The Friends of the Spanish River, established in 1994, is a volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to "restoring, preserving, and celebrating" the Spanish River. The aim of this local environmental group, which includes members from Espanola and the North Shore, notably many along the historical waterway, was to increase public and industry awareness and involvement in this important environmental trust. That trust has been fulfilled and now that the river is restored and now considered an 'Area of Recovery' by the government, the mandate of the group is fulfilled, according to interim chair, Bill McKenna.

"Restoring the Spanish River to good health has taken years of hard work by many of concerned citizens. By working together our federal, provincial and municipal governments, local industries, schools and volunteers have succeeded in returning our great river to its' natural beauty. Although the Friends of the Spanish River have completed our mandate and are disbanding, I suggest to you that we continue to be individually and collectively responsible to protect and respect the Spanish River and all the creatures that rely on it for their survival."

The Spanish River is located in northeastern Ontario west of Sudbury and winds its way across Northern Ontario. It begins at the headwaters near Biscotasing, and ends 200 km southwest at Spanish, ON, 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.

A disastrous spill of toxic sewage in 1983 at the Espanola pulp and paper mill, it was owned by EB Eddy Ltd at the time, destroyed the eco-system of the river from Webbwood Falls down river to the mouth, which spills into the Whalesback Channel and North Channel of Lake Huron.

Ironically, just three years before, the United States and Canadian International Joint Commission identified 43 Areas of Concern around the Great Lakes, including 17 in Ontario with the lower Spanish River and its harbour being one of them. The spill accelerated the need to bring the river back to a healthy status.

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 Friends of the Spanish River formed as a public entity to allow those interested in assisting with the cleanup and preservation of the river to take an active role. Most notably, one project gained wide-spread positive coverage, explained McKenna.

"In the early 1900's muskellunge were abundant in the Lower Spanish River. However, in the 40's, 50's and 60's, industrial operations and over fishing caused significant aquatic degradation. As a result Muskellunge were extirpated by 1950's," explained McKenna. "In 1980, the Lower Spanish River was designated an Area of Concern and a Remedial Action Plan was implemented. The second stage of the Remedial Action Plan was completed in 1999 and a new designation was established: the Lower Spanish River was now considered to be an "Area in Natural Recovery" and the reintroduction of musky could begin.

"The Friends of the Spanish River, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have now completed the eight-year muskie restocking project and are celebrating a potential return of this prized trophy fish. Those fingerling muskellunge are now naturally reproducing in the river. We also have seen the return of the Osprey and several other species, and everyone knows how great the pickerel fishing is in the river. We all share in those successes," added McKenna.

McKenna attributes those successes to several agencies and to some key individuals.

"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. 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 and paper mill, but they, as a company, have been and continue to be staunch supporters of Friends of the Spanish River projects.

"If the Spanish River could speak, it would want to thank the many people who consistently worked on its' restoration. There are so many people to thank that I could not list them here although I would like to honour a few people who lead by example. We are all indebted to the late Bill Blight and Scotty Carson, retired folks Ed Tate, Marcel Golec, Gary Kessel and Noel Bergeron, scientists Jan Linquist, Wayne and Chris Selinger, our tireless webmaster, Bill Leeney and finally, a big thank you to our Secretary/Treasurer Roz Russell for keeping us on the straight and narrow."

The Friends will continue to maintain the Website, www.friendsofthespanishriver.ca, which highlights much of the rich history, successes and partnerships of the organization over the years.

Also, as part of the disbanding, the funds raised over the years will be turned over the Massey Area Museum later this fall with the monies going towards a future display highlighting the work, history and successes of the Friends of the Spanish River in completing the mandate of "restoring, preserving, and celebrating" the Spanish River.