Statement – Greenpeace is encouraged by Quebec caribou action plan but also highlights need for First Nations involvement

Press Release

April 05, 2016 (Montreal) – Following the announcement of the Quebec caribou action plan which acknowledges the dire situation facing woodland caribou in Quebec and the urgent need to act on a provincial and regional scale to stop their decline, Richard Brooks, Head of Greenpeace Canada’s Forest Campaign, said:

“We appreciate the plan recognizes the importance of protecting intact forests and caribou habitat south of the current northern limit for forestry, areas which are most at risk. However, more details about how this plan will be implemented on the ground are needed. All of the areas in question are First Nations’ traditional territories and any long-term solution must also ensure their participation and respect their rights.”

“We are encouraged that the government is focusing initially on major Endangered Forest areas like the Montagnes Blanches and the Broadback Valley. Conservation groups, First Nations communities and scientists have been saying for years that caribou herds in these two regions are at risk.”

“Yet, two major logging roads that would cut through the Broadback Valley, have been recently approved by the government’s environmental assessment board (COMEX). These major logging roads are inside the traditional territory of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi, who are opposed to them. The roads are also totally at odds with the objective of Quebec’s caribou action plan itself.

The Broadback Valley needs expanded protection, not logging roads and more than 35,000 people have written to the Quebec government to denounce the construction of these roads.”

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jeff.stoub@greenpeace.org  Public Relations Officer 514-466-5333Twitter : @GreenpeaceMediaJeff Stoub Media &greenpeace.ca/media

For more information:

Marie Moucarry, Communications Officer, 438-993-6127, marie.moucarry@greenpeace.org

Table – Disturbance levels of the Caribou herds in the Montagnes Blanches

Caribou herds in the Total # of Disturbance level Human caused Natural
Montagnes Blanches animals in range disturbance disturbance (fire)

Pipmuacan 134 (2011) 59 51 11

Manouane 358 (2011) 39 23 18

Manicouagan 181 (2011) 33 32 3

Témiscamie 96 (2002) 35 46 35 (roads) unknown
(2012)

ILR5