Restigouche Wilderness Waterway

The Restigouche river system is one of the most valuable natural landscapes in the province. To maximize the economic opportunity of the Appalachian Mountain Range in northern New Brunswick and to preserve the pristine environment of the Restigouche River watershed, government is looking at next steps to ensure an affordable and sustainable river system.

This area represents 235km of exceptional watercourse and approximately 20,000 ha of land. To ensure intrinsic values of the Restigouche watershed are protected for the benefit of present and future generations, we are focusing on five sections of the Kedgwick, Little Main Restigouche, Patapedia, Restigouche and Upsalquitch rivers.

Over the years, a growing consensus has emerged that stronger conservations measures are required to conserve and protect the area. Government will be exploring how best to address this affordably and sustainably for future generations.

The absence of official rules and regular enforcement has had a negative impact on the Restigouche River experience and contributes to the decline of the famous Salmon river ecosystem. The conflicting uses of this natural resource needs to be resolved with supporting first-class infrastructure and an operational model that is responsible, smart, green, efficient and branded as a world class wilderness experience.

2021, the department will:

1. Examine public feedback from consultations to determine how best to protect this wilderness area using a combination of existing and proposed regulation and enforcement policies.
   
   
2. Continue to engage with Indigenous peoples to identify potential opportunities and address any potentially adverse impacts to Aboriginal and treaty rights.
   
   
3. Continue the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review and complete an analysis of legislative and regulatory requirements.
   
   
4. Provide government with clear recommendations for the future of the Restigouche river watershed.

 The following documents are ready for review:

• RWW Public Engagement Response Report - New
• Location Map
• Frequently asked questions

Public consultation is an important component of the planning process. NB Parks provided a number of opportunities to provide input both in-person and in writing in the fall of 2019.

The public will continue to have opportunities to provide input on the wilderness area through the department’s website, surveys conducted by the department, the EIA process, and by writing directly to the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture. All public input will be considered before any final decisions are made.