J.D. Irving, Limited donates land to Atlantic Salmon Museum

The Atlantic Salmon Museum in Doaktown, N.B. is now more visible to tourists and visitors following a land donation by J.D. Irving, Limited.

The company acquired and donated four parcels of land along Main Street that previously held buildings which obscured sightlines to the museum from the road.

Since opening its doors in 1983, the Atlantic Salmon Museum has played an important role in promoting the conservation and history of the Atlantic Salmon in the region. Located along the Miramichi River, the museum houses galleries, a reading room, gift shop and a meeting space and venue for the community. To pass on knowledge to the next generation, the museum also offers an interactive summer camp called Come Play on Our River that teaches students about river ecology, the Atlantic salmon life cycle, salmon conservation, fly tying and casting.

“We are pleased to continue supporting the Atlantic Salmon Museum, which for more than 40 years has helped share the heritage of fly fishing and the importance of the Atlantic Salmon with thousands of visitors annually,” said Reg Woods, a general manager with the J.D. Irving, Limited Sawmill Division. “We’re proud to operate in Doaktown and to support the communities where we live, work and play. This donation will help ensure the museum can build upon its important role for many years to come.”

The donation will allow the museum to expand its site and undertake beautification on the property. There are also plans to relocate the museum’s driveway.

“As a result of this donation, we saw an increase in tourist visits this summer, many of whom said they did not realize that we were there,” said Barbara Long, President of the Atlantic Salmon Museum’s Board of Directors. “This generous gift demonstrates the strong partnership with JDI and the efforts to provide existing establishments the opportunity to expand, develop and create places for residents and visitors to gather and enjoy the nature and history this province and our communities have to offer.”