The Great River Project
On the 4th of July 2011, Ottawa Riverkeeper launched the Great River Project, 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. 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.
Our beautiful river – 1,271 kilometers in length – is home to a diverse range of species, is a source of drinking water for over 2 million people, supports local economies, is a world-class recreation destination and an important part of our culture and heritage. Yet, 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.
Our Riverkeeper, Meredith Brown, will paddle the river with an expert team of photographers, naturalists, historians, scientists and a motivated group of students. Along the way we will monitor water quality, and meet with a diverse group of people and leaders who depend on the Ottawa River for different reasons. We will interview scientists, dam operators, First Nation Chiefs, river guides, fisherpeople, farmers and river enthusiasts to find out why our river is worth knowing and protecting.
To read about each trip, click on the links below or check out the Great River Project Expedition Blog.
Trip 1: Culture and Heritage – Summary
Trip 2: Recreation and Tourism – Summary
Trip 3: Our Future Leaders
Trip 4: Take Action!
Trip 5: Cumulative Effects
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