MAGNETAWAN RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
The Magnetawan River originates on the western slopes of Algonquin Park and flows a total distance of about 200 km to the Georgian Bay. The geology of the area including the Magnetawan River results in the Magnetawan River Watershed encompassing 6040 square kilometers extending from Algonquin Park to Georgian Bay and just south of the French River to south of Parry Sound. So the Magnetawan River with its many associated lakes and tributaries is the lifeblood for the people, wildlife, and a beautiful natural environment across a wide swath of the Almaguin Highlands.
The Magnetawan River Watershed Association (MRWA) was formed to protect and preserve this rich heritage to sustain it for the enrichment and enjoyment of today’s and future generations. We want to protect this because we understand that it is the fundamental infrastructure we have inherited: the water we drink, swim in, fish in, and boat upon; the air we breathe; the haven for wildlife. It is our connection to those who came before us and the context for us today. We would like our children, our grandchildren, and their following generations to be able to experience what was available for us.
The Magnetawan River Watershed Association is envisioned as an umbrella organization including representation from residents, permanent and seasonal, the various Lake/ Cottager/Conservation/Ratepayer Associations, businesses, and municipal and township governing bodies along the watershed. The aim is to promote the responsible use, conservation, and enjoyment of our unique environment through:
- Sharing information and ideas
- Identifying issues of common concern relative to preserving and conserving our natural inheritance
- Being a strong voice to lobby for common issues
- Facilitating planning
- Promoting stewardship
- Providing information and education to residents and visitors to guide responsible environmental behaviours
- Measuring water quality and environment aspects to establish data bases for trend analysis and fact-based recommendations
- Providing an overview of development plans, activities, and potential environment threats across the watershed
Surveys keep showing primary resident and tourist values for the area are:
- Water quality
- Peace and quiet
- Natural beauty
- Fish and wildlife
Our purpose is to foster improvements in all these.
The “members” of the MRWA are those Lake/Cottage/Conservation/Ratepayer Associations and watershed municipality/township governments which pay dues to the MRWA. These association/organizations have a voting representative in the MRWA. Any person who wishes to may, and is encouraged to, attend MRWA meetings and may be included on the MRWA information E-mailing list.
A flourishing, thriving, healthy watershed may be the most valuable legacy we could leave to future generations. It surely is essential for continued prosperity and economic growth for our region.
If you have questions or desire further information, please contact us at magriverwatershed@comcast.net
