Dumoine, Noire and Coulonge Rivers
Noire-Coulonge Protected Area Project
The Dumoine, Noire, and Coulonge Rivers, sometimes called the Three Rivers or the ThreeSisters, are tributaries of the Ottawa River (Kitchissipi) found in the MRC Pontiac and MRCTemiscamingue, Quebec. The Noire and Coulonge rivers play a vital role in connecting theOttawa River in the south with the Boreal Forest in the north. The Dumoine River is the lastundammed, wild river in Southern Quebec. Together, these rivers present a rare opportunity toprotect an entire watershed and its biodiverse ecosystem, including old growth and matureforests and wetlands.
The Noire, Coulonge and Dumoine watersheds are situated on the unceded, traditional andancestral territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People. We recognise the AlgonquinAnishinaabeg Peoples as the rightful and original stewards of this land, and as such, we valuetheir guidance and leadership.
Three Rivers Fund
Since October 2019, CPAWS-OV and the CREDDO have been working in partnership on the creation of a protected area on the watersheds of the Noire and Coulonge rivers in the MRC Pontiac as part of an initiative with the Quebec Government. This project will increase the amount of protected area in the Outaouais by 3%. Official status is expected in the summer of 2024
Implications: The designation of this protected area will be that of a biodiversity reserve, thus, within the borders of the protected area, any industrial activity such as mining, logging and development will be prohibited. Activities that residents and visitors enjoy, such as canoeing and kayaking, fishing and hunting, ATV and snowmobiling will still be allowed.
Dumoine Trail
CPAWS Ottawa Valley is proud to support the Friends of Dumoine River and Zec Dumoine in restoring a historic hiking trail along the west shore of the Dumoine River.
Once fully restored, this 32 km trail will take hikers from Grande Chute in the north to the Ottawa River in the south, by way of portage trails that have been in constant use for thousands of years and by following former segments of a wagon road developed in the mid 19th century to supply logging camps along the river. Currently, thanks to volunteers and Friends of the Dumoine River, visitors can now hike and paddle the lower Dumoine, and the Tote Road Trail has been cut open with 20 wilderness campsites established. Contact ov-outreach@cpaws.org for more information and to find out how you can get involved!
