Ruisseau Jackson protected natural area (RJANP) has taken the first steps in creating a waterway action plan for our neighbour, Rivière à Simon. On the initiative of Abrinord, Organisme de bassin versant de la rivière du Nord [Rivière du Nord watershed organization], this first meeting will bring us closer to local stakeholders interested in water quality and respect for the environment.
Ruisseau Jackson’s main protected area extends from Lake Daïnava to Lake Echo by way of Lake Seale, which is the geographic centre of the area of interest. Ruisseau Jackson continues downstream past Lake Echo and flows into Rivière à Simon, which runs into Rivière du Nord.
Ruisseau Jackson and Rivière à Simon: Best friends!
Although Rivière à Simon is prized for its recreational tourism activities, the water quality sometimes compromises those that involve direct contact with the water, such as swimming. Abrinord and RJANP want to address this issue by working with a group of partners to come up with an action plan for Rivière à Simon. The main goal of the action plan is to improve the water and the aquatic and riparian ecosystems. The action plan will be created jointly with relevant stakeholders in the area who are concerned about the water and will address all the concerns of RJANP members.
The Vice-President of RJANP attended the first meeting, which he found inspiring. It helped a number of local community and economic stakeholders understand how important Ruisseau Jackson is for the environmental balance of Rivière à Simon. “RJANP and the organizations, municipalities and businesses represented here today want to improve the water quality and ensure the sustainability of the river and its water activities,” stated Martin Gauthier, who also acknowledged that public health considerations were also behind the creation of this project.
RJANP is proud of their membership in Abrinord. “Over the years, we will be able to work together on establishing the individual and joint action that needs to be taken,” stated Martin Gauthier.
