SAINT NARCISSE | The appointment of a new director of the Rimouski Game Reserve, Claude Isabel, marks the beginning of a new era for this unique area.
With his experience in the network of the Bic and Gaspésie National Parks, he comes to the reserve with some new ideas that will mainly revolve around species protection and the improvement of the different habitats in the area.
The new director Claude Isabel has only one goal: to go further and help people discover this exceptional territory. Photo courtesy of Karl Tremblay
“I’m from Rimouski. During my childhood I visited the highland area of La Neigette. Here I learned about outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and trapping. So I know the value of the territory of the reservation. »
New to the post, he admits he has ideas while respecting the colossal work of his predecessor, Michel Fournier.
“Yes, I have ideas, but before I launch them, I would first like to do a first tour at the head of the reserve to get to know all the corners of the reserve and the different files. This allows me to become aware of reality and set goals.
“I would also like to continue the work started by my predecessor, Michel Fournier, particularly in relation to the family component he proposed. I think that’s a very good idea and we have every reason to pursue this line of thought further. It is necessary to consolidate the activities destined for the family and the next generation, to introduce young people to these activities, to discovering the territory in nature, to fishing and hunting. »
PROBLEMS AND PARTICIPATION
The new director has to face the new realities on the territory.
“The moose quota has been significantly reduced. Issues related to fishing are also important. Habitat conservation is the cornerstone of the diverse wildlife species on the reserve. I would therefore like to dwell on this topic in order to further develop the potential of fisheries. For amateurs, it could be a lot bigger compared to what it is now. Catching results could be improved by improving aquatic habitats. »
As for visiting the territory, the director told us that the misfortune of some is the happiness of others.
“Things are going really well there. Due to the wildfires and everything that is happening on the north side of the river, it has spread to the areas south of the river. While people are going through a very difficult and sometimes even dramatic situation, we are doing very well on our side.
“All the bear hunting packages were sold out, as were the moose hunting packages. Everything is going very well for us. »
CAMPING
With his projects, the director also wants to improve the camping facilities at Lac Rimouski.
The Lac Rimouski site offers very high quality facilities with its brand new chalets and campsites. Photo courtesy of Karl Tremblay
“One of my challenges is to increase the utilization of the site,” he says. I want to benefit from the camping enthusiasm and benefit from the flooding of other areas that offer camping, such as the Parc national du Bic. This is a great opportunity to introduce small families to Lake Rimouski for camping and all activities for the little ones.
“Through the camping activity, we can encourage young people to grab some fishing sauce and eat some trout for dinner that they caught during the day. I also want to upgrade some campsites. I really work with the experts of our organization to improve the camping offer. »
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
On the premises of Lac Rimouski there is a children’s playground, the possibility to rent electric fat bikes or even go on a pontoon excursion on the lake. There is also the Bernard Voyer trail. All Claude Isabel wants to do is to further improve the offer and comfort for campers.
If you are interested in adventure, take the time to visit the sepaq.com website under the Rimouski Reserve tab. You might get surprises. Everyone can find their account in this unique area of Bas-Saint-Laurent.