Over the past few years, more than 60 new informal camping sites have been identified on the shores and islands of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir, within the Municipality of Bowman, by the Poisson Blanc Watershed Association. These sites, developed without planning, do not take into account the ecological sensitivity of natural environments, their carrying capacity, or the risks associated with forest fires. It has therefore become necessary to implement measures to curb this growth and ensure that land use remains compatible with the area’s carrying capacity and the protection of these natural environments.

Visitor use of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir has been steadily increasing over the past few years. This growth is largely driven by higher tourist visitation, an increase in the number of recreational boats, and the development of new vacation homes along the shores. In addition, the population growth of nearby urban centers, particularly the Ottawa–Gatineau and Montreal metropolitan areas, places additional pressure on the territory. In this context, it is reasonable to expect that this trend will continue, and possibly intensify, in the coming years. As a result, maintaining the status quo in the management of the reservoir’s islands and shores is no longer a viable option, as it jeopardizes the ecological integrity of this fragile natural environment.

Several areas where informal camping sites have developed show signs of deforestation and repeated trampling, which limit the natural regeneration of vegetation. In some spots, there is also an accumulation of waste, the presence of human and pet feces, and used toilet paper on the ground. In certain areas, evidence of tree mutilation and cutting, including live trees or those that do not pose a hazard, has been observed. To date, these sites show a concerning level of ecological degradation, resulting from intensive and unmanaged use over an extended period.

Many daily visitors and residents of the municipalities bordering the Poisson Blanc Reservoir have noticed that some highly popular sites are often occupied for extended periods by the same group of people. By entrusting the management of the islands and shores where this type of use occurs, it will be possible to promote a more harmonious sharing of the territory among different types of users. For example, some sites that have historically been in high demand will be developed as day-use public stops to ensure accessibility and equitable sharing of the islands and shores among a variety of users.

Currently, when an intervention is needed at the Poisson Blanc Reservoir, multiple responders from different municipalities may be involved, which complicates coordination and can delay assistance to users. By entrusting the management of the islands and shores to a single entity, that entity becomes responsible for ensuring the safety of visitors. Equipped with a structured emergency plan and risk management measures, it can respond quickly and effectively whenever a need arises. Visitors thus benefit from a safer and better-managed environment during their outings and activities.

Over the past 10 years, more than 20 fire incidents have required intervention by the fire services of the municipalities of Notre-Dame-du-Laus, Denholm, and Bowman, and in some cases, by SOPFEU. The majority of these fires were caused by campfires lit in unsafe areas, left unattended, or improperly extinguished, leading to the spread of root or twig fires in the surrounding forests. Establishing safe fire pits in appropriate locations will significantly reduce the risk of fires and help protect these fragile natural environments, including the islands and shores of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir.