The river itself

The Main River flows through the Eastern Long Range subregion of the Northern Peninsula Forests. The Main watershed represents the richest and most productive part of this ecoregion. Designated as a Canadian Heritage River, the Main also feeds the magical "Big Steady". This is one of three significant grassland areas found in Newfoundland. No protected area exists to permanently conserve an example of this unique forest ecosystem.

The Big Steady  
(Photo: Protected Areas Association)  

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Old-growth forest

The forest which surrounds the Main is one of the most unusual in the world. There is no history of major disturbances such as fire, insects and blowdown. Composed of trees of all ages, the forest is home to the oldest known balsam fir (260 years old). Trees can remain in "suppressed growth" for over a century, until a space within the dense forest opens up. Suddenly, after one hundred years, trees can experience a growth spurt! This "gap-replacement" mimics the dynamics of rainforests. The very old forest structure suggests potential to discover new species and ecosystem dynamics. In fact, 7 new species of spiders and several species of lichens have already been discovered. After clear-cutting, the original forest type will never regenerate.

Ecoregions of the proposed protection zone:  
Long Range Barrens and Northern Peninsula Forest

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Ecological link with Gros Morne National Park

The Main River Watershed connects Gros Morne National Park with remaining old-growth forest of the Northern Peninsula. The loss of this link poses a serious threat to wildlife species with large ranges, especially the endangered Newfoundland pine marten and caribou.

Newfoundland marten  
(Photo: Larry Colwell)

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Wildlife

The Main River valley provides important year–round food supply and habitat for a wide-range of wildlife. The province's second-largest population of endangered Newfoundland marten reside here, as well as woodland caribou, officially designated as a threatened species in the rest of Canada. This river is among province’s best rivers for salmon and trout production, and has unusually high production of Atlantic salmon. There are more than 90 bird species found in the watershed, and it is a major breeding and staging area for Canada Geese.

The Main is considered among the top
paddling rivers in North America  
(Photo: Protected Areas Association)

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Tourism

The area already supports a tourism business valued at over $2 million/year. The river is considered among the top paddling rivers in North America, but has remained largely undiscovered by the world’s ecotourists. Extensive clear-cuts will seriously damage wilderness and eco-tourism operations.


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