Zec de la Bessonne


The Zec de la Bessonne is a "zone d'exploitation contrôlée" near La Tuque in administrative region of Mauricie, in Quebec, in Canada. A territory of was assigned in 1978 to the Zec.
The Zec is managed by the Association Épervier de La Tuque inc. It takes its name from a former private hunting club which was abolished upon creating the Zec.

Geography

Zec de la Bessonne is a land of, located in Mauricie, in La Tuque. Its territory is shared by the city of La Tuque and municipalities La Bostonnais, Quebec and Lac-Edouard. It is bordered to the east by the Zec Jeannotte, Québec and Portneuf Wildlife Reserve, and to the south by Zec Tawachiche. It is located at east of downtown La Tuque.
The territory is crossed by six rivers, including the Little Bostonnais River, the Jeannotte River and Rivière du milieu. Zec includes 281 lakes, including Lake Wayagamac, which provides drinking water to the city of La Tuque.

Land protection

Zec de la Bessonne is not a protected area recognized by the Government of Quebec, like all other zecs; forestry and mining are allowed. However, the island "Steamboat" is recognized as a heronry and bird colony, and is located in the center of Lake Wayagamac.

Toponymy

The term "Bessonne" identifying a river, two lakes, one island, a dam and a zec are related. These toponyms derivate from the name of the river.
The toponym "Zec de la Bessonne" was officialized on August 5, 1982 at the Bank of Names Places of Commission de toponymie du Québec.