ENVIRONMENT
Conservtion: Bicknell's thrush habitat
In 2017, Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms worked with Laval University, the Séminaire de Québec and the Fondation de la faune du Québec to establish a protected area near Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms to preserve the habitat of Bicknell’s thrush, a small bird related to the American blackbird and considered at risk by the government of Quebec. Loss and modification of its habitat are the root of this species’ vulnerability.
In addition to financial support and allowing the development of protected habitats for the bird, including the creation of floating conservation areas, Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms provided the Laval University research team with access to the site to pursue their studies and sampling.
To learn more about this project, see:
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Laval University’s press release (in French only)
Environmental Integration
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Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms is exceptional due to the quality of the wind potential and unique location, as well as their impressive environmental plusses:
Generate renewable energy that prevents the emission of approximately 92,750 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually
Limited environmental impact because continuing forestry activities on the land provide infrastructure, such as roads, that can be re-used and developed
Construction scheduled around sensitive periods for wildlife (reproduction, nesting, spawning)
Work intensity reduced during hunting seasons to respect hunting club members
Absence of permanent residences on the property and wind farms located far from inhabited areas, 15 km from the nearest community and 20 km from the St. Lawrence River
Minimal visual and noise impact for neighboring communities (mountain ranges act as natural screens)
Wind farms operated with the strictest respect for wildlife and the environment with the operations team ensuring that wind farm activities continue to be properly integrated into their environment
Research & Conservation
Research: The influence of the winter tick on the health of moose populations in Eastern Canada
Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms finances a joint research and development project with Laval University and the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks on the role of winter ticks in the ecology of moose populations in Eastern Canada. This major project was designed to understand and predict the dynamics of interactions between winter ticks and moose, based on anticipated warmer climate conditions and moose population densities. Intensified interactions between winter ticks and moose are a recent phenomenon in eastern Canada. The influence of this parasite on the health status of moose and their population dynamics is little known.
In addition to financial support, Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms has provided the research team with access to the site to pursue their studies and sampling. This partnership has a four-year duration, from 2019 to 2022.
To learn more about this project, see:
