Environmental Impact Assessment of Snowmobiling on Haliburton Forest
Title
Environmental Impact Assessment of Snowmobiling on Haliburton Forest
Author
Sweet, Colleen
Host Organization
Haliburton Forest & Wildlife Preserve
Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve Ltd.
Date
2000
Location of Document
TP-184
Subject
Environmental Studies
Tourism
Environmental Impact Assessment
Forestry
Tourism
Environmental Impact Assessment
Forestry
Abstract
The purpose of this literary review is to examine the air and water pollution issues associated with snowmobiles in order to mitigate for as many of the impacts as feasibly possible. Central themes that emerge in the literature pertaining to the environmental impacts of snowmobiling include pollution associated with two-stroke engines primarily from the exhaust, noise pollution, water pollution, and air pollution specifically in the form of carbon monoxide.
With over fifty lakes and many ponds, streams and creeks, fishing adventures are an important aspect of Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. As part of its multi-use management strategy, it is important to consider the impact of snowmobiling on the aquatic ecosystems found in Haliburton Forest. Specifically, the seasonal phenomenon of spring thaw acid pulse has been examined. Snowmobiling has been shown to have various impacts on water quality. The causes and effects of acid pulse have been examined as well as possible monitoring and mitigation techniques have been proposed. Although acute increases in acidity cause a variety of effects on various aquatic organisms, this report focused mainly on fish, as they are an important aspect of the revenue generated in Haliburton Forest.
With over fifty lakes and many ponds, streams and creeks, fishing adventures are an important aspect of Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. As part of its multi-use management strategy, it is important to consider the impact of snowmobiling on the aquatic ecosystems found in Haliburton Forest. Specifically, the seasonal phenomenon of spring thaw acid pulse has been examined. Snowmobiling has been shown to have various impacts on water quality. The causes and effects of acid pulse have been examined as well as possible monitoring and mitigation techniques have been proposed. Although acute increases in acidity cause a variety of effects on various aquatic organisms, this report focused mainly on fish, as they are an important aspect of the revenue generated in Haliburton Forest.
Publisher
U-Links
Files
Reference
Sweet, Colleen, Environmental Impact Assessment of Snowmobiling on Haliburton Forest, U-Links, 2000