Protecting nature often starts close to home, where our actions can have a tangible impact. With this in mind, Premier Tech has joined forces with Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) and various partners to help protect the Domaine du Lac Leon, an 815-hectare territory located near Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region.
This vast natural area, known for its ecological richness, brings together old-growth forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It is also home to several wildlife species, including the American marten, black bear, and moose. The site also provides important habitat for more vulnerable species, including the chimney swift, a bird threatened in Canada and in Quebec, as well as the Canada warbler, considered threatened in Canada.
Credit: The Nature Conservancy of Canada
A vital ecological corridor in the heart of the Appalachians
Beyond its biodiversity, Domaine du Lac Leon plays a key role in a major ecological corridor that supports connectivity between the Appalachian regions of Quebec, New Brunswick, and the State of Maine (USA).
By maintaining a continuous territory of forests, water, and wetlands, this protected area helps to:
facilitate wildlife movement;
support feeding and reproduction;
strengthen ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental disruptions.
A commitment rooted in our history and proximity to the land
Since opening our first peat bog in Canada in 1933, most of our sites have been located in remote regions. Premier Tech's World Headquarters in Riviere-du-Loup are located just a few kilometres from Domaine du Lac Leon.
"Within these 815 hectares of nearly intact forests, lakes, and wetlands, there are also several hectares of peatlands. This is the portion of the territory that Premier Tech is committed to protecting and preserving.
"Protecting this site is a concrete example of how local action can help preserve the land and sustain its biodiversity and ecological functions. It builds on Premier Tech's ongoing commitment to making a difference for the communities in which it operates and the responsible management of peatlands." - Frederic Caron, Natural Resource Management Director - Peatlands, Premier Tech Growers and Consumers.
Advancing sustainability through collaboration
This announcement highlights the importance of collaboration between environmental organizations, governments, communities, and businesses. Protecting territories of such ecological value requires collective action and long-term commitment.
At Premier Tech, our horticultural roots have shaped our relationship with the environment. Our commitment to restoring and improving the management of our peatland ecosystems fueled our early sustainability initiatives, and these efforts continue to evolve through research, best practices, and partnerships.
Together, we can help preserve natural environments that are essential for biodiversity, for the climate, and for future generations.