Central British Columbia Mountain forests

The Central British Columbia Mountain forests is a temperate coniferous forest ecoregion in north-central British Columbia, as defined by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) categorization system.

Setting

The WWF defines the ecoregion as inhabiting parts of the Stikine Ranges, Skeena Mountains, Omineca Mountains, Muskwa Ranges, and Hart Ranges. The forest is also found along the shores of Williston Lake and Takla Lake, among countless others scattered about the region. Elevations range from 700-2400 metres (2,297-7,874 ft).

Climate

This ecoregion has a predominantly subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) with cool to mild summers and cool to cold winters. The mean annual temperature is just 2°C (35.6°F), the mean summer temperature is 12°C (53.6°F), and the mean winter temperature is -8.5°C (16.7°F). Annual precipitation averages between 500-700 mm (19.7-27.6 in) and is drier in the northwest than in the southeast.

Ecology

Flora

The flora present in this ecoregion varies greatly depending on elevation. Low elevations host forests dominated by western red cedar and western hemlock in the northwest, and forests of lodgepole pine, quaking aspen, and black and white spruce in the southeast. Mid to high elevations throughout the ecoregion host forests of alpine fir, lodgepole pine, and Engelmann and white spruce. The highest elevations, which are found in the far northwest and southeast extremes of the ecoregion, host communities of low-lying arctic lupine, glacier lily, mountain heather, and mountain avens.

Fauna

Mammals found throughout this ecoregion include woodland caribou, elk, moose, black-tailed deer, beaver, wolverine, marten, red fox, wolf, and large populations of black bear and grizzly bear. Bighorn sheep and mountain goat can be found at higher elevations.

Birds that take residence in this ecoregion include goose, grouse, loon, ptarmigan, and a variety of owl species.