Sarah-Claude Lachance, M.Sc. biologist

Ms. Lachance has a bachelor's degree in biology with a concentration in animal ecology at Laval University (2014), as well as a master's degree in biology from the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (2017). Her research project focused on the development of a systematic planning approach for the conservation of wetlands and waterfowl through a case study in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Her expertise was taken up as a consultant by the MELCC Directorate of Protected Areas (2017) in order to develop an approach to identify territories of interest for conservation in connection with the expansion of the current network of protected areas on the territory of the Plan Nord. The main objective was to reconcile ecological, economic and social challenges for a coveted territory.

Ms. Lachance participated in the development of several decision support tools based on existing geomatic data to allow the classification of terrestrial and aquatic habitats across the province of Quebec. Among these achievements, she collaborated with Ducks Unlimited Canada to update a method for classifying wetlands (based on the MFFP ecoforest map) and she worked with the MELCC to create a new classification of terrestrial ecosystems (based on data from three separate inventories).

Since joining Norda Stelo, Ms. Lachance has been able to develop her skills to carry out biophysical surveys that meet the requirements of the various ministerial authorities. His various experiences working in the field allowed him to become familiar with the various techniques for inventorying fauna and flora in Quebec, particularly in remote areas. More specifically, she specialized in the identification of wetland/riparine/water environments and wildlife management. She also carried out wildlife inventories of large fauna (moose and caribou) in Nord-du-Québec, as well as micromammals and chiroptera in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Ms. Lachance was part of a research team on marine mammals in the St. Lawrence River from 2013-2016 on the North Shore.

Over the past few years, Ms. Lachance has participated in several committees, round tables and public consultations. These experiences have led him to collaborate with various representatives of indigenous communities, government entities, private industries, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. Ms. Lachance's versatility gives her a critical eye in order to optimize the environmental aspect of major projects. Ms. Lachance is familiar with the regulatory framework in force and will be able to make the right recommendations when making decisions.