large pike. A map of the ecological regions of Quebec shows the river in sub-regions 6j-T and 6m-T of the east spruce/moss subdomain. Hydroelectric project In 2004, a plan by a private company to construct a small hydroelectric plant on the river generated protests by environmentalists, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Bureau of Public Hearings on the Environment (BAPE) gave a favorable report on the project in 2004, but said there should be no further development on the river. In August 2005 the Charest government authorized construction of the dam by decree, which would eliminate some famous rapids. The Magpie Generating Station was commissioned in October 2007. It was formally inaugurated on 20 June 2008. In its 2009–2013 strategic plan, Hydro-Québec was planning to build six hydroelectric dams on the Magpie. However, in September 2017 the company stated that it had surplus capacity and at present had no plans for the river. Recreational use In May 2015 the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks of Quebec announced a sport fishing catch-and-release program for large salmon on sixteen of Quebec's 118 salmon rivers. These were the Mitis, Laval, Pigou, Bouleau, aux Rochers, Jupitagon, Magpie, Saint-Jean, Corneille, Piashti, Watshishou, Little Watshishou, Nabisipi, Aguanish and Natashquan rivers. The Quebec Atlantic Salmon Federation said that the measures did not go nearly far enough in protecting salmon for future generations. In view of the rapidly declining Atlantic salmon population catch-and-release should have been implemented on all rivers apart from northern Quebec. The river is popular with white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts. The lower section of the West Magpie provides of challenging conditions for class IV – V whitewater kayak and open boat paddlers. It flows into Lake Magpie north of where the Magpie leaves the lake. From there the river can be handled by most recreational kayakers. The first below the lake has exceptional fishing. The last of the river flows through huge scenic gorges and over waterfalls. Legal status of the river In February 2021, the Magpie River became the first river in Canada to be granted legal personhood, after the local municipality of Minganie and the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit passed joint resolutions. References Sources Dictionnaire des rivières et lacs de la province de Québec, by Québec (Province). Département des terres et forêts; Rouillard, Eugène, 1851-1926; Government of Quebec, 1914 Rivers of Côte-Nord Tributaries of the Saint Lawrence River