Multiscale hydrographic basins from levels 1 to 8 covering the whole of Quebec. These thematic layers were created using maps from the BDTQ (Quebec Topographic Database at a scale of 1:20,000) for the southern part of Quebec and using the CANVEC product (Canadian Topographic Database at scale 1:50,000) for the northern part of the province. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

This theme offers detailed information on lakes and waterways throughout Quebec. All the descriptors available in this layer come directly from the Lakes and Rivers (LCE) database. The data includes lake centroids and stream junctions and includes information on lake morphology such as length, width, depth, volume, and elevation, as well as the area of watersheds. This data is intended for researchers, engineers, government agencies, government agencies, environmental professionals, as well as students and industries, for applications in the environment, hydrology, and hydraulics. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Territorial division of the province of Quebec into fur harvesting management units. The data has been digitized at a scale of 1:250,000. __Warning:__ The MFFP cannot guarantee the accuracy of this Data and cannot be held responsible for the conclusions obtained as a result of the use of this Data. The MFFP will not assume any responsibility for any damage suffered as a result of the use of this Data. This cartographic compilation of fur animal management units has no legal significance; only the documents filed have legal force.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Data on flood zones include mapping carried out as part of the mapping program of the Canada-Quebec Convention from 1976 to 2001, the Program for the determination of flood ratings from 2001 to 2004 (PDCC), as well as the mapping carried out after that date by the Centre d'expertise du Québec (CEH) and its various partners.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Wildlife Habitats (HAFA) contains data for the 11 legal wildlife habitats located on land under the domain of the State and is protected under the Wildlife Habitat Regulations (RHF). There are also HAFAs located on mixed and private lands for information purposes. Since they are essential environments for wildlife, the eleven habitats benefit from legal protection in Quebec. __The conservation of wildlife species and their habitats is beneficial for biodiversity. Each of these species plays an important role in our ecosystems. __ ### #Mise on guard: The digital version of geo-descriptive data describing wildlife habitats is produced from a legal perspective of location, protection and management of habitats. In fact, only the digital version that has been published in the Official Gazette of Quebec is recognized as legal. Last publication of wildlife habitats: November 17, 2022.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

In order to effectively fight against aquatic invasive species, the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks has formulated a series of best practices. Among these good practices, cleaning watercraft greatly reduces the risks of dispersal of aquatic invasive species, whether animals or plants. In recent years, several municipalities in Quebec have installed cleaning stations (permanent or mobile), near water bodies, in order to protect them from the arrival of new invasive species or to reduce the risks of dispersion. The MELCCFP participated in this effort by funding several cleaning stations through its funding program. In order to facilitate the planning of nautical activities for citizens, it is important to make the location of these cleaning stations available. Thus, this dataset lists the location, address and name of known cleaning stations in Quebec. __WARNINGS:__ * The identification of these stations was done in collaboration with the Regrouping of organizations of watersheds of Quebec and the Laurentides Regional Environment Council, as part of projects funded by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, as well as the organizations managing the stations. There may be a time lag between the position listed in the data set and the actual location of the station. If you notice such a discrepancy, please inform the data set managers so that the necessary corrections can be made. * The “mobile” cleaning stations were positioned according to their most frequent location during the year. Depending on the season and current events in a locality, mobile stations may not be parked at the location listed. __** Update **__ * If you believe that information is incorrect for one of the stations, please send to [dpefa@environnement.gouv.qc.ca] (mailto: dpefa@environnement.gouv.qc.ca) the information that needs to be changed, including the unique identifier of the station (__Station_Identifier__ field) in question.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The Bicknell's Thrush (*Catharus bicknelli*) is a bird species that is endangered in Canada and vulnerable internationally. The range of this species is one of the most restricted in North America: more than 75% of the species' numbers are believed to be found in Quebec. There are a few models for mapping Bicknell's Thrush habitat. On the other hand, the latter come from low-resolution geospatial data and, for most of them, the variation explained in the presence of the species is mainly explained by altitude and latitude and little by habitat characteristics, which makes it difficult to precisely identify places with high potential for the species. Following the arrival of lidar data, new methods for characterizing forest structure make it possible to better characterize the habitat of the Bicknell's Thrush. The distribution model, shared here, shows the probabilities of occurrence of Bicknell's Thrush using lidar data. It was calibrated with 139 occurrences (spatial accuracy of 10 m), each associated with 10 random locations in a buffer zone of 523 to 1,569 m, and then validated using an independent dataset of 3,928 listening points. This model is calibrated and validated using two independent Bicknell's Thrush inventory datasets conducted between 2011 and 2021. Based on the results of the model, two statistical thresholds were applied to guide decision making. The probability of the species being present was highest in dense balsam fir stands at high altitudes. The top-ranked model also incorporated forest succession, with canopy height adjustment to account for tree growth since lidar data was acquired. For more details, for example on the study area, the data used and the modeling carried out, consult the scientific article by Tremblay et al. (2025) [“Assessing *Catharus bicknelli* (Bicknell's Thrush) habitat dynamics: A high-resolution model based on LiDAR metrics”] (https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8168976) (Open Source article). ## #Qu Is it an MRE? ### A species distribution model (MRE) aims to predict the range of a species or its probability of presence. For general information, see the [“Habitat Quality Assessment”] page (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/faune/gestion-faune-habitats-fauniques/habitats-fauniques/evaluation-qualite-habitats). For a comparison of the different types of models, consult the document [“Difference between habitat quality score or key, habitat quality index and species distribution model”] (https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/faune/documents/habitats/difference-cote-cle-indice-qualite-habitat-modele-repartition-espece.pdf). ## #MISES ON GUARD ### * ** __The article by Tremblay et al. (2025) should be cited when using this model (see “Documentation” section) __ . ** * This model is linked to the [“*Compendium of standardized protocols for inventorying Bicknell's thrush and its habitat in the context of wind projects in Québec*”] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/biodiversite/collecte-donnees-especes-protocoles-standardises) () from the Government of Quebec. Consult the compendium to find out how to apply the model to the Bicknell's thrush inventories required in the wind energy context. ## #Documentation ### TREMBLAY, J.A., F. LESSARD, M. LESSARD, M. RIOPEL, M. RIOPEL, Y. AUBRY and A. DESROCHERS (2025). [Assessing *Catharus bicknelli* (Bicknell's Thrush) habitat dynamics: A high-resolution model based on LiDAR metrics] (https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8168976), *Ornithological Applications*, 127: duaf040. MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, WILDLIFE AND PARKS (2026). [Compendium of standardized inventory protocols for Bicknell's thrush and its habitat in the context of wind energy projects in Quebec] (https://www.quebec.ca/agriculture-environnement-et-ressources-naturelles/biodiversite/collecte-donnees-especes-protocoles-standardises), Government of Quebec, Quebec, Quebec, 23 p. + appendices.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

The data represent the distribution of species of amphibians, reptiles, reptiles, terrestrial mammals and freshwater and migratory fish in Quebec. The files represent: amphibians: 21 species terrestrial mammals: 69 species freshwater and migratory fish: 118 species reptiles: 17 species The ranges were established on the basis of various sources of information and validated by the Main Directorate of expertise on terrestrial fauna (DPEFT), the Main Directorate for Threatened or Vulnerable Species (DPEMV) and the Main Directorate of Expertise on Aquatic Wildlife (DPEFA) of the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP). The ranges of species of _freshwater and migratory fish_ are also illustrated in the [“Freshwater Fish of Quebec”] poster (https://cdn-contenu.quebec.ca/cdn-contenu/faune/documents/animaux/affiche-poissons-eau-douce.pdf). Some ranges have been slightly modified since they were included in the poster. __There may be differences between the ranges of the species shown in the files and the current spatial distribution of the species. __ The distribution areas were produced on a small scale; they provide indicative information on the presence of the species in Quebec. The cards are the property of MELCCFP. __Atten:__ The ranges of marine mammals that frequent the coasts of the province of Quebec are not included in this dataset.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

Deposit is the layer of loose material that covers rock. It may have been established during the retreat of the glacier at the end of the last glaciation or by other processes associated with erosion and sedimentation. The nature of the loose deposit is evaluated based on the shape of the land, its position on the slope, the texture of the soil, or other indicators. Surface deposit maps make it possible to distinguish the main categories of surface deposits, to know their nature, thickness and distribution on Quebec territory. The map of **surface deposits in the North** is a component of an extensive inventory carried out to meet knowledge acquisition needs as part of the economic, social and environmental development project “Plan Nord”. This inventory was carried out between 2010 and 2013. The mapping of surface deposits was carried out using a new approach based on remote sensing techniques. The interpretation was carried out by geomorphologists using RapidEye anaglyph (3D) satellite images with high spatial resolution (5 m). Ground and air control points allowed the validation of the interpreted information. Mapping is available throughout the country north of the 53rd parallel, which represents an area of approximately 680,000 km2. The minimum mapping area is 100 ha. **This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**

## #Mise in custody and data use limits: * ** The report by Lesmerises and St-Laurent (2018) must be cited when using this file (see Literature section) . ** * The distribution area of the mountain caribou population in Gaspésie in this file represents the state of knowledge on the use of land by mountain caribou between 1988 and 2016. * Information on the distribution of the local population does not make it possible to establish with certainty that caribou are absent in territories outside this range. * The range is subject to change, depending on new telemetry data that will be acquired, as our local knowledge is refined, and as caribou land use patterns change. ## #Description of the distribution area of the local woodland caribou population, mountain ecotype, Gaspésie population The data represent the distribution area of woodland caribou, mountain ecotype, population of Gaspésie (hereinafter mountain caribou of Gaspésie). The file contains the polygon and the name assigned to the population, the period covered by the telemetry data used during the delimitation exercise, and the date of the last update. The information contained in the file of occurrences of species in a precarious situation of the Quebec Natural Heritage Data Center (CDPNQ) is also present in the file (CDPNQ occurrence number, French, English and scientific name of the species, the type of occurrence, the rank of precariousness (rank S) and the status under the Act Respecting Threatened or Vulnerable Species, see MELCCFP 2023 for a description of these fields.). ## #Contexte of the publication The Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (hereinafter MELCCFP) is responsible for the monitoring and management of mountain caribou in Gaspésie (Government of Quebec, 2021 a, b). The local population has been identified as the appropriate monitoring and management scale for this species since each population may face different threats depending on the habitat and socio-economic context in which it is found (Environment Canada, 2008). The local population is defined as a group of caribou occupying a defined territory that is spatially distinct from the territories occupied by other caribou groups. The dynamics of the local population are determined primarily by local factors influencing birth and mortality rates, rather than by the contributions or losses resulting from immigration or emigration between groups. As a result, the distribution area of the local population of mountain caribou in Gaspésie is defined as the geographic area where a group of individuals exposed to similar factors influencing their demographics live and which meets the needs of their life cycle during a given period of time (e.g. calving, rutting, wintering). In 2018, Lesmerises and St-Laurent produced the report *Influence of the rate of habitat disturbance, regional coyote abundance, and predator control on the demographic parameters of the Gaspesia-Atlantic caribou population* report presented to the Canadian Wildlife Service (Environment Canada). One of the objectives of the report was to delineate the range of this population. The MELCCFP uses the distribution area delimited by Lesmerises and St-Laurent (2018) as part of the monitoring and management of mountain caribou in Gaspésie. For any questions related to the Lesmerises and St-Laurent report (2018), please contact Mr. St-Laurent ([Martin-hugues_St-laurent@uqar.ca] (mailto: Martin-hugues_St-laurent@uqar.ca)). ## #Méthodologie in a nutshell The methodology presented here is a summary of that described in Lesmerises and St-Laurent (2018). Telemetry data from three follow-ups carried out during different periods of time were used (1988-1991, 1998-2008 and 2013-2016). The caribou were equipped with VHF collars during the first two follow-ups. Aerial flights were carried out at various times in order to locate the caribou. During the follow-up from 2013 to 2016, the caribou were equipped with GPS/Argos collars programmed to acquire locations every 2 or 3 hours depending on the collar model used. The range of the mountain caribou population in Gaspésie was defined by estimating a minimum convex polygon comprising 99% of telemetry locations plus a 10 km buffer zone. Finally, the parts superimposed on the St. Lawrence River were removed. ## #Littérature Environment Canada. 2008. Scientific review for the identification of critical habitat for the boreal population of woodland caribou (*Rangifer tarandus caribou*) in Canada. August 2008. Ottawa: Environment Canada. 80 pp. + 192 pp. appendices. Government of Quebec. 2021 a. Monitoring system for forest caribou populations in Quebec and mountain caribou in Gaspésie 2020-2031: summary document, Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, Directorate of Expertise on Terrestrial Wildlife, Herpetofauna and Avifauna, 16 pp. Government of Quebec. 2021 b. Literature review on the factors involved in the decline of forest caribou populations in Quebec and mountain caribou in Gaspésie, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs, Direction of expertise on terrestrial fauna, herpetofauna and avifauna, 244 pp. + 15p. appendices Lesmerises, F. and M.-H. St-Laurent. 2018. Influence of the rate of habitat disturbance, regional coyote abundance, and predator control on the demographic parameters of the caribou population in Gaspesia-Atlantique. Scientific report submitted to Environment Canada — Canadian Wildlife Service, Rimouski (Quebec). 22 pp. + 8 appendices. Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP). 2023. The Quebec Natural Heritage Data Center — Information document, Government of Quebec, Quebec, 32 pp.**This third party metadata element was translated using an automated translation tool (Amazon Translate).**