Nashwaak River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nashwaak River |
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A footbridge over the Nashwaak River in autumn 2016
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | New Brunswick |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 113 kilometres (70 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Saint John River |
The Nashwaak River is a cool river in west-central New Brunswick, Canada. It's like a smaller stream that flows into the bigger Saint John River. The Nashwaak River is about 113 kilometres (70 miles) long.
This river starts at Nashwaak Lake, which is southeast of a village called Juniper. From there, it flows south and east through wild areas with some fast-moving water. It passes through communities like Stanley, Nashwaak Bridge, and Taymouth. It also goes by Durham Bridge, the old Nashwaak Village, and Penniac. Finally, it reaches Marysville and joins the Saint John River right across from downtown Fredericton.
Contents
What Does Nashwaak Mean?
The name Nashwaak comes from the Maliseet language. It means "slow current." The Maliseet people, who are Indigenous to this area, used the river a lot. It was an important path for them to travel to northwestern New Brunswick.
A Look Back: History of the River
In 1692, a French fort called Fort Nashwaak was built at the river's mouth. This was near what is now Barker's Point, New Brunswick. It was the first European settlement in the Fredericton area.
The British took control of the fort in 1696. Later, during the American Revolution, land along the river was given to people called United Empire Loyalists. More people settled along the river throughout the 1800s.
An important rail line and Route 8 were built along the river. These were key connections between southern and northern New Brunswick. The train tracks were removed in 1995. Now, that old rail line is a walking trail for everyone to enjoy.
Fun Things to Do on the Nashwaak River
Today, the Nashwaak River is a popular spot for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy canoeing and tubing on its waters. It's also a famous place for salmon fishing.
Protecting the Nashwaak River's Salmon
The Nashwaak River used to be famous for having lots of salmon. However, in recent years, the number of salmon has gone down a lot. This is partly because of fish farming in other parts of the Saint John River and the Bay of Fundy.
Fish raised in these farms often don't travel up the Nashwaak River like wild salmon used to. This is because they lose their natural "memory" of how to find their way back to their spawning grounds. Dams and fishing nets also stop fish from returning to their old routes. Over time, this has changed the salmon's natural behavior and reduced their numbers in the Nashwaak River system.
Scientists have seen similar problems in other places around the world. It's a challenge to help salmon populations recover when their natural journeys are interrupted.
