User:Cylee07/Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area

The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is a National Wildlife Area(NWA) located on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River in the National Provincial Capital Region of Quebec. The NWA was established on 28 April 1978, in order to protect the bulrush marsh. Bulrush marsh is one of the critical habitats for the greater snow goose during migration. Flocks of tens of thousands of these birds stop over to feed on the bullrushes in the spring and fall. The tidal marsh was recognised as a wetland of international significance per the Ramsar Convention in 1981, the first North American site to receive that distinction.

History
Within the wildlife refuge is a historic farm site, La Petite-Ferme du cap Tourmente, which was begun by Samuel de Champlain in 1626, as a food source for the fledgling Habitation at Quebec City. Later, the farm was purchased and run for nearly 300 years by and for the Seminary of Quebec. A farm house built around 1667 still stands, and is at the core of La Petite-Ferme du cap Tourmente National Historic Site, designated in 2018.

The Canadian government acquired the area in 1969. It is later recognised as a National Wildlife Area in 1978 and as a wetland of significance per the Ramsar Convention in 1981.

Wildlife
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is the home to a wide range of animal and plant species, which includes more than 200 animal species and 700 plant species. The intertidal bulrush, coastal bulrush and coastal plain and mixed-forest plateau provides crucial habitat for the staging of migratory birds and breeding ground. The keystone species of the NWA includes greater snow goose, peregrine falconry-throated humming bird, and warblers in spring.

Plants
American bulrush

Broad-leafed arrowhead

Sessilefruit arrowhead

Birds
The Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area is one of the 325 Important Birds Area (IBA) in Canada, categorised under the A4 criteria.

Great white goose

Fish
American eel, American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, Atlantic tomcod, Lake sturgeon, Northern pike, Sauger, Walleye, White sucker, Yellow perch

Challenges
Neighbouring land development.

Invasive species.

Oil slicks. Water pollution from the St. Lawrence River due to heavy industrial activity upstream.

Impact of visitors. Approximately 56,000-75,000 people visit. Minimal impact however.