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NLIS 5 November 15, 2002 (Tourism, Culture and Recreation) Main River commemorated as Canadian Heritage River Gerry Byrne, Minister of State (ACOA), on behalf of Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, and Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for Newfoundland and Labrador, today presided over a plaque unveiling ceremony to commemorate the designation of the Main River as a Canadian Heritage River. Minister Byrne said the Canadian Heritage Rivers System is the fastest growing river conservation program in the world. Thirty-nine rivers, with a total length of more than 9,000 km, are currently in the system. "On behalf of the Government of Canada, it is a pleasure to welcome the Main River as part of a very special family of our nation�s greatest rivers," he said. "It is the first in Newfoundland and Labrador to receive the national designation." The Main River was nominated as a Canadian Heritage River by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "This wilderness river has been a source of inspiration for its scenic beauty and the characteristics that make it one of the most unique in the province," said Minister Bettney. "It is a pristine natural setting which features one of the island�s most outstanding wild rivers, an undisturbed boreal forest, and is home to a core population of the endangered Newfoundland Marten." "The Canadian Heritage Rivers System was established to give national recognition to Canada�s outstanding rivers, and to ensure the long-term management and conservation of their natural, cultural, historical and recreational values," said Minister Copps. Under the designation, the river corridor, an area measuring 105 km2, will be preserved as the Main River Waterway Park. This area contains two management zones. The first is a preservation zone that focusses on the Big Steady, mid-way on the river. Development here is limited to a walking trail. The second is a natural environment zone occurring upstream and downstream of the Big Steady, where acceptable tourism related developments can take place. An additional 95 km2 boundary surrounding the river corridor is set aside as a special management zone. Minister Bettney recognized the contribution made to the protection of the Main River by Corner Brook Pulp and Paper. "To make the designation a reality," she said, "the company relinquished its timber-cutting rights in the river corridor, and has also set aside a 40 km2 no-cut zone in the area. It will use a modified harvest approach in the remainder of this special management zone." The company has also announced that no clear-cutting will take place in the entire Main River watershed. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has submitted a management plan to the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board to fulfill the requirements of the heritage river designation. The plan outlines how multiple users will respect the heritage, recreation and human values of the river. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System was established in 1984 by the federal, provincial and territorial governments as a means of conserving, celebrating and showcasing Canada�s rich river heritage. People from any province or territory may suggest rivers of outstanding natural and/or cultural value for nomination, in order to enhance their significant heritage values for the long-term benefit and enjoyment of all Canadians. Media contact:
The Main River Based on research conducted between 1987 and 1990, which documents the river�s natural and recreational values, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador filed a submission with the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board (CHRB) requesting that the Main River be nominated to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS). The river was accepted as a candidate Canadian Heritage River in 1991, becoming Newfoundland and Labrador�s first river to be so recognized. In February 2001, the provincial government (Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation) tabled a management plan for the Main River to the CHRB. On May 27, 2001, the designation of the Main River was approved by the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Sheila Copps. Flowing unmodified and unobstructed from its headwaters in the Long Range Mountains on the Great Northern Peninsula, the Main River courses southeast from tundra-like barrens, through expanses of softwood forests and a unique area of grassland, leading to a spectacular eight-km canyon, and on to the Atlantic Ocean where it empties into White Bay at Sop�s Arm. At its source, the terrain of the Main River combines U-shaped valleys with rounded hills, characteristic of the 600 million year old geological processes that formed the bedrock and surficial geology of Newfoundland. Flowing from an elevation of 370 m at a relatively high gradient averaging 6.5 m/km, the river is joined by numerous tributaries in the upper reaches. As it moves downstream, the Main gradually increases in volume and steepness, through narrow, swift channels which alternate with long steady reaches. Turbulence is present throughout the river as a result of abrupt and significant changes in gradient, channel width and direction, all causing challenging water conditions. Fast water mixed with rock gardens, including large boulders, make portages and lining necessary to successfully navigate the river. The Main River is one of the last wild and scenic areas of insular Newfoundland. It provides critical habitat for a variety of wildlife and vegetation in an area of superb natural beauty. Vegetation in the headwaters is characterized by exposed forest. Farther down the Main River, the forests are predominantly balsam fir and black spruce. Peatland and woodland wildflowers thrive, with species such as laurel, orchids, cranberry and the Pitcher Plant growing in the upper sections of the river. Lilies, bunchberry, wintergreen, lichens, and mosses grow in the shady, moist, woodland areas. The rare, open meadow land of the Big Steady, with its calm waters and lush vegetation, includes several plant species near their northern and southern limits. The watershed also supports large mammals such as moose, caribou, and black bear. In the spring, summer and early fall, moose gather to the river valley at the Big Steady. The pine marten, indigenous to the Island and classified as endangered, has been re-introduced to the area. The river and its many tributaries also support populations of river otter, beaver, snowshoe hare, mink, red squirrel, lynx, and red fox. About 90 species of bird life frequent the Main River watershed. Loon, bald eagle, osprey, and the great horned owl are the largest avifauna inhabiting the area. Close to 100 pairs of Canada Geese make their home in the 200 hectare floodplain of the Big Steady. This prime duck habitat is home to waterfowl including common goldeneye, black duck, green-winged teal, and red breasted merganser. The river also contains one of the healthiest populations of Atlantic salmon in the province, with the gravel-cobble river bed and serene upper ponds conducive to salmon spawning. As early as 5,000 years ago, Maritime Archaic Indians settled on the Island of Newfoundland. Archaeological sites near the mouth of the Main River indicate settlements that utilized the abundant wildlife of the area including the harp seals on the ice in White Bay, spawning salmon and migrating caribou. Evidence of early Inuit habitation dating to about 2,100 years ago has also been found near the river. Several sites along the west coast of the Great Northern Peninsula have produced 900 year old artifacts from the Dorset Eskimo culture, and are within a short distance of the Main River Watershed. The Main River is recognized as an excellent wilderness river by recreational canoeists and has attracted outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy kayaking and rafting. With a large number of tributaries, the Main River offers additional recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, nature observation, swimming and a variety of winter activities. 2002 11 15 1:10 p.m. |
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