extend into Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Laurentides.

The work is outlined in updated Operational Integrated Forest Management Plans and Special Management Plans. These documents identify where forestry activities could take place in response to insect damage and changing forest conditions.

According to Natural Resources Canada, Quebec has been experiencing one of the largest spruce budworm outbreaks in decades. By 2019, over 9.6 million hectares of forest showed moderate to severe defoliation. The outbreak has led to elevated tree mortality and increased pressure on timber supply and ecosystems across the province.

Residents can view the proposed plans and submit comments online at:

www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/forets/planification-forestiere/plans-regionaux-consultations/outaouais

In collaboration with the Ponitac MRC, two virtual information sessions are also being held. The first is scheduled for November 4 from 12:30 - 1:30 pm, and the second for November 5 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Registration is required in advance at: www.trgirto.ca/fr . The deadline to register is noon the day before each session.

For more information, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests can be contacted by phone at 819-246-4827 ext. 701449 or by email at consultationpafi-outaouais@mrnf.gouv.qc.ca. This consultation does not affect land-use designations or existing rights on public lands. It focuses only on how and where forestry operations may be carried out in areas already designated for such use.