Eastern Lowlands Ecoregion

The Eastern Lowlands Ecoregion is a vast area of flat-to-gently-rolling terrain sweeping along the entire eastern side of the province - from Dalhousie in the north, to Sackville in the southeast. Elevations are quite low, ranging from sea level along the coast up to 150 metres in the more central parts. The climate is warm and dry. Much of the moisture is carried by air masses in a westerly or southwesterly direction. It then is intercepted by the mountains of the Highlands Ecoregion or the hills of the Fundy Coastal and Valley Lowlands ecoregions. As a result, this ecoregion is the driest in the province.

Its forests are predominantly coniferous due to the flatness of the terrain and poorly-drained acidic soil. Fire-adapted species such as jack pine and black spruce are abundant due to the long dry summers which are associated with an increased frequency of forest fires relative to other areas of the province. Vast peat lands are a prominent feature of this ecoregion.

Provincial Committee
Scientific Committee

Site Description

The Black River site contains 3,946 hectares and borders Kouchibouguac National Park. This site will complement protection provided by the national park, but will remain under provincial administration and authority. Elevations range from 20 - 50 metres. The site is primarily bog, bush and barrens rich with large domed sphagnum moss peat bogs. Stands of stunted black spruce and tamarack are the dominant tree types, with scattered patches of red, white, and jack pine.