2017 Roland Michener Conservation Award - Co-honouree

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and long-time CWF Board Member Pierre Latraverse. Pierre was an ardent conservationist and a valued member of our Board who brought his expertise in Quebec conservation issues to the national level and acted as a catalyst to promote and support national conservation and education initiatives throughout the province. At our Annual Award’s Banquet in June, we were honoured to present Pierre with CWF’s Roland Michener Conservation Award, in well-deserved recognition of his tremendous contributions. We invite you to read more about Pierre’s work here. His passing is a loss to CWF and conservation in Canada.

For more than 40 years, geologist, physics professor (now retired) and active nature-lover Pierre Latraverse has been involved in wildlife conservation and environmental protection. Descended from a family that settled in the region 375 years ago, Latraverse has been a driving force behind the development of the communal wildlife area at Lac Saint-Pierre (part of the St. Lawrence River), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and an important sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds. Starting in 1996, Latraverse has engaged the entire community (from schools and local businesses to senior government officials and international shipping companies) in the effort. Among their many successes has been a campaign to restore a perch population whose numbers had dramatically decreased because of commercial overfishing and habitat deterioration. In 1999, he joined the board of Stratégies Saint-Laurent, whose principal mission is to mobilize and coordinate local groups to ensure the continued rehabilitation of the St. Lawrence River. Over the years, he has also been deeply involved in the St. Lawrence Seaway navigation advisory committee and its planning group. Among his other contributions over his remarkable career is a province-wide game-meat donation program, Chasseurs Généreux (“generous hunters”), that involved developing a close partnership with Quebec food banks in various regions, allowing hunters to donate part of their catch to local families in need. In addition, he has been a municipal councillor, chair of the Quebec Federation of Hunters and Anglers, a member of numerous environmental consultation committees and, in his spare time, an avid outdoorsperson, hunter and angler.

WHAT HIS NOMINATORS SAID

• “In light of Pierre Latraverse’s remarkable volunteering history and his long list of outstanding achievements, he personifies the selection criteria for the award.”
• “Pierre’s reputation speaks for itself and is based on solid experience and thorough knowledge of the environment, wildlife and Lac Saint-Pierre. His power of influence is impressive: in fact, many government departments and organizations seek out his opinion on environmental issues.”

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