2 table a - forests, lands, natural resource operations & …€¦ · · 2007-04-23table 8....

2007DRA

FT�7

TAble� Summary of climate data for biogeoclimatic units within the guide areaa

Climatic ICH ICH ICH SBS SBS ESSF ESSF ESSF characteristics mm wk1 wk3 dh vkb mm1 wk1b wc3b

Annual precip- Mean n/a 1214.1 n/a 609.4 1249.6 n/a 1043.9 1408.5 itation (mm) Range n/a 867.7–1725.4 n/a 503.1–678.5 989.7–1635.5 n/a n/a 1177.1–1624.7 Growing-season Mean 280.5 385.4 382.5 237.3 472.0 354.3 426.1 510.3precipitation (mm) Range 232.7–328.2 325.0–460.5 280.9–479.1 177.4–289.1 404.6–583.4 339.4–369.1 378.5–490.9 401.6–631.0 Annual Mean n/a 587.6 n/a 210.5 n/a n/a 538.4 782.1 snowfall (cm) Range n/a 374.8–1090.0 n/a 180.3–234.8 n/a n/a n/a n/a Annual temper- Mean n/a 4.4 4.8 3.7 2.6 n/a -0.1 -1.0 ature (°c) Range n/a 2.3–6.9 3.2–6.2 2.8–4.2 1.3–4.0 n/a -1.5–1.4 -3.1–1.1 Growing degree- Mean n/a 1364 n/a 1237 n/a n/a 748 671 days (>5°c) Range n/a 991–1808 n/a 1134–1332 n/a n/a n/a n/a Frost-free Mean n/a 121 n/a 92 n/a n/a 48 75 period (days) Range n/a 104–149 n/a 76–116 n/a n/a n/a n/a a Reynolds, G. 1989. Climatic data summaries for the biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. B.C. Min. For., Research Branch, Victoria, B.C. Unpublished report. b The SBSvk, ESSFwk1, and ESSFwc3 are included for comparison. No long-term climate data exist for the ICHwk4 and ESSFwc2 biogeoclimatic units.

Source publication

LMH 15 Update - Draft

TABLE 8. Summary of climate data for biogeoclimatic units within the guide area a

Biogeoclimatic Unit

Climatic ESSFwc3 ESSFwk2 ESSFmv2 ESSFmv4 Characteristics

Annual Precipitation Mean 1408.5 1537.8 780.4 N/Ab

(mm) Range 1177.1 - 1624.7 1190.4 - 1737.8 414.2 - 1259.3 N/A

Growing Season Mean 510.3 456.7 368.9 N/A Precipitation (mm) Range 401.6 - 631.0 229.9 - 683.7 243.8 - 507.5 N/A

Annual Snowfall Mean 782.1 N/A N/A N/A (cm) Range N/A N/A N/A N/A

Annual Temperature (°C) Mean -1.0 0.3 -0.3 N/A Range -3.1- 1.1 -0.5 - 1.0 -.9-1.9 N/A

Growing Degree Days Mean 67 1 N/A N/A N/A (>5C°) Range N/A N/A N/A N/A

Frost-Free Period Mean 75 N/A N/A N/A (days) Range N/A N/A N/A N/A

a Reynolds, G. 1989. Climatic data summaries for the biogeoclimatic zones of British Columbia. B.C Min. For., Research Branch. Victoria, B.C.

b N/A: not available. Unpublished report.

Source publication

LMH 29

TABLE 9. Some important wildlife species that utilize ESSF variants described in the guide

Occurrence in Variants

Species ESSFmv2 ESSFmv4 ESSFwk2 ESSFwc3

Mountain Goat * * * *

Rocky Mountain Bighorn * Sheep a

Stone Sheep * *

Caribou a * * * *

Elk * *

Moose * * * *

Mule Deer * *

White-tailed Deer *

Grizzly Bear a * * * *

Furbearers * * * *

a denotes species "Blue Listed" by Managing Wildlife to 2001: A Discussion Paper. 1991. B.C. Wildl. Br., B.C. Min. Environ., Victoria, B.C. 152 pp. Because of major declines in their populations, they are considered sensitive and/or deserving of management attention.

4.3 Cariboo Wet Cold Engelmann Spruce - Subalpine Fir 9

Location The ESSFwc3 in the guide area occurs in the Rocky Mountains above the ESSFwk2, predominantly west of the divide as far south as the Morkill River and as far north as the Ospika Arm of Williston Reservoir.

Elevation range 1300 - 1550 m

Climate The ESSFwc3 climate is wet and cold. It is similar to the ESSFwk2 but occurs at higher elevations and is therefore colder with a more persistent snowpack.

Soils, geology and landforms This variant lies south of the Peace River, within the Misinchinka, Hart and Park Ranges of the Rocky Mountains and the McGregor Plateau. The Misinchinka Ranges are the westernmost Rocky Mountain ranges in this subzone and have sedimentary and metamorphosed sedimentary bedrock, including sandstone, conglomerate, and phyllite. These rocks are less resistant to erosion than the limestones and quartzites of the Hart and Park Ranges to the east and southeast, resulting in more rounded summits. Soil parent materials are dominantly morainal and colluvial, with textures ranging from medium to coarse, depending on the underlying bedrock type. Brunisols and Luvisols are associated with calcareous materials (i.e., derived from limestone bedrock), while Podzols are found on non-calcareous parent materials. The McGregor Plateau is at the eastern edge of the Interior Plateau, between the offset ends of the northern and southern portions of the Rocky Mountain Trench. Bedrock types consist of sedimentary and metamorphosed sedimentary rocks of Cambrian and Precambrian age. Humo-Ferric Podzols have formed on parent materials consisting predominantly of medium-textured morainal and colluvial deposits.

Distinguishing the ESSFwc3 from adjoining biogeoclimatic units ESSFwk2 has:

• more devil's club but less Indian hellebore and Sitka valerian on mesic

and wetter sites.

Forests Forests in the ESSFwc3 tend to be widely spaced and clumpy and are generally dominated by subalpine fir and/or Engelmann spruce.

Wildlife High elevation rugged bedrock outcrops on warmer aspects near scrubby stands of subalpine fir and Engelmann spruce are used in winter by Mountain Goat. Moist subalpine sites are used in summer by Mountain Goat, Caribou, Moose, Wolverine, Gray Wolf, and Willow Ptarmigan. In the upper subalpine,

9

Formerly ESSFh2, and ESSFh3 above 1300 m.

65

Source publication

LMH 29

subalpine fir stands with arboreal lichen support Caribou during the winter. Avalanche tracks are important for Grizzly Bear in the spring and are used by Mountain Goat, Caribou, Blue Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan, and White-tailed Ptarmigan.

66

Soil nutrient regime

Very poor Poor Medium Rich Very rich

A B C D E

Very xeric 0

Xeric 1

Subxeric 2

Submesic 3

Mesic 4

Subhygric 5

Hygric 6

Subhydric 7

0 1 Bl- Rhododendron - Oak fern

0 2 Bl- Rhododendron - Queen’s cup

0 3 Bl- Globeflower - Horsetail

FIGURE 13. Edatopic grid displaying site series o f the ESSFwc3 variant.

67

Site Units 02 01 03

Trees

Abies lasiocarpa

Picea engelmannii

Rhododendron albiflorum

Vaccinium membranaceum

Vaccinium ovalifolium

Ribes lacustre

Clintonia uniflora

Rubus pedatus

Gymnocarpium dryopteris

Dryopteris expansa

Veratrum viride

Shrubs

Herbs and Dwarf Shrubs

Streptopus roseus

Valeriana sitchensis

Senecio triangularis

Cladonia spp.

Barbilophozia lycopodioides

Pleurozium schreberi

Rhytidiopsis robusta

Mnium spp.

Brachythecium hylotapetum

Mosses and Lichens

Figure 14 ESSFwc3 vegetation table

subalpine fir

Engelmann spruce

white-flowered rhododendron

black huckleberry

oval-leaved blueberry

black gooseberry

queen's cup

five-leaved bramble

oak fern

spiny wood fern

Indian hellebore

rosy twistedstalk

Sitka valerian

arrow-leaved groundsel

cladonia lichens

common leafy liverwort

red-stemmed feathermoss

pipecleaner moss

leafy mosses

woodsy ragged moss

Prominence class:

la Soils generally shallow to bedrock (<35 cm thick); usually upper to crest slope postion; lichens dominate the moss layer; Gymnocarpium dryopteris (p. 293)10 or Senecio triangularis (p. 107) generally low cover (< 1% cover) or absent.

ESSFwc3/02

Soils generally deep (>35 cm thick); slope position variable; few lichens in moss layer; Gymnocarpium dryopteris or Senecio triangularis moderate to high cover (> 1% cover).

2a Seepage water generally absent during dry part of summer; Rhododendron albiflorum (p. 41) abundant (> 20% cover), Senecio triangularis generally absent.

ESSFwc3/0 1

Seepage water generally present during dry part of summer; Rhododendron albiflorum low to moderate cover (< 10%) or absent, Senecio triangularis present.

ESSFwc3/03

1b

2b

10 Page numbers refer to the publication Plants of Northern British Columbia (MacKinnon et al. 1992).

69

B l - Rhododendron - Oak fern

VEGETATION

Tree Layer: 30% subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce

Shrub Layer: 60% Rhododendron albiflorum (white-flowered rhododendron) Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry) Vaccinium ovalifolium (oval-leaved blueberry) [Ribes lacustre (black gooseberry)] subalpine fir Engelmann spruce

Herb Layer: 40% Gymnocarpium dryopteris (oak fern) Veratrum viride (Indian hellebore) Valeriana sitchensis (Sitka valerian) Rubus pedatus (five-leaved bramble) Tiarella unifoliata (one-leaved foamflower) Streptopus roseus (rosy twistedstalk) Dryopteris expansa (spiny wood fern) [Arnica latifolia (mountain arnica)]

Moss Layer: 55% Mnium spp. (leafy mosses) [Pleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss)] [Rhytidiopsis robusta (pipecleaner moss)] [Barbilophozia lycopodioides (common leafy liverwort)]

[Brachythecium spp. (ragged mosses)]

SOIL AND SITE

Moisture Regime: 3-4 (sm-m) Nutrient Regime: B-C (p-m) Slope Gradient (%): 0-60

* Slope Position:

* Soil Texture:

mid - (crest), often mid slope

medium - coarse Parent Material: morainal or colluvial

Coarse Fragments (%): 3-80

DISTRIBUTION: very common

70

B l - Rhododendron - Oak fern (ESSFwc3/01)

INTERPRETATIONS

Site limitations: - sites within this unit with thick organic horizons (> 10 cm) have reduced spring soil temperatures, slowing root development; reduce organic horizon thickness during site preparation.

Silviculture system: - partial cut (see Section 5.1) - log on firm snowpack to protect advance regeneration. - reduce spruce beetle hazard by avoiding high stumps

and shaded slash > 15 cm diameter.

- motor manual or no site preparation Site preparation:

Species choice: - Bl, Se

Vegetation potential: - high (white-flowered rhododendron. Sitka valerian) - vegetation competition not reduced during harvesting

must be addressed during site preparation.

Reforestation: - very difficult sites to regenerate; must preserve advance regeneration and some overstory trees for protection of the regeneration.

Concerns: - these sites represent important caribou habitat; discuss prescription with wildlife personnel.

- site conditions may lead to frost damage of regeneration, especially in any naturally occurring or artificially created depression; leaving a partial canopy and/or preserving advance regeneration are advised.

- trafficability will be a problem on these sites during the summer.

- heavy snowpack may cause stem deformity, especially on steep slopes; obstacle planting is advised.

- sites within this unit with restricted rooting and/or thick organic horizons, have increased windthrow hazard; block layouts must have wind-firm boundaries.

- spruce beetle may infest partial cut stands after harvesting; minimize blowdown and avoid mechanical damage to residuals.

- tomentosus root rot may cause minor problems in mature spruce-dominated stands.

71

Bl - Rhododendron - Queen’s cup

VEGETATION

Tree Layer: 20% subalpine fir, Engelmann spruce, [lodgepole pine]

Shrub Layer: 75% Rhododendron albiflorum (white-flowered rhododendron) Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry) subalpine fir

Herb Layer: 10% Rubus pedatus (trailing raspberry) [Arnica latifolia (mountain arnica)] [Clintonia uniflora (queen’s cup)] [Gymnocarpium dryopteris (oak fern)]

Moss Layer: 75% Cladonia spp. (cladonia lichens) Pleurozium schreberi (red-stemmed feathermoss) Barbilophozia lycopodioides (common leafy liverwort) [Barbilophozia floerkei (mountain leafy liverwort)]

SOIL AND SITE

Moisture Regime: 1-3 (x-sm)

Slope Gradient (%):

Parent Material: colluvial or morainal

Nutrient Regime: A-B (vp-p) 0-62, often < 30 upper - crest

coarse - very coarse 15-80, usually > 50

* Slope Position:

* Soil Texture: * Coarse Fragments (%):

DISTRIBUTION: common in rocky areas and on upper slopes

COMMENTS: Shallow to bedrock (< 35 cm)

72

Bl- Rhododendron - Queen’s cup (ESSFwc3/02)

INTERPRETATIONS

Site limitations: - site and soil conditions of this unit result in marginal productivity; all attempts should be made to exclude logging from this unit.

Silvicultural system: - avoid logging

73

Bl- Globeflower - Horsetail

VEGETATION

Tree Layer: 30% Engelmann spruce, subalpine fir

Shrub Layer: 35% Vaccinium membranaceum (black huckleberry) Rhododendron albiflorum (white-flowered rhododendron) Ribes lacustre (black gooseberry) subalpine fir [Engelmann spruce]

Herb Layer: 65% Senecio triangularis (arrow-leaved groundsel) Viola spp. Valeriana sitchensis (Sitka valerian) Streptopus roseus (rosy twistedstalk) Thalictrum occidentale (western meadowrue) Veratrum viride (Indian hellebore) Trollius laxus (globeflower) Tiarella unifoliata (one-leaved foamflower) Arnica cordifolia (heart-leaved arnica) Heracleum lanatum (cow-parsnip) Mitella breweri (Brewer’s mitrewort) [Equisetum arvense (common horsetail)]

(violets)

Moss Layer: 60% Brachythecium hylotapetum (woodsy ragged moss) Mnium spp. (leafy mosses) [Marchantia polymorpha (green-tongue liverwort)]

SOIL AND SITE

Moisture Regime: 4-6 (m-h) Nutrient Regime: C-D (m-r)

* Slope Gradient (%): * Slope Position:

Parent Material: Soil Texture: medium - coarse Coarse Fragments (%): 34-60

0-67, often < 20 variable, often mid - lower morainal, colluvial or fluvial

DISTRIBUTION: common

COMMENTS: seepage water generally present

74

Bl - Globeflower - Horsetail (ESSFwc3/03)

INTERPRETATIONS

Site limitations: - site and soil conditions of this unit result in marginal productivity; all attempts should be m a d e to exclude logging from this unit.

Silviculture system: - avoid logging

75

APPENDIX 1. New names for biogeoclimatic and site units in the Northern Rockies portion of the Prince George Forest Region

Old Biogeoclimatic Units and New Biogeoclimatic Units and Site Ecosystem Associations Series

ESSFn1 ESSFmv2

01 White-flowered Rhododendron - Black 01 Bl - Rhododendron - Feathermoss

02 Pine - Black huckleberry 02 Bl - Lingonberry

03 Bunchberry - Stiff Clubmoss 01 Bl - Rhododendron - Feathermoss

04 White-flowered Rhododendron - Oak 04 Bl - Oak fern - Knight’s plume

05 Pine - Black Spruce 03 BlSb - Labrador tea

06 Devil’s club - Oak fern 05 Bl - Devil’s club - Rhododendron

Not previously described

ESSFn2 ESSFmv4

01 White-flowered Rhododendron - Black 01 Bl - Rhododendron - Feathermoss

02 Pine - Black huckleberry

03 White-flowered Rhododendron - Step

04 Currant - Gooseberry 04 Bl - Rhododendron - Horsetail

05 Pine - Black Spruce 03 BlSb - Labrador tea

06 Spruce - Horsetail 05 Bl - Alder - Horsetail

ESSFh3 (above 1300 m) ESSFwc3

01 Rhododendron - Oak fern 01 Bl - Rhododendron - Oak fern



ESSFh3 (below 1300 m) ESSFwk2

01 Rhododendron - Oak fern 01 Bl - Oakfern - Knight’s plume

02 Rhododendron - Black huckleberry

03 Devil’s club - Oak fern 04 Bl - Devil’s club - Rhododendron

04 Thimbleberry - Oak fern (in part)

04 Thimbleberry - Oak fern (in part)

05 Rhododendron - Horsetail 06 Bl - Horsetail - Sphagnum

06 Bog Ecosystems 31 Non-forested Bog

huckleberry

fern

06 Bl - Alder - Horsetail

huckleberry

02 BlPl - Crowberry - Cladina

01 Bl - Rhododendron - Feathermoss moss

02 Bl- Rhododendron - Queen's cup

03 Bl - Globeflower - Horsetail

02 Bl - Oakfern - Sarsaparilla

03 Bl - Oakfern - Bluebells

05 Bl - Rhododendron - Lady fern

138

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5�5 - 2

BGC UNITS

Mean annual precipitation averages about 1100 mm, of which about60% falls during the winter period from October to April. Mean annualsnowfall averages about 660 cm, and maximum snowpack depths aretypically 180�300 cm. The snowpack generally begins to accumulate inmid-October and builds quickly before the ground freezes deeply. As aresult, soils are seldom frozen in mid-winter. Snow generally lies on theground until late May or early June.

No climatic data are available for the ESSF Zone on the leeward side ofthe Coast Mountains or on the western Fraser Plateau. However,vegetation and soils of this part of the ESSF as well as data from theupper elevations of the MSxv clearly indicate that the climate issignificantly drier and colder than that of the Quesnel Highland portion

TABLE 4 Environmental characteristics of ESSF subzones and variants in the Cariboo Forest Regiona

ESSFxv ESSFdc2 ESSFwk1 ESSFwc3

Area (km2) 3802 196 3610 2183Elevation range (m) 1650�

21001400�1900

1200�1500

1500�1800

Climate no dataPrecipitation (mm)

Mean annual 839.0 1044.0 1408.0Mean summer 431.0 516.0Mean winter 619.0 871.0Mean annual snowfall (cm) 538.0 782.0

Temperature(°C)Mean annual -0.2 -0.1 -1.0Mean - warmest

month 9.0 8.6Mean - coldest month

-11.0 -12.6

Frost-free days 121.0 140.0Soils

Zonal soilsb O.HF.P. O.HF.P.E.Dy.B.

O.HF.P. O.HF.P.

Zonal humus formc HR HR HR HRaThe ESSFxc and ESSFmv1 are not included here due to their very small extent within the Cariboo Forest Region; refer to site identification guides for the Kamloops (ESSFxc) and Prince George (ESSFmv1) forest regions. The ESSFxv includes the ESSFxv1 and the ESSFxv2.bO.HF.P. = Orthic Humo-Ferric Podzol; E.Dy.B. = Eluviated Dystric BrunisolcHR = HemiMor

Source publication

LMH 39

5�5 - 6

BG

C U

NIT

S

TreeLayer

ShrubLayer

HerbLayer

MossLayer

Biogeoclimatic Unit Pinus albicaulis

Pinus contorta Abies lasiocarpa

Picea engelmannii Juniperus communis

Shepherdia canadensis Vaccinium membranaceum Rhododendron albiflorum

Vaccinium ovalifolium Ribes lacustre

Vaccinium scopariumArnica cordifolia

Lupinus arcticus Orthilia secunda

Aster foliaceus Potentilla diversifolia Pedicularis bracteosa

Vaccinium caespitosum Cornus canadensis Clintonia uniflora Tiarella trifoliata

Gymnocarpium dryopteris Lycopodium annotinum

Valeriana sitchensis Veratrum viride

Streptopus roseus Tiarella unifoliata

Mitella breweri Peltigera spp.

Cladonia spp. Ptilidium spp. Cetraria spp.

Peltigera aphthosa Dicranum spp.

Brachythecium spp. Ptilium crista-castrensis

Pleurozium schreberi Mnium spp.

Barbilophozia spp. Rhytidiopsis robusta

whitebark pinelodgepole pinesubalpine firEngelmann sprucecommon junipersoopolallieblack huckleberrywhite-flowered rhododendronoval-leaved blueberryblack gooseberrygrouseberryheart-leaved arnicaarctic lupineone-sided wintergreenleafy asterdiverse-leaved cinquefoilbracted lousewortdwarf blueberrybunchberryqueen's cupthree-leaved foamfloweroak fernstiff clubmossSitka valerianIndian helleborerosy twistedstalkone-leaved foamflowerBrewer's mitrewortpelt lichenscladonia lichens

cetraria lichensfreckle peltheron's-bill mossesragged mossesknight's plumered-stemmed feathermossleafy mossesleafy liverwortspipecleaner moss

TABLE 5 ESSF vegetation table - zonal sitesa

ESSFxv11

5

3

1

1

1

1

3

3

3

2

1

1

3

1

4

1

ESSFwc3

5

5

4

5

1

3

1

1

3

2

4

3

3

3

1

1

3

4

3

3

4

3

ESSFwk1

4

5

3

4

3

3

2

3

3

3

5

3

3

3

3

1

1

3

3

5

5

4

3

ESSFxv2

5

1

1

3

1

3

3

1

3

2

2

3

3

5

2

1

3

3

3

aSpecies abundance: 1 present in 40�60% of plots surveyed; 2 >60% of plots, mean cover <1%; 3 >60% of plots, mean cover 1�7%;

4 >60% of plots, mean cover >7�15%; 5 >60% of plots, mean cover >15%ESSFxc, ESSFdc2, and ESSFmv1 not included due to no data from Cariboo Forest Region.

Source publication

LMH 39

5�5 - 9

ESSF

hilly on the western edge of the Quesnel Highland to rugged mountain-ous to the west, in the Cariboo Mountains.

The ESSFwk1 is the wettest biogeoclimatic unit of the Cariboo ForestRegion (mean annual precipitation 1044 mm) with the exception of theESSFwc3 and associated alpine tundra areas. About 40% of theprecipitation falls during the growing season from May to Septemberand about 50% falls as snow. High-precipitation periods are typicallyearly winter and early summer. Thunderstorms contribute significantprecipitation throughout the summer season. Maximum snowpack inmid-winter is generally about 2�2.5 m and snow usually lies on theground from mid-November to late May or early June. Althoughsummers are cool and winters are cold, growing seasons are probably notas cold as those of the ESSFwc3 or ESSFxv, where elevations are higherand rates of night-time radiation cooling are greater. Soils are generallynot frozen during winter months due to the insulating snow cover, butoften do not warm significantly during the summer months, especiallywhere soils are moist and insulated by a forest floor. On moist and wetsites, summer soil temperatures seldom exceed 10°C. Moisture deficitsare apparently uncommon in the ESSFwk1.

Vegetation of the ESSFwk1 is distinguished from that of other ESSFunits in the Cariboo Forest Region by a vigorous and diverse herbaceousundergrowth, which includes oak fern, three-leaved foamflower, rosytwistedstalk, and abundant feathermosses. In contrast to drier subzones(ESSFxv, ESSFxc), it does not have grouseberry or abundant groundlichens. Mature and old forests of Engelmann spruce and subalpine firblanket the ESSFwk1 landscape. Stands are typically multi-layered andcomprised of stems of all size and age classes. Engelmann spruce aretypically the largest and oldest trees in the stand and dominate the uppercanopy. Subalpine fir is the most abundant species in the lower canopyand in the regeneration layers due to its less exacting seedbed require-ments and greater shade tolerance. Spruce regeneration occurs on raisedsites, especially where mineral soil is exposed, and in canopy openings.Undergrowth vegetation in the ESSFwk1 is dominated by ericaceousshrubs, ferns, low forbs, and mosses.

ESSFwc3 Variant The ESSFwc3 includes the highest-elevation forestsof the Quesnel Highland. It occurs above the ESSFwk1 and below theAlpine Tundra Zone at elevations of 1500�1800 m.

Source publication

LMH 39

5�5 - 10

BGC UNITS

The ESSFwc3 is the wettest biogeoclimatic unit of the Cariboo ForestRegion, with the possible exception of alpine areas at higher elevations.Recorded mean annual precipitation is more than 50% greater than thatof the ICHwk. Precipitation patterns are similar to those of theESSFwk1; about 55% falls as snow, resulting in a peak snowpack of 2�3m. Snow lies on the ground from mid-November until early June.Growing seasons are cool and winters are cold. Frost occurs in allmonths, although probably not as frequently as in the ESSFxv.

The ESSFwc3 natural landscape is covered primarily by mature and oldforests of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. In contrast to theESSFwk1, these forests are often dominated by subalpine fir and have amore open canopy, and trees often have a more clumped distribution. Atupper elevations of the ESSFwc3, the forest is increasingly interruptedby small wet meadows and shrublands. The undergrowth vegetation onmesic sites is characterized by a very dense shrub layer, consistingprimarily of white-flowered rhododendron. Ground cover of herbaceousspecies is often sparse but includes several low forbs such as three-leaved foamflower, five-leaved bramble, and oak fern. Feathermosses areless common and other mosses such as Brachythecium spp. andDicranum spp. are more common than in the ESSFwk1. In contrast tothe ESSFdc2 and ESSFxv, grouseberry is not present in the ESSFwc3.

Engelmann sprucePicea engelmannii

Subalpine firAbies lasiocarpa

6�8 - 1

ESSFwc3

ESSFwc3ENGELMANN SPRUCE�SUBALPINE FIR

WET COLD SUBZONECARIBOO VARIANT

The ESSFwc3 includes the highest-elevation forests (generally above1500 m) of the Quesnel Highland and Cariboo Mountains in thenortheastern portion of the Cariboo Forest Region. It always occurs atelevations above the ESSFwk1 Variant and below the Alpine TundraZone. Elevations are typically 1500�1800 m. The ESSFwc3 receives,on average, more precipitation than any other forested subzone in theCariboo Forest Region.

Distinguishing Adjacent Units from the ESSFwc3

The ESSFwc3 borders two other biogeoclimatic units: the AT (andassociated parkland forest) at higher elevations and the ESSFwk1 atlower elevations.

In the ESSFwk1, zonal sites have:� common bunchberry and feathermosses;� relatively closed forest canopy;� less abundant white-flowered rhododendron;� less subalpine fir in the upper forest canopy;� little or no bracted lousewort.

In the AT (and parkland) zonal sites have:� predominantly non-forest (meadow, shrubland, etc.) vegetation;� trees rarely more than 8 m tall.

Site Units of the ESSFwc3

Three ESSFwc3 forested site series have been described to date. It isanticipated that others are present and will be described in subsequentupdates of this guide.

Zonal Site Series 01 Bl - Rhododendron - Oak fern Site Seriesdominates the ESSFwc3 landscape and includes most gentle to moder-ately steep, middle and upper slope positions. Soils are developedprimarily on loamy morainal or colluvial deposits. Subalpine fir andEngelmann spruce are the only common tree species.

Source publication

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6�8 - 2

SITE UNITS

Quesnel

Horsefly

Williams LakeAlexis Creek

100 Mile House

Clinton

ko

Distribution of ESSFwc3 Variantin the Cariboo Forest Region

0 10 20 km.

6�8 - 3

ESSFwc3

Subalpine fir most often dominates the forest canopy but large Engel-mann spruce trees are usually scattered throughout the stand. Theregeneration layer consists primarily of subalpine fir, which oftenestablishes by �layering.� Relatively few spruce seedlings are present,mostly on raised mineral soil microsites. Tree distribution in maturestands tends to be clumped, with non-treed patches in areas of late-lyingsnow or cold, wet soils. The undergrowth vegetation of mature forestshas dense white-flowered rhododendron and lesser amounts of blackhuckleberry and oval-leaved blueberry. Several forb species with a lowto moderate cover are present, including rosy twistedstalk, five-leavedbramble, Sitka valerian, one-leaved foamflower, mountain arnica, Indianhellebore, and oak fern. Bryophyte cover is nearly continuous anddominated by liverworts, leafy mosses, and Dicranum moss species.

Drier Forested Sites Sites drier than those of the zonal site series arerelatively uncommon, occurring on ridge tops and upper slopes withshallow or coarse gravelly soils. These sites are distinguished by havinga relatively small cover of herbaceous plants but abundant lichens.

02 Bl - Rhododendron - Queen�s cup Site Series occurs on ridgetops and steep upper slopes on shallow soils, often with a high coarsefragment content. These are mostly small, localized sites. The matureforest canopy is typically dominated by subalpine fir but includesseveral scattered Engelmann spruce. Lodgepole pine occurs in someyoung stands. The undergrowth is characterized by a dense cover ofwhite-flowered rhododendron and a sparse cover of low forbs.Dicranum mosses and lichens dominate the bryophyte/lichen layer.

Wetter Forested Sites Sites wetter than those of the zonal site series arecommon in the ESSFwc3, occurring on lower, toe, and depression slopepositions. Compared to the zonal site series they have considerablymore arrow-leaved groundsel, globeflower, and leatherleaf saxifrage, andless white-flowered rhododendron, heart-leaved twayblade, and stiffclubmoss.

03 Bl - Globeflower - Horsetail Site Series occurs on soils wetted bysurface seepage water throughout most of the growing season. Theseoccur primarily on middle and lower slope positions but also on upperslopes, where they are below late-lying snowbanks. Soils often havean Ah horizon. The mature forest canopy is very patchy, includingsmall clumps of several trees surrounded by treeless patches wheresoils are wet and cold or snow lies late. The forest canopy is

6�8 - 4

SITE UNITS

dominated by subalpine fir and large, more widely spaced Engelmannspruce. Tree regeneration is predominantly subalpine fir and mostfrequently established on raised microsites. The undergrowth ischaracterized by a poorly developed shrub layer and a high percentcover of herbaceous plants, including several characteristically wet-sitesubalpine meadow species such as arrow-leaved groundsel andglobeflower. The moss layer is dominated by liverworts, leafy mosses,and Brachythecium species. The absence or low cover of white-flowered rhododendron distinguishes these sites from those of the /01site series.

Non-forested Sites Wetlands are common on level to gently sloping sitesalong drainage channels and in seepage areas fed by prolonged snow-melt. Fens are the most common wetland type. Sedges, rushes, cotton-grass, and several wetland forbs dominate these sites. Moist northaspects in the ESSFwc3 frequently have dense shrub communitiesdominated by Sitka alder. Avalanche tracks are common in the steeperterrain of this variant. These slopes are frequently dominated by Sitkaalder as well as several species of tall forbs and grasses.

Key to Site Units of the ESSFwc3

1a. Soils thin (mostly <35 cm); bedrock outcrops usually present;moisture regime xeric or subxeric; crest or upper slope positions;ground lichens abundant; total herb cover relatively sparse(<20%cover)

ESSFwc3/02 Bl - Rhododendron - Queen�s cup

1b. Soils deeper (>35 cm); bedrock outcrops generally absent; moistureregime submesic to subhygric; upper to lower and toe slopepositions; ground lichens not abundant; total herb cover generally>20%.

2a. Moisture regime submesic or mesic; no significant seepageinputs; white-flowered rhododendron cover greater than 20%;arrow-leaved groundsel and globeflower absent or incidental.

ESSFwc3/01 Bl - Rhododendron - Oak fern

2b. Moisture regime subhygric or hygric; temporary to permanentseepage present; white-flowered rhododendron cover sparse(<10%); arrow-leaved groundsel and globeflower present.

ESSFwc3/03 Bl - Globeflower - Horsetail

6�8 - 5

ES

SF

wc3

03

01

02

MediumC

RichD

VeryRich

EPoor

B

Soil Nutrient Regime

Soi

l Moi

stu

re R

egim

eSite Series01 Bl - Rhododendron - Oak fern02 Bl - Rhododendron - Queen's cup03 Bl - Globeflower - Horsetail

VeryPoor

A

Very Xeric0

Xeric1

Subxeric2

Submesic3

Mesic4

Subhygric5

Hygric6

Subhydric7

ESSFwc3 Edatopic Grid

6�8 - 6

SIT

E U

NIT

SESSFwc3 Landscape Profile

01

01

03 03

0301

01

01

02M-C

R

M-F

SouthAspect

NorthAspect

M-CM-C

M-C

M-CM-C

M-C

M-CM

Soil Particle SizeF - FineM - MediumC - CoarseR - Bedrocksee Appendix 10 for definitions

Tree Symbolssee Appendix 2 for definitions

6�8 - 7

ES

SF

wc3

Site Features of ESSFwc3 Site SeriesSite Series 01 02 03

Key Features zonal and other gentle to steeplysloping sites with submesic ormesic moisture regime

crest and upper slope positions withthin (<35 cm) soils overlyingbedrock; rock outcrops usuallypresent

mid and lower slope positions withintermittent or permanent near-surface seepage

Soil Moisture /Nutrient Regimes

submesic, mesic / poor - rich xeric, subxeric / poor - rich subhygric, hygric / poor - rich

Slope Position mid, upper, gentle crests crest, upper mid, lower, toe, depressionAspect all all, but predominantly

south and westall

Slope Grade (%)

0 - 45 (60) 0 - 45 (60) 0 - 45 (60)

Soil Texture gravelly loamy gravelly and rubbly coarse loamy gravelly loamy

Humus Form andThickness (cm)

Hemimor, Mormoder2 - 8

Xeromor,Hemimor1 - 4

Mormoder,Hydromoder,Humimor3 - 20

Occurrence / Size /Distribution

very common / moderate / wide common / small / wide common / moderate / wide

6�8 - 8

SIT

E U

NIT

S

Site Unit Pinus contorta

Abies lasiocarpa Picea engelmannii Sorbus sitchensis

Rhododendron albiflorum Vaccinium membranaceum

Ribes lacustre Arnica latifolia

Clintonia uniflora Lycopodium annotinum

Rubus pedatus Dryopteris expansa

Listera cordata Gymnocarpium dryopteris

Streptopus roseus Veratrum viride

Tiarella trifoliata Valeriana sitchensis

Vahlodea atropurpurea Tiarella trifoliata

Mitella breweri Viola glabella

Parnassia fimbriata Pedicularis bracteosa

Arnica cordifolia Heracleum lanatum

Thalictrum occidentale Trollius laxus

Senecio triangularis Peltigera aphthosa

Cladonia spp. Pleurozium schreberi

Barbilophozia lycopodioides Dicranum spp.

Rhizomnium nudum Rhytidiopsis robusta

Brachythecium spp. Marchantia polymorpha

ESSFwc3 Vegetation Tablea

TreeLayer

ShrubLayer

HerbLayer

MossLayer

021

4

3

2

5

4

3

3

2

3

2

1

1

2

3

4

3

5

01

5

5

1

5

4

3

1

1

2

3

2

2

3

3

3

3

4

1

1

1

1

1

3

3

3

3

3

4

03

4

5

3

3

3

1

4

3

3

4

2

2

3

3

1

2

3

3

3

3

4

1

3

5

1

lodgepole pinesubalpine firEngelmann spruceSitka mountain-ashwhite-flowered rhododendronblack huckleberryblack gooseberrymountain arnicaqueen's cupstiff clubmossfive-leaved bramblespiny wood fernheart-leaved twaybladeoak fernrosy twistedstalkIndian helleborefoamflowerSitka valerianmountain hairgrassthree-leaved foamflowerBrewer's mitrewortstream violetfringed grass-of-Parnassusbracted lousewortheart-leaved arnicacow-parsnipwestern meadowrueglobeflowerarrow-leaved groundselfreckle peltcladonia lichensred-stemmed feathermosscommon leafy liverwortheron's-bill mossesleafy mosspipecleaner mossragged mossesgreen-tongue liverwort

a Species abundance: 1 present in 40�60% of plots surveyed; 2 >60% of plots, mean cover <1%; 3 >60% of plots, mean cover 1�7%;

4 >60% of plots, mean cover >7�15%; 5 >60% of plots, mean cover >15%

7�8 - 1

ESSFwc3

ESSFwc3 Silviculture Considerations

Silviculture Practices and Options

� Predominant silviculture system in the ESSFwc3 is currently even-aged (clearcutting) management with artificial regeneration (promptplanting of spruce) following prescribed burning or mechanical sitepreparation (predominantly scarification or mounding) to controlcompeting vegetation.

� Partial harvest systems experience is very limited; early research results(pre�free growing) indicate that .03 and .13 ha clearings in a groupselection system can likely be regenerated by planting Se and Bl butgrowth is slow; single tree selection systems would likely be lesssuccessful due to lower survival and growth of planted stock and thegenerally low quality of advance regeneration.

� Advance regeneration is predominantly Bl. Advance Bl and Seregeneration <25 cm tall is generally of good form and vigour, andgenerally responds to canopy opening by increased height growth; tallerBl stems are often quite old and damaged, and have incipient decay.

� Natural restocking of sites with Bl and Se within accepted regenera-tion delay period requires abundant seed on exposed mineral soil ormixed mineral/organic soil; seed abundance and quality generally are notreliable from year to year and may decline significantly with higherelevation; most seed falls within two tree lengths of the mature standedge.

� Lodgepole pine regeneration in the ESSFwc3 is limited by snowpressand snowcreep damage. Competing vegetation significantly affects earlysurvival and growth of lodgepole pine, but, due to rapid initial growth,lodgepole pine can grow relatively quickly above competing vegetation.

Principal Insect and Disease Concerns

Heart rots are less frequent and less damaging to subalpine fir in theESSFwc3 than in most other biogeoclimatic units; dominant andcodominant subalpine fir stems are often sound.Tomentosus root rot causes reduced vigour and death of spruce andsubalpine fir.Risk of spruce beetle is moderate to high and can have locally high

Source publication

LMH 39

7�8 - 2

SILVICULTURE CONSIDERATIONS

impacts, especially in areas with abundant windthrow or poor logging.Two-year-cycle budworm could have severe impacts on regeneration inpartial harvest systems.Impacts of white pine weevil (spruce weevil) are probably minimized byhigh elevations.

Silviculture Considerations Table � Harvest Assumptions

No or limited canopy refers to clearcuts and larger (generally >60 mwide) group selection systems.

Canopy present refers primarily to group selection systems with smallto moderate-size (25�60 m wide) harvested groups.

7�8 - 3

ES

SF

wc3

ESSFwc3 Site Series - Silviculture ConsiderationsSiteseries

Ecologicallyadapted treespecies

Principal site factors limiting treeestablishment and early growth

No or limited canopy Canopy present

Vegetation potential and complex

01 P:BlSe

S:Pl

summer frostsBl, Se Bl, Selight deficits (vegetation overtop)Bl, Se, Pl Bl, Se, Plcold soilsBl, Se, Pl Bl, Se, Plsnowpress/creepBl, Se, Pl Bl, Se, Pl

medium; Ericaceous shrubs - rhododendron.

�dense white-flowered rhododendron changes little followingcanopy removal but recovers slowly after clearing or damageto above-ground stems;

�cover of herb layer often increases dramatically followingreduction in shrub cover.

�survival and growth of planted Se generally adequate to restock site if vegetation controlled at planting spot; growth ofseedlings best if planted on raised microsites or exposed mineral soil; snowcreep damage least on raised microsites anddownslope of barriers; seedlings on shady side of stump may become etiolated;

�medium-intensity broadcast burn will reduce above-ground competing vegetation for 2�4 years and warm soils;�frost damage greatest on gentle lower and toe slope positions with no forest canopy;�use of Pl limited by its low shade tolerance and susceptibility to snowpress and snowcreep;�advance Bl and Se regeneration <25 cm tall may contribute significantly to crop tree stocking; taller stems often have poorform and incipient decay; advance Bl regeneration often originates by layering;

�natural restocking by Bl and Se requires abundant seed on exposed mineral soil or mixed mineral/organic soil; seedproduction not predictable from year to year and may decline significantly with increasing elevation.

7�8 - 4

SIL

VIC

UL

TU

RE

CO

NS

IDE

RA

TIO

NS

ESSFwc3 Site Series - Silviculture Considerations(continued)Siteseries

Ecologicallyadapted treespecies

Principal site factors limiting treeestablishment and early growth

No or limited canopy Canopy present

Vegetation potential and complex

02 P:BlSePl

moisture deficitsBl, Se Secold soilsBl, Se Bl, Se, Pllight deficitsPl Se, Plsnowpress/creepPl Pl

low to medium; Ericaceous shrub - rhododendron

�dense white-flowered rhododendron cover changes littlefollowing canopy removal but recovers slowly after clearingor damage of above-ground stems.

�survival and growth of planted Bl, Se, and Pl generally adequate to restock site if vegetation controlled at planting spotand seedlings planted on exposed mineral soil, downslope of barriers to snowcreep; short, large-diameter plugs best;

�Bl and Se growth on these sites generally slow; limited by dryness, short cool growing season, and shallow soils;�maintenance of soil organic layers and woody debris important for long-term site productivity and natural regeneration.

03 P:BlSe

summer frostBl, Se Bl, Selight deficit (vegetation overtop)Bl, Se Bl, Secold, wet soilsBl, Se Bl, Sesnowpress/creepBl, Se Bl, Se

low - medium; Subalpine herb

�vegetation increases following canopy opening but is limitedby cold, wet soils; soils warmed by removal of organic layeror by drainage may develop dense herbaceous vegetation.

�survival and growth of planted Bl and Se generally poor; may be somewhat improved on raised microsites (natural orartificial);

�trees with large dense crowns exposed to winds by logging generally very susceptible to windthrow;�sites very susceptible to soil rutting and compaction.

A�1 - 2

AP

PE

ND

ICE

S

TABLE A1.1. Site units (shaded) in the Cariboo Forest Region and their precorrelation equivalents (unshaded).

aNo previous equivalent (npe)

a

Current (correlated) BEC unit code

BEC Unit Site unit

/01 /02 /03 /04 /05 /06 /07 /08 /09 /10 /11

Equivalent precorrelation code

BEC Unit Ecosystem unit

AT AT (site units not yet described)

BGxh3 PPBGg (see Iverson and Coupé 1996a)

BGxw2 PPBGe (see Iverson and Coupé 1996b)

CWHds1 CWHc see Guide for Vancouver Region (Green and Klinka 1994)

ESSFdc2 ESSFe1 see Guide for Kamloops Forest Region (Lloyd et al. 1990)

ESSFwc3 ESSFh2 /01 /02 /03

ESSFwk1 ESSFh1 /01 /02 /03 /05 /04 /07 in part /07 in part /08

ESSFxc ESSFd see Guide for Kamloops Forest Region (Lloyd et al. 1990)

ESSFxv1 ESSFg, ESSF undif npe npe npe npe npe npe npe npe

ESSFxv2 ESSFg, ESSF undif npe npe npe npe npe npe npe npe

ICHdk ICHe3 /01 /02 /03 /04 /05 /06 /07 /08 /09

ICHmk3 ICHe2 /01,/04 /02 /03 /05 /06 /07 /08

ICHmw3 ICHm1 see Guide for Kamloops Forest Region (Lloyd et al. 1990)

ICHwk2 ICHh1 /01,/05 /02 /03 /04 /06 in part /06 in part /07 /08

ICHwk4 ICHh2 /01,/06 /02 /03 /04 /05 /07 /08 /09

IDFdk3 IDFb2 /01 /03 /02 /05 /04 /06 /07 /08 /09, /10

IDFdk4 IDFb5 /01 /02 /03 /04 /05 /06 /07 /08 /09 /10

IDFdw IDFundiff. npe npe npe npe npe npe npe npe

IDFmw2 IDFj1 see Guide for Kamloops Forest Region (Lloyd et al. 1990)

IDFxm IDFa4 /01 /02 /03 /04 /05 /06 /07 /08 /09

IDFxw IDFa2 /01,/05,/07 /02 /03 /04 /06 /08 /09

Untitled-6

2001/02/07, 11:03 AM

2

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LMH 39

A�5 - 1

SMR RELATIONSHIPS

APPENDIX 5ACTUAL SOIL MOISTURE REGIME

RELATIONSHIP TO RELATIVE SOIL MOISTUREREGIME AND BIOGEOCLIMATIC UNIT

Actual Moisture Regime Codes:ED=extremely dry; VD=very dry; MD=moderately dry; SD=slightly dry;F=fresh; M=moist; VM=very moist; W=wet

BEC Relative soil moisture regime

unit 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

BGxh3 ED ED ED ED ED SD M WBGxw2 ED ED ED ED ED SD M WIDFxw ED ED VD VD MD SD M WIDFxm ED ED VD VD MD SD M WSBPSxc ED ED VD VD MD SD M WSBPSdc ED ED VD MD SD F M-VM WSBPSmk ED VD VD MD SD F M-VM WIDFdk3 ED VD VD VD MD F M WIDFdk4 ED VD VD VD MD F M WIDFdw ED VD VD MD MD F VM WIDFmw2 VD VD VD MD SD F VM WMSxk VD VD VD VD MD F M WMSxv VD VD VD MD SD F VM WSBPSmc VD VD VD MD SD F M-VM WSBSdw1 VD MD MD SD SD F M WSBSdw2 VD MD MD SD SD F M WSBSmh VD MD MD SD SD M VM WSBSmw VD MD MD SD F M VM WSBSmc1 VD MD MD SD F M VM WSBSmc2 VD MD MD SD F M VM WSBSwk1 VD MD SD F F M VM WICHdk VD VD VD MD SD M VM WICHmk3 VD MD MD SD F M VM WICHwk2 VD MD SD F F M VM WICHwk4 VD MD SD F F M VM WESSFxv VD VD MD MD SD F M WESSFdc2 VD MD MD SD SD-F M VM WESSFwk1 MD MD SD F M M VM WESSFwc3 MD MD SD F M M VM W

Source publication

LMH 39

4 •

2

BG

C UN

ITS

TABLE 4.1 Summary of climate data for biogeoclimatic units within the Southeast guide areaa

Biogeoclimatic unit

Climaticcharacteristics SBSdw1 SBSmw SBSmh SBSwk1 SBSvk ICHvk2 ESSFwk1 ESSFwc3

Annual precipitation Mean 585 N/Ab 559 931 1247 840 1044 1408(mm) Range 520–739 N/A 528–601 897–964 990–1635 N/A N/A 1177–1625Growing season Mean 286 290 257 345 472 466 426 510precipitation (mm) Range 227–401 276–306 214–287 181–437 405–583 374–538 378–491 402–631Annual snowfall Mean 182 N/A 197 334 N/A 307 538 782(cm) Range 180–183 N/A 166–226 328–339 N/A N/A N/A N/AAnnual temperature Mean 3.7 N/A 4.6 2.6 2.6 3.3 -0.1 -1.0(°C) Range 3.1–4.2 N/A 4.2–5.0 1.3–4.0 1.3–4.0 3.1–3.4 -1.5–1.4 -3.1–1.1Growing degree days Mean 1224 N/A 1428 N/A N/A 1133 748 671(>5°C) Range 1160–1287 N/A 1342–1510 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/AFrost-free period Mean 68 N/A 112 N/A N/A 72 48 75(days) Range 49–86 N/A 104–119 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

a Reynolds (1989).b N/A = Not available.

Source publication

LMH 51

4 • 3

BG

C UN

ITS

TABLE 4.2 Some important wildlife species that use biogeoclimatic units in the Southeast guide area

Occurrence in variants

Species SBSdw1 SBSmw SBSmh SBSwk1 SBSvk ICHvk2 ESSFwk1 ESSFwc3

Mountain Goat * *Cariboua * * * *Elk * * *Moose * * * * * *Mule Deer * * * * * * * *White-tailed Deer *Grizzly Beara * * * * *Wolverinea * * *

a Denotes species “Blue Listed” in 1989 by the Ministry of Environment. Because of major declines in their populations, these speciesare considered sensitive and/or deserving of management attention (B.C. Ministry of Environment 1987).

Ch

ap

ter 5.2F

ens

79

.. Distribution of Fen Site Associations by biogeoclimatic zone

BG BWBS SBPSPP SWB ESSF ICH IDF MS SBS CDF CWH MH

Wf01 Water sedge – Beaked sedge xx x xx xxx xxx xxx xi

Wf02 Scrub birch – Water sedge xxx x xx xx xx xxWf03 Water sedge – Peat-moss xx xWf04 Barclay’s willow – Water sedge – Glow mosss x xxx x xWf05 Slender sedge – Common hook-moss x xx xx xx xxWf06 Slender sedge – Buckbean x x x xWf07 Scrub birch – Buckbean – Shore sedge x x x xWf08 Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss x x x x xWf09 Few-flowered spike-rush – Hook-moss x x xWf10 Hudson Bay clubrush – Red hook-moss xWf11 Tufted clubrush – Star moss x x x x xWf12 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Marsh-marigold xxxWf13 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Shore sedge xx xWf50 Narrow-leaved cotton-grass – Peat-moss x xxxWf51 Sitka sedge – Peat-moss x xx xxWf52 Sweet gale – Sitka sedge xx xxs

Wf53 Slender sedge – White beak-rush x xxs

x = incidental; < 5% of wetlands xx = minor; 5–25% of wetlands xxx = major; >25% of wetlands

i = inland areas only s = southern subzones only

Source publication

LMH 52

80 Wetlands of British Columbia: A Field Guide to Identification

.. Fen Species Importance Table

Species Wf01 Wf02 Wf03 Wf04 Wf05 Wf06 Wf07 Wf08

Shrubs Betula nana x xyzzz x xy x x xyzzz x

Salix barclayi x x xyzzzz

Salix pedicellaris x xyz xy xy xyzz xy

Spiraea douglasii x x x x

Myrica gale

Herbs Carex utriculata xyzzz xyz xy xy xyz x x x

and Carex aquatilis xyzzz xyzz xyzzz xyzz xyz x xyz x

Dwarf Comarum palustre xy xyz xy xy xy xyzz xy

Shrubs Calamagrostis canadensis x xy x xyzz x x x x

Carex lasiocarpa x xyzzzz xyzzzz xy x

Menyanthes trifoliata x x x xyzzz xyzzz xyzz

Carex limosa x x x x xy xyzz xyzzz

Carex chordorrhiza x x xy xyz xy

Eleocharis quinqueflora x x

Trichophorum alpinum x

Trichophorum cespitosumEriophorum angustifolium x xy xy x x xy xy

Caltha leptosepala xy xy

Carex anthoxantheaEquisetum fluviatile x x xy xy xy xy

Carex magellanica x x

Carex sitchensis xy xy xyz xyz x x

Rhynchospora alba x

Carex livida x x x x

Eriophorum chamissonis x x x

Vahlodea atropurpurea x

Drosera anglica x x xy

Hypericum anagalloidesTriantha glutinosa x x xy

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontaniFauria crista-galli

Senecio triangularis x x xyz xy

Andromeda polifolia x xy xy

Kalmia microphylla x x x

Oxycoccus oxycoccos x x x x xy x

Triglochin maritima x x x xy xy

Drosera rotundifolia x x x

Leptarrhena pyrolifolia xy x

Platanthera dilatata x xy x x x

Sanguisorba canadensis x xy

Utricularia intermedia x x x xy

Viola palustris x x x

Lichens Sphagnum Group I xy xyz xyzz x x xyz x

and Aulacomnium palustre x xyz xyz xyzz x x x x

Mosses Drepanocladus spp. xyz x xy xyzz xyz xyz xyz

Sphagnum Group II x xyz x x xyz xy

Tomentypnum nitens x xyzz xyz xy x xyz xy

Philonotis fontana xy xyz

Calliergon stramineum x x x x x

Scorpidium spp. x xy xyzz xy

Campylium stellatum x x xy xy x x

Warnstorfia spp. x xy x x xyz x xy

Meesia triquetra x x xy xy

General Description

The Scrub birch – Water sedge Fen Site Association is one of

the most common peatland Site Associations throughout the

Interior and is absent only from PP/BG and wet ESSF subzones. It is

frequently a major component of large peatlands where there is some

watertable fluctuation and the surface becomes aerated by mid-season.

These sites are often hummocked, with shrubs rooting on elevated

microsites.

Betula nana and Carex aquatilis are the charac-

teristic species but Salix pedicellaris and Carex

utriculata dominate on wetter sites. The moss

layer is variable and can be diverse, absent, or

dominated by Tomentypnum nitens, Sphag-

num, or Drepanocladus. Some drier sites will

have scattered, stunted trees (spruce or black

spruce most commonly).

Common soil types are terric and typic Mesisols and Fibrisols. Peat

depths are frequently between 1 and 2 m but deep sedge-derived peat to

4 m occurs; this Site Association can occassionally occur on thin organic

veneers.

Characteristic Vegetation

Tree layer (0 - 0 - 10)Shrub layer (10 - 35 - 100)Betula nana, Salix pedicellarisHerb layer (5 - 60 - 100)Carex aquatilis, C. utriculata,Comarum palustreMoss layer (0 - 70 - 100)Aulacomnium palustre, Drepanocladusaduncus, Sphagnum Group I,Tomentypnum nitens

Comments

The Wf 02 Site Association often occursaround the periphery of the wetter Wf 01 or adjacent to the drier Wb05 .These three Site Associations may represent a sequence of long-term peatland succession. Many sites have amoss layer with rich and poor site indicators, suggesting that they are in transition from fen tobog conditions.

The Wf 02 is one of the most common Interior peatland community types at low to subalpineelevations. It is probably only absent from the AT, BG, and PP zones. In coastal areas, similarsites are occupied by the Wf52.

Chapter 5.2 Fens 83

Wetland Edatopic Grid

Scrub birch – Water sedge Wf 02

Betula nana – Carex aquatilis

A B C D E F


VM

W

VW

VAM

ASA

N

Ak

pH

St

SlM

oDy

VD

Hydro

dynam

ic In

dex

Soil

Mo

istu

re R

egim

e

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LMH 52

Ch

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ter 5.2F

ens

79








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Myrica gale
















Rhynchospora alba x





























Chapter 5.2 Fens 81

Wf09 Wf10 Wf11 Wf12 Wf13 Wf50 Wf51 Wf52 Wf53 Common Name

x x xy x scrub birchx x Barclay’s willow

xy x x bog willowx xyz x pink spireax xyzzzz xyz sweet gale

xy x x xy x x beaked sedgex xyz x xy xyz x x water sedgexy x x x xyz xy x marsh cinquefoilx x xy xy xy xy x bluejoint reedgrassx xyz xy x x x xyzzz slender sedge

xyzzz xyz x x x xy x x buckbeanxyz xyzz xyz x xyzz x x shore sedge

xyzz x cordroot sedgexyzzzz x x few-flowered spike-rush

xyzzzz x Hudson Bay clubrushx xyzzzz x xyz x tufted clubrush

xyz x xyz xyzzzz xyzzz xyzzzz xy x narrow-leaved cotton-grassxy x xyzz xyz x x white mtn. marsh-marigold

xy x yellow-flowered sedgex x x swamp horsetailx x xyz x poor sedge

x x x xy x xyzzzz xyzzz x Sitka sedgexy xyzz white beak-rush

xy x x pale sedgex xy Chamisso’s cotton-grass

xy xy x mountain hairgrassx xyzz xy x x x xy great sundew

x x bog St. John’s-wortx xyz xy xy xy sticky asphodel

xy great bulrushxyz x deer-cabbage

x x x x x arrow-leaved groundselxyz x x bog-rosemary

x x xy x xyz x x western bog-laurelx xyz x xy x bog cranberry

xyz x seaside arrow-grassx xy x xy round-leaved sundew

xy xy x x leatherleaf saxifragexy x x xy x x x fragrant white rein orchidx x x xy xy x Sitka burnet

x xy x flat-leaved bladderwortx x x x xy x marsh violet

x xy xy x xyz xyzz xyzz x peat-moss Group Ixy x x xyz xyz xy xy x glow mossxyz xy xy x x hook-mossesxy xyz xyz x x xyzz x peat-moss Group IIxyz xyz x xy x x golden fuzzy fen moss

xy xyz spring mossxy xyz x xy x x x straw spear-mossxy xyzz x x x sausage-moss

xyzzz xyzzz xy yellow star-mossx x xy xy x hook-mossesxy x x three-ranked hump-moss

General Description

The Tufted clubrush – Star moss Fen Site Association is

scattered throughout the Interior at middle to subalpine ele-

vations, most commonly in regions underlain with base-rich

parent materials. These fens occur on level and gently sloping,

groundwater-fed peatlands that are

permanently saturated but rarely inundated.

Sites have smooth, ribbed, or slightly hum-

mocked topography and any depressions are

water-filled.

Trichophorum cespitosum and Campylium

stellatum are constant dominants and occur

mainly on drier microsites. Menyanthes

trifoliata and calcium-encrusted Scorpidium

scorpioides and Scorpidium revolvens are com-

monly found in very shallow pools.

Most sites have a distinct dense and tenacious turfy peat. Deep peat is

typical (to 5 m) but occasionally thin peat veneers occur. Fibrisols and

Mesisols are typical soil types.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 1 - 10)Herb layer (20 - 75 - 97)Carex limosa, Eriophorum angustifolium,Menyanthes trifoliata, Trichophorum cespitosumMoss layer (0 - 70 - 95)Campylium stellatum, Sphagnum Group II

Comments

The Wf11 occurs where extremely high pHlimits the availability of phosphorous, mak-ing these sites nutrient-poor even thoughthey have an abundance of cations.Tuftedclubrush–dominated wetlands are also foundin regions underlain by base-poor granitic parent material, such as coastal British Columbia, where phosphorus is also limited.These com-munities lack minerotrophic site indicators and have a Sphagnum-dominated moss layer.Tufted clubrush – Peat-moss ecosystems (Wb52) are very common in coastal British Columbiabut several sites have been observed in interior locations where the local geology is of igneousintrusive origin (e.g., Monashee Ranges).


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Wf11 Tufted clubrush – Star moss

Trichophorum cespitosum – Campylium stellatum

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General Description

Water sedge – Peat-moss fens occur mainly at elevations

above 1100 m in the Interior (ESSF zone), where they are the

counterpart to the Wf02 of lower elevations. These comm-

unities appear to be relatively

common but have not been exten-

sively sampled. Small pocket depressions or

gradual seepage slopes where there is no flood-

ing are typical locations.

Carex aquatilis is the dominant species,

though there can be significant occurrence of

subalpine forbs such as Caltha leptosepala,

Sanguisorba canadensis, or Senecio triangularis

on some sites. Peat-mosses are usually domi-

nant in the Wf03, though there may be a diversity of other mosses such

as Aulacomnium palustre, Tomentypnum nitens, and others.

Mesisols derived from sedge peat up to 2 m (rarely to 4 m) in depth are

common.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - 3 - 10)Herb layer (25 - 70 - 100)Carex aquatilis, C. sitchensis,Senecio triangularisMoss layer (30 - 85 - 100)Aulacomnium palustre, Sphagnum Group I,Tomentypnum nitens

Comments

The Wf11 and Wf12 occur only at higher elevations but require greater surface water-flow and replace the Wf 03 on active seepsand more saturated sites. Frost and cold soils rather than a high watertable probably limitshrub establishment on Wf 03 sites.



Wf 03 Water sedge – Peat-moss

Carex aquatilis – Sphagnum

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General Description

Barclay’s willow – Water sedge – Glow moss fen/swamps are

common at subalpine elevations of the Sub-Boreal Interior,

Southern Interior Mountains, and Northern Boreal Moun-

tains. They occur on subalpine

seepage slopes, along glacier-fed

creeks, and in frost-prone basins.

Salix barclayi dominates the shrub

layer with a scattering of other low shrub

species. Carex aquatilis dominates the herb

layer but is often accompanied by scattered

high-elevation species such as Caltha lep-

tosepala, Eriophorum angustifolium, and

Leptarrhena pyrolifolia. The moss layer can

be absent or moderately well developed.

Continuous (often copious) groundwater or snowmelt seepage is typical,

and soils are cold. Peat is often shallow because of low biomass produc-

tion but occasionally deep sedge peat deposits are encountered.

Common soil types include terric Mesisols, Humisols, and Fibrisols


Tree layer (0 - .5 - 3)Shrub layer (10 - 35 - 95)Salix barclayiHerb layer (26 - 65 - 99)Calamagrostis canadensis, Carex aquatilis,C. sitchensisMoss layer (0 - 15 - 95)Aulacomnium palustre, Mnium spp.,Philonotis fontana

Comments

Wf 04 can occur alone or surrounding sedgeor cotton-grass fens (Wf 03 or Wf12), or inwet depressions within forb-rich subalpinemeadows or carrs.The similar Sc03 is alsocommon at high elevations in the Interior.However, the Sc03’s low shrub physiognomyis the result of cold-air drainage not wet soils,and it is characterized by subalpine forbs with few hydrophytes.

Chapter 5.2 Fens 85

Barclay’s willow – Water sedge – Glow moss Wf 04

Salix barclayi – Carex aquatilis – Aulacomnium palustre


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General Description

The Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss is an uncommon,

rich Fen Site Association that occurs mainly at higher eleva-

tions throughout the Interior (700–1800 m) in colder

subzones. These fens occur on pond-side floating mats or in

flarks of patterned fens where there is prolonged shallow

flooding to no more than several

centimetres.

Carex limosa rooted in shallow

water is the constant dominant on these sites.

Menyanthes trifoliata occurs on most sites but

can be very sparse or absent on some. A

diversity of species tolerant of permanent sat-

uration such as Carex chordorrhiza, Equisetum

fluviatile, and Andromeda polifolia commonly

occur with low cover.

Peat deposits are shallow (0.5 m) to very deep (> 6 m), fibric or mesic,

and derived from fine sedges and brown mosses. Fibrisols are the most

common soil type.


Tree layer (0 - 0 - 0)Shrub layer (0 - .5 - 10)Herb layer (14 - 35 - 100)C. limosa, Menyanthes trifoliataMoss layer (1 - 85 - 100)Drepanocladus spp.

Comments

This is the most common and dominant SiteAssociation in patterned fens. In weakly pat-terned fens, the Wf 08 occurs over ribs andflarks. Where there is a more pronouncedrib/flark pattern, the Wf 08 will typicallyoccur in flarks and the floristically similar,shrubby Wf 07 on elevated ribs.

The Wf 06 occurs on wetter and more hydrologically dynamic sites than the Wf 08. Similarlystagnant sites with acidic soil water are occupied by the Wb13.The Wf 08 has similar hydrolo-gy to the Wf 09 and Wf10, but with more mobile groundwater and greater degree of surfaceflooding. Wf 08 sites may become Wb13 sites in some circumstances.Peat deposits are often consistent throughout the profile, and peat core contents of fine sedgeand brown mosses are readily identifiable.This suggests that these ecosystems can be stableand long-lived.

Chapter 5.2 Fens 89

Shore sedge – Buckbean – Hook-moss Wf 08

Carex limosa – Menyanthes trifoliata – Drepanocladus


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2 table a - forests, lands, natural resource operations & …€¦ · · 2007-04-23table 8....

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