Project:
Biophysical Inventory Report for the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South Area
Date:
June 1st, 2009
Prepared for: Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador P.O. Box 68 Corner Brook, NL A2H 6C3
Prepared by: Anderson & Yates Forest Consultants Inc. Sara Carson, BScF, Project Forester Corner Brook, NL
Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................... iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Project Description .................................................................................................................................... 2 METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................................. 2 Research and Data Acquisition.................................................................................................................. 2 Mapping and Spatial Attributes ................................................................................................................ 3 KNOWLEDGE GAP ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................................... 4 Mushrooms ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Herbaceous Layer Species ......................................................................................................................... 6 Non Timber Forest Products ..................................................................................................................... 7 Recreational Trails ..................................................................................................................................... 7 Outfitters ................................................................................................................................................... 7 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................ 8 Land Base Description ............................................................................................................................... 8 Timber Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Resources .......................................................................................... 9 Forest Characterization ............................................................................................................................. 9 Species Composition ............................................................................................................................. 9 Age Class Structure..............................................................................................................................12 Herbaceous Species.................................................................................................................................13 Hunting and Trapping ..............................................................................................................................15 Recreational Trails ...................................................................................................................................17 Tourism and Infrastructure .....................................................................................................................18 Main River Watershed.............................................................................................................................20 WORKS CITED ..............................................................................................................................................22 Appendix I. Data Contributors.....................................................................................................................23 Appendix II. Biophysical Inventory Maps ....................................................................................................25
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List of Tables Table 1. Summary of Timber Resources for the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South Regions. .......... 8 Table 2. Non Timber Forest Product Resources from Timber Sources. ........................................................ 9 Table 3. Native Plants used in the Herbal Tea Industry. .............................................................................15 Table 4. Herbaceous Species with the Highest Economic Potential found on the Northern Peninsula. ....14 Table 5. Inventory of Current Big Game Populations, License Sales and Fur Harvest. ...............................16 Table 6. Summary of Outfitters that Utilize Resources on the Northern Peninsula . .................................17 Table 7. Summary of Outfitting Camps by Forest Management District. ...................................................16 Table 8. List of Recreational Hiking Trails on the Northern Peninsula by Location. ...................................18 Table 9. Length of Snowmobile Trails by Forest Management District. .....................................................18 Table 10. Campgrounds listed by Location for the Northern Peninsula. ....................................................19 Table 11. Art and Craft Shops that sell Local Artisan work. ........................................................................19 Table 12. Additional Non Timber Resources for the Northern Peninsula...................................................20 Table 13. Summary of Area Occupied by Provincial Parks and Protected Areas by District.......................21
List of Figures Figure 1. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 16. .................10 Figure 2. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 17. .................10 Figure 3. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 18. .................10 Figure 4. Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 16. ...............................11 Figure 5.Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 17. ................................11 Figure 6.Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 18. ................................12 Figure 7. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 16. .............................................................12 Figure 8. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 17. .............................................................13 Figure 9. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 18. .............................................................13
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Acknowledgements The author would like to sincerely thank the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources, Department of Parks and Natural Areas, Department of Environment and Conservation, Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, International Appalachian Trail Newfoundland and Labrador (IATNL), Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, Father John McCarthy, Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation, Regional Economic Development Boards (Nordic, Humber, and Red Ochre), Atlantic Forestry Center, Canadian Forest Service, Atlantic Council of Conservation Data, and various individuals who took time to answer questions and aided in the completion of this project. All the advice, information and data was much appreciated. These contributions are detailed in Appendix I.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A biophysical inventory of resources was conducted for the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions. The collection and analysis of data occurred over a three month period from March 2009 to May 2009. This allocated sufficient time for proper collection and research of the required data sets. The project set out to identify all biophysical resources such as forest inventories, herbaceous and mushroom species inventories, and spatial information pertaining to protected areas, ecological reserves, cabins, outfitting lodges, recreational trail locations, and waterways in the region. The project was produced with the aid of many different organizations and government agencies. Data was retrieved from literature reviews of past and current research studies, personal communications as well as a collaboration of current geographical information system (GIS) data sets. The information collected was then entered and analyzed in GIS. The data was further evaluated to assess and identify the location and abundance of all biophysical resources in the region. The resulting product is multiple map layers highlighting timber resources, non timber resources, forest age class structure, infrastructure, outfitting lodge locations as well as 50km radius resource maps around the towns of Hampden, Sop’s Arm, Hawke’s Bay and Roddickton. In addition to this, a full report was produced that details inventory levels numerically as well as states any knowledge gaps found during the course of the project.
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INTRODUCTION Project Description The purpose of this study was to compile a biophysical inventory for the proposed implementation of two local community network (LCN) sites, one on the Northern Peninsula and one in the White Bay South region of Newfoundland and Labrador. The forest offers a diverse range of resources and values that exceed far beyond the limits of timber products. With the current state of forest economics, the broadening of product options is vital to many forest dependent communities. By investigating the potential development and marketability of these natural resources, direct economic return is seen to be viable. The feasibility of sustainable harvesting of such resources is where additional research must be done and where the biophysical inventory is essential. The importance of a biophysical inventory map is that it provides a valuable reference tool for presenting a current inventory of not only tree and herbaceous species communities but also all other natural resources within the study region. This study documented and mapped all spatial elements of natural resources found on the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions. The allocation of all resources is documented and presented in text and map form.
METHODOLOGY Research and Data Acquisition In order to complete the biophysical inventory, all data sets pertaining to the project were collected and assembled from various agencies. These agencies included government departments (provincial and federal) as well as local resources such as outfitting groups, research facilities, regional economic development boards and local resources that had information pertaining to the project. A number of personal contacts were made via personal interviews and email correspondence. The research portion of the project not only compiled all available geographical information but also collected and reviewed various research studies that highlighted potential forest resource product development for Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as other boreal regions of Canada. Comparisons to other
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community forest projects and non timber forest product (NTFP) options being utilized nationally and internationally were also assessed. The information obtained from the literature review was then applied to GIS which highlighted areas of potential yields based on various products. The province is currently lacking in certain aspects of NTFP inventory levels. The information obtained through the literature review was applied by taking the known variables for a certain product and then applying that geographically to the map based on the species or product requirements. For example, there is little inventory knowledge currently available for potential wild mushroom harvest on the Northern Peninsula. By applying the favorable habitat requirements for each kind of edible mushroom to the GIS, areas of high mushroom potential have been identified and shown. All collected research data that pertained to the project and the overall goal of establishing and implementing local community networks accompanies this document in both paper copy and digitized form on CD-rom.
Mapping and Spatial Attributes The inventory database was created using ArcMap 9.3 GIS software. The maps highlight resources based on economic value as well as product options. In order to fully and accurately analyze each region effectively, the inventory regions are broken down into map sections. The regions are based mainly within Forest Management District’s (FMD) 16, 17 and 18 and a portion of District 9. Additional maps are further broken down with a map showing the area south of Roddickton known as “The Tickles”, age class structure by District, outfitter lodge locations and as well a 50 km radius around the towns of Hampden, Sop’s Arm, Hawke’s Bay and Roddickton. This allows the viewer to easily assess which resources are readily available within a reasonable proximity to a local community for employment and marketability purposes. As inventory information was being gathered from various agencies, a mapping projection was chosen in order to simplify the project. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador is divided three MTM zones, with MTM 2 being selected as the provincial standard for the island. As a result, the bulk of provincial GIS data is projected using MTM 2. By choosing the most central zone, the level of mapping distortions is minimized. The maps were further broken down based on resources, and are demonstrated for each region listed above. Forest and timber resource maps were created which highlight forest inventory levels as well as Anderson & Yates Forest Consultants Inc.; Biophysical Inventory Report
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current and planned harvesting and silvicultural activities. A NTFP map was created to demonstrate the potential products available and the forest stands or areas where these products could be found or produced. This map also includes the herbaceous species layers, water bodies and inland waterways. Another map was created to show cabin and outfitter areas, wildlife management zones, road structures, highlighted tourism areas and all available recreational trail data that was acquired. All data is presented in the ArcMap database in a simple format that is organized based on the mapping outputs. For example, group layers were created to provide ease of use for showcasing all resources found within the infrastructure maps, NTFP maps, forest and timber resource maps as well as a group layer showcasing the general land base (i.e. areas such as bogs, softwood scrub and barrens)
KNOWLEDGE GAP ANALYSIS There were a number of knowledge gaps identified during the preparation of this report. A knowledge gap is defined as any piece of geographical information that has not been collected and/or created for a given forest resource. When collecting all of the biophysical data that currently exists in the province, the author was able to get a good insight on the pieces of information that are currently lacking. Given the time and resources, it is felt that bridging these knowledge gaps will enhance the biophysical resource opportunities that are available on the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions. A significant knowledge gap that was identified is the lack of researched data pertaining to native plant and mushroom species in Newfoundland and Labrador. The impact on harvesting such species and the impact on the surrounding habitat of those species is virtually unknown. The inventory levels of native plant species abundance, range and distribution are essential in the development of natural resourcebased products. In other regions of the country where full product development, research and resource inventories is much more advanced, NTFP’s have been creating millions of dollars of revenue annually All of the knowledge gaps identified during the preparation of this report were noted and will be detailed within the body of this report.
Mushrooms Data collection on the feasibility of wild mushroom harvests and the associated economic returns is widespread in Canada, however there is little knowledge base on mushroom species data in Newfoundland and Labrador. The opportunity for mushroom harvests in the region is potentially viable
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however the industry and idea is relatively new to the region. The government of British Columbia, in association with the forest industry, Forest Renewal BC and the Northern Vancouver Island Integrated NTFP Demonstration Project, has developed a chanterelle mushroom (Chanterellus cibarius, Chanterellus craterellus) habitat modeling and inventory account. The project investigated the comanagement of timber and chanterelle resources, and gives GIS mapping layers for areas where chanterelle productive potential is high, medium or low. This is based on past research as well as biogeoclimatic and forest cover characteristics. A similar idea implemented in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador could be beneficial in order to take full advantage of the economic opportunity of wild mushroom harvesting. The harvest of chanterelles on the world market is estimated to be worth $1.25 billion. With the growing demand and popularity of wild mushrooms, the economic opportunity is a realistic one. Research has been conducted to narrow down commercially important species found in the White Bay South and Northern Peninsula regions. Little data was found on actual location of these species and the following assumptions were made based on past research that was conducted by other provinces aimed towards developing the commercial potential of wild mushroom harvests. Each of the three commercially valuable species was researched in terms of favorable host tree species, habitat and patterns of co-existence with timber management or natural disturbance patterns. Based on these findings one can make predictions on areas where these mushrooms may potentially be found or have the greatest potential of being found. The four species to be included in this project for potential commercial viability are chanterelles (Chanterellus cibarius, Chanterellus craterellus), morels (Morchella esculenta, Morchella elata), pine mushrooms (Armillaria ponderosa) and the King Bolete (Boletus edulis) (Egger & Murrin, 1993) (Murrin, 2008). These species are generally found in mature to over mature black spruce/balsam fir habitat. Morel mushrooms have a tendency to be found on sites the year following forest fires ( (Egger & Murrin, 1993). There are also two other species of interest that may have revenue potential; Mock Oyster (Suillus clavipes) as well as Chaga mushrooms (Inonotus obliquus).
Mock oyster mushrooms are
common in many Tamarack (Larix laricina) forests throughout Newfoundland and Labrador while Chaga mushrooms are associated generally with mature to over mature White Birch (Betula paprifera) stands. Studies suggest that many of these mushrooms are found the year following disturbances such as forest fires and timber harvesting. By understanding this and the preferred habitat conditions of each of the
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species, predictions can be mapped on regions possessing the highest potential for favorable habitat conditions.
Biomass Production The growing interest in biomass and biofuels on the world market is an area where real economic potential is evident. The biomass industry has grown exponentially in Atlantic Canada with approximately 10 per cent of the regions gross domestic product representing the energy sector and accounting for over 12,000 jobs. Plans of constructing a biomass facility in St.Leonard, New Brunswick and a 10,000 tonnes/year wood pellet facility in Nova Scotia will add to the growing interest in biomass and biofuel markets. The Department of Natural Resources in New Brunswick has also collaborated with the University of New Brunswick to implement the Crown Land Forest Biomass Harvesting Policy which aims at setting guidelines for the harvesting of forest biomass that are consistent with the long term sustainable management of Crown forests (Bioenery Canada Magazine, 2009). Similar plans implemented on the Northern Peninsula could also aid in providing economic growth and stability for the region. Further research is required to assess stand suitability and sustainability for the practice. The study of biomass resources within the area includes looking at residue quantities from sawmills, woodlots and pre-commercial thinning stands, as well as inventory levels of pulp wood and nonmerchantable trees.
Herbaceous Layer Species Inventory mapping data, abundance, and distribution information for herbaceous species was inadequate for much of the Northern Peninsula region. Much of the data that was collected only relates to species found around locations of rare plant surveys. This data gives an idea of what species are in the region but does not give sufficient knowledge for adequate inventory levels. Proper inventories are crucial for product development and for understanding sustainable harvesting levels of such species. In order to fully assess the resources available and the opportunities associated with these species, a more in depth field study would have to be done, which would include ground surveys and the creation of a digital database.
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Non Timber Forest Products With little inventory data available and minimal research studies done or implemented in the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions, the viability of many NTFP’s is unknown. Although NTFP sales do not often replace the timber industry, the sales generated from them can often supplement regions that are experiencing declining levels of employment. With an increasing market for White Birch wine and syrup, the potential for an increasing birch product market is a possibility in the province (Pilz, Alexander, Smith, & Schroeder, 2006). Based on the Alaskan birch syrup producers manual, the optimal birch stand for syrup production requires a minimum of 100 trees/hectare with an optimal tree diameter of 8-10 inches. Based on these variables, birch stands that met these requirements were mapped and are shown on the NTFP maps. The resources for various product developments are available on the Northern Peninsula; however more detailed market research into the viability of products and sustainable harvesting levels is required.
Recreational Trails The majority of recreational trails in the study region are not provincially listed or digitally mapped. Many of local community trails had some form of trail promotion but the promotion was mainly with road signage or paper copy maps and brochures. A detailed inventory, including proper geographical information, would be beneficial.
Outfitters There was a knowledge gap noted pertaining to outfitting lodge locations. Two separate sets of data from different sources did not match up when compared geographically.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Land Base Description The entire land base for each Forest Management District is detailed in Table 2. The total area for District 16, 17, and 18 is 725,424, 717,302 and 738,273 hectares respectively. These areas are detailed in District overview maps located within Appendix II of this report. The eco-regions found within the area are as follows; North Central subregion, Northern Long Range Barrens, Coastal Plain ecoregion, Beaver Brook Limestone region, and the Eastern Long Range ecoregion.
Timber Resources The majority of the productive forest on the Northern Peninsula is comprised of Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) and Black Spruce (Picea mariana) forest types. Table 1 gives a detailed overview of what the productive land base is primarily comprised of and resources available by area in hectares. Productive forest cover types are given based on the highest percentages for each District. The timber resource maps provided with this report demonstrate the areas that are planned to be harvested, have already been harvested, and which areas have been silviculturally treated. Table 1. Summary of Timber Resources for the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South Regions. District 16
District 17
District 18
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Productive black spruce/balsam fir
10,682
9,908
2,141
Productive balsam fir/white birch
3,783
5,095
1,604
Productive balsam fir/black spruce
27,923
14,795
14,392
Productive balsam fir
28,829
55,646
53,681
Productive black spruce
12,285
2,108
0
Productive Forest
91,021
87,459
74,633
Crown Land Managed
201,228
409,815
7,333
CBPP Managed Land
360,418
167,851
109,936
Non-Productive land base
215,060
204,555
167,662
Alienated Land
91,984
84,350
55,341
Cutovers
32,401
9,174
7,333
Value
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Non Timber Forest Product (NTFP) Resources The value of NTFP’s in Canada and worldwide has grown significantly over the last decade. The forest resources shown in the tables below represent a wealth of product options. Product options from timber resources include birch syrup/wine, essential oils, Christmas wreath creation, crafts and ornamentals, foods, herbal teas, medicinal and as well cosmetic possibilities (United States Department of Agriculture, 1993) (Saskatchewan Environmental Society, 2002). Everything from the branches down to the cones, bark and resin can be utilized. Research reports pertaining to potential products per species type can be seen accompanying this report on CD-rom. Table 2 gives forest cover types by area in hectares, the area meeting birch syrup production standards as well as the potential areas where edible mushroom species may exist based on previously mentioned variables. Table 2. Non Timber Forest Product Resources from Timber Sources. District 16
District 17
District 18
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Black Spruce/Balsam Fir
23,210
9,908
7,012
Balsam Fir/White Birch
9,928
11,578
2,826
Balsam Fir/Black Spruce
61,156
35,962
34,859
Balsam Fir
76,217
120,049
97,966
Black Spruce
35,576
5,917
0
14
125
86
18,808
9,759
6,741
454
809
12
Value
Mock Oyster Mushroom Habitat Potential Mushroom Habitat White Birch syrup Stand Potential
Forest Characterization Species Composition The total area of productive forest for each FMD is shown in Table 1. Approximately 90-95% of this area is dominated by merchantable softwood volume with the remaining 5-10% comprised of merchantable hardwood volume (Figures 1, 2 and 3).
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5%
95%
Softwood
Hardwood
Figure 1. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 16.
10%
90%
Softwood
Hardwood
Figure 2. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 17.
9%
91%
Softwood
Hardwood
Figure 3. Total Gross Merchantable Volume per Hectare of Productive Forest for District 18.
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The overall species composition for each FMD is shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The he dominate forest cover of both regions is balsam fir and balsam fir fir/black spruce mix,, with black spruce being more prevalent at higher elevations.
10%
4% 36%
19%
4% 27%
Balsam Fir Black Spruce
Balsam Fir/Black Spruce Black Spruce/Balsam Fir
balsam Fir/White Birch Other
Figure 4. Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 16. 2% 7%
5%
18%
68%
Balsam Fir Black Spruce
Balsam Fir/Black Spruce Other
Balsam Fir/White Birch
Figure 5. Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 17.
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2% 2% 4% 20%
72%
Balsam Fir Black Spruce/Balsam Fir
Balsam Fir/Black Spruce Other
Balsam Fir/White Birch
Figure 6. Total Productive Species Composition for Forest Management District 18.
Age Class Structure In terms of age class distribution, the forest structure is mainly mature to over mature. The data represents the area covered by each of the age class strata of productive forest and demonstrates an uneven age class structure for all three FMD’s. A large percentage of area in Districts istricts 17 and 18 lies within the mature to over mature age class categories, with District istrict 16 having a slightly larger percentage of area in the younger age class class. Overview maps for age class ass structure are given in the Appendix II.
70000
Area (hectares)
60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 0-20
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100 101-120 121+
Age Class (years) Figure 7. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 16.
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80000
Area (hectares)
70000 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 0-20
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100 101-120 121+
Age Class (years) Figure 8. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 17.
60000
Area (hectares)
50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 0 0-20
21-40
41-60
61-80
81-100 101-120 121+
Age Class (years) Figure 9. Age Class Structure for Forest Management District 18.
Herbaceous Species The herbaceous species found to have the greatest economic potential are found in Table 3. 3 These species are highlighted within the mapped inventory. They are seen to have potential in the medicinal, nutraceutical, cosmetic, arts and crafts, ornamental and potential food sectors (Table 4). These species have the greatest potential for various market opportunities and have the most research done in terms of potential economic ic resources for the province (Barfoot, 2006).
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Table 3. Herbaceous Species with Economic Potential found on the Northern Peninsula.
Herbaceous Species M
Uses C
Scientific Name
Common Name
F
AC
O
Fragaria sp.
Strawberry
*
Juniperus communis
Juniper
*
Mentha sp.
Mint
*
Rosa sp.
Rose
*
Rubus sp.
Raspberry
*
Taraxacum officinalis
Dandelion
*
Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle
*
vaccinium angustifolium
Blueberry
*
Amelanchier sp.
Chuckley pear
*
Clintonia borealis
Yellow clintonia
*
*
Empetrum nigrum
Crowberry
*
*
Ligusticum scothicum
Scotch Lovage
*
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Ostrich Fern
*
Sorbus americana
American Mountain Ash
*
*
*
Sorbus decora
Showy Mountain Ash
*
*
*
Stellaria media
Chickweed
*
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Cranberry
*
*
Vaccinium vitis idaea
Partridgeberry
*
*
Alnus rugosa
Alder
Hypericum perforatum
St.John's wort
*
Salix sp.
Willow
Solidago canadensis
Goldenrod
Chamerion angustifolium
Fireweed
*
Rubus chamaemorus
Bakeapple
*
Cornus stolonifera
*
* *
* *
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Red Osier Dogwood
*
*
Dryopteris carthusiana
Wood Fern
*
*
Viburnum edule
Squashberry
*
Viburnum opulus var. americanum
High Bush Cranberry
*
Sphagnum sp.
Sphagnum moss
Typha latifolia
Cat tail
Ledum groenlandicum
Labrador tea
Taxus canadensis
Canada yew
Arctium lappa
Burdock
*
Myrica gale
Sweet gale
*
*
*
* * *
* *
*
*
*
* *
Food (F),Medicinal/Nutraceutical (M),Cosmetic (C),Arts and Crafts (AC),Ornamental (O) Anderson & Yates Forest Consultants Inc.; Biophysical Inventory Report
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With an abundance of herbaceous species well suited to the herbal tea industry, the economic potential is potentially viable. The herbal tea industry represents 25% of the entire Canadian tea market (Barfoot, 2006). These species are listed in Table 4 and are represented on the NTFP map as points.
Table 4.Native Plants used in the Herbal Tea Industry. Scientific Name
Common Name
Fragaris sp.
Strawberry
Juniperus communis
Juniper
Mentha sp.
Mint
Rhododendron ledum
Labrador tea
Rosa sp.
Rose
Rubus sp.
Raspberry
Taraxacum officinalis
Dandelion
Urtica dioica
Stinging nettle
Vaccinium angustifolium
Blueberry
Hunting and Trapping Hunting, fishing and fur trapping account for 19% of the total direct employment on the Northern Peninsula and 24% in the White Bay South region based on a Stats Canada 2005 survey. This does not take into account the many indirect jobs also produced as a result of these practices. The data given in Table 5 gives an up to date inventory of current population levels, license sales as well as small game pelt returns (Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Wildlife, 2009). The prices for pelts and the given number of returned pelts per animal are given on the CD-rom accompanying this report. The moose, caribou and fur management zones are given as a map layer accompanying the geographical information with this report.
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Table 5. Inventory of Current Big Game Populations, License Sales and Fur Harvest (2007-2008). Resource Moose Population
291,000
Moose Hunting License Allocation
8,100
Caribou Population
10,400
Caribou Hunting License Allocation
475
Annual Fur Harvest (returned pelts)
1,319
There are a number of outfitters that rely heavily on the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions for hunting and guiding purposes (Table 7). A number of outfitter names were obtained from the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitting Association (Table 7) and a number of camp locations were obtained from the Department of Natural Resources (Table 6) as digital map points. Although a few of the outfitters are not actually located in the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions, the income produced from the influx of hunters and the indirect benefits produced still provides valuable income for the communities. Table 6. Summary of Outfitting Camps by Forest Management District. District 16
District 17
District 18
District 9
Sandy Lake
Long Pond
Biggin Lake
Indian Pond
Whited River
Five Island Pond
Shoal Brook
Gull Lake Lodge
Hinds Lake
Leander lake
Ten Mile Lake
Eclipse Lake
Stagg Hill
Thousand Island
Topsails
Rack Lake
West Brook
Aised Lake Lodge
Portland Creek
Lanes Pond
Rex Lake
Cat Arm
Main Brook
Angus Lake
Little Hr. Deep
Long Pond
St.Paul's Big Caribou Lake Main River Leslie Lake Woddy Lake Four Ponds Cabins Arluk Tilt High Pond Dawson's Lake Rattling Brook Brian's Lake
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Table 7. Summary of Outfitters that Utilize Resources on the Northern Peninsula. Outfitter Main River Safari Newfoundland Outdoor Adventures Inc. Roberts' Outfitting Ltd. Portland Creek Hunting and Fishing Ltd. Where-Ya-Wannabee Outfitting Lodge Eagle Mountain Adventures Caribou Valley Outfitters Mobile Outfitters Ltd. Cow Head Outfitters Main River Lodge Ltd. Seabreeze Holdings Inc. 11367 Newfoundland and Labrador Limited Portland Creek Outfitters Limited Wilderness Horizons Inc. Heritage River Outfitters Inc. Ray's Hunting & Fishing Lodge Ltd. Newfound Outfitting Ltd. Parsons Pond Outfitters Onl Holdings Incorporated 52763 Newfoundland & Labrador Ltd. Sam's Hunting & Fishing Serpentine Valley Outfitters Ltd.
Base Location Pasadena Lark Harbour Deer Lake Portland Creek Corner Brook Portugal Cove-St Philips York Harbour Pasadena Cow Head Corner Brook Labrador City Vancouver Portland Creek Deer Lake Parsons Pond Howley Frenchman's Cove, Bay of Islands Parson's Pond St. John's Cow Head Portland Creek Benoit's Cove
Recreational Trails Table 8 demonstrates the provincially listed trails for the Northern Peninsula and White Bay South regions. The length of snowmobile trails by FMD can be seen in Table 9. Many of the communities have local trail systems which are not provincially listed or adequately mapped, and Table 9 represents only a portion of the total recreational trails found in the region.
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Table 8. List of Recreational Hiking Trails on the Northern Peninsula by Location. Trail
Location
Armistice Park
Bide Arm
Aunt Bride's Lookout
Gunners Cove
Barr'd Island Trail
Englee
Cape Raven Trail
Straitsview
Crow Head Walking Trail
Port Saunders
Crow Head Walking Trail
Port Saunders
Epine Catalet
Croque
Flat Point Look out
Great Brehat
French Site Trail
Croque
Indian Lookout Trail
Portland Creek
John Hogan Trail
Eddies Cove
Labrador Lookout
Shoal Cove East
Locker's Point to Shoe Pond Hill
Englee
Looped Trail
Bide Arm
Margaree Bridge and Thrombolites Walking Trail
Flowers Cove
North Boat Harbour
North Boat Harbour
Squid Jigging Point
Noddy Bay
St. Brendan’s Rock
St.Lunaire-griquet
Three Mile Lake Park
Port au Choix
Trina's Trail
Ship Cove
Underground Salmon Pool
Roddickton
White Point Trail
Englee
Table 9. Length of Snowmobile Trails by Forest Management District. Value
District 16
District 17
District 18
Snowmobile Trails
323 km
379 km
449 km
Tourism and Infrastructure All tourism sites, campgrounds and cabins that are associated with digitized map data have been represented on the infrastructures map for each FMD. The campgrounds are listed by District and location in Table 10. This data represents all campgrounds listed from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for Newfoundland and Labrador. Anderson & Yates Forest Consultants Inc.; Biophysical Inventory Report
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Table 10. Campgrounds listed by Location for the Northern Peninsula. Name
Location
District
Viking RV Park
Quirpon
18
Pistol Bay Provincial Park
Raleigh
18
St.Anthony
18
Deadman's cove
18
St.Barbe
18
Ocean Side RV Park
Port au Choix
18
Sea Shore RV Park
Port au Choix
18
River of Ponds Park
River of Ponds
17
Triple Falls RV Park Braya Seashore hide-A-Way Trailer Park St.Barbe RV Park
Torrent River Nature Park Campground
Hawke's Bay
17
Portland Creek Pond
16
Pollards Point
16
Sop's Arm Park
Sop's Arm
16
Funland Resort Trailer Park
Route 422
16
Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
Route 422
16
Mountain Waters Resort Park River Sea RV Park
The craft sector includes products for art, craft and ornamental use. Many of the species listed in Tables 2 and 3 are utilized for these purposes. Table 11 represents Art and Craft shops that are listed in the provincial tourism guidebook and that sell local artisan art work or natural based craft products. Table 11. Art and Craft Shops that sell Local Artisan work. Name
Location
Details
Ben's Studio
Port au Choix
The Store Heritage Shop of Port au Choix Stagehead Carvings
Daniel's Harbour
Driftwood folk art,3D wooden Pictures, other crafts by NL artisans. Local crafts, wool and milk.
Port au Choix
Local crafts and art
Griquet
Sculptures in whalebone, wood, antler and soapstone. Wild berry products and local art.
Fishing Point Emporium
St.Lunaire L'anse aux Meadows L'anse aux Meadows L'anse aux Meadows St.Anthony
Local art
Grenfell handicrafts
St.Anthony
Handmade coats, mats and carvings
The Dark Tickle Shoppe Heritage shop of L'anse aux Meadows Norseman Gallery The Gaia Gallery and CafĂŠ
Local art, crafts and literature. Local arts and crafts Local art
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With the increasing popularity of water activities as well as the abundance of freshwater fishing opportunities, the utilization of the Northern Peninsula’s water resources is an important aspect to consider. Table 12 demonstrates the amount of area occupied by lakes, ponds and rivers. This data is showcased in map form on the non timber resources map for each FMD. Table 12. Water Resources on the Northern Peninsula. District 16
District 17
District 18
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Area (ha)
Rivers
3,737
2,123
2,074
Lakes and Ponds
42,435
55,077
66,696
Value
Table 13 is a summary of the total land base area occupied by provincial parks, protected areas and gazetted ecological reserves. The name or location is not given for each of the gazetted ecological reserves due to the large number of these reserves; instead it is represented as a total combined area.
Main River Watershed The Main River watershed is dominated by old growth forests comprised primarily of balsam fir, black spruce, white spruce and white birch forest covers. The watershed covers a total area of approximately 96 hectares. Forest activities taking place within the watershed are limited; all planned forest activities for the region are demonstrated on the timber resources map for District 16. Additional information collected on the Main River watershed region includes botanical surveys as well as research papers detailing the forest structure of the area (McCarthy, 2004) (Weetman & McCarthy, 2006). The botanical survey of the region was conducted in 2004, and includes a list of all vascular and non-vascular plants found during the course of the field study (Hanel, 2004). An estimated 18% of the vascular plant flora found within the province was observed in the Main River watershed. This additional information is included in CD-rom form accompanying this report.
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Table 13. Summary of Area Occupied by Provincial Parks and Protected Areas by Forest Management District. District 16
Name/Location
Area (ha)
Decommissioned Provincial Parks:
Sop's Arm
15
Privatized Provincial Parks:
Sop's Arm
15
Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park
1574
Various
15,224
Name/Location
Area (ha)
River of Ponds
119
Three Mile Lake
21
River of Ponds
119
Three Mile Lake
21
Protected Areas: Gazetted Ecological Reserves: District 17 Decommissioned Provincial Parks:
Privatized Provincial Parks: Protected Areas: Gazetted Ecological Reserves: District 18 Protected Areas:
The Arches Provincial Park
13
Table Point Ecological Reserve
116
Various
123
Name/Location
Area (ha)
Watts Point Ecological Reserve
3,090
Sandy Cove Provisional Ecological Reserve
8 (parcel B) 6 (parcel A)
Pistolet Bay Provincial Park
897
Hare Bay Islands Ecological Reserve
2,600 (Marine) 500 (Terrestrial)
Gazetted Ecological Reserves:
Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve
363
Various
1,077
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WORKS CITED Barfoot, J. (2006). A Study to Investigate the Potential for Development of Non-Timber Forest Products and Values from the Boreal Forests of Newfoundland and Labrador. Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden. Bioenery Canada Magazine. (2009). Egger, K., & Murrin, F. (1993). A Preliminary Investigation of the Potential for a Wild Mushroom Harvest in Newfoundland. St.John's: Department of Biology Memorial University. Hanel, C. (2004). A Botanical Survey of the Proposed Main River Waterway Provincial Park. Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador: Unpublished. Marla Emery, C. G. (2002). Special Forest Products in Context: Gatherers and Gathering in the Eastern United States. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Agriculture; Forest Service. McCarthy, J. W. (2004). Natural Disturbance and Structure in Two Primary Boreal Forests of Western Newfoundland. Vancouver: University of British Columbia. Murrin, F. (2008). Commercial Wild Mushroom Harvest in Newfoundland and Labrador. St.John's: Department of Biology Memorial University. Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Wildlife. (2009). Fur Harvest Report. Corner Brook: Department of Wildlife. Pilz, D., Alexander, S., Smith, J., & Schroeder, R. F. (2006). Non-Timber Forest Product Opportunities in Alaska. Washington, D.C: United States Department of Agriculture; Forest Service. Saskatchewan Environmental Society. (2002). Non-Timber Forest Products:Economic Development While Sustaining our Northern Forests. Regina: Saskatchewan Environmental Society. United States Department of Agriculture. (1993). Income Opportunities in Special Forest Products; Self Help Suggestions for Rural Entrepreneurs. Washington, D.C: United States Department of Agriculture;Forest Service. Weetman, G., & McCarthy, J. (2006). Age and Size Structure of Gap-Dynamic Old-Growth Boreal Forest Stands in Newfoundland. Vancouver: Silva Fennica.
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Appendix I. Data Contributors
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Name Father John McCarthy Department of Parks and Natural Areas Department of Environment and Conservation
Department of Wildlife
Contribution Main River and Northern Peninsula Forest Classification Data and research advice Recreational Trail Systems,protected areas,ecological reserves, current and decomissioned provincial park shapefiles and information
Main River Watershed information and shapefiles Big game statistics, hunting license sales, moose/caribou and fur harvest management zone shapefiles, fur management zone information and pelt prices.
Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association IATNL
Information on which outfitters utilize the Northern Peninsula regions as well as contact information. Trail information and shapefiles
Department of Natural Resources
Forest Inventory Data, river and streams and Road Networks Harvesting and Silviculture Information for the Northern Peninsula and WBS regions
Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Economic Development Boards (Red Ochre,Nordic,Emerald and Humber) Department of Tourism, culture and Recreation Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation Non Timber Forest Products Association Government of Saskethwan Forest and Agriculture Departments Government of Manitoba
Information on birch syrup and wine production
Alaskan Birch Syrup Producers
Information on suitable Birch stands for syrup and wine production
Forbes Wild Foods
Information on wild food sources and interest in NL sources.
Various Art and Craft Stores
information on natural product usage and products sold
Memorial University Biology Dept.
Faye Murrin for Wild Mushroom harvest and NTFP information
CFS
NTFP information
Atlantic Forestry Center Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Mushroom Foray,Andrus Voitk Atlantic Council of Conservation Data Claudia Hanel
NTFP information
Herbaceous species and rare plant information
NL Business Service Center
Sector Studies inventory research papers
Community Trail information, forestry practices taking place in regions as well as general economic information for each region. Trail information Information on NTFP's,cranberry farms and agroforestry practises taking place on the island. Trail information Information on species used for NTFP'S across the country Information on wild mushroom harvests and birch syrup production
NTFP,agroforestry information Mushroom species list and general information on mushroom populations shapefiles and information on herbaceous species and protected species
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Appendix II. Biophysical Inventory Maps
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