We had another Snowdown event last October and with the drought, low water and back country entry restrictions this year it is likely there is much tree damage on the Wanipigow R/ Broadleaf route as well as on the Mothers. We have not been in the area since 2017 thus have not done any portage maintenance and from our history, only ourselves and Marten have done the serious portage chainsaw work so the portages could be messy.
We had the big fire in the northern area of Atikaki this year which affect the middle and western portions of the Bloodvein, Leyond, Pigeon and Barrens Rivers. The Bloodvein/Leyond section is considered under control now at 108,000 hectares in size and the northern fire is being monitored at 369,000 hectares.
We allow nature to takes it's course with fires here as it is natural for the forests to burn occasionally. Structures, camps, the main road into the reserves and such are protected but otherwise the forest needs to burn and it has. The area south towards Aiken's is still prime for a large burn and with the fuel on the floor it is possible it will burn as our drought continues.
We travelled the area for 9 years and enjoyed all it had to offer including the wildlife, bears, caribou and cougar to name a few, as well as the quiet, high and low water, peaceful nights and bountiful lakes and rivers.
I'm sure it will beckon others in the coming years and more will stay and enjoy rather than just passing through to the Bloodvein River.
Karin / Christine