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

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.

Publisher

U-Links

Files

Reference

Sweet, Colleen, Environmental Impact Assessment of Snowmobiling on Haliburton Forest, U-Links, 2000