South Panuke Wilderness Area
County
Halifax, Hants, Lunenburg
Size
6847 ha
Classification
Wilderness Area
Status
New
Conditions Apply?
No
Overview
Large mixed forest tract with regional importance for wildlife and ecosystem connectivity
Ecological Values
A large core area with regional significance for wildlife movement and ecosystem connectivity between central and western Nova Scotia
Representation of South Mountain Rolling Plain natural landscape
Several stands of old tolerant hardwood and mature red spruce and hemlock dominated forest
Important aquatic habitats including small lakes, frontage on large lakes and several km of river
Habitat for endangered mainland moose
Outdoor Recreation Values
Includes part of traditional canoe route between Minas Basin and St. Margarets Bay through Panuke Lake
Scenic lakefrontage on a dozen lakes
Includes all of Connaught River and a portion of the lower East River
Hiking opportunities associated with proximity to Rails-to-Trails and Labrador Castle
Hunting, fishing and trapping
Forestry Values
Mix of mature and young softwood with scattered mixedwood stands
Parts of area have experienced periodic cutting and ongoing forest management for several decades
Small portion of area currently unavailable for forestry due to DNR old forest policy
Other Resource Values
Medium mineral potential
Low petroleum potential
Low wind potential
Conditions
Exclusions and Vehicle Access
Timber Lake and Connaught Lake not included.
Road access to Timber Lake and adjacent camp excluded.
Access to boat launch at Panuke Lake not affected by designation.