The Spanish River is located in northeastern Ontario west of Sudbury. It begins at the headwaters near Biscotasing, and ends 200 km southwest at Spanish, Ontario, on the North Channel of Lake Huron. The history of the Spanish River revolved around commerce and development of the area. It was the means of transportation for people and materials, and used by industry. That development took its toll on the lower Spanish River.

    In the 1980's the U.S.A. and Canadian International Joint Commission identified forty-three areas of concern around the Great Lakes, including seventeen in Ontario. The lower Spanish River and its harbour were one of the areas of concern.

    The federal and provincial governments agreed to jointly develop clean-up programs called Remedial Action Plans (RAPs). The RAP team, consisting of water quality specialists from federal and provincial agencies, identified the extent and causes of pollution within the lower Spanish River and harbour, and proposed remedial measures for implementing a clean-up program.

    The Spanish River today is a joy to behold, thanks to the restorative work done by governments, industry and the public. It is an important resource for the pulp & paper industry today. Special mention should go to Domtar Inc.'s Eddy Specialty Papers for their "partnership in progress" with the Friends of the Spanish River. Not only are they developing the latest state of the art environmentally responsible pulp & paper mill, but they, as a company, have been and continue to be staunch supporters of Friends of the Spanish River projects!