OTTAWA, December 13, 2004 -- The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, is pleased to announce the designation of The Three Rivers watershed to the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS). The Three Rivers watershed is an outstanding example of some of the earliest rivers to be permanently settled by European immigrants to Canada. Designation will provide a unique opportunity to conserve and interpret a myriad of significant national, regional and provincial historical facets ranging from the culture of the Mi'kmaq peoples to French, Scottish, Irish and English settlement. "The Three Rivers watershed is rich in natural, cultural and recreational values that are of regional, provincial, and national significance," said Minister Dion. "Its designation will make a significant contribution to the uniqueness and diversity of the Canadian Heritage Rivers System." "The Three Rivers have linked the residents of nearby communities for hundreds of years," said the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "The outstanding cultural heritage values, combined with recreational opportunities and appreciation for nature, offer a quality visitor experience." Prince Edward Island's Three Rivers watershed includes the Cardigan, Brudenell, and Montague/Valleyfield rivers, and encompasses an area of 357 square kilometres (km2). A combination of farmland, sand spits, beaches, and shaled outcroppings highlight the landscapes found along its shores. Sandy beaches are frequent in the estuary, and vary in colour from nearly white to red, depending on the amount of iron oxide on the sand grains. The increasing interest in the area's cultural heritage values and recreational opportunities in recent years has made it a priority for the Three Rivers Heritage Association, community groups, and government to maintain a high level of integrity within the watershed. Sustaining an ongoing commitment to high water quality and to the protection of wetlands and natural vegetation buffers remains a high priority within the Three Rivers watershed. The goal is to preserve heritage values and develop existing and future opportunities in the Three Rivers system. The Canadian Heritage Rivers System is Canada's national river conservation program. It is a cooperative program of the governments of the ten provinces and three territories. The objectives of the CHRS are to give national recognition to Canada's outstanding rivers and to ensure long-term management that will conserve their natural, cultural and recreational values. The Three Rivers becomes the thirty-third river to be designated nationally and the second on Prince Edward Island joining the Hillsborough River. - 30 - For further information: Emma Orawiec Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Environment (819) 997-1441 Nicole Racette National Director National Corporate Communications Branch Parks Canada Agency (819) 953-6782
