State of the River 2004-2005

Main River (Newfoundland nad Labrador)
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Heritage River”
Designated in 2001

Main River became the first river in Newfoundland and Labrador to be designated into the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. The river was nominated for both its natural and recreational values. It is a pristine natural setting which features one of the Islands most outstanding wild rivers, undisturbed boreal virgin forest, and is home to a core population of the endangered Newfoundland Marten.

During the summer of 2003 two main projects, a botanical and an avifauna survey were carried out on the Main River to build on the botanical and avifauna knowledge of this amazing watershed. Seventy different species, from eight taxonomic orders were recorded.

Efforts are underway to have the river corridorprotected as the Main River Waterway Provincial Park, the first Waterway Park in the province. Official status as a provincial Park is scheduled to take place during the fall of 2005. Development of hiking trails, day use areas and primitive camping sites along the river for canoeists and salmon fisherpersons continued during the summer of 2005.

2005 also saw a major effort into the development of a website for the Main River, to inform users of the river of the many opportunities to enjoy the natural values and recreational opportunities. You can access this wealth of information at: http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/parks/ .

Also in 2005, a Concept Plan and Design for the Main River Gateway was contracted. This project, planned for construction in 2006, will highlight the values of the river on display panels, provide a day use area for visitors, short hiking trails, and history of the area. It will be situated at the mouth of the river near the community of Sop’s Arm in White Bay.

Main River Management Advisory Committee, made up of seventeen stakeholder representatives, continue to meet on a regular basis. Involvement and interest from this committee is the key to long term protection and development, with a focus on ecological integrity and protection of significant features in Main River Heritage River.

For more information contact:
Colin Davis
Email: ColinDavis@gov.nl.ca
Tel: 709 635-4520