We need a stronger, more ambitious strategy that commits to modernized water laws that are enforced to protect the Nashwaak River and the fish, wildlife and recreational activities that we all enjoy.
We congratulate the Department of Environment and Local Government on its progress towards its commitment to deliver a Water Strategy for New Brunswick. Since 1994, the NWAI has been actively working to protect and enhance the Nashwaak River and its tributaries. We were one of the first watershed organizations to participate in and complete the requirements for the Province’s water classification program and have advocated on behalf of our members and supporters for the need for an overarching plan to manage our rivers, lakes and streams for future generations.
The Water Strategy draft document lays down some very progressive recommendations for protecting NB waters; however, those nuggets seem lost in an overall lack of enthusiasm and commitment and solid plan for priorities and timelines. Furthermore, the omission of the details of an enhanced water classification program from the Watershed Management Working Group is creating confusion to the wider public and should therefore be finalized and made a central tenet of the final water strategy.
Below we offer specific comments on each section of the draft strategy that we hope to see incorporated into the next/final document:
NWAI response to draft strategy
