| 200 | Highlands |
|||
| 210 | Plateau-Fir Forest |
|||
| 220 | Steep Slopes |
220 Steep Slopes
Geology and Landscape Development
The margins of the Cape Breton Highlands are, for the most part, clearly visible and are marked by steep slopes and deep valleys. In many cases these slopes and valleys have formed along faults where rubbly rocks in the zone of movement have been washed away (see Figure 21).
 |
| Kelly's Mountain Click to enlarge |
Unlike the plateau, where the undulating terrain is undergoing little modification, erosion is very active in the slopes and valleys. The steep slopes are frequently covered by talus, the product of cryogenic (freeze-thaw) action. The angle of repose of the talus varies according to its texture and coarseness. Rapid downslope wasting is generally impeded by vegetation, particularly where trees and ground cover stabilize the slope. Slumping occurs in some places where abundant material is present; in other places, downslope movement has produced a line of boulders.
Steep cliffs which rise almost directly from the sea occur where District 220 intersects the coastline. Sediment supply is very sparse and beaches are few and narrow.
Fresh Water
The drainage pattern is dendritic. Several important rivers flow in fault-controlled valleys; e.g., Margaree, Grand Anse, North Aspy, Warren Brook, Clyburn Brook. Waterfalls are common at the edge of the scarp slopes. The pH levels in Kellys Mountain Brook average between 6.5 and 8.5. Groundwater in the bedrock is soft and corrosive. Groundwater comes to the surface in the colluvial deposits as seeps and springs.
Plants
The vegetation of this District is characterized by deciduous woodlands on steep slopes. Eastern Hemlock and
 |
| North River, Cape Breton Click to enlarge |
Where Eastern Hemlock stands occur, usually on the upper slopes, mosses dominate the ground vegetation. Under mature hardwood stands the fern-Striped Maple association is found with a rich diversity of species.
Arctic-alpine and Cordilleran disjunct plants are found in this District, especially on wet, north-facing canyon rock walls and in other shady, moist habitats. These include Rusty, Smooth, and Alpine Woodsia; Common Bladderfern; Willowherb; Western Rattlesnake-plantain; Northern Bedstraw; and Sweet Cicely.
Animals
Habitats for fauna in this District are varied and relatively productive, including mature hardwood forest, conifers, talus slopes, cliffs, and moist valley bottoms. The rich, well-drained soils, deep leaf litter, and varied ground vegetation in the predominantly hardwood district create ideal habitat for small mammals. In fact, the
most diverse small-mammal fauna in the entire province is found in the hardwood forests growing on talus slopes. Fourteen of the seventeen insectivore and rodent species known to occur on Cape Breton Island are found here. These include the Gaspé Shrew and the Rock Vole, relict species normally limited to more northerly regions and
higher altitudes. The Rock Vole and Southern Bog Lemming are particularly associated with a combination of talus slope and hardwood forest habitats, like those most frequently found along the eastern side of the District. Although small-mammal populations are diverse, they do not tend to exist in large numbers. However, the weasel is
one predator that occurs frequently.
The coniferous forests more commonly found on the western side of the District do not provide good small-mammal habitat.
The steep slopes of 40-45° inhibit the movements of larger mammals, although deer make use of the hardwood browse in more accessible areas.
The diversity of vegetation and the well-developed structural profile of the mature hardwood forest ensure a rich avifauna, dominated by warblers, nuthatches, and woodpeckers. Bald Eagles are common in the eastern areas.
Scenic Quality
This District boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the province, owing largely to its tremendous range of elevation over short distances (as much as 300 m over one kilometre). Where the mountains meet the sea, as at Jerome Mountain and Cape Smokey, there are excellent coastal panoramas. Fortunately, many of
these may be viewed from scenic lookoffs along the Cabot Trail. The deep interior valleys of the Aspy, Chéticamp, Ingonish, Northeast Margaree, and other major rivers and streams provide drama and mystery, and offer waterfalls and rapids. Mature deciduous stands, particularly those of beech, are an added attraction. Only the Aspy River valley is accessible by paved road.
Cultural Environment
Forests of the Steep Slopes have been impacted by fire. The Pleasant Bay fire of 1947 transformed much of this landscape for a period of time. Steep highland inclines proved a major challenge to the construction of the Cabot Trail, which was completed in 1932 but later considerably upgraded and improved. Slopes buttressing
river-valley farmlands were sometimes cleared for pastureland; however, much of this farmland was abandoned and subsequently experienced oldfield regeneration to White Spruce. The old French name for Cape Smokey was "Cape Enfumé," so named because of the clouds of mist which often cloak this area. Northern slopes of Cape Smokey were cleared to build a ski hill in 1970. In the early 1970s the Wreck Cove power plant was built, harnessing the hydro power of highland watersheds. In Mi'kmaq culture, the Fairy Hole cave in Kellys Mountain is believed to be Kluscap's (Glooscap's) final home before he left the Earth World behind.
- Indian Brook - waterfall
- Grand Anse River (IBP Proposed Ecological Site 19) - old Sugar Maple stand in the steeply sloping valley (possibly typical of pre-settlement forest); rare arctic-alpine plants including Green Spleenwort
- North Aspy River (IBP Proposed Ecological Site 21) - old Sugar Maple forest
- French River (IBP Proposed Ecological Site 22) - old mixedwood forest, cliffs, and talus slopes
- Oregon (IBP Proposed Ecological Site 23) - old Eastern Hemlock stand above North River
- Second Fork Brook (IBP Proposed Ecological Site 15) - old Sugar Maple stand, waterfall (Margaree River)
- Lone Shieling Black House - trail system through hardwood forest
Provincial Parks and Park Reserves
- Cape Smokey
- North River
- South Lake-O-Law
Proposed Parks and Protected Areas System includes Natural Landscapes 69, 70, 71, and 76, and Candidate Protected Areas 1 Pollets Cove-Aspy Fault, 3 Margaree River, 4 French River, 5 Sugarloaf Mountain, 6 Middle River, and 7 North River.
Scenic Viewpoints
- Cbot Trail (paved road):Lookoffs at Presqu'ile, Cap Rouge, Pleasant Bay, Aspy River, Cape Smokey
- Trails: Chéticamp River, Aspy River, Clyburn Brook, Cape Smokey, North River
|
|