Zec Matimek is a “zone d'exploitation contrôlée” (ZEC), a type of public wildlife and outdoor recreation management area in the province of Québec, Canada. Established in 1979, the ZEC is administered by the Association de protection de la faune et des habitats “Zec Matimek” (APFH‑Zec Matimek), a non‑profit organization responsible for regulating hunting, fishing, and other activities within its territory.
Geography
- Location: The ZEC lies in the Côte‑Nord region of Québec, within the regional county municipality of Manicouagan, approximately 55 km north of Baie‑Comeau.
- Area: It encompasses roughly 1 170 km² (117 000 ha) of boreal forest, lakes, rivers, and mountains.
- Boundaries: It is bordered to the east by the Saguenay River watershed and to the west by the ZEC de la Lièvre.
Key Features
- Hydrography: The territory contains more than 350 lakes and numerous rivers, including the Matimek River, which gives the ZEC its name. Many of these water bodies support populations of walleye (sauge), northern pike (brochet), and brook trout (truite mouchetée).
- Wildlife: The area is home to typical boreal species such as moose (caribou de Virginie), black bear (ours noir), hare (lièvre), and a variety of bird species, including ruffed grouse (mailleux à queue) and various waterfowl.
- Recreation: Zec Matimek offers regulated hunting, sport fishing, camping, snowshoeing, cross‑country skiing, and canoe‑kayak routes. Several designated campgrounds and shelters are available for visitors, often accessed by gravel roads or canoe routes.
Management
- Regulation: The governing association enforces quotas, licences, and seasonal restrictions in accordance with provincial wildlife legislation, aiming to sustain natural populations and provide public access.
- Conservation: Efforts include habitat monitoring, anti‑poaching patrols, and partnerships with Québec’s Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.
Accessibility
- Entry points are reachable via Route 138 (the “Route des Bleuets”) from Baie‑Comeau, with signage directing visitors to the main access roads leading to the ZEC’s interior.
Cultural Context
- The name “Matimek” is derived from indigenous (Innu) terminology, historically referring to the surrounding waterways and lands used by the Innu peoples for hunting and fishing.
References
- Gouvernement du Québec, Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs – ZEC Matimek official page.
- Association de protection de la faune et des habitats “Zec Matimek” – Annual reports and management plans.
All information presented is based on publicly available governmental and organizational sources as of the knowledge cutoff date (June 2024).
