Grandes battures Tailhandier

What secrets do the Grandes battures Tailhandier hold? These islands, once known as Île de La Broquerie, whisper tales of a time long past. Located northeast of Montreal in the St. Lawrence River, the Grandes battures Tailhandier are part of the Boucherville Islands. They stretch approximately 2,750 meters long and reach a maximum width of 400 meters. Separated from Île aux Raisins, Île de la Commune, and Île à Pinard by the Chenal du Courant, they offer a unique glimpse into the natural world. The name “Tailhandier” comes from Marien Tailhandier dit La Beaume (1665-1738). He was a French soldier-surgeon who settled in New France in 1685. He later became a notary and judge in Boucherville. He likely owned the very islands that bear his name. Interestingly, despite being federal property managed by the Port of Montreal, the Grandes battures Tailhandier were excluded from the Boucherville Islands National Park when it was created in 1984. Ongoing discussions continue about their potential inclusion. The islands are a haven for wildlife, particularly waterfowl and white-tailed deer. Hunting is permitted with proper licenses from the Province of Quebec. However, the Port authorities have been trying to ban this practice since 2020. Access to the islands has also been restricted since 2012. The shallow, floodable grasslands of the Grandes battures Tailhandier are important spawning grounds for fish. The Port of Montreal has been working to improve these habitats. They have been digging channels between the islands to maintain water levels and removing reeds. The islands also provide a home for the western chorus frog, a threatened species in Canada, and colonies of cliff swallows. A lighthouse stands at the southern tip, a silent sentinel watching over this precious ecosystem. So next time you gaze upon the Grandes battures Tailhandier, remember the stories they hold. Remember Marien Tailhandier, the soldier-surgeon turned notary and judge. Remember the ongoing efforts to preserve this delicate balance of nature and human interaction.