Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area
| Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area | |
| Location | Antigonish County |
| Coordinates | 45°40′25″N 62°8′53″W / 45.67361°N 62.14806°W |
| Area | 7,705 hectares (19,040 acres) |
| Established | 2005 |
Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area is a protected wilderness area in Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, Canada.[1][2][3] It is located northwest of the town of Antigonish.[4] The wilderness area is governed by Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change.[5]
Geography
Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area comprises approximately 7,705 hectares (19,040 acres) of area.[4] It is located in the Pictou-Antigonish Highlands, a rugged upland region characterized by rolling hills, forested slopes, and deeply incised river valleys. The wilderness area is situated within James River Watershed Protected Water Area, which provides drinking water to Antongish.[6] Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area was designated in 2005 and expanded in 2007, 2015, 2022 and again in 2024.[4][7]
Biodiversity
The undisturbed woodlands support a diverse variety of plant and animal species, creating a unique ecosystem. Habitat is suitable for species such as goshawk, mainland moose, and atlantic salmon.[2][8] With well-drained hardwood dominated forests,[8] mixed forest canyons, floodplains, and wetlands, the wilderness area protects the largest remaining contiguous tract of older forest in this part of Nova Scotia.[4]
Access
Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area can be accessed via several major forest access roads, such as Connors Mountain Road, and Pleasant Valley Road.[9] Bicycle use is permitted on routes managed by ATVANS. These routes, along with adjacent forest access roads, provide opportunities for accessing and experiencing the Eigg Mountain–James River Wilderness Area by bicycle.[4]
See also
References
- ^ Government of Canada, Natural Resources Canada. "Place names - Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area". toponymes.rncan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ^ a b "Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area information sheet" (PDF). www.novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
- ^ Centre, Nova Scotia Geomatics (2006-06-16). The Nova Scotia Atlas: Province of Nova Scotia. Formac Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-88780-707-7.
- ^ a b c d e Change, Department of Environment and Climate (2009-04-01). "Eigg Mountain - James River Wilderness Area | Protected Areas". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ^ "Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area Designation - Wilderness Areas Protection Act (Nova Scotia)". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-20.
- ^ "DETAIL MAP - SHEAR WIND WIND TURBINE PROJECT" (PDF). edpc.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
- ^ "Nova Scotia seeks feedback on 16 proposed wilderness areas". cbc.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
- ^ a b "12 Percent - Parks and Protected Areas System Plan Consultation". novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-21.
- ^ "Map of Eigg Mountain-James River Wilderness Area" (PDF). novascotia.ca. Retrieved 2026-01-21.