Environment

Aware of this wealth that characterizes it, Rawdon applies various control measures that allow it to preserve and protect its forest heritage. It is the trees, such as the tall pines, that give the Municipality of Rawdon its special character.  Consequently, to encourage their preservation, the municipality adopted its Tree Policy in 2016.

A video produced by the Environmental Advisory Committee (CCE) and Rawdon’s youth showcases the importance of efficiently managing the territory’s forests.

Tree Policy (Fr)

Tree Cutting

Before undertaking any tree cutting or pruning (cutting, construction project, forestry project, etc.), contact the Municipality to ensure that you are in compliance with the current regulations and to obtain the necessary permits. 

The Shoreline

A shoreline is measured according to its slope. A shoreline with a steep slope will measure 15 meters while a shoreline with a slight slope will measure 10 meters.  It is measured from the high-water mark (HWM), where the water reaches its highest level during periods of melting or flooding. We can observe the traces left by the last floods by:

• a mark on a retaining wall;
• a mark of debris left by the water;
• the presence of a notch on the ground. 

The HWM delineates the transition from predominantly aquatic plants to terrestrial plants.

In the first 10 to 15 meters of your shoreline (according to the slope), the regulation prohibits any type of work (e.g.: digging, filling) or any building of structures (e.g.: play modules, sheds, patios).  In addition, all pesticides are prohibited, even those with a low impact.

Moreover, when the shoreline has no vegetation, you must undertake measures, without delay, to naturalize it with herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees, on a minimum strip 5 meters wide (measured from the HWM). You must use indigenous plants or typical shoreline, lake and waterway plants.

A Waterway

The regulation applies to a waterway, whether large or small, whether it has water flowing continuously or not and has a bank of 10 or 15 meters. It is possible that a waterway that crosses your property may not appear on existing maps.  If you plan to carry out work near a water flow likely to be considered a waterway, please contact the Municipality before undertaking any project.

For All Work on Shorelines and Waterways

Please remember: You must apply for a certificate of authorization or a permit for any work to be carried out on the shoreline: 

• Trail
• Culvert
• Green window
• Tree cutting
•  Dock
•  Revegetation
•  Retaining wall
• Stairs

Apply for a permit or certificate (Fr)

Shoreline Revegetation

Even the smallest of streams plays an important role in the ecosystem.  Certain animal and plant species live specifically on the shoreline.

A shoreline naturalization guide will soon be available. 

Advantages of Shoreline Plants :

•  Stabilize the banks;
•  Prevent soil erosion;
•  Provide a habitat for small wildlife;
• Create shade;
•  Keep the water cool, which is favorable to several species of fish;
• Slows the growth of algae and the proliferation of undesirable bacteria, such as cyanobacteria;
•  Slows rainwater runoff that can carry particles and chemical fertilizers into the waterway;
• Discourages waterfowl, such a Canada Geese, from taking up residence on your property (they prefer open areas, where they have better visibility);
• Increases your privacy, making your property less visible to anyone circulating on the water.

For more information on recommended shoreline plants:

• FIHOQ (Fédération interdisciplinaire de l’horticulture ornementale du Québec) Liste officielle des végétaux recommandés pour la revégétalisation des berges du Québec
•  RAPPEL (Regroupement des associations pour la protection de l’environnement des lacs et des bassins versants)
•  Practical Guide – How to naturalize your shoreline
•  Bande riveraine - Pour une restauration durable

Wetlands

Any work or interventions in wetlands can affect their biophysical and ecological characteristics as well as their integrity. This is why the majority of work, structures and interventions are prohibited in wetlands unless you have obtained the necessary permit/authorization.  It is therefore good to avoid all types of work in wetland areas.  If you have no choice but to carry out work in a wetland area, regardless of the nature of the work (commercial, industrial, residential, agricultural, forestry, etc.) you must:

Step 1: Consult existing maps to confirm the presence of a potential wetland on your property (link to the map).  Mapping the Way for Conservation — Ducks Unlimited Canada (canards.ca);

Step 2: Consult the Municipality to validate if your project is in compliance with current regulations;

Step 3: Check with the ministère de l'Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC) to find out if an authorization or declaration is required;

Step 4: A characterization of the natural environment may be required.

For more information, you can consult the Portail des milieux humides et hydriques before undertaking your project.

A harmful or invasive plant or animal is usually native to another continent, another region of North America or simply another province in Canada.  It can grow or reproduce in a habitat in such a way that it represents a threat to a region’s biodiversity, economy or society.

It is important to know how to identify harmful plants and species, how to control them to prevent them from spreading.

Read the guide

Terrestrial Plants

Ragweed (Ambrosia sp.)

Identifying and limiting the presence of ragweed | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

The most effective way of eradicating this plant is by uprooting it.  It has a shallow root system, which makes the task relatively easy.  Uprooting can be done by hand or with the use of tools.  It is best to do this in the spring to prevent the plant from flowering and releasing pollen.

Once uprooted, throw it into your trash bin and not into the compost bin to keep it from spreading.

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radians)

Identifying and getting rid of poison ivy | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

This plant produces a toxic sap, containing urushiol, which causes severe dermatitis.  In the event of contact with poison ivy sap, follow the advice on Portail Santé Mieux-Être du gouvernement du Québec.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Approach with caution, as the sap of this plant contains a toxin that is activated by sunlight and can cause serious lesions on the skin (burns).

Identifying and getting rid of giant hogweed | Gouvernement du Québec (quebec.ca)

It is found in several areas of the Municipality of Rawdon and is removed every year.

Here are several tips on how to recognize this plant:

• It stands from 2 to 5 meters tall;
• Its leaves can reach 1.5 to 3 meters in length;
• Its umbrellas (flowers) measure 25 to 50 cm and the stem is dotted with red spots.

If you spot this plant, please contact us.

Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)

Impatiens glandulifera – Centre de ressources (especes-exotiques-envahissantes.fr)

This annual plant grows near waterways, wetlands, along the edge of ditches and roads.  Although it is recognized for its ornamental qualities, it is an aggressive competitor.  It quickly dominates native species and contributes to the decline of local biodiversity.

Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

La renouée du Japon - Espèces exotiques envahissantes (gouv.qc.ca)

When the Japanese Knotweed invades an area, it forms large, very dense colonies.  It prevents other plants from growing nearby by secreting a phytotoxin into the soil. 

Aquatic Plants

Important Reminder

Washing your boat systematically before launching it onto another body of water is the best way to protect your favorite lakes and rivers from invasive alien species. 

Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)

Cara-depliant-myriophylle-en-epi-2020-V4.pdf

The Eurasian watermilfoil is a real threat to lakes.  Originally from Eurasia, it can be found in over one hundred lakes in Quebec. 

If you spot this plant, please contact us.

Water Chestnut (trapa natans)

Dépliant_chataigne_final_CARA.pdf

Horticulture and nautical equipment are the main propagation vectors. Once established in an area, invasion is extremely rapid.

If you spot this plant, please contact us.

Premature Aging of Recreational Lakes

Eutrophication is synonymous with the natural aging of lakes.  Lakes have a life expectancy of several thousand years.  They are born of clear water and silt up progressively.  Over time, they transform to become ponds, bogs and eventually disappear as grasslands. The current problem is that the aging process of lakes is greatly accelerated due to human activity. 

For more information on eutrophication

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)

When blue-green algae are very abundant, they form « algal blooms » or even foam, that can be observed on parts of the lake or the entire lake.  The water may take on the appearance of green paint or broccoli soup.

To learn more about blue-green algae, visit the following links:

• Guide d’identification des fleurs d’eau de cyanobactéries

• Algues bleu-vert

To slow the eutrophication of lakes and reduce the occurrence of cyanobacteria, phosphorus must be reduced at source and its runoff into the lakes limited.  This work requires everyone’s cooperation.

Wildlife

Wild animals can be found in Rawdon and the surrounding municipalities; thus, it is important to learn to live with them.  The Wildlife Conservation and Development Act prohibits the killing or capturing of a wild animal without first trying to scare it away or prevent it from causing damage. 

In addition, please remember that it is forbidden to feed wildlife, as it can affect their survival. 

Beaver

The beaver is recognized for its ability to modify the landscape and waterways by building dams.  These constructions can threaten human infrastructure or flood private land.

How to get him away from your land?

Beavers generally avoid conifers (pine, spruce, fir, cedar, hemlock, etc.) as well as red maple.  Surround the trunks of the trees you want to save with a wire mesh. It should measure at least 1.2 meters in height, but in areas with heavy snow cover, it should extend at least 60 centimeters above the maximum snow depth.  It is necessary to cover the trunk right down to the ground.

An Eco-Friendly Lawn

A green lawn, short and even, has long been the symbol of perfect landscaping.  However, this type of lawn is now singled-out as it is the cause of a great waste of drinking water as well as a source of pollutants by excessive mowing and the use of pesticides.

Today’s lawn is synonymous with diversity and its maintenance is clever, saving time and money!

Rediscover the Dandelion

Firstly, remember that the dandelion, by growing, helps to aerate and lighten your soil.  It’s here to help!

The dandelion is a melliferous flower, rich in nectar and pollen, very attractive to bees.  Flowers are rare in the spring and the dandelion is the first flower to grow!  It feeds the bees and other honey-producing insects that are hungry after the winter. 

 Why feed bees and other insects? It is thanks to them that pollination takes place.  If it weren’t for them, we would simply have no fruits or flowers…

• The dandelion is an edible flower! You can consume its root, bud and leaves.
• The following are the best tips for having an eco-friendly lawn:
•  Ensure adequate watering and respect the current watering schedule (link to regulation);
• Diversify the types of grass you sow (white clover, Hard fescue, Red fescue, chewing’s fescue and Birdsfoot Trefoil);
• Practice grasscycling and leafcycling;
• Prevent and manage undesirables (insects and weeds);
• Maintain a height of more than 6.5 cm.