South Nation River

The South Nation River is a river in Eastern Ontario, Canada. It springs from forests and marshes located north of Brockville, and it flows 175 kilometres (109 mi) northeast to empty into the Ottawa River north of Plantagenet.^[1][2] Its watershed covers 3,900 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi).

South Nation River
South Nation River at Plantagenet
Location of the mouth of the South Nation River in eastern Ontario
Location
Country	Canada
Province	Ontario
Region	Eastern Ontario
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Near Fairfield East, Leeds and Grenville County
• coordinates	44°40′30″N 75°42′00″W
Mouth	Ottawa River
• location	2 km east of Wendover, Prescott and Russell County
• coordinates	45°34′23″N 75°06′00″W
• elevation	45 m (148 ft)
Length	175 km (109 mi)
Basin size	3,900 km2 (1,500 sq mi)
Basin features
Progression	Ottawa River→ St. Lawrence River→ Gulf of St. Lawrence
River system	Ottawa River drainage basin

The South Nation River at Chesterville

This river is called the "South Nation River" to distinguish it from a river in Quebec north of the Ottawa River called the Petite-Nation River or rivière Petite-Nation. The names of both rivers are derived from the French name for the native people of this area, the Weskarini.

The area surrounding the river, originally covered with white pine, is now mainly used for agriculture. The river drains an almost flat plain, and its lack of gradient makes it prone to flooding. Dams and other water control measures have been introduced to help reduce the impact of seasonal flooding in the watershed.

In some areas, the river flows through Leda clays which can be very unstable. Several landslides have occurred over the past century, including a major one near the former town of Lemieux on June 20, 1993. Approximately 3 million cubic metres (110,000,000 cu ft) of mud and clay slid into the river valley, blocking the river's flow for three days.

Four kilometers of river to the south of Spencerville is good for canoeing during most water conditions. There is a public boat launch at the old mill.

Tributaries

(in downstream order)

• North Branch South Nation River
• Sandy Creek
• Payne River
• various branches of the Castor River
• Moose Creek
• Bear Brook
• Scotch River
• Caledonia Creek

Communities

(in downstream order)

• Spencerville
• South Mountain
• Chesterville
• Crysler
• St. Albert
• Casselman
• Plantagenet

See also

• List of Ontario rivers

References

1. "South Nation River". Geographical Names Data Base. Natural Resources Canada. Retrieved 2012-08-24.
2. "South Nation River". Atlas of Canada. Natural Resources Canada. 2010-02-04. Retrieved 2012-08-24. Shows the river's course highlighted on a topographic map.

External links

• South Nation Conservation
• Ottawa-Gatineau Watershed Atlas (OGWA)