The Salmonid Association of Eastern Newfoundland is calling for an environmental assessment of the Bike St. John’s Master Plan.

SAEN vice-president Kevin Power says they have long been involved in helping to protect St. John’s rivers, and they are alarmed at the city’s proposals—including flood mitigation measures—for the Rennie’s River and Virginia River areas.

The Association says both plans show considerable impacts on the riverbanks, including extensive clearing and the construction of retaining walls which would eliminate a high percentage of natural habitat for fish and other wildlife.

Power says a full environmental impact assessment is needed. He says their concern is there will be a negative impact on trout and efforts SAEN has taken as an association of restoring Atlantic salmon runs in certain city rivers.

Meanwhile, a petition has been started to oppose the plan.