Alliance formed for Mont-bellevue Nature Reserve
The Université de Sherbrooke and the City of Sherbrooke have announced the creation of an alliance with various user groups in the Mont-bellevue Park to create a nature reserve.
"This alliance positions our city and university as leaders in sustainable development. It demonstrates that we are able to reconcile the issues related to the development of mountain biking, the healthy cohabitation between different users in sensitive environments and the protection of natural environments, "said Udes rector Prof. Pierre Cossette.
"Over the last few months, the
project to create a nature reserve had pitted mountain bikers against conservationists. Everyone has since recognized the need to work in synergy and has been open to the goal of Sherbrooke becoming a green destination for mountain biking. This shows that we can do great things in Sherbrooke and I am very proud of it, "added Sherbrooke Mayor Steve Lussier.
All partners have agreed on key principles and signed an agreement to this effect. "Now let the members of the alliance offer us concerted and innovative solutions," said Cossette.
For example, the U de S has accepted a mountain bike trail across the protected area of the future nature reserve in order to connect Mont-sainte-anne College grounds to the many already authorized trails on the Mont Bellevue side.
The exact location of the trail remains to be defined and will have to meet preestablished criteria as well as the rules of a nature reserve as defined by the Ministry of Environment and the Fight against Climate Change. The trail could bypass Mount J.s-bourque or go through its summit according to the results of the work of the alliance.
A reassessment of all pedestrian trails in the protected area is also needed and already underway. Walking and running may be permitted on some of the informal trails on Mount J. S. Bourque, while formal trails may be closed due to poor conditions. All of this analysis will be done in the coming months based on the concerns expressed by various stakeholders, including the bike clubs, the Le Coureur Trail Club and other users.
The University of Sherbrooke also agrees to allow the development of new mountain bike trails on its grounds outside the nature reserve, not far from its sports center and the College of Montsainte-anne, as well as Innovation Park. Some mountain bike trails will also be consolidated in the transition zone on Mount Bellevue.
All trail reconfiguration work aims to ensure a harmonious cohabitation between all users. This coexistence will require important awareness-raising and monitoring measures, to which all partners pledge to contribute to their capacity. The Université de Sherbrooke owns 75 percent of Mont-bellevue Park while the City of Sherbrooke holds the other 25 percent, mainly on the ski mountain side.