Appalachian Corridor is proud to present his Highway 10 - Ecological Connectivity Plan, which targets the optimal wildlife developments to be planned to restore ecological connectivity on both sides of the Highway 10 in Quebec. Ecological connectivity is recognized for its importance, not only as an ally in the context of climate change, but also for the maintenance of biodiversity. When a road is built in the middle of a habitat, it becomes an obstacle to ecological connectivity. In this case, Highway 10 is the major obstacle in the area, as demonstrated by the large number of vehicle-wildlife collisions each year. In fact, according to data from the Ministère des Transports du Québec, each year, there is over two hundred collisions with wildlife in this area. To increase safety for road users and wildlife, as well as to improve connectivity, the solution is to build appropriate crossing structures, such as bridges, tunnels, etc.
The Highway 10 – Ecological Connectivity Plan is the result of an extensive analysis and consultation process conducted by Appalachian Corridor and its partners since 2010. It allowed us to target seven priority areas based on four criteria: the occurrence of road mortality, land use, proximity to an ecological corridor or a core habitat and proximity to a watercourse. The study also made it possible to identify the most relevant types of development for each sector. Thus, the Plan first provides for the optimization of existing structures, for examples by building oversized culverts, by developing the banks of waterways or by modifying existing road structures. It also includes the development of crossings adapted to different wildlife: underpasses, under the road, for small and medium-sized wildlife; overpasses - combining wildlife walkways and ecological bridges - for large wildlife.
The response from the stakeholders to whom we have presented the Plan is more than positive. The project responds to a well-known problem, not only among citizens, but also among decision-makers who want to change things. It is also a way to secure all the investments that have been made in conservation in the region and to contribute to the long-term maintenance of the ecosystems of Parc national du Mont-Orford.
The overall project is expected to cost between $110 and $141 million. The investments could be spread over the cycle of planned infrastructure upgrades on this section of Highway 10. The successful implementation of the Plan relies on the leadership and the will to engage of the Ministère des Transports du Québec in partnership with the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec, the Ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, the RCMs, local municipalities, conservation organizations and other local partners.