Friends of the Kipawa River

* Outdoor Sports: Whitewater Paddling, Cycling, Climbing, Trekking;
* Natural History: Travel/study Tours in Ethnology of the Algonquins,
* History of Logging and Mining, Early Fur Trade
* Nature Reserve tours and Species Studies: Spring and Fall Flower Photography, Birding, Trekking and Sightseeing.

In Temiskaming we are fortunate to enjoy one of the most magnificent rivers in the world.

It thunders down from Lake Kipawa, rolls along highway 101, and crashes down to Lake Temiskaming. From the Nahani River in the far north to the Grand River in the south, rivers help define our country and our natural heritage.
Unfortunately, we haven’t been smart about the Kipawa River – and it shows. It has not been protected and is threatened by two diversion proposals!

It’s time to set a goal for river preservation in Temiskaming. The Kipawa is a Wild & Scenic River that should be protected from dams, diversions, and other disruptions to its natural state.

Quebec has many miles of rivers and streams. We should preserve the 19 miles of our most pristine river, through Wild & Scenic designation. We know it can be done.

Protecting the Kipawa river provides people with opportunities for recreation and generates economic benefits as well. We need this protected river for fishing, camping, picnicking, whitewater boating, or simply getting out to
the nature from time to time. River recreation pumps millions of dollars into Quebec’s economy every year and provides steady income for rural communities. It can do so in Temiskaming!.

At the same time, protecting the Kipawa river guarantees a home for countless creatures from river otters and osprey to bass and pickerel. We have a responsibility to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to see these beautiful animals in their natural homes. Protect just 19 km of Quebec's magnificent rivers? Surely we can do that.

There was a time when people in Quebec took riverbanks and creeksides for granted. Now the rapid pace of development forces us to plan carefully to preserve our open spaces. This is especially true in some of the fastest growing regions of Quebec. Creating a Kipawa river pathway with easy access for everyone must be a key element of our forward-thinking planning.

This isn't just a local idea. All around the world, communities recognize the collective benefits of establishing river pathways for all their residents to enjoy picnicking, bike riding, swimming, jogging, and strolling along a river. Ensuring that everyone has access to riverfront areas improves the quality of life in a community. Riverside parks offer opportunities for camping, fishing, and family reunions.

If only a few developers control a community's waterfront, then most people are shut out. With unlimited development, the Kipawa Rier riverbanks will more likely be lined with concrete and “No Trespassing” signs than with pathways and picnic tables.

River pathways offer much more than just recreation. They play a critical role in flood management and habitat restoration. The natural weather cycle of Quebec includes a wet spring. When rainfall is above normal, the Kipawa rises accordingly. Keeping the land along the riverbanks open and undeveloped allows the water to rise without threatening homes or lives.

River pathways also play a critical role in habitat restoration, and they bring nature to us. Birds and animals that naturally make their homes along the Kipawa are allowed a place to live and their populations flourish.

River pathways simply make life better for all of us. Preserving our pristine river and creating a river pathway for everyone is part of Les Amis' common sense plan to preserve, restore, and sustain the Kipawa river. Learn more about this proposal and our entire 20-year plan at www.kipawariver.ca

The Kipawa river belongs to everyone, and everyone should enjoy the environmental, economic, and recreational benefits. Friends of the Kipawa River advocate a long-term plan to preserve, restore, and sustain this amazing river. We
propose an achievable, five-point plan to benefit all that can be fully realized within twenty years.

Preserve the 19 miles of the Kipawa River– Quebec’s most pristine river through Wild & Scenic designation. It will be the first River in Canada to achieve such a designation. The Kipawa river provides unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, important habitat for fish and wildlife, and a critical source of clean water. Protecting this most beautiful river as Wild & Scenic will preserve our natural heritage for future generations.

Establish 25 miles of river pathways with easy public access. River pathways offer recreational opportunities for biking, walking, school outings,and picnics. This will bring nature into easy reach of Quebec's urban areas, providing habitat for dozens of native species. Everyone should have access to our beautiful Kipawa river.

Ease the impact of existing dams & remove those that are obsolete. Return the Kipawa river to its natural flows allowing native species and natural ecosystems to recover and create opportunities for increased recreational tourism like fishing and rafting.

Protect and restore water quality for people & wildlife. Every living thing needs clean water - and for many that water comes from the Kipawa river.

Protecting and restoring the water quality in the Kipawa is a critical component of meeting the fresh water needs of Temiskaming.


Learn more about this plan and other ways Friends of the Kipawa River can help to save the Kipawa River at

www.kipawariver.ca


JOIN

Friends of the Kipawa River

NOW

The Kipawa river cannot protect itself. Our magnificent river faces increasing pressure from developers, polluters, and dam builders.

Friends of the Kipawa River, Temiskaming's main river conservation
organization, advocates a common sense approach to preserving the Kipawa river, restoring parts of the river that have been damaged, and promoting sustainable water management to ease the pressures on it.

Our policy experts earn the respect of provincial officials. Our volunteers educate hundreds of people each year. Most importantly, our members take action. They write letters. They attend meetings. They tell agencies and corporations that we care about the Kipawa river. The more members we have and the more active you are, the more effectively we can implement our river-saving plan.

We know – and you know – that the Kipawa river is a treasure to be preserved, not just a resource to be exploited.

Join Friends of the Kipawa River now and help us put our plan to work.

Yes, I want to join Friends of the Kipawa River and help save the Kipawa River.


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