By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Appalachian Corridor has launched its most ambitious conservation project to date, aiming to preserve the Forêt Brière, a 542-hectare ecological gem in the northern Green Mountains. Located on the border of Quebec and Vermont, this forest is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological connectivity across the region.
Spanning from 170 to 630 metres in elevation, Forêt Brière encompasses a range of habitats, including mature forests, wetlands, and high-altitude ecosystems. These features make it an unparalleled refuge for plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. The project, valued at $16.4 million, hinges on a public fundraising campaign to raise $900,000 by the end of winter.
“This is one of the last remaining properties of its size and ecological value in our territory,” explained Mélanie Lelièvre, Executive Director of Appalachian Corridor, in a recent interview. “Its protection is crucial for biodiversity, water quality, and connectivity between forest cores in Vermont and Quebec.”
The stakes for biodiversity
According to a related release, the Forêt Brière is home to over 250 plant species, six of which are classified as at risk, including the butternut tree and Canada maidenhair fern. It also supports 53 bird species, including the wood thrush, eastern wood-pewee, and the rare Canada warbler. Wide-ranging mammals such as moose, bobcats, black bears, and coyotes rely on this unfragmented forest for survival. Among the 10 animal species confirmed to be at risk are the wood turtle, silver-haired bat, and eastern pipistrelle.
Biologists who conducted site visits over the summer were thrilled by their findings. “They confirmed just how rich and unique this property is,” said Lelièvre. “From plants to wide-ranging mammals, the diversity of life here is astonishing.”
The forest’s location enhances its ecological importance. Streams originating within Forêt Brière flow into the Missisquoi River, supporting regional water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Without protection, the forest risks being carved into residential lots, a move that would scar the landscape, disrupt wildlife corridors, and worsen erosion and water recharge issues.
“This property is part of the Appalachians, an eco-region with global significance,” said Lelièvre. “It’s on par with the Amazon rainforest and Kenyan prairies for its role in biodiversity and climate adaptation.”
