St. Andrews River Wilderness Area

Overview

Large forest patch with some representative of ecosystems in the Shubenacadie River Rolling Hills and Interior Ridges Natural Landscapes

Ecological Values

Over 9 km of shoreline on St Andrews River

At least 4 at risk species of riparian plants including black ash

Provides representivity in a poorly represented landscapes

Disturbed area, but with good potential to recover to a natural condition over time

Outdoor Recreation Values

Fishing, hunting and trapping

Forestry Values

Young softwood and mixedwood, with some mature softwood and mixedwood

Much of area clearcut between 1980s and 2009

Other Resource Values

Range from low to high mineral potential

Part of the area is licensed for mineral exploration

High and medium petroleum potential

The area overlaps with a regional agreement for petroleum exploration

Low wind potential

Conditions

Legal protection of this area will be delayed until 2020.  

Portion is subject to lands being acquired by the Province (1,372 ha).

Legal protection subject to addressing petroleum rights.

Exclusions and Vehicle Access

Road exclusions and potential OHV trail agreements subject to future planning and consultation.

Additional Comments

Disjunct downstream portion (720 ha) renamed West St. Andrews.