To do this, the regional land and natural resource commission (CRRNT) must work with regional stakeholders, including the Native communities present in almost all regions of Québec. The plan can then be implemented in a way that does not infringe on the responsibilities of the regional stakeholders and is based on a shared regional vision for development.
During the preparation of the regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT), a regional consultation must take place to ensure that the contents of the plan are as widely accepted as possible. The scope of the consultation will depend on the contents of the plan.
It is estimated that it will take two to three years to prepare a regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT) and ensure region-wide support. The plan will then be updated at the interval determined by the regional conference of elected officers (CRE), or the CRE and the Native communities concerned, depending on the region, and the MRNF, but at least once every five years.
Contents
The regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT) must have the following minimum contents:
- a description of the general context;
- an overview of the region;
- a description of problems, land issues, and other questions;
- a set of development guidelines, objectives and priorities;
- a description of the effect of the plan on the management and use of land and natural resources, and of the links with existing planning tools;
- a description of the monitoring and accountability mechanisms (methods, responsibilities, etc.);
- a list of participants in the plan preparation process;
- a list of the stakeholders consulted.
Given the incremental nature of the regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT), its contents may vary depending on the interests and vision of the region. Each regional plan will include both compulsory and optional content.
Compulsory content
Wildlife |
The creation of structured wildlife areas and changes to their boundaries |
Wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation and development objectives, to complement MRNF objectives |
Forests |
Timber and non-timber production and forest ecosystem conservation, in particular through forest zoning |
Forest roads, with regard to the opening and closing of roads |
The ecological, social and economic issues in the region connected with the management and harvesting of timber and non-timber forest products |
A diagnosis of the current situation with respect to the issues determined |
Proposals in response to the issues assigned priority |
Land |
A plan for private (cottage), commercial (resort) and community (campground) development on public land, including the identification of suitable sectors and the potential number of sites |
A plan for the location of linear recreational facilities (trails for off-road vehicles, hiking trails, etc.) and specific sites (sites of special interest) |
A determination of sectors with potential for industrial and commercial activities (wind energy, blueberry production, water extraction, etc.) |
Optional content
Energy |
A determination and selection of sites with potential for small hydroelectric power stations (50 MW and below) |
Wind energy development |
A determination of potential projects for energy production using biomass |
Mining |
Proposals for the development of outstanding geological sites |
Proposals for the rehabilitation of mine sites |
A definition of the sectors considered by the region to have priority for the gathering of geoscientific data as part of Géologie Québec’s annual program |
Guidelines to maintain access to mineral resources, including sand, gravel and aggregates, to meet the need for mineral resources in the region and in Québec as a whole |
Forests |
Guidelines for the development secondary and tertiary wood processing, highlighting the ecological merits of wood |
Area covered
The regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT) must cover all public land in the region. However, to ensure integrated regional development, it should also cover privately-owned land. It is up to the regional conference of elected officers (CRE) to define the area covered.
Approval
The regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT) must be submitted to regional conference of elected officers (CRE) or to the regional conference of elected officers (CRE) and the Native communities, depending on the region, for approval. The plan can then be adopted in accordance with the mechanism established in each region.
Implementation and follow-up
The implementation of the regional plan for integrated land and natural resource development (PRDIRT) will be based on an agreement between the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and the regional conference of elected officers (CRE) or the regional conference of elected officers (CRE) and the Native communities, depending on the region. The agreement will specify the actions and support measures to be taken by the Department, as well as the measures needed to adapt government actions to regional realities. The Department may also undertake to adapt its strategies or standards governing the management of a natural resource or area of land. |
