Primary Contact Claude Tremblay, manager Centre d'études nordiques Research Station Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik, Quebec Canada J0M 1G0 Phone: 819 929-3319 Email:
Secondary Contact Dr. Serge Payette, professor Dept. Biology & CEN Université Laval Québec, Québec Canada G1V 0A6 Phone: 418 656-7538 Fax: 418 656-2043 Email:
Longitude: 76° 10' W Latitude: 57° 45' N Location: Boniface River, Nunavik, Quebec Surrounding environment: Tundra, Treeline, Wooded, Streams
Description of Facility: This field camp is operated by the CEN and is located within the forest-tundra less than 10 km from the tree limit and some 30 km from Hudson Bay. It comprises two insulated buildings (one with a shower) that serve primarily as laboratories, a kitchen tent, and a “porta-potty”. Dormitory tents and sleeping bags are provided by CEN. Typically, between 5 and 20 people are present during the summer season. Climatological stations of CEN SILA Network operate year-round on the site.
Laboratory: No Wet Lab: No Power: Limited (solar panels) Communications: Satellite phone
Access: By air charter (300 m long airstrip situated on the opposite shore from camp). Local Transportation: Access to the different research sites is primarily by helicopter or by navigating the Boniface River, accessible for some 20 km. Motorized boats (including 2 zodiacs) available on site. Helicopter services can be purchased from Nunavik Rotors and Whapchiwem Helicopters. Fuel Availability: Contact the camp manager Other Local Resources: None, high degree of self-sufficiency is expected. Nearest Community: Inukjuak (140 km) Nearest Medical Service: Health Centre in Inukjuak (140 km) and Hospital in Puvirnituq Licences, Permits: Contact camp manager Availability: Summer only Cost: Rate packages are available, depending on the needs of the researchers. Research History: Meteorological stations have been recording since 1988 the prevailing conditions at treeline, including the thermal contrast (air and soil) between tundra and forest environments. In addition, tree growth has been measured with the aid of a dozen electronic dendrometers since the summer of 2005.
Current Projects: Recent and Holocene dynamics of forest ecosystems at their northern limit of distribution; impacts of natural disturbances and climate change on natural ecosystems at treeline.
