Environmental Information
Environmental Setting
Natural Environment
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Umbata
Falls is approximately 30m high (the drop from the top of the
falls to the exit from the gorge)
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Average
annual river flow at Umbata Falls is estimated to be approximately
65 cubic metres per second
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The area
is characterized by undulating rocky outcrops (composed of granite,
granodiorite, tonalite) and sandy/silt/clay glacial-lacustrine
deposits
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The river consists of
numerous series of long reaches and runs (with
fine substrate) interupted by bedrock controlled rapids and falls,
and
sparsely distributed deep pools |
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The White River contains
a warm water fish community, with major species being northern
pike, walleye and white sucker |
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Typical boreal tree species
in the area include white spruce, balsam fir, white birch and trembling
aspen |
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Common wildlife species include moose,
bear, grouse, small gameand waterfowl |
Social Environment
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Umbata
Falls and the access road alternatives or on Crown Land
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Pukaskwa National Park is
located approximately 1.2km downstream of Umbata Falls |
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White Lake Provincial Park
is located approximately 45km upstream of Umbata Falls. The Ontario
Living Legacy land use strategy proposed to extend the park downstream
to Pukaskwa National Park (200m either side of the river). Hydroelectric
development at sites previously allocated to First Nation communities
was recognized as a permitted, non-conforming use within that addition |
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The White River is designated
as a Class A canoe route in MNR's Distric Land Use Guidelines.
Two portage trail routes are available (access road or shoreline
trail) to bypass the falls |
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The White River Sustainable
Forest surrounds the site area, and is managed by Domtar. Tree
harvest is not permitted adjacent to the river |
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One trapline is managed
in the area and there are three bear management areas. |
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Fishing and hunting are
popular recreational activities in the area |
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There is no mining in the
immediate area, although there are several mining claims 3km to
the north. |
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Hydro-One's 220-kV transmission
line (and bridge over the White River), running northwest - southeast
through the study area is located just downstream from Umbata Falls. |
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The existing access road
to the Umbata Falls site is a private road, constructted when the
hydro line was installed. |
Proceed to next section:
 Environmental
Information - Studies
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