Trout Brook Wilderness Area
2,880 hectares; Landscape representation - Lake Ainslie Slope
Overlooking the southern reaches of Lake Ainslie, Nova Scotia's largest natural freshwater lake, Trout Brook Wilderness Area features old-growth deciduous forests, and a unique yellow birch-balsam fir transition forest. Trout Brook is also a designated trout sanctuary which provides cool water conditions critical to the Lake Ainslie/Margaree River trout populations.
The slopes of the Trout Brook canyon complex host a mix of forest types, including stands of old-growth deciduous forest. A mixed forest of yellow birch and balsam fir occurs on much of the adjacent, higher ground. This is a unique transitional forest, situated between the hardwood-dominated lowlands, and the balsam fir forest of the higher elevation Cape Breton Boreal Plateau natural landscape, to the north. Some of the yellow birch range in age from 130 to 170 years, while the balsam fir component is generally younger. Stands of old black spruce and balsam fir also occur in adjacent, poorly drained flats.
The Trout Brook canyon complex combines the unique natural history of its old-growth forest, with the special significance of its aquatic fish habitats. Because the wilderness area is part of the larger Lake Ainslie primary watershed, activity on surrounding lands may affect the integrity of Trout Brook Wilderness Area, particularly aquatic habitats. Protection of this area, however, ensures that a large portion of the watershed is safeguarded. This will contribute to the ecological integrity of all ecosystems and habitats situated downstream from the wilderness area (specifically Lake Ainslie).
