Development of artificial nesting sites for turtles

A 7.0 x 9.0-metre turtle nesting  site will be created in La Mauricie National Park. The organic soil present on this surface will be removed using motorized equipment. A geotextile will be put in place once the organic soil is removed to prevent vegetation regrowth. A minimum thickness of 30 cm of sand and gravel with a diameter of less than 20 mm will be added above the geotextile over the entire area to provide a suitable substrate for turtle nesting. The top and bottom of the bank will remain intact for a length of 2m to prevent visitors from accessing the nesting site and to maintain a buffer zone from the wetland. A mini-excavator and a mini tracked-dumper will be used to carry out this work.  Other nesting sites for turtles will be developed within La Mauricie National Park. The nature of the work, the size, and the location of each future site will be comparable to those of the site that has already undergone an impact assessment and for which development has been completed. The nature of the work may vary depending on the initial condition of the site. 1) When soil substrate covers a site to be developed, the vegetation will be cut and removed manually, a 50 cm layer of soil will be excavated from the site, and stumps/roots will be removed using motorized equipment. A geotextile will be installed in the excavation to prevent vegetation regrowth. Sand will be added to the geotextile to encourage wood turtle nesting. 2) When sand is already present on the site, the vegetation will be cut and removed manually to expose it.

Latest update

January 18 2026 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Contacts

La Mauricie National Park
702, 5e rue de la Pointe
Shawinigan, Quebec G9N 1E9
Telephone: 819-538-3232 or 1-888-773-8888
Fax: 819-536-3661
Email: lamauricie@pc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • La Mauricie National Park (Quebec)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Remediation and conservation

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2025-12-19

  • Proponent

    Parks Canada

  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    80269

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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