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By David Johnston
EMC News – The role of rivers has changed from the days when they were the lifeline for travel to inland settlements. Today they still play an important role, and The Great River Project is doing its part to ensure people respect the Ottawa River.
Since July 4, Ottawa Riverkeeper has been floating “an ambitious and interactive journey to document the state of the Ottawa River and share the ecology and rich cultural heritage of this magnificent river with a wide audience,” says Meredith Brown, Riverkeeper. The Great River project is making its way from the source of the river all the way to where it joins the St. Lawrence near Montreal. The trip is being carried out in five legs, with various modes of transport.
“Experiencing the river through stories, photographs, videos and interviews will help thousands of people, including decision-makers, become more knowledgeable about the state of the Ottawa River and the importance it plays in our everyday lives, our culture, our heritage, our health and our economy.”
It’s a labour of love for the expedition, which includes an expert team of photographers, naturalists, historians, scientists and a motivated group of students.
“Our beautiful river – 1,271 kilometres in length – is home to a diverse range of species, is a source of drinking water for over two million people, supports local economies, is a world-class recreation destination and an important part of our culture and heritage,” Brown informed a group at a stopover Sept. 10 at The Point in Constance Bay.
“Threats to the river are growing and the need for community collaboration and collective action is stronger than ever. There is no single government agency that is accountable for protecting our river for future generations. There is no management plan and no conservation plan for the river.”
A small gathering of concerned citizens and supporters was on hand to greet the paddlers when they arrived in a Voyageur canoe from Quyon, on route to the War Museum in Ottawa. Local councillor Eli El-Chantiry was on hand to greet the paddlers, along with provincial Liberal candidate Megan Cornell.
Meredith Brown fielded questions from local residents who voiced concerns about fluctuating water levels and weed growth. Brown pointed to Constance Creek as a source of high levels of chemical fertilizers from farms and golf courses along its route.
She informed the group that it is illegal to pull weeds, even by hand.
“The ministry of natural resources is considering releasing a few permits for weed control but it will only be in isolated areas.”
One of Brown’s biggest concerns for the river is a lack of governmental regulatory agencies charged with maintaining river quality.
“The Ottawa River is the largest tributary of the St. Lawrence, which in turn is the largest fresh water ecosystem in the world. The health of the river is improving, but there is a long way to go as population densities continue to increase along its shores.”
She said there is only one government station collecting data on river water quality and no one is reporting what is found. She also pointed to the 19 dams on the river as a threat to natural fish populations such as Sturgeon and American Eel.
“Sewage treatment plants have helped to clean up the river,” she said, adding that the dwindling pulp and paper industry has also had a positive effect on river quality. Brown pointed out that floodplains and wetlands are also critical components of biodiversity.
Ottawa Riverkeeper held events in Norway Bay, Arnprior and Constance Bay as the Great River Project Expedition Team paddled into the west Ottawa area. The 900-kilometer expedition is in the fourth of five stages, which started in Portage du Fort on September 7 and reached Ottawa after the stop in Constance Bay September 10.
Along with Meredith Brown, expedition team members Mike Beedell and Max Finkelstein are learning what the river means to local communities and what the most pressing regional threats are to the river. They also answered questions about the expedition, what has been learned so far, and what local residents can do to become active stewards of the river in their communities.
“We are monitoring water quality, and meeting with a diverse group of people and leaders who depend on the Ottawa River for different reasons. We have interviewed scientists, dam operators, First Nation Chiefs, river guides, fisher people, farmers and river enthusiasts to find out why our river is worth knowing and protecting.”
Eli El-Chantiry praised the group for its efforts and thanked Constance Bay Riverkeepers Hank and Vera Jones for organizing the event in the community.
“This is a great learning opportunity for everyone to learn more about our river,” he told the group. He also invited the Riverkeepers to make a presentation in the community following the completion of the expedition so that they could share more of what was learned.
Constance Bay’s Riverwatcher Hank Jones was grateful for the support displayed at the gathering.
“I was most pleased that our community’s most concerned people were there, to talk river lore and about keeping the river healthy in perpetuity,” he said. “I heard a number action statements from those present, so am I optimistic that we will be able to move ahead quickly and decisively. I was also pleased to hear interest expressed in mounting a routine local testing program for C-Bay for shoreline water quality, aquatic vegetation and biodiversity. I expect such a program would be of interest to our local educator community, as it could involve students.”
The group is planning a large celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Victoria Island Saturday September 25 to salute World Rivers Day. A flotilla will paddle with the Riverkeeper as they embark on their last leg of their journey to Montreal. Those wishing to participate can rent a space in a voyageur canoe for $10 per person.
Founded in 2001, Ottawa Riverkeeper is a grassroots charity formed to protect, promote and improve the health and future of the Ottawa River and its tributaries. Ottawa Riverkeeper works collaboratively to inspire others to take action, to encourage responsible decision making, to hold polluters accountable and to recommend alternative practices and policies to safeguard our local waterways.
© 2009 – 2011 West Carleton EMC
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