A Beautiful Mixture

The forests of the Mississagi River Valley incorporate both coniferous and deciduous trees. As you travel north along highway 129, which follows the Mississagi River, you will notice the transformation of the forests from the Great Lakes Forest - which consists of mixed hardwood, white pine and hemlock - to the Southern Boreal Forest, which is made up mostly of poplar, black spruce and tamarack.

All of the trees play different parts in the ecosystem. Most softwoods, such as pine and spruce, are used for pulp and lumber. The hardwoods of the area, like maple and oak, are used primarily for veneer and occasionally for lumber. Most of the trees provide excellent shelter and/or food for the local wildlife, and many are used for firewood, or even cut for Christmas trees. Each in its own way represents the Mississagi River Valley.