| Land Designation
Protected
Provincial
Forest
Landscape Description
Total protected area is 11,310 hectares, comprised of
Bell
and
Steeprock
Canyons
and the Baden Escarpment. Located in northeast Porcupine
Provincial
Forest, approximately 75 km north of
Swan
River, the protected area captures a cross-section of the Manitoba
Escarpment complex and spectacular river canyons.
Outstanding Features
The Porcupine Hills are the northernmost extent of the Manitoba
Uplands. The escarpment complex is a product of the
interaction of glacial Lake
Agassiz beach ridges, glacial till, land slides, and slumps.
Combined with post glacial
drainage and relief, this varied landscape results in a high
degree of biodiversity over a relatively small area. The canyons,
carved as a result of glacial melt water, are the most outstanding
feature within the escarpment.
Mature spruce and pine trees dominate on the upper portions of
the protected area changing to aspen down the steep sandy slopes
along the escarpment. Wetland complexes dot the escarpment
creating suitable habitat for breeding, moulting and staging areas
for numerous migratory birds. In the crisp mornings of May
the skies are filled with flocks of Canada Geese and Sandhill
Cranes.
Rugged yet pristine, this habitat is home to large ungulates
such as Moose, Elk, and White-Tailed Deer. The area is also
home to a large population of off colour-phase Black Bears.
These inquisitive bears can be admired in blonde, chocolate, black
and cinnamon phases.
The Bell
and Steeprock Canyons Protected Area is a species rich, diverse
and unique landscape encompassing spectacular forests, wetlands,
clear lakes and deeply cut river valleys. The protection of
this ecologically significant landscape ensures that future
generations will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy this
wilderness. |
