Reserve preserved through public-private program

"As for now, we try to limit public access to it," Conservation spokesperson Daniel Causse said. He maintained that the organization would first try to ensure the land was properly turned into a natural reserve, and then eventually open it to the public for similar activities to the Morgan Arboretum.

The grant was made under the provincial Ministry of Sustainable Development's "programme de conservation du patrimoine naturel en milieu privé." The latter promotes public-private partnerships to help preserve natural areas.

In 2002, the government of Quebec had agreed to a $10 million financial agreement partnership with the organization in the scope of a different program.

"They're very well-known," said Christos Kritsidimas, political advisor at the provincial Ministry of Immigration. "We wouldn't have given them the money if we thought there was something wrong with them."

"Through the government of Quebec, the land will always remain preserved," said Causse.

The 17-acre forest land is home to several species of fauna and flora, including birds such as the great woodpecker and the red-shouldered hawk.