MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR MAIN RIVER as a CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVER Parks and Natural Areas Division, Newfoundland Department Of Tourism, Culture and Recreation January, 2001 I am pleased to submit the Management Plan for Main River as a Canadian Heritage River for consideration by the Canadian Heritage Rivers Board. This plan clearly demonstrates the commitment of the Province to manage for the long term protection of the natural and recreational values for which the Main River was originally nominated to Canadian Heritage River System. Sandra C. Kelly Date Minister Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Province of Newfoundland and Labrador ( )Acceptance of the Management Plan Chair Date Canadian Heritage Rivers Board Honourable Shelia Copps Date Minister Parks Canada TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION. .1 1.1 PURPOSE OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN. 1 1.2 PRESENT STATUS OF MAIN RIVER. .2 1.3 CANADIAN HERITAGE RIVERS SYSTEM. 4 1.3.1 CHRS Objectives. .4 1.3.2 CHRS Designation Process. 6 2.0 HERITAGE AND RECREATIONAL VALUES OF THE MAIN RIVER. 7 2.1 REGIONAL SETTING. .7 2.2 NATURAL HERITAGE VALUES. 8 2.2.1 Geology. 8 2.2.2 Landforms. 8 2.2.3 Hydrology. 8 2.2.4 Vegetation. 10 2.2.5 Wildlife. 11 2.2.6 Landscape. 14 2.3 RECREATIONAL VALUES. 14 2.3.1 River Touring. .15 2.3.2 Camping. .16 2.3.3 Hiking. 16 2.3.4 Nature Observation. 16 2.3.5 Angling. 16 2.3.6 Hunting. 17 2.3.7 Swimming. 18 2.3.8 Boating. .18 2.3.9 Winter Recreation. 18 2.3.10 Ecotourism. .19 2.4 HUMAN HERITAGE. .20 3.0 MANAGEMENT PLAN. .21 3.1 MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK. 21 3.2 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES. 23 3.3 MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES. .24 3.3.1 Preserve the River Corridor’s Wilderness Character. .24 3.3.2 Ensure Compatibility of Recreation Uses. 24 3.3.3 Ensure Sustainability of Resource Uses. 24 3.3.4 Foster Local and Public Stewardship. .25 3.3.5 Develop Ecotourism Opportunities. 25 3.4 MANAGEMENT OF HERITAGE VALUES. 25 3.4.1 Protection of Natural Values. .. .26 3.4.1.1 Preservation Zone. .26 3.4.1.2 Natural Environment Zone. .. .27 3.4.2 Management of Resource Development. .. .27 3.4.2.1 Timber Harvesting Activities. 27 3.4.2.2 Mineral Exploration. .. .32 3.4.2.3 Electricity Generation and Transmission. .. .. 32 3.4.3 Cottage Development. .. 32 3.4.4 Control of Consumptive Recreation. .. .32 3.4.5 Scientific Research and Monitoring. .. .34 3.5 MANAGEMENT OF RECREATIONAL AND TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES. .. .35 3.5.1 Camping. 35 3.5.2 Angling. .. .35 3.5.3 Commercial Outfitting and Adventure Tourism. .36 3.5.4 River Based Recreation. .36 3.5.5 Existing Access. .37 3.5.5.1 All Terrain Vehicles. 37 3.5.5.2 Snowmobiles. .. 38 3.5.5.3 Motor Boats. .38 3.5.5.4 Aircraft. .. .38 3.5.6 Interpretation. .39 3.5.7 Visitor Services. 39 3.5.7.1 Orientation. 41 3.5.7.2 Public Information. 41 3.5.7.3 Signage. 42 3.6 MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION. 42 3.6.1 Management of the Main River Provincial Waterway Park. 42 3.6.2 Cooperative Management of Watershed. 43 3.6.3 Management Plan Review. .43 4.0 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND VISITOR USE ISSUES. .44 4.1 INFORMATION COLLECTION. .44 4.1.1 Agency and Group Questionnaires. 44 4.1.2 Public Open House. 44 4.2 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES. 44 4.2.1 Timber Harvesting. .45 4.2.2 Forest Road Construction. 45 4.2.3 Mineral Exploration. .46 4.2.4 Electricity Generation and Transmission. .46 4.2.5 Rare and Endangered Species. 46 4.2.6 Identification of Archaeological Resources. .47 4.2.7 Viewshed Maintenance. 47 4.2.8 Wildlife Management. 47 4.2.9 Outfitting and Ecotourism. 49 4.2.10 Cottage Development. .51 4.3 VISITOR USE ISSUES. .52 4.3.1 Angling. 52 4.3.2 Hunting. 53 4.3.3 Canoeing and Rafting. 53 4.3.4 Motorized Transport. ..