Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area

Overview

Hardwood dominated forest patches adjacent to Eigg Mountain ‐ James River Wilderness Area

Ecological Values

Mature to old sugar maple and yellow birch forest; some old conifer forest.

Habitat for provincially endangered mainland moose

Habitat for northern goshawk and spawning Atlantic Salmon

Connects separate parts of the existing Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area and creates a larger protected forest area

Outdoor Recreation Values

Very scenic area, including viewscapes overlooking Northumberland Strait and Cobequid Mountains

Opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing

Mountain biking on adjacent road system; some use could be authorized in wilderness area

Hunting and trapping, some fishing

Forest Values

Primarily a mix of mature hardwood, softwood and mixedwood forest

Some younger stands in areas harvested in the last few decades; some forest access road

Part of area currently unavailable for forestry due to DNR old forest policy

Steep slopes limit forestry potential in portions of the area

Other Resource Values

Low to medium mineral potential

Low petroleum potential

Mostly medium wind potential

Part of the area overlaps with the Town of Antigonish's James River drinking water supply watershed

Conditions

Legal protection of a portion (259 ha) subject to wood supply analysis.

Exclusions and Vehicle Access

Connecting roads excluded

Existing SANS agreement for route 715A to be extended

Additional Comments

The expanded wilderness area would include most of the Town of Antigonish's James River drinking water supply watershed and will support the Town's efforts to protect its drinking water supply.

Includes one campsite lease