Introduction

Alberta-British Columbia Foothills Forests: A Guide to the Temperate Coniferous Forests of Western Canada

Introduction

The Alberta-British Columbia foothills forests are a temperate coniferous forests ecoregion of Western Canada, occupying the Rocky Mountain foothills in western Alberta. As of 2019, there are six types of forests in Alberta:

• Aspen Parkland
• Boreal
• Grassland
• Mountain
• Subalpine
• Upper Foothills

Here's a closer look at the Alberta-British Columbia foothills forests ecoregion:

Characteristics

• Located almost entirely in Alberta, it takes in the Alberta-British Columbia border from Banff north to Jasper.
• Covers an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers.
• Characterized by a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, including lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, trembling aspen, and white spruce.
• Home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, and elk.
• Important for forestry, recreation, and tourism.

Climate

• The climate is temperate, with warm summers and cold winters.
• Average annual precipitation is between 500 and 1,000 millimeters.
• Snowfall is common in the winter, with an average of 150 to 250 centimeters.

Vegetation

• The forests are dominated by coniferous trees, including lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, and white spruce.
• Deciduous trees, such as trembling aspen and paper birch, are also found in the forests.
• The understory is typically composed of shrubs, herbs, and mosses.

Wildlife

• The forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, moose, and elk.
• Other animals that live in the forests include cougars, lynx, bobcats, and coyotes.
• The forests are also home to a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, owls, and woodpeckers.

Conclusion

The Alberta-British Columbia foothills forests are a beautiful and diverse ecoregion with great importance to wildlife, economy, and recreation.