The different research projects I am currently working on are under the supervision of Jacques Brisson.
Integrated Vegetation Control of Rights-of-Way
This research area is part of the implementation of an integrated vegetation control approach for transmission rights-of-way. The goal of this approach is to promote the establishment and maintenance of low vegetation compatible with the operation of the network, while reducing costs and negative environmental impacts. The clearing of 735 kV lines has made it possible to initiate various research projects aimed at developing new intervention methods reflecting this approach. These projects fall under one of the following three headings: ecological monitoring, seeding of stable herbaceous mixtures and control of stump and sucker growth.
Preventing and controlling the invasion of highways by common reed
The invasion of common reed, facilitated by the presence of highway rights-of-way as a pathway for its spread, poses a significant threat to the biodiversity of wetlands in southern Ontario. Because reed is shade intolerant, planting shrubs in rights-of-way could prevent reed from spreading and invading highway sections that cross ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasion. In this context, our research team aims to test the effectiveness of planting shrub species as barriers to the spread of reed along and outside of rights-of-way.
Control strategy for a new invader: the giant hogweed
Giant hogweed is a particularly harmful and toxic invasive alien plant. Its broad leaves shade out and eliminate natural vegetation cover and contribute to the denudation of soils which then become susceptible to erosion, particularly in riparian strips. This plant is now quite widespread in southern Quebec, and some data suggest that the province is on the verge of a more significant invasion. Faced with this problem of invasion, our research team's objective is to determine the best approach to control the proliferation of this plant. Various methods involving mechanical control and control by plant competition are being studied.
Maintaining the biodiversity of Mount Royal by controlling invasive plants
Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) are two exotic species that threaten the plant biodiversity and ecological integrity of Mount Royal's forests. Our research team provides scientific support to the Centre de la montagne in monitoring the progression of these two invasive species following control interventions.