The region surrounding Perkins-sur-le-Lac has important topographical, ecological and heritage features. Its hilltops, mature forests, wetlands, streams, tributary lakes, and abundant flora and fauna, form a vital diverse ecosystem that contributes to the health of the nine lakes (Bataille, Barnes, Chevreuil, Corrigan, des Épinettes, Louise, Maskinongé, Rhéaume, Truite) in the region and its watershed. To view a map of the region, click here.
It is home to over 200 types of wildflowers plus a myriad of shrubs, bushes, trees, ferns and other plants. The inventory of wild birds varies from a variety of hawks to blue herons, loons, and hummingbirds (The nature of Perkins-Sur-Le-Lac: “Under our feet“, 1997). According to iNaturalist, there are almost 200 threatened species in the Collines-de-l’Outaouais region where Perkins-sur-le-Lac is located.
Our group has established a not-for-profit entity and has successfully obtained charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This means that we can accept charitable donations and issue tax receipts to all our donors. These funds could then be used to purchase lands in our domain for conservation. Our group would then work with local residents to manage these lands, providing conservation and passive recreational activities on any trails, such as hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. These lands could be both properties that we purchase through fundraising or ones that are donated by local owners. We are also able to accept ecological gifts as part of the Ecological Gifts Program (EGP). For more information, please consult the EGP Handbook or contact us if you have a property that you might consider donating as an ecological gift. These properties would then receive long-term protection against development for future generations to enjoy.
Credit: Ann Dale
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of working with CPSLL?
The primary benefit of working with a conservation organization is that the land held within the trust will be protected in perpetuity in its nature state. This benefits the environment, wildlife, and the communities surrounding the area. A second benefit is that trails and other low impact activities can be established on land held by a land trust. Having land held by a conservation organization also facilitates the management of taxes and liability by a group of interested parties and avoids questions of future ownership or inheritance.
What is a land trust?
A non-profit organization can become a land trust by adhering to the Canadian Land Trust Standards and Practices. Establishing a land trust is one way to facilitate the long-term protection of natural lands.
Where will the land purchased be located?
The goal of CPSLL is to acquire as much land as possible for protection in the Perkins-sur-le-Lac region. Normally, land purchased will have specific characteristics which are valuable from an ecological perspective, such as wetlands, streams, or migration pathways. To ensure that the goals of all residents and property owners are represented in decision making, a place will be reserved on the Board of Directors for a representative of each of the 9 lakes in the region.
How would the land be used and who determines this? Will purchasing land and putting it in a land trust make it publicly accessible?
Once land is purchased or donated and placed in a Land Trust, a land use agreement (normally in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding or “MOU”) is created between the community (the purchasers) and the land trust (in this case CPSLL). This agreement can stipulate how the land will and will not be used. For example, the land agreement could state that the land would be managed in such a way to not interfere with the safety, peace and enjoyment of land owned by any community neighbours.
What principles would CPSLL want the community to abide by through the land-use agreement?
CPSLL’s Mission Statement can be found on its website at: https://www.conservationperkins-sur-le-lac.ca/mission. It would be expected that any land-use agreement would align with this statement, and that communities purchasing land to be held by CPSLL would abide by the principles or goals which are inherent in it.
Will snowmobiles and ATVs be permitted on CPSLL land?
For reasons of safety and conservation, it is currently not foreseen that snowmobiles and ATV use would be included in a typical land use agreement.
Do large donors get more say than others in determining the terms of a land-use agreement?
Land-use agreements are normally negotiated between the purchasers of a property initially, and then with the conservation organization. It would be up to the purchasers to determine whether any individual in the group were to have more say in the elements included in the land-use agreement. Normally, community members would be sensitive to specific needs or interests for the privacy and tranquility of individual property owners whose homes are adjacent to protected lands.
Are there ways in which larger donors can be recognized?
It is CPSLL’s intention to work closely with any large donors to discuss their specific interests in relation to their involvement with CPSLL. Methods of recognition could include, for example, naming a donor on the CPSLL website or creating plaques on the properties which they have contributed to.
How do individuals or groups submit a proposal for a land protection project to CPSLL?
Individuals or groups must prepare a detailed proposal for the Board of Conservation Perkins-sur-le-Lac to consider. Proposals must show that the purchase/donation will be made with the intent of providing a public benefit (e.g. conservation) and does not include any ongoing private benefits. For more information and guidelines on how to submit a project proposal, please contact CPSLL at: conservation.perkins.sur.le.lac@gmail.com.
What if I would like to donate land that I own to CPSLL? What are the benefits of donating land?
There are many examples of people donating land in their possession to land trusts in Quebec. Please contact CPSLL if this is something you would like to discuss.
What is the Ecological Gift Program?
Participation in the Ecological Gift Program provides a framework for managing land as a conservation area, in perpetuity, and enables landowners to donate land without paying taxes on capital gains. It also makes them eligible to receive a tax receipt for the value of the land. CPSLL is an eligible recipient for the Ecological Gift Program.
Partnerships
Conservation Perkins-sur-le-Lac is a distinct organization from the community lake association for the region, Association Perkins-sur-le-Lac (PSLL). The organizations communicate regularly and the Association has agreed to share information about Conservation Perkins-sur-le-Lac with their members.