Up Close with the East Side Forest Ecosystem

This region of predominantly closed canopy coniferous trees is underlain by Precambrian rock of several types, including sedimentary, igneous and volcanic. Precambrian rock outcrops and geology are major visual characteristics of the region. There is an abundance of poorly drained fens and bogs. Forest cover is predominantly a Spruce and Pine mixedwood forest interspersed with a few pure hardwood stands. White and Black Spruce, Jack Pine, Balsam, Poplar, Tamarack, Trembling Aspen and White Birch, Ash, Elm, and Maple can all be found in the East Side Forest. A wide diversity of shrubs, flowering plants, fungi, mosses and lichens are also part of the East Side Forest ecosystem. The area is home to many vegetation species, which are at the edge of their ranges. This diversity of vegetation naturally leads to a diversity of wildlife.

Many species of birds can be found across the area, including songbirds, the Bald Eagle and Osprey. Mammals also abound, including species-at-risk such as Woodland Caribou, Wolverine, and the Eastern Cougar. Scientific data has shown repeatedly that species such as Woodland Caribou are extremely sensitive to human activities and habitat fragmentation caused by clearcut logging and roads.

The cold oligotrophic lakes of the region are not overly “productive” in terms of tonnes of fish produced. However, they do support a wide diversity of aquatic species, including the “vulnerable” Chestnut Lamprey and pockets of Lake Sturgeon, which is important for historical and cultural reasons. Inappropriate logging practices are a threat to the water quality of the region’s lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands.

This area has been the traditional lands of many First Nations communities for thousands of years and supports their subsistence needs through hunting, trapping, fishing, and wild rice, fungi, berry and medicinal herb harvesting.

Flowing through the region are many of Manitoba’s and Canada’s most scenic, wild and ecologically diverse rivers. Included in these rivers are the Pigeon, Berens and the Bloodvein, which is Manitoba’s oldest member of the Canadian Heritage River System. Manitoba’s eastern rivers are the destination of many recreational canoeists and have the potential to support a sustainable community-driven ecotourism industry.

Links of Interest

Pimachiowin Aki

Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc. (EAST Inc.)

Wabanong Nakaygum Okimawin (WNO)- East Side of the Lake Governance