2023-08-31 15:31:34
Previously known as Forestia or Ancient Forest Trails, the Grand Boisé de Pointe-du-Lac was officially inaugurated at the Seigniorial Mill. This preserved natural space of approximately 470,000 square meters has seen several improvements this summer that are appearing all along the trails.
In recent years, more and more people have wanted to benefit from this free outdoor activity. Trail use has increased significantly enough that the organization is looking at ways to meet demand.
Since the signage for the trails was fifteen years old, it was beginning to become obsolete, according to the activities and exhibits coordinator, Alexandre Pétrin.
“Signage was becoming a major problem. It was not uncommon to have people call us a little bit in a panic because they had gotten lost in the woods behind. »
A geolocation map for more than six kilometers of marked trails was developed thanks to the expertise of Rando Québec.
“We have started work to redo the signage in several stages depending on the route. The GPS map will be able to be used with our phones without a cellular network or even internet data to find our way around the marked trails,” explains Mr. Pétrin.
“The Avenza mapping application on which you will find the map of our trails means that you will be able to be geolocated when taking your walk on our trail”, specifies the coordinator of customer service and communications Emmanuelle LaBarre.
The chairman of the board of directors, Laurent Godbout, mentions that the mission of the corporation has been enriched to adjust to reality.
“In our historical and cultural vocation, we have included our environmental vocation, which recognizes that our woodland is a treasure. For us, this is an extraordinary step forward that we are taking. »
The Seigniorial Mill manages the Grand Boisé and shares ownership with the Brothers of Christian Instruction and Forestia, created in 2001 by one of the founders of the Auberge du Lac Saint-Pierre, Jean-Guy Morissette and his wife Gisèle Poliquin, who wanted to preserve this forest from possible residential development.
Memorizing the history of the site, Mr. Godbout recounts the origin of most of what is now the Grand Boisé de Pointe-du-Lac.
“Gisèle and Jean-Guy had the wisdom to acquire this territory to protect it from the desires of speculators. It gave us food for thought so that we understood that this territory deserved to be protected. People were used to coming to walk in Forestia because it was the only entity recognized and decided by its owners to become a place of free attendance for citizens. »
In addition to the marking of trails, the improvements also affect infrastructure. Solid wood picnic tables and a bread oven were built and installed to enhance the visitor experience. Alexandre Pétrin describes the work done in recent months.
“These installations were made in the most sustainable way possible. The wood comes from the forest. We took the look and design that were used in order to harmonize everything across the three entities. There are also flora and fauna interpretation panels that have been added to educate users about the forest and the environment to be protected. »
The Grand Boisé de Pointe-du-Lac has received financial assistance from the Fonds Étonnant de Tourisme Mauricie and Éclore Fonds Environnement Trois-Rivières for the realization of the project, and the collaboration of the Organization of watersheds of the rivers of the Loup and the Yamachiche for the natural environment interpretation component.
The work does not stop there for Alexandre Pétrin, who confides that the team is already working on other ideas.
” It is a long process. Work will continue in the coming months. There are new features that will also be added during the fall and perhaps also at the beginning of next spring. It is a foundation for things to come for the community of Pointe-du-Lac and surrounding areas. »
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