Introduction
The Boreal Plains is one of the fifteen terrestrial Ecozones of Canada. It is 668,664 Square km and has a population of 771,205. The Boreal Plains Ecozone is mainly located in Central Alberta, extending East through Central Saskatchewan and slightly South of Central Manitoba.
Climate
North to the Ecozone of the Prairie, the Boreal Plains Ecozone has mean annual temperatures that are around or near freezing (0 degrees). The Boreal Plains Ecozone has summers that are short but warm, and winters that are cold. In the Boreal Plains Ecozone, there is only about 625 mm of precipitation in the East, and only about 300 mm of precipitation in the West mainly due to the fact that the Rocky Mountains in the West blocks most of the moisture that results in precipitation. The Boreal Plains has a Continental climate.
Physiography
There have been may Ice Ages in this Ecozone that have resulted in many glaciers being formed. Large ancient lakes that formed from the glaciers melt-water have left many dunes that make up small lakes now. The land in this Ecozone is mostly flat.
Vegetation
The Boreal Plains is covered with a lot of forests. There are many tree species in this Ecozone such as the white spruce, black spruce, and balsam fir just to name a few. The Boreal Plains Ecozone is more dominant with deciduous trees than coniferous trees. The deciduous trees are common in the south but there are some coniferous trees in the north. The average growing season is 130-165 days long.
Soil
The soils in the Boreal Plains ecozone are very rich in minerals and are formed under forests. In some areas of the Boreal Plains ecozone, the soils can actually be marsh.
Human Influence
When the Boreal Plains Ecozone was first settled, it was important for trading companies, especially fur trade. Now, the major economic influence in Alberta is mostly oil and gas mining. Forestry is also important. Most of the people who live in this Ecozone are scattered in small communities rather than living in large Urban cities like other ecozones.
Animals
A large variety of animals live in this Ecozone from mammals to birds, to amphibians, to reptiles, to fish, to insects, and even molluscs can be found here! Here you can find carnivores, herbivores, and prey seeking animals as well. The largest carnivores include the black bear, the lynx, and the wolf. There are many common large herbivores as well. In fact, there are too many for all to be named!