Impacts According to Interviewees CH11

Transcription

1 Impacts According to Interviewees CH11 Identification / Comments on Permanent loss of landbase 3% of the trapline area (60,7 km 2 ) has been flooded on its south eastern part: 2,2% of land and 0,8% of natural water plans. Source of Flooding of campsites The campsites located along the canoe routes coming from the Kanaaupscow Post and the canoe route following the Kanaaupscow River have been flooded. Flooding of birth site The birth site located on the La Grande Rivière shore on CH13 has been flooded. Flooding of valued areas The rapids and the portage located at the south eastern extremity of Wawa Lake has been half flooded. The storage place located on an island in the water arm south of the valued portage was flooded along with hunting equipment that was stored in it, notably the tallyman s riffle. Loss of travelling routes The trapline is no longer accessible by canoe from the community. Impoundment of Robert-Bourassa Reservoir Loss of trapping areas The prime trapping areas along the rivers and creeks close to Wawa Lake have been flooded. Loss of fishing sites No more fishing is done in Bailloud Lake and along the river linking the Kanaaupscow River and Wawa Lake. Decrease of available resources A lot of beavers, muskrats and bears were flooded by the impoundment of the reservoir. Loss of harvesting area The waterfowl hunting area located along the river linking the Kanaaupscow River to Wawa Lake has been flooded. Worsened navigation conditions/delayed access to trapline Travelling on the reservoir was impossible during the few years preceding and following the impoundment. Travelling on the reservoir was unsafe until about 5 to 6 years after the impoundment. It took time for the debris to be cleaned FG11) 5 Existence of Robert-Bourassa Reservoir

2 Impacts According to Interviewees CH11 Identification / Comments on after the impoundment. It took time for the debris to be cleaned by the current. The trapline users have to wait for a day or two sometimes for the wind to calm down before travelling on the reservoir, because in such a big water plan the waves are very big when it is windy. It is impossible to travel on the reservoir in the dark because of the unreliable and unpredictable conditions. It is not like travelling on natural water plans that one knows well. Three stumps, debris and floating islands represent navigation obstacles, more so when the reservoir level is low. Source of Loss of security of snowmobile trail/adaptation to ice conditions It is dangerous to travel on the reservoir at night because of the obstacles sticking out of the ice and because of big cracks created by the fluctuation of water in the reservoir. They made a snowmobile trail not going through the reservoir and built a camp for the travellers along it in order to avoid the bad (slushy) winter travelling conditions on the reservoir. Facilitated Access Since it became safer to travel on it, to access the trapline by the reservoir became easier and less costly than by plane. Decrease of trapping activities for the years following the impoundment The trapping activities decreased on the trapline during two years of the impoundment and the four to five years following it, until it became fairly safe to travel on the reservoir. Loss of income The loss of the prime trapping areas in rivers and creeks close to Wawa Lake represent a loss of income for the trapline users and for the younger generations. Modified fishing sites More pikes are fished in Wawa Lake because some of the fish from the reservoir manage to pass over the half flooded rapids into the lake. Decrease of fish (pike) consumption because of mercury The trapline users limit their pike consumption because of mercury. FG11) 6

3 mercury. Impacts According to Interviewees CH11 Identification / Comments on Source of Avoidance of impacted area No fishing is done in the reservoir because of the fear of mercury contamination. Decrease of available resources There are hardly any muskrats on the trapline since the project. There are no more beaver in the reservoir area. Gain of new waterfowl hunting areas Since the existence of the reservoirs, the geese fly further inland and more geese are found on the trapline. Geese hunting activities have increased a lot on the trapline. According to the interviewees, the increase of the geese population further inland would also be due to a natural cycle. Broken equipment Four years ago the tallyman had broken a motor while travelling on the reservoir. The water level was low and he hit a still standing tree stump. Lack of consultation process The project had been decided and done behind the people s back and that is why they had to go to court against HQ and the government. The Crees have not been consulted and were not considered as they should have been. They had no choice but to sign the JBA as the works were being done anyway. Lack of impact studies on land use before the project Studies on land use should have been done before the project and before the signing of the agreement. Communication Process Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Renewal cutting (south eastern part of the trapline) FG11) Evaluation and comments The tallyman looked for two of them but he could not find them. Joseph Pepabano believes that the people responsible for making the contract did not do the work and that they keep the money without doing the works. The tallyman found a third site where renewal cutting was done but no moose were there and he does not 7

4 Cleared tributaries (close to the valued portage area) Dyke Comments was done but no moose were there and he does not see the interest of such a measure in this area as it is not suited for a moose habitat. It helped for navigation, but clearing was done only in the eastern end of the water arm south of the portage and should have been done in the rest of the river also. SEBJ did not informed any body about this mitigation work. In 1989, HQ proposed to build a kind of dyke in order to impedes the fish coming from the reservoir to enter Wawa Lake, but the talks ended at some point and the works have never been done. HQ never came out with the plans and the project still at the same point. The interviewees recommend to go on with this project. HQ should have asked them where to do the mitigation measures and should have give them the contracts. It would have been more useful and would not have been a waste of money. Some mitigation measures were practically of no use because the trapline users were not consulted for their realisations. FG11) 8

5 Interviewees Evaluation of Other Measures and Works Measure or work Trapping out Program Beaver Relocation Program Other comments Evaluation and comments They could not trap all the beavers during the trapping out program as there were too many and many of them were drowned. HQ paid for the transportation and for the equipment required for the trapping out. There are no more beavers around the reservoir. It occurred after the impoundment had started and they could not save all the beavers trying to escape. Joseph was very sad to see baby beavers swimming behind the canoes, trying to escape. They brought some to higher ground but many lodges could not be saved. More mitigation measures should be done on their trapline to compensate for the amount of land they have lost because of the flooding. They have lost major beaver harvesting areas from which they obtained income in the past. HQ should find ways to help them use the land. Cree people should be more involved in all the mitigation measures that are going to be realised in the future. FG11) Suggested Mitigation Measures 1) To build goose ponds along the ex-kanaaupscow River where geese and ducks were hunted during the spring before the project. 2) To build a new portage, accessible by wheelchair. 3) To do renewal cutting and cleaning of flooding debris (to be done every year) on the shorelines for moose yards, feeding areas for waterfowl, ptarmigan and rabbit. 4) To build a dyke at the portage south of Wawa Lake in order to impede the reservoir waters (along with the pike coming from the reservoir) to flow into Wawa Lake if the reservoir level increases with the EM-1-A Project or any other project. 5) To build shelters for emergency situations along the shores of the Robert- Bourassa Reservoir for the people travelling. 6) To get a new motor to replace the one that was broken while travelling on the reservoir. 7) To have a covered boat, a kind of ferry service for safe transportation on the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir. 8) The trapline users already mentioned some works to be done to Apatissiwin Corporation such as moose yards, trails and boat routes. 9

6 Corporation such as moose yards, trails and boat routes. FG11) 10

7 Impacts According to Interviewees CH18 Identification / Comments on Easier access and increased presence of non-cree hunters The roads to the dikes on the reservoir allow many non-cree hunters to access the trapline. The tallyman and other trapline users have an easier access by the road. Security concerns and modified hunting activities due to increased presence of non-cree hunters The trapline users still go to the trapline during the moose-hunting season (September and October) but feel it is dangerous because there are too many non-cree hunters. It is to a point that the tallyman feels he should avoid going to the trapline. Non-Natives feel resentful when they cross trapline users. Crees feel they are seen as if they were trespassing. Limited access to goose hunting areas on the reservoir shores The roads to the dikes on the reservoir are blocked with locked gates and therefore the trappers cannot go to the shore by truck where goose is very abundant. Source of Road to the dikes on La Grande 3 Reservoir Loss of beaver trapping areas The area where the road has been built was a very resourceful area for beavers. Now, they are gone. Easier access and loss of control of the tallyman The tallyman feels that since the road was opened, anybody can go trapping into his territory whereas the tallyman and the other appointed trappers were supposedly the only ones authorised to trap beaver. Cabins were damaged and equipment has been stolen from campsites. Lack of information The CH18 tallyman was not informed that the trapline would be flooded. Communication process

8 Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Evaluation and comments Plantation and seeding in borrow pits The tallyman thinks that this as a good measure. Suggested Mitigation Measures Build a cabin on Kauskatikakamaw and on Mintischiminan lakes. Clean up and transform the gravel pits into goose ponds. Re-slash and clean the snowmobile trails. Allow the access to the trappers through the roads to the dikes. Unlock the gates.

9 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH18 Source of Loss of land base and water plans Loss of the Griault River area on the northern border of the trapline. La Grande 2 Reservoir Decrease of fish quality and quantity The quality and quantity of fish has diminished in adjacent Lac de la Montagne du Pin. The tallyman attributes this change to the reservoir that connects to the lake through a creek. Loss of beaver resources As the Pachano brothers, former tallymen of CH18 and CH19, used to trap together in both traplines, they have less beaver to share since CH19 has been heavily flooded (67%). The beaver resource dramatically decreased on CH18, following the construction of the dikes. For many years, there was hardly any signs of beaver on the trapline. Still today, there are no signs of beaver on the shores of the reservoir (on CH19), an area that was very resourceful prior to the project. La Grande 3 Reservoir (outside the trapline) Increased pressure on resources/ Loss of trapping potential Due to the decrease of beaver resource on CH18 following the impoundment of La Grande 3 reservoir, combined with the presence on CH18 of the displaced trappers of the flooded CH19 trapline, the trapline users had to stop trapping beaver from 1995 to 2002 to let the resource reproduce.

10 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH20 Permanent loss of land base Near one fourth of the trapline has been flooded, corresponding principally to the major trapping areas. Loss of trapping resources Ever since the impoundment of the reservoir, the beaver has disappeared from the trapline. All the good areas along the rivers have been flooded. Loss of resources Muskrat has been driven away from its habitat. There are no more on the trapline. Grouse population has decreased since the rivers have been flooded. Limited access to the trapline The access to the trapline by snowmobile is compromised because La Grande River doesn t freezes-up. Flooding of burial site The burial of a tallyman s child has been flooded by the reservoir. Unsafe navigation conditions The navigation on the reservoir is still hazardous. There are many stumps and in the reservoir, large land pieces are rising to the surface. Decrease of fish quality The fish is unhealthy in the reservoir and in the affected water bodies. Aggrieved feelings The tallyman misses the areas that have been flooded. Source La Grande 3 Reservoir of Easier access and increased presence of other users Other Crees and non-cree hunters easily access the trapline through the road. Lack of communication The tallyman wasn t aware of some mitigation measures done on his trapline. Moreover, he doesn t know how they are helping him. The tallyman didn t receive any information about the related to the impoundment of the reservoir. Transtaïga Road Communication process

11 Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Seeding in borrow pits Net fishing area General comment Evaluation and comments According to the tallyman, the type of plants used is not adequate to recreate a habitat for ptarmigans. He thinks that the type of seeding used was a big mistake. There would be more ptarmigans if the SEBJ had seeded another kind of willow. The tallyman wasn t aware of this measure. Moreover, he doesn t fish in the reservoir or affected areas. The tallyman doesn t know how the mitigation measures are helping him. Interviewees Evaluation of Other Measures and Works Measure or work Fibreglass canoe Evaluation and comments After the impoundment of the reservoir, the tallyman received a fibreglass canoe from the CTA. After all this years, he s needing a new one. Suggested Mitigation Measures Make a portage from Gavaudan Bay until a lake farther inland. This would allow the tallyman to go to his campsite by boat. Open a snowmobile trail where before there was a traditional trail. Maintain open the snowmobile trail from campsite #1 to Lake Tilly by cutting the overgrown vegetation.

12 Impacts According to Interviewees CH21 Identification / Comments on Flooding of campsites The campsites located along the river linking the La Grande Rivière to Tilly Lake and along the Laforge River and its enlargement were flooded. Flooding of valued areas The valued lake trout fishing area located in the enlargement of the Laforge River was flooded. The valued campsite and lake where the grand-father used to live has been flooded. Flooding of birth sites The tallyman s birth site which was located on the shore of the enlargement of the Laforge River was flooded by the LG-4 Reservoir. The tallyman s sister birth site which was located at the temporary camp #17 was flooded by the La Grande 3 Reservoir. Source of Impoundment of La Grande 3 and La Grande 4 Reservoirs Flooding of burial sites The burial site which was located on the shore of the enlargement of the Laforge River was flooded by the La Grande- 4 Reservoir (the ones that have been identified in addition to other ones, before their time). Decrease of available resources Many beavers, bears, caribou and moose were drown by the impoundment of the reservoir because it was done during the fall and winter. (Probably occurred also for La Grande 3 and 4). Loss of fishing sites Many fishing lakes have been flooded by the two reservoirs, notably the walleye fishing lakes on the western part of the trapline. (No walleye were found on the eastern part of the trapline). Modified fishing activities and fish consumption due to mercury No fishing is done by the trapline users into the reservoirs as they were warned about mercury. The trapline users almost do not eat pike anymore as they are mainly found in the reservoirs. The fishing activities have been relocated to unaffected lakes. Robert-Bourassa Reservoir (not on the trapline) Existence of La Grande 3 and La Grande 4 Reservoirs

13 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH21 Source of Loss of harvesting areas The two goose hunting areas along the Laforge River and the river flowing between Tilly Lake and the La Grande Rivière were lost. Loss of trapping areas No beavers are found around the reservoir shores. Increase of available resources The geese gradually migrated further east since the mid 50s, and it seems that the presence of the reservoirs inland would have intensified this phenomenon. Concerns about the reduction of income for the full time trappers The flooding of parts of traplines represents a loss of income for the trappers who make a living out of the resources of the land. Loss of river access to trapline It is no longer possible to reach the trapline by the canoe routes. Worsened snowmobile travelling conditions The trapline users had to make a new snowmobile trail not passing on the La Grande 4 Reservoir to reach camp #21 because of the bad travelling conditions on the reservoir. Ice piles-up along the reservoir shores because of the draw down. It is dangerous to get stuck in the slush as water flows over the ice of the reservoir, flowing through the cracks of the broken ice. Worsened navigation conditions The tributary mouths of the bays along the reservoirs are blocked with wood debris and tree stumps are lying in the water, blocking the access the shores. The navigation conditions were particularly dangerous during the five years following the impoundment. The portage of the canoe route going to Tilly Lake from the La Grande-4 Reservoir is sometimes inaccessible because of the wood debris blocking its access. The trapline users keep cleaning the area but the dead trees keep coming with the water level fluctuations. Increased expenses related to equipment

14 Impacts According to Interviewees CH21 Identification / Comments on Big canoes are needed to travel on the reservoirs because of the big waves when it is windy, while smaller canoes are used for the inland water bodies. Restricted access to trapline Some parts of the trapline are accessible by canoe only when the water level is high in the La Grande 3 Reservoir, due to debris blocking the access to water arms. Wood debris block the access to the portage along the canoe route passing on La Grande 4 Reservoir going to Tilly Lake. Facilitated access to trapline (new access road) The trapline has been easier to access since the construction of the Transtaïga Road. The tallyman who is a seasonal worker can go on the trapline anytime, even for just a week-end. Source of Easier access and increased presence of other users A negative impact of the proximity of the road is the increased traffic on the trapline. Many outsiders (mainly HQ workers from La Grande 4) come to fish in Tilly Lake. Increased presence of other users and messing up of the trapline Outsiders coming to fish on the trapline leave a lot of garbage. Easier access and increased pressure on resources Because so many people are fishing in Tilly Lake, the trapline users are concerned about the fact that the lake may be fished out. The Transtaïga Road became a hunting corridor for caribou hunters. Too many caribou are killed according to the tallyman and some carcasses are left almost untouched by the road. The problems with the caribou hunters come from individuals going to hunt without a guide. Transtaïga Road (not on the trapline) Easier access and increased presence of other users Hydro-Quebec workers come to fish in Tilly Lake by the old winter road, using 4-wheelers. Caribou hunters from the Mirage outfitting camp come along the old winter road to hunt even if they do not have a permit to hunt in this area. They represent a nuisance for the trapline users.

15 Impacts According to Interviewees CH21 Identification / Comments on Debris left behind Gas drums were left around the locations of workers camps around Tilly Lake. They were cleaned by the trapline users four or five years ago during a clean-up program. Tilly Lake is becoming polluted, the water not being as clear as before, notably because of the old gas drums that were floating in it. Lack/Deficient information on the The information sessions that took place prior to the project were not sufficient. The interviewees say that they did not know much about the project. The trapline users learned that their trapline would be flooded when someone showed them a map of the projected La Grande 3 Reservoir. Source of Construction Period Information Process Mistrust created by a deficient communication process The interviewees assert that they were given many promises which were not fulfilled and they think that the same thing will happen with EM-1 and Rupert. Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Cleared tributary mouth (Wapusukatinastikw River) Evaluation and comments They do not have comments as they do not go there. Measure or work Trapping out Program Interviewees Evaluation of Other Measures and Works Evaluation and comments It was not a good thing to do. It would have been better to relocate the beavers, specially for the Robert-Bourrassa Reservoir. The trapping out did not last enough time, it was done only during the fall (for the Robert-Bourassa Reservoir) preceding the impoundment and it should have been done over 3 to 5 years before the impoundment in order to be efficient. Some trapping out was intended by two or three families before the impoundment of La Grande 3 Reservoir but it was not enough to trap all the beaver that had to be trapped.

16 Relocation Program (Robert-Bourassa and La Grande 3 Reservoirs) Compensation Program When they were told about the program the impoundment had started and it was too late to relocate the beaver. They should have been told four or five years before. The interviewees consider that the compensations for the impacted trappers were not sufficient and that HQ should do more for the people who lost their source of livelihood, notably finance the accessibility of the land. Suggested Mitigation Measures 1) To clear the tributaries mouths along the reservoirs shores for navigation. 2) To be provided with big boats and motors to access the inside lakes around the reservoirs.

17 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH28 Loss of resources Since the impoundment of the reservoir, there weren t any signs of beaver in the area. John and Eddie Pash stopped trapping. Loss of trapping areas The impoundment of the reservoir has flooded the most resourceful area for trapping, along the Vincelotte and La Grande Rivers. Unsafe navigation conditions The tree stumps and the debris in the reservoir endanger the navigation. When the water level is low, the debris in the reservoir block the navigation routes. The tallyman has to make a long detour in order to access his harvesting areas. Unsafe snowmobile travelling conditions The water level fluctuation creates crevices and air pockets under the ice that represent a clear danger for the trappers when travelling by snowmobile. The ice on the reservoir is often very slushy because of the water level fluctuations. Flooding of birth and burial sites The burials of the tallyman s grandmother and sister have been flooded by the reservoir. Eddie Pash s and his daughter birth sites have been flooded by the reservoir. Decrease of fish quality due to mercury John and Eddie think that, in general, the mercury in the reservoir has affected the fish. They see difference in its quality in comparison to the period before the project. They argue that pike was the most affected and white cysts were visible on this species. Modified fishing activities due to mercury John doesn t fish in the reservoir anymore. He did for a certain number of years until the studies about mercury were released. He feels that people were fooled by the fact that the fish were bigger in the reservoir with lot of fat but at the time they discovered about the mercury, for some people it was almost Source La Grande 4 Reservoir of

18 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH28 discovered about the mercury, for some people it was almost too late. For instance, Eddie s uncle was forced to stop fishing because he has reached the maximum level of mercury in his blood. Those that have lower levels of mercury can continue fishing, says John Pash. Now, the mercury level is going down as it s washed out but John is concerned about the possible increase of its level with the development of new projects. Easier access to the trapline The existence of the route facilitated the access to the trapline. The tallyman relies on his truck to access his trapline or get close to it after the snowfalls. Source of Increased presence of other users The road facilitates the access to other hunters, both Crees and non-crees. With other hunters on his trapline, the tallyman feels that the management of the wildlife is harder than before. The tallyman has lost some equipment at his campsite. Transtaiga road and La Grande-4 Dam road Decrease of fish quality The fish quality has decreased in all the reported fishing sites outside the reservoir. According to Eddie, the construction of the road and the increase of human activities in the area are the causes of this change. Security concerns The tallyman doesn t use the transmission lines as a snowmobile trail because he doesn t trust them. Unsafe navigation conditions The navigation conditions have changed on La Grande River because of the reservoir. There are lot of debris and tree stumps all along the shores. Loss of equipment An irregular water level fluctuation carried away a 24-foot canoe that usually was stored high above the water level. Worsen harvesting conditions The La Grande River shores are difficult to access by boat because there are lots of debris and tree stumps. The tallyman can t land his boat when he goes hunting along the river. Transmission lines La Grande 3 Reservoir (La Grande River section)

19 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH28 Lack of communication John s father didn t know the extent of the upcoming flooding. He never thought that there would be a massive flooding of his trapline. For many years, people fished in the reservoir but later on, they were informed about the mercury contamination and had to stop. For some people, the mercury concentration in the blood was too high and they had to stop fishing definitely. Source of Communication process Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Seeding in borrow pits Evaluation and comments John Pash thinks that seeding willows in borrow pits isn t really a good mitigation measure because in those open areas, geese used to gather. Instead, seeding only grass would be a good measure. Boat landing ramps The boat-landing ramp on La Grande River is too steep and the river has washed out the gravel put on it. When the water level goes down, boat ramp is off shore. The boat ramp built near the dike QA-04 is not really used because it s too exposed to the wind and is too steep. Measure or work Trapping out program Interviewees Evaluation of Other Measures and Works Evaluation and comments The tallyman thinks that a trapping out program doesn t have a positive outcome. On the long run, the result will be the same because the trappers don t get richer. The income for the years to come is compromised because the resource is depleted. A relocation program in unaffected areas would be more profitable for the wildlife and for the tallyman.

20 Suggested Mitigation Measures Build two boat-landing sites at both ends of dike QA-02 where they would be less exposed to the wind than the current boat ramp. Rebuild the boat-landing site on La Grande River because it s too steep. Re-seed grass instead of willows in the borrow pits. Open a snowmobile trail from the campsite to the Pike Lakes. Build a portage in order to have access by boat to a resourceful fishing site.

21 Impacts According to Interviewees CH33 (VC1) Identification / Comments on Loss of valued areas Loss of a traditional net fishing and community gathering area at the first rapid. Source of Loss of route on the La Grande river Shallow areas are developing on the La Grande River in between the islands and the shore. The ice condition is unstable and the tallyman and other users aren t able to cross the river anymore or to circulate along the shore on snowmobile. Navigation conditions on the estuary and in the James Bay are affected Shallow areas are developing in many places on the estuary, specially in between the islands and the shore. Have to wait for high tide to go out in the bay. Continuous change of water level on the La Grande river and increased flow The beavers lodging along the La Grande river died or moved out. The erosion along the river banks has increased since the project. An artificial beach had to be made on an inland lake because people can t swim anymore in the river. La Grande-1 generating station, dam and spillway Loss of resources Fishing activities have been abandoned in the La Grande river and other affected water bodies. The trapping area between the river shore and the islands is lost. The beaver died or moved away. During the winter, can t have access to fire logs along the shores because the ice is unstable or there s not ice at all. Loss of land base The trapline was partially flooded. Navigation conditions are affected There are lots of logs floating around the boat ramps and difficult the access to the reservoir and the navigation on it. La Grande-1 reservoir 5

22 Impacts According to Interviewees CH33 (VC1) Identification / Comments on Community relocation The community was moved from the island of Fort George to the mainland and Chisasibi was founded on the trapline. The pressure on the resources from the community members is felt by the tallyman. Small game is not as abundant as before since the community moved. Loss of resources Since the dam was built, many people stopped fishing at the first rapid because they were worried about mercury intoxications. The reservoirs in the hinterland have an impact on the geese flying routes and ever since, there are less geese along the James Bay shore. Loss of valued areas Burial site on the island upstream La Grande-1 is flooded. The whole island disappeared. Loss of campsite on the island upstream La Grande-1. Source of Robert-Bourassa dam and reservoir (until 1994) Travel on ice on the James Bay and La Grande river estuary were affected Since the construction of the Robert-Bourassa dam, the ice condition deteriorated more rapidly on the river estuary and open water occurred earlier in the spring. Ever since it was risky and almost impossible to cross the river on snowmobile. Trappers were forced to go further into the bay on snowmobile to have a safe route to the northern coast of the estuary. 6

23 Impacts According to Interviewees CH33 (VC1) Identification / Comments on Loss of campsite A main campsite was destroyed when the road was under construction. Source of Increased presence of other users and pressure on resources Some community members have built their camps along the road without the approval of the tallyman. The community members take the road everyday to go hunting small game and fishing on VC1. Loss of resources The maintenance of the road destroys the beaver dams and lodges forcing them to move to other areas and prevents the tallyman to trap them. Chisasibi road (1974) Facilitated access to campsites Since five out of seven camps are along the road and now the access to them is easier. Full time workers can go to their camps by the road during the weekends and bring their wives and kids. The road allows to envision the development of new activities and new source of income with the creation of a family owned cultural camp. Alternative access route to the trapline Since the road is opened, the tallyman barely uses the boat on La Grande river downstream of the powerhouse to go to his trapline. The road facilitates the access to the bay. At the end of the road, the tallyman and many community members leave their motor boats and is their starting navigation point. The transmission lines offers a new snowmobile trail for the tallyman and other trappers. Road from Chisasibi to the James Bay Transmission lines: LG 1- Chisasibi LG 1-Wemindji LG 1-Radisson substation 7

24 Impacts According to Interviewees CH33 (VC1) Identification / Comments on Lack of communication The tallyman and the other trappers weren t informed about the upcoming on the La Grande river after the construction of La Grande-1 and Robert-Bourassa generating station and reservoir. The tallyman wasn t informed that a portion of his trapline would be flooded. Eddie Sam, his nephew, was informed. The tallyman and the other trappers aren t aware if and when the sandpit and the gravel used by Hydro-Québec will be cleaned. Source of Communication process Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Evaluation and comments Signs advertising unstable shores Boat ramp at La Grande-1 generating station Spawning areas implemented on Achazi River The tallyman saw them but didn t have any comment on them. CH33 trappers don t use the boat ramps right downstream and upstream a of the powerhouse, they rather use the one farther upstream, at the mouth of the Achazi River. However, this boat ramp is not easily accessible due to the presence of logs floating on the reservoir and pilling up around the ramp. The tallyman thinks that they re not very effective. 8

25 Suggested Mitigation Measures The tallyman would like the gravel and sand pits to be covered because they represent a clear danger when travelling by snowmobile since they re close to the trails. The tallyman requests to ameliorate the waterfowl habitat along the shore of the James Bay, converting an overgrown area into a goose feeding ground as before. The users request that portages on Achazi River be cleared. The users request that the floating logs around the boat ramps on the La Grande-1 reservoir be collected. The users request that the road banks be ploughed at the crossing points with the snowmobile trails in order to level the difference. To open a snowmobile trail along La Grande river southern shore, upstream of the powerhouse. To finish the siding of the cabin at campsite #9. The tallyman requests that a channel be dug at the river mouth in order to have access to campsite #4 on the James Bay coast. 9

26 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) Loss security of snowmobile trail/adaptation to ice conditions Crossing the La Grande River by snowmobile is not possible anymore due to the increased water temperature and the increase flow. Loss of easy snowmobile access to the campsite on the northern shore of the La Grande River. The access to the main camp #4 has been highly complicated because of the ice conditions on the river, as it was uneasy to go from the Long Point Road. Decrease of available resources Decrease of the spring renewal of beaver and otter population that flowed downstream with the spring thaw, since the presence of LG-2 Dam, and also since the decrease of beaver population inland due to the intensive trapping that took place before the impoundment of the reservoirs. Source of Worsen harvesting conditions With the variations of the water level in the La Grande River, the animals trail runs further away from the shore in higher parts. Bears notably are therefore harder to see and to harvest as the hunters do not have their elevated point of view along the shore anymore. Existence of Robert-Bourassa Dam and Reservoir Avoidance of impacted areas The trapline users stopped exploiting the resources along the La Grande River for two years after the construction of LG-2 because they were concerned about the impact of the project on the riparian resources. Decrease in fishing activities and/or Fish consumption because of mercury The trapline users completely stopped to fish on the La Grande River (that was the main fishing area before the project). Relocation of camps because of modified environment It is after the construction of LG-2 that the trapline users built new camps along the Chisasibi Road. The location of activities moved south then from along the river to along the road. 4

27 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) Loss of possibility to transmit traditional knowledge Reginald Sam regrets not to have had the opportunity to go hunting with the elders along the La Grande River during the winter, in the once most valued hunting area, as he has always been told by the elders not to travel on the river for safety reason. Changes in diet The interviewees relate the diet change to the important decrease in fishing activities on the trapline. Loss of equipment Loss of a canoe left on the La Grande River shore that has been carried away by a sudden increased flow. Gain of new harvested resources There is an increase of moose population on the trapline partly because the animals are forced west by the reservoirs. Gain of new waterfowl hunting areas There is more open water earlier in the spring on the La Grande River since the project, so the trapline users can go to hunt geese by boat earlier in the spring. Health issue The elders relate the breathing problems appearing in the community to the fog that is always present on the water since the project because of the warmer water. This notably increase the humidity in the air and makes the cold cutting straight through the bodies. Flooding of campsites At least six campsites have been flooded along the La Grande River. Source of Flooding of birth sites At least six birth sites have been flooded along the La Grande River. Loss of harvesting areas on the shoreline The trapline s most valued harvesting area along the La Grande River have been flooded. It is qualified as devastation by an interviewee. According to the previous tallyman, 80% of the resources were collected in this area. Impoundment of La Grande-1 Reservoir 5

28 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) Many bear dens and beaver lodges have been flooded because the impoundment started during the fall. Very good feeding grounds for small game, notably the willows the ptarmigan feed on have been flooded along the river, along with open gravel used by the ptarmigan to digest on the northern banks of the river. Aggrieved feelings The tallyman s wife regrets the big trees that were cut along the river during the clearing done in the reservoir area. The interviewees are sad when thinking about the valued area lost along the La Grande River and the tallyman s son feel anger when thinking about the important sites of his family s history that he will never know. They feel that this cannot be described in words. Loss of river access to trapline from the community Since the construction of LG-1, the trapline is no more accessible by boat from the community. Source of Worsened navigation condition/increase expenses The trapline users had to acquire at least four 24 feet motor boat in order to travel on the reservoir and carry the members of the increasing size of the Sam s clan. Decrease of available resources Decrease of beaver, otter, weasel, ptarmigan and rabbit population on the trapline because of the on their habitats along the La Grande River. Significant decrease of lynx population following the decrease in rabbit population. Muskrats disappeared from the trapline after the destruction of their riparian habitats. Existence of La Grande-1 Reservoir and Dam 6

29 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) The tallyman is aware that before LG-1, a lots of pikes were found in the mouth of the creeks flowing into the La Grande River but today there is no more pikes in these creeks mouths. Increase expenses The trapline users have to buy more food from the store partly because of a diminution of the hunting potential. Changes in diet According to the interviewees, diet change is related to the diminution in hunting potential on the trapline. Access road to the trapline The road facilitates the access for the trapline users as well as for the children going to school. Location of 17 camps owned by the Sam s clan along the road (built in the early 80s). Source of Road Access/ Increase presence of other users Many week-end users are present on the trapline. The trapline is easily accessible for other community members as well as for people from Radisson. The trapline users consider that the easier access to the trapline for the Sam s clan is a positive impact while the easier access for other users is a negative impact. There is a non-cree camp on the trapline and the users are opposed to the presence of this camp. Chisasibi Road (1974) Road Access/Increase pressure on resources More people have access to the trapline since the existence of the road and consequently some over hunting is done. Few wild food is brought back by the trapline users to share with the community members as they hardly get enough for their own family. Road Access/Loss of control of the tallyman The tallyman has difficulties managing the resources of the trapline because people are not always telling him before going to hunt on the trapline. Road Access/Loss of security, confidence and tranquility Equipment was stolen from the camps along the road. The trapline users have to hide the snowmobiles in the buch for 7

30 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) trapline users have to hide the snowmobiles in the buch for safety reasons. Modified hunting activities due to an increased presence non- Cree hunters The trapline users go to hunt away from the road area during the moose and caribou hunting season for non-crees during the fall. They are considered dangerous hunters by the trapline users as they shoot anything, being desperate to kill something during their short presence on the land. Corridor hunting/new harvesting areas Goose hunting is done in swampy areas south of the road and many goose ponds are under construction along the road. New possibility to transmit the traditional knowledge The easy access to the trapline help for the transmission of traditional knowledge to the children going to school. Changes in diet The trapline users consider that the change in the diet is related to the decrease of the hunting potential on the trapline, that is partly due to the increased numbers of users. Increased expenses More food has to be bought from the store because of the diminution of harvesting activities partly due to the over exploitation of the trapline. Source of Snowmobile trail for other users Hydro-Quebec workers snowmobile riding club s has a private trail, linking La Grande-1 and Robert-Bourassa powerhouses, that goes under the transmission line. The trapline users may be charged if they dare to use it without paying the fees. They are totally opposed to the presence of these joy riders on their trapline. It is frustrating and insulting for them to have these rules imposed on them as they consider that the trapline activities are part of their economical activities and way of life. Transmission line 8

31 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH35 (VC3) Lack/Deficient information on the The previous tallyman was not properly informed about the project and its including the road. The present tallyman does not feel that he received enough information about La Grande-1. Lack of adapted information on subsidies and programs They feel that the expenses related to the land use have increased since the project partly because they have the impression that they were always considered out of the subsidies and programs criteria. The tallyman may have experienced difficulties in the understanding of all the new programs as he has not been prepared to deal with such a system. Also, the other family members may not have paid enough attention to these programs to take advantage of them. Source of Communication Process Subsidies and Programs 9

32 Interviewees Evaluation of La Grande Complex Remedial Measures and Works Measure or work Clear-cutting on La Grande-1 Reservoir area Warning signs for unstable b anks on the river shores Maintained access road to a boat ramp Boat ramp Protected habitats for the fish to spawn on Necopastic River Evaluation and comments It helped for navigation and for snowmobile travelling. Nobody among the trapline users worked for it. They are not easy to see as they are too small and the vegetation covers them. The road is not well maintained as it is washed out in some areas. The ramp should be fixed; the area where they park the vehicles to put the boat into the water is not well done. Tallyman is aware of them, but the trapline users do not fish there as trout is small. They have not been informed about the advantages to fish for trout there. 10

33 Measure or work Two beaver relocations financed by the CTA have taken place on the trapline in the early 90s. Programs and Subsidies Interviewees Evaluation of Other Measures and Works Evaluation and comments It helped in the beaver population renewal, but there still are less beavers on the trapline compared to before the construction of LG-2. The beavers were brought from the south and were put along the road, but it would have been better to put them away from the road, in less accessible areas. After the first phase, the tallyman was asked about what he would like to get as mitigation measures. He asked for a canoe, a motor, a storage cabin and a trailer but never received anything. According to him, SOTRAC gave priority to the people having a reservoir on their trapline, but the tallyman considers that even if Robert-Bourassa Reservoir is not on his trapline, their most valued area along the river was affected by the project and he should have received compensations. According to the trapline users, they cannot get CTA subsidies for gas to go on their trapline because their land is considered too close to Chisasibi. According to Janie Sam, to receive CTA subsidies only for one camp (#28) was not enough for all the mess that has been done on our territory. About the subsidies for plane fishing trips on unaffected lakes as part of the Mercury Program after La Grande-2: The tallyman asked for it 5 or 6 years after the project but was told that there was no money for them; he paid his fishing trip himself and never bothered to ask again. 11

34 Suggested Mitigation Measures 1) To fix the access road going to the tallyman s camp #19. 2) To fix the access road going to the camps on Namapi Lake shore (to place back the culverts under the road). 3) To build racks for canoes near the boat ramp. 4) To fix the boat ramp. 5) To build a storage cabin with a lock (instead of having to hide their equipment in the bush). 6) To build bridges on snowmobile and 4-weelher trails. 7) To fix and maintain the snowmobile trail. 8) To build goose ponds. 9) To do a fish farm for trout in the Necopastic River. 10) To get outboard motor boats to travel on the La Grande-1 Reservoir (many of them are needed due to the increase in size of the Sam s clan). 11) To hire people from the trapline to do the works on it. 12) To do muskrats relocation or fix riparian habitats for muskrats. 13) To inform the Waskaganish people properly about the they will have to live with if EM-1-A Project is done. 14) To consult the tallymen to choose the location of borrow pits when doing a project, so that they could be done is good chosen spots for goose ponds right away. 12

35 Identification / Comments on Impacts According to Interviewees CH36 (VC4) Permanent loss of land base More than 40% of the land was flooded with the impoundment of the reservoir. (37,7 % of land and 6,4% of water plans). The tallyman feels that he s being pushed to one side. Loss of resources The beaver doesn t stay on the reservoir shores because of the water level fluctuation. The number of beavers per lodge has diminished since the project. The most resourceful area on the trapline has been flooded. Many beavers were lost with the impoundment of the reservoir even though there was a trapping out program. All the fish are mixed in the reservoir and the tallyman no longer fishes in the reservoir because he s concerned about the mercury. Source of Loss of travelling route The traditional navigation route on La Grande River has been cut off with the construction of the Robert-Bourassa Dam. Worsened navigation conditions The navigation on the reservoir is very dangerous because of the stumps, rocks, and reefs underwater; nevertheless, the tallyman still navigates on the reservoir. Robert-Bourassa Reservoir, Powerhouse, Dam and dikes Flooding of campsites Many campsites have been flooded with the impoundment of the reservoir. Flooding of burial and birth sites Four burials and four birth sites disappeared underwater. Gain of new waterfowl hunting areas With the impoundment of the reservoir, the geese migration route has changed and now they re very abundant in the reservoir area. Aggrieved feelings The tallyman s son feels bad, sad and angry because the trapping areas are now underwater. 5