The Madawaska Highlands

The Madawaska Highlands are one of the few last remaining wild spaces in Eastern Ontario. They are located between Algonquin Park and Adirondacks Park on the ancestral home of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Peoples. The Madawaska Highlands area migratory pathway for species between the two parks, providing species at risk safe passage during their migrations. Old-growth and mature forests and wetlands can be found across the highlands. These vulnerable ecosystems are home to 42 species at risk. But the Madawaska Highlands also play a critical role to communities. They are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round to experience the wonders of nature while canoeing, kayaking, and camping. Unfortunately, only 4.59% of the Madawaska Highlands are protected. Resource extraction and development threaten to destroy the habitat so many species at risk depend on for survival. We’re fighting for a major new protected area in the region covering at least 30% of the Madawaska Highlands. The existence of several small, protected areas in the region provides a unique opportunity to consolidate and expand these areas with the eventual goal of having one large protected area to support climate action, flood mitigation, species at risk to thrive, and our communities’ well-being.