State of the river 2005-2006

Margaree River (Nova Scotia)
“Secret pools and tranquil glades”
Designated 1998

The Margaree-Lake Ainslie river system is characterized by a unique combination of natural and cultural heritage values that reflect a rich history of human settlement on a mosaic of natural landscapes. The pristine waters of the Northeast branch are home to world famous populations of Atlantic salmon which provide excellent angling opportunities while the Southwest Branch has a provincially significant Gaspereau run which continues to support traditional commercial and aboriginal fisheries.

Residents have always appreciated the contribution that the river system has made to the quality of their lives. For generations, families have looked to the river to supplement incomes, provide recreational opportunities and, at the end of a busy day, renew that wonderful sense of inner peace and contentment that now draws visitors from all over the world. The Margaree-Lake Ainslie Canadian Heritage River Society, a coalition of volunteers representing the half-dozen communities in the watershed, is continuing the task of implementing the Partnership Strategy under which the river received designation.

In 2005, local and provincial off-highway vehicle groups worked with government to relocate a major snowmobile trail that formally passed through an important protected wetland barren in the Margaree-Lake Ainslie watershed.

Striped bass numbers in waters on the west side of Cape Breton Island have been dropping over the last number of years resulting in the closure of this recreational fishery in that area. However, fisheries research and monitoring work in the Margaree River system shown that population of striped bass in the lower Margaree appears to be on the increase. Fisheries officials remain concerned that the introduction of smallmouthed bass in Lake Ainslie will negatively affect native populations of brook trout, gaspereau and landlocked salmon. Monitoring work in 2005 found that no juvenile fish are present in the population, indicating that introduced fish have not been able to breed successfully thus far.

2005-06 also brought significant provincial initiatives that could contribute to the protection and enjoyment of Nova Scotia’s heritage rivers. Amendments to the Special Places Protection Act streamline the process used in the identification and designation of significant ecological sites on private and crown lands. The amended Off-highway Vehicles Act improves the protection of ecologically sensitive areas such as wetlands, and barren ecosystems and offers support for the development of a managed system of vehicle trails.

Nova Scotia has also initiated a process, with partners including environmental organizations and the forestry industry, to work towards a comprehensive system of protected areas, and to mitigate potential impacts to wood supply that might result from the protection of forest lands. This process could see additional lands protected which support heritage river conservation goals.

For more information, contact David Williams, Regional Protected Areas Coordinator,Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour at (902) 563-3428.