Spruce - Willow - Birch

 

 

The spruce-willow-birch zone is one in which conditions are harsh. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are short and cool. This pristine environment is however an ideal zone for recreation due to its outstanding scenery and abundant wildlife.

 

 

Location

The spruce-willow-birch zone occupies subalpine elevations in the northern third of British Columbia, extending into the Yukon and North-West Territories. It is a mountainous region, accounting for the generally steep terrain and topography of the zone.

 Spruce-Willow-Birch
     

Climate

The climate is one of the most harsh of all forested zones in British Columbia. Winter is long and cold, while summer is short and cool. Temperatures average between -0.7 and -3 degrees celsius, however they will remain at above 10 degrees for about 3 months per year.

Vegetation

The lower elevation of the zone is mostly forested with subalpine fir, willow, scrub birch and white spruce. Shrub-dominated ecosystems are widespread, ranging from swamps and fens to dry scrub. The zone is represented by a fairly large range of flora including: stunted aspen, balsam poplar, various willow species, and lodgepole pine.

   Lodgepole Pine           White Spruce
   

Wildlife

The Spruce-Willow-Birch zone provides a good habitat for a variety of species, however due to its harsh climate, these species inhabit the zone only seasonally; mostly during the summer months. Winter residents include: mountain goats, mule deer, rocky mountain elk, stone sheep, as well as moose and caribou. During the spring and summer, the animal population bursts with life. Mountain goat, sheep, moose, caribou, and elk are all common, along
with wolves and both grizzly and black bears. Bird life includes Spruce Grouse, Common Raven, Gray Jay, Boreal Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Three-toed Woodpecker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Golden-crowned Kinglet. Small mammals include red squirrel, wolverine, and marten.

     Stone Sheep               Grizzly Bear                  Grey Wolf
      

Resources

Like many other northern British Columbia zones, the Spruce-Willow-Birch zone is a popular outdoor recreation area. Many guides and outfitters make a living guiding outdoor enthusiasts and big game hunters throughout the region. Hunting, horseback riding, hiking, camping, back-country skiing, rafting, canoeing, and snowmobiling are all popular activities.

     Dog Sledding                  Canoeing