Snake River
This 213-ha property was acquired by the Province in 1975, and regulated as a conservation reserve on June 9, 2003. It comprises about 20% of a much larger (880 ha) provincially significant wetland system. The Snake River, in Site District 5E-12 meanders slowly through a large marsh and swamp system, enroute to the rivermouth at Muskrat Lake. The serpentine river winds through a large flooded swamp of silver and red maple, black ash and elm as well as open marsh areas. This wild forest overtop of organic soil is an island of green habitat in an agricultural landscape. The Snake River marsh likely provides a filtering function for the watershed, catching and holding onto nutrients and chemicals in the runoff from agricultural lands upriver.
Impressions: Mink Creek - Snake River paddle
By Ole Hendrickson and John Almstedt, April 23, 2013
The Mink Creek portion from Cobden Rd. to the Snake is approx. 4.7 km and the Snake River part of the trip to the bridge on Snake River Rd. approx. 13.6 km,.
This early spring paddle along gentle flowing water at flood level is a great way for viewing nature readying itself for summer and also for comparing a heavily impacted agricultural stream with a provincial significant wetland designated as a conservation reserve.
The below map outlines the route in red with the 213-ha provincial Conservation Reserve, Snake River Marsh, in green shading.
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A sketch of Mink Cr. looking south from the Agnew Rd. culvert, April, 27, 2013
Harris Creek