This large and undisturbed fen and peatland in Site District SE-11 supports large Black Spruce and Cedar stands, fen forests, as well as open Black Ash and Cedar swamps. The fen changes from shrubby to forested land, with only a few open water patches. The organic soils of the fen are overtop of extensive marble deposits (OMNR 1999).

This large and undisturbed fen and peatland in Site District SE-11 supports large Black Spruce and Cedar stands, fen forests, as well as open Black Ash and Cedar swamps. The fen changes from shrubby to forested land, with only a few open water patches. The organic soils of the fen are overtop of extensive marble deposits (OMNR 1999).

Representation:

This large peatland is situated on extensive marble bedrock deposits, and supports large Black Spruce-White Cedar fen forests as well as Black Ash-Cedar swamps and open shrubby areas. There are few open water bodies. It is the largest of several fens forests in ecological Site District SE-11.

Rock barrens and shallow till over bedrock are extensive. The Limerick till soils in this area are derived from a crumbly crystalline limestone, which gives the soils a high base content and a higher pH than average for the Site District. This is reflected in the vegetation (Merchant 2001).

Condition:

The fen areas have largely been protected from logging and other development by Eel’s Creek to the west, and by north/south-running ridges around it, and are therefore, relatively undisturbed.

In the upland areas, some forest management stand improvement was carried out in the 1960's.High levels of deer browsing on competitive vegetation have allowed natural White Pine and White Spruce to become established.

Diversity:

The area contains diverse lowland habitats, including treed and open swamps, fens and bogs of varied composition. These are interspersed with islands and ridges of rock barrens and shallow till, which contain mixed forests and open areas. The vegetation communities include species which are uncommon or absent in other parts of Site District SE-11.

Ecological considerations:

The Conservation Reserve is a part of the Peterborough Crown Game Preserve.

Special features:

The fen is the largest of several fen forests in ecological Site District SE-11.

Significance:

The Sharpe Bay Fen Conservation Reserve contains regionally significant fen forests and peatlands. It provides known habitat for the provincially rare Five-lined Skink (Eumeces faciatus).