The Mont O'Brien Association was launched in October 2000 to maintain the natural environment of the Mont O'Brien area in the Municipality of Alleyn-and-Cawood (Danford Lake).

The Mont O'Brien region is a 60 square km parcel of beautiful wilderness in Crown land, in the Outaouais administrative region, situated five km west of the village of Danford Lake in the Municipality of Alleyn-and-Cawood in MRC Pontiac. Our goal is to protect the numbers and varieties of native flora and fauna and to provide educational opportunities and recreational access to the forest, lakes, waterways and hills.

In July 2005, with the help of Ottawa Valley Chapter of CPAWS, the Association formally requested that the Quebec Ministry of the Sustainable Development, the Environment and Parks assign biodiversity reserve status to the Mont O'Brien region under the Québec Government's Protected Areas Strategy. Based on updated timelines, if approved, interim biodiversity status could occur sometime in 2007. Click here to view letter of submission.

Since spring of 2000, an active volunteer force has been working with the Alleyn-and-Cawood community, the mayor and council members, local cottagers' associations to protect and preserve the Mont O'Brien region. The Association's membership is made up of 175 families (over 525 people) who are permanent residents in the Municipality of Alleyn-and-Cawood and neighbouring municipalities and recreational property owners. Membership dues are $15.00 per year per family with children 17 years or younger. Members have access to the crown land through a locked gate on Hwy 301 by travelling two kilometres over private land. To become a member go to membership.

The members have donated hundreds of hours to upgrade and maintain an access road; develop and maintain pedestrian trails; develop topographical maps of the area using GIS equipment; prepare newsletters and organize mailings; orchestrate fundraising initiatives and attend countless meetings. The highlight of each year is the autumn family hike, particularly on our loop trail which climbs Mont O'Brien to scenic lookouts. Go to the Photo Gallery to see for yourself the beauty of this wilderness area.