BC Ecosystems
Due to it's mountainous terrain, and climate dominated by major flows from both the Pacific Ocean and the Arctic, British Columbia is the most ecologically diverse province in Canada, with ecologies ranging from some of the largest temperate rainforests on earth to deserts, and from Oak savanahs to Alpine tundra and Boreal forests. This ecological diversity is a key determinant of the variety of ecological restoration requirements and issues in B.C.
Restoration in BC is also shaped by the vast variation in degree and type of human impacts on B.C's ecosystems. Ecosystems associated with arable or irigatable flatlands in the southern half of the province have typically been highly impacted. These ecosystems are typified by easy access, good soil nutrients and moisture. Historically these were either grass land or savanahs, or were dominated by forests consisting of large long lived high value tree species which encouraged extensive forest harvesting activities. These areas were also typically the most desirable for settlement and consequent urbanization. On the other hand, some of the ecosystems which produce less valuable timber or other products, or which are very remote, have experienced vastly less human impact. Even these ecosystems, though, if forested, have typically been impacted by fire control, which may be one of the most widespread human impacts on the dynamics of B.C's ecosystems.
Much recent restoration in B.C. has focussed on a number of key areas:
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Restoration of ecosystems in urban and urban fringe areas with high human impact, for instance, Garry Oak ecosystems on Vancouver Island.
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Instream. riparian and slope stabilization work aimed at restoring the carrying capacity of watersheds for both anadromous and resident fish populations. Populations of the various Pacific salmon species have been a particular focus.
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Restoration in managed forests, aimed at re-establishing the full range of natural habitat and ecosystem function features, such as standing and downed dead wood.
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Restoration of fire to ecosystems where frequent fire historically had a key ecosystem maintenance role. These projects have typically involved thinning of overdense stands, and re-introduction of fire at appropriate scales and intensities.
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Restoration of areas where major impacts have eliminated most or all natural ecosystem components and functions, such as restoration of mine tailings piles.
Restoration in B.C. is increasingly moving from restoration after the fact to restoration as a planned and integral part of resource management and development activities. B.C. resource management methods and approaches are at the forefront of the move toward integrating all human uses and ecological values into a single management plan across the entire landscape, instead of segregating ecological values in preserves. Ecological Restoration practices, methods and approaches are a key part of this integrated management method. |
