PEI Joins Canadian Heritage Rivers System

This was the title of a joint press release last month issued by the Hon Tom Macmillan and the Hon Gordon MacInnis as Prince Edward Island became the eighth province to participate in this program.

Designation of rivers by the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board indicates recognition of national significance and ensures conservation of their natural, historical and recreational values through long-term management plans. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is a federal-provincial program established in 1984. It has to date designated six rivers, all in Ontario and west. A further eleven rivers have been nominated and are in various stages of meeting the extensive review process. The only candidate thus far in the Atlantic region is the St. Croix in New Brunswick. Both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick however are currently engaged in province wide system studies to determine the best candidates for future nominations and Nova Scotia has a short list of seven rivers being considered for their potential.

The objectives of designation are aimed at natural heritage, human heritage and recreation opportunity and a candidate river may be recognized for one or any combination of these values. The term river refers to either the entire length or a segment of a river plus its immediate environment including ponds, estuaries, etc. The province, which continues to retain all traditional jurisdictional powers, makes the choice to nominate a river to the System and retains the right to operate and manage designated rivers in accordance with the objectives of the System.

Outstanding Canadian value will be recognized when a river environment meets one or more of the following guidelines: Natural heritage -

.an outstanding example of river environments as they are affected by major stages and processes in the the earths evolutionary history.

.significant ongoing fluvial, geomorphological and biological processes.

.unique or outstanding examples of natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty.

.habitats of rare or endangered species.

Human heritage -

.influence over a-period of time on historical development in the region in which it is located.

.association with significant persons, events, ideas, movements or achievements.

.outstanding examples of historical structures. Recreational values -

.opportunity for boating, hiking, swimming plus heritage appreciation and quality of scenic beauty.

.recreation support without loss of other values.