French River Wilderness Area
County
Victoria
Size
17,094 ha
Classification
Wilderness Area
Status
Expansion
Conditions Apply?
Yes.
Overview
Large undisturbed tract of forest, wetlands, and highland rivers adjacent to French River Wilderness Area
Ecological Values
Together with existing protected areas, encompasses an undistubed wilderness of nearly 30,000 ha
Representive productive forest in the Cape Breton Boreal Plateau Natural Landscape
Includes much of Barrachois River and upper reaches of Indian Brook, two important rivers for Atlantic salmon
At least 6 species of rare arctic/alpine plants
Within American Marten Habitat Management Area
Within breeding range of provincially endangered lynx
Outdoor Recreation Values
Opportunity for multi‐day backcountry hiking in a large rugged wilderness
Hunting, fishing and trapping
Hiking trails to Big Lake
Forest Values
Contains extensive tracts of hardwood, mixedwood, and softwood forest of varying ag
Rugged terrain and remoteness limit forestry potential in parts of this area
Several stands in southern end of area currently unavailable for forestry due to DNR old forest policy
Other Resource Values
Medium mineral potential
Low petroleum potential
High wind potential
Conditions
Legal protection of portion (686 ha) subject to addressing mineral rights.
Legal protection of portion (228 ha) pending review of siting options for potential wind energy project.
Exclusions and Vehicle Access
Highland road/OHV route 814 from Oregon excluded