Website highlights friends of the Spanish River

BY ROSALIND RABY

The Friends of the Spanish River have been part of the Espanola and North Shore area for many years and as time goes by, the group also adapts to the needs of its members. One such new adaption is the website celebrating the success of rehabilitating this major Northern Ontario waterway.

Bill McKenna, an active volunteer within the organization, and Bill Leeney, of graphic art and web design fame, have put together a site that offers plenty of interest to local surfers. Although on line for well over a year, the newly expanded website has plenty of new additions to make it worthwhile to visit.

“ It was decided that an expanded website was more useful and versatile than the creation of a new film on the Spanish River that was originally suggested,” explained McKenna. “Our complete ‘Muskies' film can now be seen in our ‘Muskellunge Reintroduction Program' section. The complete ten-minute film can be seen through advanced ‘Google' technology.

“We also created a new ‘History' section in our main menu. It includes: a new film titled ‘Logging Days on the Spanish River' shot in the 1940's and 1950's by our own Bill Blight and narrated by him; the story of the incredible logging tug ‘Alligator Boat' of Northern Ontario through a link to Duckworksmagazine.com; and a spectacular colour film taken circa 1947 of the ‘Pointer Boat' in action in Northern Ontario during the annual spring river log drive.”

This eight minute historical film footage compliments of the Town of Blind River also uses the advanced ‘Google' technology.

“The ‘Miss Waggles Road Show', (complete with new signage, banner and bookmarks) was a big hit throughout Northern Ontario in 2008 as well, enthused McKenna.

“Our 54” long

taxidermied Muskellunge mascot gave us great exposure and helped us get the good news story out that the Spanish River is now healthy. She stole the show at several events, including Earth Day in Sudbury, at the Mall for the Espanola Marble Eye Competition, the Massey Marathon and Fall Fair, in Spanish and at school too.”

Miss Waggles went on permanent display September 22 at the Spanish Four Seasons Complex and Marina.

Another recognizable symbol of the group was also utilized this year.

The 32' long, bright red pointer boat made numerous appearances this year to drive the point home that the early logging days in Northern Ontario were dramatic and not for the faint of heart. The boat was completely rebuilt last year and hopefully, will be utilized this year.

Environmental action is also part of the group's mandate.

“For the seventh year in a row, we have participated in the TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Program. We were pleased to have volunteers from the Espanola branch of the TD Bank and the LaCloche Hiking Association help us remove garbage from the shores of the Spanish River at the Espanola boat launch area.

“We also continue to support the Sagamok-Anishnawbek First Nation community near Massey. On November 25, 2008, we attended the grand opening of Sagamok Becker Enterprise's Research & Development Centre located in their community. This new partnership is dedicated to new projects such as solar and wind power and innovative building design utilizing natural materials in construction. Their new research & development centre built to resemble a very large tee pee is a dramatic example of what they are hoping to achieve.”

There are plans aplenty afoot for 2009.

“We intend to produce a ‘Fish Art Contest' for the school children along the Spanish River to draw attention to the ongoing need to protect all the creatures that live in, on and around the Spanish River.

“We have also agreed to include the Anishnabek Fish Culture historical data on our website to further educate the general public of the hard work and successes that these dedicated scientists have achieved throughout the Spanish River watershed.

“Still on the environmental front, the increasing number of incidents of blue algae in Northern waters is very much a concern, especially with all the new Spanish riverfront residential development taking place. We are considering utilizing some of the environmental protection models used by the now famous ‘River Keepers' organization to address the blue algae and other local environmental issues.

“We will be exploring the possibility of a ‘Spanish River Nature Conservancy Interpretive Centre' at the Four Seasons Complex and Marina in Spanish.”

And there will be something special for the more adventurous.

“We intend to host a Spanish River boat tour utilizing the pointer boat. The trip from Espanola to Spanish will be run in relays with volunteer rowers from the general public over two or three weekends.

“Eight volunteers will be needed per ‘leg' so, if you want to be part of the fun, contact any member of the Friends of the Spanish River to sign up.

“We will also continue to perform those activities that we have done in the past, such as the annual TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup Program, support local events such as Earth Day in Sudbury, Canada Day in Espanola and the annual Massey Fall Fair.”

The Friends will also be undertaking a membership drive. Membership is only $10 for the year (family or single) and is available by sending a cheque or money order to: Friends of the Spanish River, 2257 Lee Valley Road, Espanola, ON, P5E1P7.

“We encourage everyone to come aboard and be part of the Friends in 2009. It will be an exciting year,” concludes McKenna.