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ECOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE LOWER BOREAL HIGHLANDS SUBREGION

First approximation

This is the first approximation of the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion.

2016

Prepared by:

Michael G. Willoughby,

Dave J. Downing

and

Marge Meijer

Photo credits:

Ecosite pictures for foothills ecosection: O'Leary et al. (2002)

Ecosite pictures for boreal ecosection: Moisey et al. (2012)

Environment and Parks Land Policy

Policy and Planning Edmonton

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ISBN No.: 978-1-4601-3169-5 (Printed Edition)

ISBN No.: 978-1-4601-3170-1 (PDF)

For information regarding this report contact:

Michael G. Willoughby Range Management Alberta Environment and Parks 4th Flr. Great West Life Building Edmonton, Alta. T5K 2M4 email: mike.willoughby@gov.ab.ca This publication is the property of the Government of Alberta and is available under the Alberta Open Government Licence (http://open.alberta.ca/licence) and the publication is available online at: http://open.alberta.ca/publications/9781460131701 © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Environment and Parks, 2016

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Table of Contents

ECOLOGICAL SITES FOR THE LOWER BOREAL HIGHLANDS SUBREGION ................................................................................................................ i Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... iii Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... viii Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... ix Introduction and Background ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 Physiography, Climate and Soils .................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Approach and Methods of Classification ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3 Correlation of Soils and Ecological Sites ........................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Guidelines for Determining Ecological Sites ................................................................................................................................................................... 7 How to use the Guide..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9 Results ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11 General Ecological Descriptions................................................................................................................................................................................... 12 Plant Community Keys ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16 Plant Community Tables .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20 LBHb Boreal Ecosection (n=227) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 26

a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor) (n=2) ............................................................................................................................................................. 27 a1 bearberry - Pj (n=2) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

LBHbE1 Pj/Bearberry (n=2) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 29 a2 bearberry-shrub (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 30

b blueberry(submesic/medium) (n=19)................................................................................................................................................................ 31 b1 blueberry - Sw-Pj (n=0) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 32 b2 blueberry Pj-Aw (n=17) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 33

LBHbD1 Pj-Aw/Blueberry (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................................... 34 LBHbE2 Pj/Blueberry-Bog cranberry (n=15) ................................................................................................................................................ 35

b3 blueberry-Aw (n=2) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 LBHbC1 Aw/Blueberry (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 37

b4 blueberry-shrub (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 38 b5 blueberry - grass (n=0) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 39

c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) (n=43) ........................................................................................................................................................... 40 c1 Labrador tea - mesic Pj-Sb (n=36) .............................................................................................................................................................. 41

LBHbE3 Pj-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (n=25) ...................................................................................................................................... 42 LBHbE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Moss (n=11) ........................................................................................................................................................ 43

c2 Labrador tea mesic Sb-Aw (n=5) ................................................................................................................................................................ 44 LBHbD2 Aw-Sb/Moss (n=4) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 45 LBHbD5 Aw-Sw/Labrador tea (n=1) ............................................................................................................................................................. 46

c3 labrador tea-mesic shrub (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................................... 47 LBHbB1 Alder-Labrador tea (Pl-Pj) (n=2) ..................................................................................................................................................... 48

d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) (n=127) ................................................................................................................................................... 49 d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb (n=42) ............................................................................................................................................................... 50

LBHbE6 Sw/Alder (n=3) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 51 LBHbE7 Sw/Moss (n=25) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 52 LBHbE8 Fb-Sw/Moss (n=14) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 53

d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl (n=16).......................................................................................................................................................... 54 LBHbD3 Aw-Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................... 55 LBHbD4 Aw-Sw/Low bush cranberry/Moss (n=8) ........................................................................................................................................ 56 LBHbD7 Aw-Sw/Alder (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 57

d3 low bush cranberry Aw (n=66) .................................................................................................................................................................... 58 LBHbC2 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry (n=28) ............................................................................................................................................ 59

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LBHbC3 Aw/Buffaloberry (n=11) .................................................................................................................................................................. 60 LBHbC4 Aw/Alder (n=12) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 61 LBHbC7 Bw-Aw/Low bush cranberry-Rose (n=15) ...................................................................................................................................... 62

d4 low bush cranberry Pl (n=3) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 63 LBHbE5 Pl/Moss (n=3) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 64

d5 low bush cranberry shrub (n=0) .................................................................................................................................................................. 65 d6 low bush cranberry tame (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................... 66

e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) (n=4) ......................................................................................................................................................... 67 e1 red osier dogwood Sw (n=1) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 68

LBHbE9 Pl-Sw(Sb)/Red osier dogwood (n=1) .............................................................................................................................................. 69 e2 red osier dogwood Sw-Aw-Pb (n=1) ........................................................................................................................................................... 70

LBHbD6 Pl-Pb/Alder (n=1) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 71 e3 red osier dogwood Pb-Aw (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................. 72

LBHbC5 Aw/Willow (n=1)............................................................................................................................................................................. 73 e5 red osier dogwood shrub (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................... 74

LBHbB2 Shining willow-Red fruited bearberry/Moss (n=1) ........................................................................................................................... 75 e6 red osier dogwood tame (n=0) .................................................................................................................................................................... 76

f horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=10) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 77 f1 horsetail Sw (n=8) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 78

LBHbE10 Sw/Horsetail (n=8) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 79 f2 horsetail Sw-Aw-Pb (n=1) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 80

LBHbD8 Aw-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................... 81 f3 horsetail Pb-Aw (n=1) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 82

LBHbC6 Aw/Horsetail (n=1) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 83 g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................... 84

g1 Labrador tea-hygric Sb (n=2) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 85 LBHbE11 Sb/Labrador tea/Horsetail (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................... 86

g2 Labrador tea hygric shrub (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................. 87 h bog (subhydric/very poor) (n=10) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 88

h1 treed bog (n=6) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 89 LBHbE12 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................ 90

h2 shrubby bog (n=4) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 91 LBHbB4 Labrador tea/Peat moss (Sb) (n=4) ................................................................................................................................................ 92

h3 graminoid bog (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 93 i poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................................... 94

i1 treed poor fen (n=1) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 95 LBHbB5 Sb/Willow/Northern bog sedge/Golden moss (n=1) ........................................................................................................................ 96

i2 shrubby poor fen (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 97 LBHbB3 Bog willow/Lesser panicled sedge-Mud sedge (n=1) ..................................................................................................................... 98

i3 graminoid poor fen (n=0) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 99 j rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=8) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 100

j1 treed rich fen (n=3) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 101 LBHbC8 Bw/Marsh reedgrass (n=2) .......................................................................................................................................................... 102 LBHbE13 Lt/River alder/Golden moss (n=1) .............................................................................................................................................. 103

j2 shrubby rich fen (n=2)................................................................................................................................................................................ 104 LBHbB6 Willow/Marsh reedgrass (n=2) ..................................................................................................................................................... 105

j3 graminoid rich fen (n=3) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 106 LBHbA1 Northern reedgrass (n=1) ............................................................................................................................................................ 107 LBHbA2 Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................... 108

k marsh (hydric/rich) (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 109 k1 marsh (n=0) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 110

LBHf Foothills Ecosection (n=255) .................................................................................................................................................................... 111 a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor) (n=2) ...................................................................................................................................................... 112

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a1 blueberry-bearberry Pl (n=0) .................................................................................................................................................................... 113 a2 blueberry-bearberry Aw (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................... 114

LBHfC1 Aw/Blueberry-Bearberry (n=1) ...................................................................................................................................................... 115 a3 blueberry-bearberry Aw-Pl-Sw (n=1) ........................................................................................................................................................ 116

LBHfD1 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry (n=1) ............................................................................................................................................................ 117 a4 shrub (n=0)............................................................................................................................................................................................... 118

b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) (n=26) ....................................................................................................................................................... 119 b1 hairy wild rye Pl (n=2) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 120

LBHfE1 Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=2) .......................................................................................................................................................... 121 b2 hairy wild rye Aw (n=14) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 122

LBHfC2 Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (n=6) .............................................................................................................................................. 123 LBHfC3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=8) ........................................................................................................................................................ 124

b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................................... 125 LBHfD4 Aw-Pl/Alder/Hairy wildrye (n=1) .................................................................................................................................................... 126 LBHfD2 Aw-Sw-Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=3) .............................................................................................................................................. 127 LBHfD3 Aw-Sw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................ 128

b4 hairy wildrye Sw (n=4) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 129 LBHfE2 Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=4)......................................................................................................................................................... 130

b5 hairy wildrye grass-shrub (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................ 131 c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) (n=23) ................................................................................................................................................................... 132

c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb (n=19) .............................................................................................................................................................. 133 LBHfE3 Pl-Sb/Feather moss (n=12) ........................................................................................................................................................... 134 LBHfE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss (n=4) ............................................................................................................................................ 135 LBHfE5 Pl-Sw/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry (n=3) ....................................................................................................................................... 136

c2 Labrador tea mesic Aw-Sb (n=4) .............................................................................................................................................................. 137 LBHfD6 Aw-Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss (n=2) ...................................................................................................................................... 138 LBHfC4 Aw/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (n=2) .......................................................................................................................................... 139

c3 Labrador tea - mesic shrub (n=0) .............................................................................................................................................................. 140 d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) (n=118) ................................................................................................................................................. 141

d1 low-bush cranberry Pl (n=11) ................................................................................................................................................................... 142 LBHfE10 Pl/Alder (n=11) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 143

d2 low-bush cranberry Aw (n=52) .................................................................................................................................................................. 144 LBHfC5 Aw/Buffaloberry (n=14) ................................................................................................................................................................. 145 LBHfC6 Aw/Alder (n=8) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 146 LBHfC7 Aw/Low-bush cranberry (n=30) ..................................................................................................................................................... 147

d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw (n=20) ....................................................................................................................................................... 148 LBHfD7 Pl-Sw-Aw/Alder (n=4) ................................................................................................................................................................... 149 LBHfD8 Aw-Sw-Pl/Buffaloberry (n=3) ........................................................................................................................................................ 150 LBHfD9 Aw-Sw-Pl/Moss (n=13) ................................................................................................................................................................. 151

d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb (n=33) ............................................................................................................................................................ 152 LBHfE6 Sw/Alder (n=3) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 153 LBHfE7 Sw-Pl/Moss (n=1) ......................................................................................................................................................................... 154 LBHfE8 Fb-Sw/Moss (n=3) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 155 LBHfE9 Sw/Moss (n=26) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 156

d5 low bush cranberry shrub (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................ 157 d6 low bush cranberry grass (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................ 158 d8 tame pasture (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 159

LBHfA2 Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion (n=2) ............................................................................................................................... 160 e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) (n=13) ..................................................................................................................................................... 161

e1 red osier dogwood Pl (n=0) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 162 e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb (n=8) ............................................................................................................................................................... 163

LBHfC10 Pb-Aw/Red osier dogwood-Willow (n=1) ..................................................................................................................................... 164 LBHfC8 Pb/Willow (n=5) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 165

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LBHfC9 Pb-Aw/Alder (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 166 e3 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb-Pl-Sw (n=4) ..................................................................................................................................................... 167

LBHfD11 Pl-Pb/Alder (n=2) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 168 LBHfD10 Pb-Sw-Aw/Moss (n=2) ................................................................................................................................................................ 169

e4 red osier dogwood Sw (n=0) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 170 e5 shrub (n=1)............................................................................................................................................................................................... 171

LBHfB1 Shrubby willow-River alder (n=1) .................................................................................................................................................. 172 f horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=8) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 173

f1 horsetail Sw (n=5) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 174 LBHfE11 Pl-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) .................................................................................................................................................................. 175 LBHfE12 Sw/Horsetail (n=4) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 176

f2 horsetail Sw-Aw (n=1) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 177 LBHfD12 Aw-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................ 178

f3 shrub (n=2)................................................................................................................................................................................................ 179 LBHfB2 Scouler's willow-Green alder (n=2) ............................................................................................................................................... 180

g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=7) ................................................................................................................................................ 181 g1 Labrador tea-horsetail Sb-Pl (n=5) ........................................................................................................................................................... 182

LBHfE31 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea/Moss (n=5) ................................................................................................................................................... 183 g2 shrub (n=2)............................................................................................................................................................................................... 184

LBHfB3 Willow-Labrador tea/Golden moss (n=2) ....................................................................................................................................... 185 h bog (subhydric/poor) (n=21) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 186

h1 treed bog (n=12)....................................................................................................................................................................................... 187 LBHfE14 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (n=12) ............................................................................................................................................. 188

h2 shrub bog (n=9) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 189 LBHfB4 Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Peat moss (Sb) (n=9) ....................................................................................................................... 190

h3 graminoid bog (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 191 i poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=13) ............................................................................................................................................................... 192

i1 treed poor fen (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 193 LBHfE13 Sb-Lt/Willow/Horsetail (n=5) ....................................................................................................................................................... 194 LBHfE15 Sb-Lt/Peat moss (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................................ 195

i2 shrub poor fen (n=7) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 196 LBHfB5 Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (n=7) ................................................................................................................................................ 197

i3 graminoid poor fen (n=0) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 198 j rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=24)........................................................................................................................................................................ 199

j1 treed rich fen (n=0) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 200 j2 shrubby rich fen (n=18) .............................................................................................................................................................................. 201

LBHfB6 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (n=6) ................................................................................................................................. 202 LBHfB7 Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (n=12) ............................................................................................................................................... 203

j3 graminoid rich fen (n=6) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 204 LBHfA1 Water Sedge (n=4) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 205 LBHfB8 Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass (n=1) ....................................................................................................................................... 206 LBHfB9 Willow/Dandelion/Timothy (n=1) ................................................................................................................................................... 207

k marsh (hydric/rich) (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 208 k1 marsh (n=0) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 209

Literature Cited .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 210

List of Figures

Figure 1. Edatope and Ecological sites for the Lower Boreal Highlands boreal ecosection. ............................................................................................. 14 Figure 2. Edatope and Ecological Sites for the Lower Boreal Highlands foothills ecosection. .......................................................................................... 15

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List of Tables

Table 1. Boreal Communities .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Table 2. Foothills Communities ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 23

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Executive Summary The Lower Boreal Highland subregion is found elevationally above the Central and Dry Mixedwood subregions in two ecosections (boreal and foothills). The boreal ecosection is defined by ecodistricts that are influenced by a boreal climate and boreal physiography. These ecodistricts include: Cameron Slope, Cameron Hills Upland, Caribou Slope, Caribou Upland, North Birch Upland, Birch Upland, Peerless Upland, Stony Mtn. Upland, Crow Lake Plain, Buffalo Head Upland, Wadlin Upland and Russell Upland. In contrast the foothills ecosection includes ecodistricts that are closer to the foothills climate and physiography and were previously classified within the Lower Foothills subregion (Ecodistricts of Alberta 1995). These ecodistricts include Chinchaga Plain, Clear Hills Upland, Milligan Upland, Notikewin Plain and Rainbow Lake Plain and are located in the Northwestern part of the province. The foothills ecosection is dominated by lodgepole pine forests and has little presence of jack pine. In contrast the boreal ecosection is the major zone of hybridization for jack pine and lodgepole pine and both species are present. The hairy wildrye ecosite is also found within the foothills ecosection, but was not described within the boreal ecosection. The hairy wildrye ecosite is described in both the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions (Beckingham et al. 1996). This guide represents the current analysis of 482 plots described in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. The boreal ecosection includes 227 plots that represent 37 community types. These types are split into: A. Native grasslands 2 community types described B. Native shrublands 6 community types C. Deciduous types 8 community types D. Mixedwood types 8 community types E. Conifer types 13 community types. The dominant plant species, canopy cover, soil and environmental conditions are outlined for each type. The foothills ecosection includes 255 plots that represent 47community types. These types are split into: A. Native grasslands 2 community types described B. Native shrublands 9 community types C. Deciduous types 9 community types D. Mixedwood types 12 community types E. Conifer types 15 community types. The dominant plant species, canopy cover, soil and environmental conditions are outlined for each type.

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Acknowledgements Landscape classification is the process of breaking the landscape into definable and manageable pieces through a hierarchical classification. In the early 1990’s the forested landscape of Alberta was classified using a well organized hierarchical system (Archibald/ Beckingham / Klappstien). Unfortunately this left about 50% of the remaining natural landscapes of the province unclassified. Starting in the late 1990’s rangelands undertook efforts to classify the rangelands of Alberta. A need for consistency across the province was recognized. Therefore a hierarchical classification that built on the forested classification was used for all forest dominated subregions in the province. These classifications involve taking large amounts of vegetation, soils and landscape inventory data taken from the ECOSYS database and compiling the data into succinct descriptive summaries for each ecological site, ecological site phase and plant community within a subregion. In 2010 funding was provided by Policy and Planning Division, Alberta Environment and Parks in order to produce hard copy pdf documents from the ECOSYS website.

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Introduction and Background The province of Alberta is covered by a broad spectrum of vegetation regions from prairie in the South, to alpine vegetation in the mountains and dense forests in the Central and Northern parts of the province. These broad vegetation regions have been classified into 6 natural regions and 21 subregions for the province (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Each of the regions consists of groups of plant communities which are influenced by environmental conditions and human impacts. Intensive management of these regions requires the ability to recognize the vegetative communities that have similar productivities and respond to disturbance in the same way. These vegetative communities are highly regarded by most resource managers for their ability to provide a wide variety of benefits. They are a classic example of multiple use land, providing summer range for livestock, prime habitat for many species of wildlife, productive watersheds and recreational areas. The purpose of this guide was to develop a framework that would easily group the ecological sites and vegetative community types in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion of the province. Ecological site classification helps to organize our current understanding about ecosystem function. This organization is achieved by grouping research plots into similar and functional units that respond to disturbance in a similar and predictable manner. The ecological site classification system outlined in this document organizes ecological information into a format that facilitates understanding and provides a structure for ecologically based management. The system has been developed primarily as a field tool to complement the user's knowledge about ecological site classification, soil description, and plant identification. The objectives of the ecological site classification are: 1. to facilitate the application of ecological information to decisions on a wide variety of activities within the realm of land resource management 2. to facilitate the collection and organization of information to expedite the development of resource management applications and decision support systems 3. to promote communication among resource managers and between managers and the public 4. to provide a common basis for integrated planning, and 5. to reduce resource management costs by integrating ecological information into the decision-making process. This guide builds on the work outlined in the Field guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996) for the Boreal Highlands subregion. In 2006 (Natural Regions Committee 2006) the original Boreal Highlands subregion was split into the Upper Boreal Highlands and Lower Boreal Highlands subregions. This guide outlines the analysis of 482 plots described in the Lower Boreal Highland subregion. The purpose of this guide was to develop a framework that would easily group the vegetative community types in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion of the province.

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Physiography, Climate and Soils The Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion is 55,615km2, covering 15% of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion is the third largest subregion in Alberta and is the boreal analogue of the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion. It includes the lower slopes of the Cameron, Buffalo Head, Naylor and Clear Hills, Caribou and Birch Mountains, part of the Chinchaga Plain, and all the Stony Mountain and Peerless Uplands. It surrounds the higher elevation Upper Boreal Highlands and Boreal Subarctic Natural Subregions, and is bordered at lower elevations by the Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood Natural Subregions. Elevations range between 400 m and 900 m in the Cameron Hills and Caribou Mountains, and between 700 m and 1000 m in the southern Clear Hills. This reflects a south-to-north decline of approximately 0.55 meters per kilometer for the upper boundary and a 0.82 m per kilometer decline for the lower boundary (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion includes the gently to strongly sloping lower elevations of the Northern Alberta Uplands, and also includes some undulating and hummocky upland areas. The underlying bedrock is a mixture of Cretaceous marine shales and sandstones. Medium textured glacial till on slopes and upland positions covers over 50 percent of the Natural Subregion, and shallow glaciolacustrine deposits occupy about 5 percent in toe slope and adjacent plain positions. Organic deposits, mainly in the broad Chinchaga valley, blanket about 30 percent of the area. Colluvium and residual materials occur in places on the steeper slopes, and there are scattered glaciofluvial deposits. Appendix 4 in Natural Regions of Alberta (2006) summarizes the proportional occurrence of landscape elements and parent materials in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion. The Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion is cooler and somewhat moister than the neighboring Dry Mixedwood and Central Mixedwood Natural Subregions. It has slightly warmer summers but much colder winters than its southern analogue, the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion. Growing degree-days are markedly fewer in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion than in lower elevation neighboring Natural Subregions. This is probably a reflection of the dual influence of higher elevations and more northerly latitudes. Peak precipitation occurs in July, and monthly precipitation patterns are very similar to those of adjacent Natural Subregions. Figure 4-5.1 provides a comparison of temperature and precipitation patterns between boreal Natural Subregions, and Table 3-2 gives annual and seasonal climate statistics (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Orthic Gray Luvisols are the dominant upland soils; gleyed subgroups are common. Seepage is a locally common feature on lower slopes throughout much of the subregion, hence the extensive aspen-balsam poplar and mixedwood forests on lower slopes. Regosols occur on steep erosional slopes and on areas that are frequently disturbed such as riparian areas. Typic and Terric Mesisols are dominant organic soils in poor-to-rich fens. Fibric Mesisols and occasional Organic Cryosols are typical of bogs. Peaty Gleysols are common throughout the Natural Subregion (Natural Regions Committee 2006).

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Approach and Methods of Classification Approach: Ecological classification hierarchy and terminology The system of classification in this guide was initially based on the community type approach of Mueggler (1988). Mueggler's system was chosen over the habitat type approach (Daubenmire 1952) or ecosystem association approach (Corns and Annas 1986) because it could classify plant communities irregardless of their successional status. However, as the philosophy of proper functioning condition of a site evolved, it became apparent (through data analysis) that there was a need to also organize the various plant communities based on their response to disturbance (i.e. disturbance vs. natural succession) within an area under similar environmental influences. It was determined that the ecosystem classification system developed by Corns and Annas (1986) and Beckingham et al. (1996) could accommodate this additional requirement. Thus, this classification system is a combination of Mueggler (1988) and Beckingham et al. (1996). Consequently, this guide adopts a similar ecological unit classification hierarchy (ecodistrict,ecosection, ecological site, ecological site phase, plant community). The ecological classification system is nested within Alberta's geographically based natural region and subregion classification system (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Ecodistrict

The ecodistrict level is a unique pattern of slope, landform, soils and vegetation. Mapping of this unit is usually done at a scale of 1:1,000,000 to 1: 250,000 within the whole province (Strong and Anderson 1980). This level of the classification hierarchy is spatially defined and may or may not be unique to a subregion. Ecosection The natural subregion used by the Alberta Government is equivalent to the ecoregion defined by the Canada Committee on Ecological Land Classification (CCELC) as part of a multi-level national mapping system for Canada and that was used for integrated resource planning in Alberta (Marshall et al. 1996). Similarly, the ecodistrict as presently used and its associated scale of mapping is equivalent to the ecodistrict defined by the CCELC. However, the ecosection has a somewhat different meaning in the current context than it did in the national system or than it did when it was applied to integrated planning maps in Alberta in the 1980's and 1990's. For those mapping projects, the ecosection was a subdivision of the ecodistrict and was mapped at 1:20 000 to 1:50 000 as a more specific delineation of recurring landform and vegetation patterns, usually with reference to major community type groups or soil subgroups. In the current scheme, the ecosection is a term used to define one ecodistrict or an aggregation of ecodistricts that represent one or more climatic variants within a natural subregion; therefore, its mapping scale is flexible. This level of the classification system is not spatially defined. The ecosection is a unique pattern of slope, landform, soils and vegetation and may also represent a slight change in the climate of a subregion. Mapping of this unit is usually done at a scale of 1:1,000,000 to 1:100,000 and can be a grouping of ecodistricts or at smaller scales outliers in a subregion. For example the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion is split into the foothills and boreal ecosections which are influenced by their proximity and location within the Boreal and Foothills Natural Regions. Spatially these two ecosections are split by grouping ecodistricts. In contrast an example of a smaller scale ecosection (1:100,000) is the Cypress Hills outlier of the Montane subregion. Subregion ecosections have a characteristic sequence of ecological sites according to soil moisture regime (SMR) and, to a lesser degree, soil nutrient regime (SNR).

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Ecological Site Ecological sites are ecological units that develop under similar environmental influences (climate, moisture, nutrient regime). They are groups of one or more ecological site phases that occur within the same portion of the edatope (moisture/nutrient grid). Each ecological site is designated with a small letter. These letters range from "a" the driest ecological site and the last letter being the wettest. Each ecological site has been given a name that conveys some information about the ecology of the unit. Ecological sites are typically named after plant species that are common or typical of the site (eg. e low-bush cranberry). The plant that the ecological site is named after, however, may not be present in every plot or stand belonging to the site. Ecological site in this classification system, is a functional unit defined by moisture and nutrients. It is based on the combined interaction of biophysical factors which together dictate the availability of moisture and nutrients for plant growth. Thus, different ecological sites vary in their moisture and nutrient regime and that create recognizable differences in plant and soil development. Ecological site phase An ecological site phase is a subdivision of the ecological site based on the dominant species in the tree canopy. On lowland, meadow or grassland sites where tree canopy is not present the tallest structural vegetation layer with greater than 5% cover determines the ecological site phase. Generally, ecological site phases are mappable units and spatial ecological site phase land cover datasets have been developed from AVI (Alberta Vegetation Inventory) (Derived Ecosite Phase (DEP)) and PLVI (Primary Land Vegetation Inventory). Ecological site phases are identified by the ecological site letter "a" along with a number "a1" representing the phase within the ecological site. Ecological site phases have a distinct range in canopy composition and lower strata plant species. The ecological site phase has a strong ecological basis and correlates well with forest cover on forest inventory maps. Plant community type Ecological site phases may be subdivided into plant community types, which are the lowest taxonomic unit in the classification system. While plant community types of the same ecological site phase share vegetational similarities they differ in their understory species composition and abundance. Generally the plant community types are named by combining the name of the dominant plant species in each structural layer (eg. White spruce/Horsetail/Moss) Methods: Plant community classification Sampling for this guide occurred within the Lower Boreal Highland subregion. This guide outlines the classification of 482 plots described within the subregion. The procedure for inventory of plots followed the Ecological Land Survey Site Description Manual (2003) and uses various site, vegetation and soils forms. The data for each site was analysed using the multivariate analysis techniques of classification and ordination. Classification is the assignment of samples to classes or groups based on the similarity of species. A polythetic agglomerative approach was used to group the samples. This technique assigns each sample to a cluster which has a single measure. It then agglomerates these clusters into a hierarchy of larger and larger clusters until finally a single cluster contains all the samples (Gauch 1982). Cluster analysis was performed in SAS and Euclidean distance was used as the Cluster Distance Measure and Ward's method was used in the Group Linkage Method. The groupings generated in cluster analysis were overlain on the site ordination to determine final groupings. Ordination was used to find relationships among species, communities and environmental variables. Ordination reduces the dimensionality of the data to 1-3 most important axes to which environmental gradients can be assigned. The ordination technique used in the analysis of the data was DECORANA (Detrended Correspondence Analysis). DECORANA detrends and rescales the axes thereby reducing the arching and

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compression of axes problems associated with other ordination techniques (Reciprocal averaging, Principle Components Analysis). Once final groupings were determined on the ordination specific environmental variables can be assigned to the variation outlined on the ordination axes. Plant community type summaries were generated by averaging plant species composition, range in composition, and percent constancy of occurrence, among vegetation inventory plots which were part of a community type. Environmental data was subsequently sorted into the same plant community groupings to create the plant community descriptions outlined in this guide. The number of sample plots on which the description was based is also provided (e.g. n=16). Ecological Health and Ecological Status Score Ecological health is determined by comparing the functioning of ecological processes on an area (e.g. plant community polygon) to a standard (i.e. Reference Plant Community) described within an ecological site description. An ecological site is defined by the Task Group on Unity and Concepts (1995) as, “a distinctive kind of land with specific physical characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a distinctive kind and amount of vegetation”. This guide can be used to determine the appropriate reference plant community, within an ecological site, for a health assessment. We use health terminology (healthy, healthy with problems, or unhealthy), to rank the ability of the land to perform certain ecological functions. These functions include: net primary production, maintenance of soil/site stability, capture and beneficial release of water, nutrient and energy cycling and plant species functional diversity. For a detailed description on how to assess health for various plant communities please refer to “Rangeland Health Assessment for Grassland, Forest and Tame Pasture” (Adams et al. 2009). An ecological status score (i.e. the integrity of the plant community composition compared to the reference plant community) has been added to each community type description. These values are based on what is currently known about how a reference plant community (RPC) responds to various kinds and levels of disturbance or successional processes. The values indicate how a particular plant community fits in the state and transition model relative to the RPC. If an experienced observer wishes to estimate the health of a plant community without completing a health form, (e.g. a small riparian area), these values can be used as a guide. Occasionally there are 2 options provided for the ecological status score. This was done for two reasons: 1) to express the range of divergence from the RPC possible for a particular plant community; or 2) to allow for different health forms to be used in communities with variable shrub or tree cover (e.g. on sites with high woody cover and/or an obvious LFH layer use the forest rangeland health form and the corresponding ecological status score; on sites dominated by herbaceous cover and/or an obvious herbaceous litter layer use the native grassland form). Late seral plant communities tend to be superior in the efficient capture of solar energy, in cycling of organic matter and nutrients, in retaining moisture, in supporting wildlife habitat values and in providing the highest potential productivity for the site. In contrast, early seral disturbed stages represent plant communities with diminished ecological processes, which are less stable and more vulnerable to erosion and invasion by weeds and non-native species. In most cases these late seral plant communities are used as the RPC, but sometimes management goals influence the choice of RPC (e.g. a cut block to be maintained as untimbered rangeland).

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Correlation of Soils and Ecological Sites Typical soils are moderately fine textured Gray Luvisols and gleyed subgroups. Reference sites of average moisture and nutrients are variable and may be pure or mixed stands of aspen, white spruce, white birch, hybrid pine or black spruce (Natural Regions Committee 2006). White spruce–feather moss communities develop if stand-replacing fires do not occur for a sufficiently long period. These communities are relatively common in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion; balsam fir is a common associate at higher elevations and represent the mesic/medium ecological site. On nutrient-poor sites, lodgepole pine–jack pine hybrids form stands with black spruce; understories include common Labrador tea, bog cranberry and feathermosses and represent the mesic/poor ecological site. On the wetter sites, black spruce is typically the leading species, and white spruce may also occur where nutrient conditions are somewhat better. Soils are moderately well to poorly drained, variable textured Luvisols and gleyed subgroups, Brunisols and Gleysols (Natural Regions Committee 2006). On moist, rich sites, balsam poplar, aspen and white spruce occur as pure or mixed stands with understories of red-osier dogwood, bracted honeysuckle, prickly rose and bluejoint and represent subhygric/rich ecological sites. Soil textures are variable, and soils are Luvisols or Gleysols. Wetlands include nutrient-poor black spruce fens with common Labrador tea, peat mosses and feathermosses. Tamarack–black spruce stands or willow–dwarf birch shrublands with sedges, bluejoint, golden moss and other rich-site vascular and non-vascular associates occur in wetlands receiving nutrient-rich waters. Organic soils are dominant and Gleysols are common (Natural Regions Committee 2006).

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Guidelines for Determining Ecological Sites Alberta currently uses two ecological classification methods to determine ecological sites. In the agricultural settlement area of the Province, resource managers can determine site soil conditions using AGRASID (Agricultural Region of Alberta Soil Inventory Database). In the Rocky Mountain, Foothills and Boreal Natural Regions, the Ecological Landscape Classification approach incorporates both vegetation and site conditions (climate, soils and geology) into a hierarchical ecological unit classification (e.g. subregion, ecodistrict, ecosection, ecological site, ecological site phase, plant community) (Strong and Thompson 1995). Ecological sites are areas of similar climate, moisture and nutrient regimes. The combination of moisture and nutrient regimes can be represented on a two-dimensional grid called the edatope grid. The edatope grid is a two-dimensional table with soil moisture regime on one axis and soil nutrient regime on the other. Soil moisture regime (SMR) is defined as the average amount of soil water available annually for evapotranspiration by vascular plants (Meidinger and Pojar 1991). The SMR uses nine classes to define the available soil moisture, which range from the driest (very xeric) to the wettest (hydric). Soil nutrient regime (SNR) is defined as the amount of essential soil nutrients that are available to vascular plants over a period of several years (Meidinger and Pojar 1991). SNR is broken down into five classes that range from A (very poor) to E (very rich). Generally ecological sites are named from low moisture/low nutrient to high moisture/high nutrient. The unique combination of moisture and nutrients creates conditions for a particular ecological site within a subregion. For example a subxeric, poor nutrient regime site is characterized by the "a" [bearberry (subxeric/poor)] ecological site. A resource manager can review the indicator plant species of the ecological site, plant community types, soils and site conditions to see if the plant community in question fits the general descriptions. The following steps provide a framework for determining ecological sites. Step 1 Review background information and pre-stratify the area to be classified Review information about the area you are investigating to learn what you can about the landscape and ecology. Consult the natural subregions and Derived Ecosite Phase (DEP) or Primary Land Vegetation Inventory (PLVI) maps to ensure you are using the correct subregion guide. DEP and PLVI classification will also give you the common ecological site phase for a particular forest polygon. Step 2 Carry out a quick reconnaissance of the site to be classified Take note of the variability and relationship between topography and position on the landscape and the general plant species distribution including trees and understory. Check the DEP and PLVI ecological site phase maps. Step 3 Choose a location that appears to be representative of the area to be classified Locate an area for your assessment that appears to be representative of the site to be classified, and is homogeneous in slope, plant cover, and overstory canopy conditions as possible. Avoid locating the sample in areas that have received significant natural or artificial disturbance. Also avoid ecotone areas or relatively small areas that are transitional between homogenous ecological units such as slope breaks. Step 4 Determine the plant species composition and abundance Determine the plant species composition and abundance within a 10x10 m plot. Also record any species that appear to be representative of the ecological unit but occur outside the plot within the same slope position and on the same parent materials. Abundance is estimated by determining the amount of ground area that is covered by the plant species when its canopy is projected onto the ground surface. Step 5 Determine the important soil properties To collect soils data, a soil pit must be dug or augered. In most cases a soil pit 60 cm deep will be adequate. A deeper pit is required when the soil has a coarse to moderately coarse texture. In these cases the pit is dug

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deeper to see if there are finer-textured layers that are influencing ecological function below the 60 cm of coarse material. A deeper pit is also required when the plant community on the site cannot be explained by the site conditions and soil conditions above 60 cm. The minimum soils data that should be collected within a plot to classify it correctly are organic matter thickness, humus form, Ah horizon thickness, surface texture, effective texture, presence of seepage, depth to mottles, depth to gley, coarse fragment content, parent material/landform and drainage. Step 6 Determine important site properties Important site variables that should be collected include topographic position, slope, aspect, moisture regime, and nutrient regime. Step 7 Determine the natural subregion, ecological site, ecological site phase and plant community type. There are several ways to determine the ecological site, ecological site phase and plant community type. The first way is to assign an ecological classification to a site is to use the field data collected and go through the various subregion guides to identify the ecological site. You can also use the dichotomous keys to ecological site and ecological site phase. Once you find a potentially correct plant community type, check the soil, site and vegetational characteristics of your site to make sure it matches the ecological site, ecological site phase and plant community type on the various fact sheets. To consider all ecological site choices, you must compare the characteristics of your site, with the descriptions on the fact sheets for all ellipses that overlap the moisture and nutrient classes of your site on the edatope grid for the subregion and adjacent subregions within the area.

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How to use the Guide Organization of the guide This guide is an expansion of the Ecosites of Northern Alberta guide (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). It contains new information and it is recommended that the reader has access to relevant information from both guides. The community types in this guide are closely related to the ecosites and ecosite phases outlined in Ecosites of Northern Alberta (Beckingham and Archibald 1996), and are similarly arranged (e.g. Table 1 and 2). Table 1 and 2 is a reproduction of Figure 14 in Ecosites of Northern Alberta with community types in this guide further separated into reference range plant communities, successional communities and harvesting and fire communities. The "Successional community types" or "Harvesting and Fire succession" categories outline the successional sequence the community types undergo with heavy grazing pressure, harvesting or fire disturbance. The bulk of this guide is community descriptions which include information on the dominant plant species, canopy cover, environmental conditions. When available, we have included plant community successional (ie response to grazing) information to help us determine rangeland health and the successional relationships on an ecological site. Generally ecological units within this subregion are classified by "ecosection (foothills, boreal)" and then their position on the edatopic grid [a specific combination of soil moisture and soil nutrient regime] . The information in this guide is presented and named by: 1. Subregion/Ecological area a. Lower Boreal Highlands [LBH] 2. Ecosection (foothills/boreal) a. Foothills (LBHf) b. Boreal (LBHb) 3. Dominant cover type a. A-grassland b. B-shrubland c. C-deciduous d. D-mixedwood e. E-conifer 4. A number- Generally, communities are named/numbered from low moisture /nutrient status to high moisture/nutrient status. For example, LBHfE1 Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye community on the"b" submesic/medium ecological site, while LBHfE15 Sb-Lt/Peat moss community type on the "i" subhydric/medium ecological site. Eg. LBHfE1 Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye NOTE: As additional information is collected and new ecological units are identified and described, an attempt is made to fit them into the pre-existing ones. How to read the fact sheets The field guide contains 4 types of fact sheets: One for ecosection, one for ecological site, one for ecological site phase and one for plant community type. Ecosection There is an identification code at the top of the ecosection fact sheet and a name followed by the number of sample sites (pg 26). Each ecosection has been given a name that conveys information about the location of

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the unit and are frequently named after a general location within the subregion (Ecosection: Cypress Hills (Mc) of the Montane subregion). A short text description of the site is given under the General Description (pg 26), this is followed by a picture or a cross section diagram and map of the ecosection (pg 26). The section on successional relationships gives a brief note about the spatial locations and differences in ecosections (pg 26). This is followed by a list of envrionmental variables (elevation), ecodistricts and ecological sites associated with the ecosection (pg 26). Ecological site There is an identification letter at the top of the ecological site fact sheet and a name, moisture and nutrients followed by the number of sample sites (pg 27). Each ecological site has been given a name that conveys information about the ecology of the unit and are frequently named after a common plant species. A short text description of the site is given under the General Description (pg 27), this is followed by a picture or a cross section diagram of the ecological site (pg 27). The section on successional relationships gives a brief note about the temporal development of the ecological site (pg 27). It generally describes the successional relationships among the ecological site phases and plant community types. Plant species that are indicators of the ecological conditions on the site are listed (pg 27). Site index at 50 years of age at breast height (1.3 m) is presented next. The mean site index is presented in meters followed by the standard error and the number of trees used to calculate the mean (pg 27). Environment and soil variables are then listed and represent a roll-up from the plant community and ecological site phase descriptions (pg 27). Variables that represent environment and soils have a number (1) that indicates the number of the samples in which each variable class occurred. Data has been collected and analyzed from many sources over 40 years and data gaps may exist for many variables. The frequency of occurrence value indicates the number of sampled plots for which data was collected for that variable at the Ecological site, Ecological site phase and plant community fact sheets. Optional variables such as soil exposure, LFH thickness, forage production and stocking rate for livestock may also be listed and represent a roll-up for the plant community and ecological site phase. Ecological site phase There is an identification code at the top of the ecological site phase fact sheet and a name followed by the number of sample sites (pg 28). Each ecological site phase has been given a name that conveys information about the dominant tree species or lifeform (shrubland, grassland, tame/disturbance) of the unit and are frequently named after a common plant species. A short text description of the site and successional information maybe given under the General Description or Successional relationships (pg 28) if it is provides more detail than is available on the ecological site fact sheet. Plant species that are indicators of the ecological conditions on the site are listed with the average cover summarized from the various plant communities (pg 28). Indicator species for the ecological site phase are identified with an asterix "*" and are rolled-up to develop the indicator species list for the ecological site fact sheet. Environment and soil variables are then listed and represent a roll-up from the plant community (pg 28). Optional variables such as soil exposure, LFH thickness, forage production and stocking rate for livestock may also be listed and represent a roll-up for the plant communities. Plant community There is an identification code at the top of the plant community fact sheet and a name followed by the number of sample sites (pg 29). The name of the plant community is generally the common name of the indicator plant species within the various lifeform layers (tree, shrub, forb, grass, lichen, moss). This is followed by the latin name of each indicator species and a general description of the community type describing its unique ecology. Plant species that are indicators of the ecological conditions on the site are listed with the mean cover summarized, range in cover and overall constancy (frequency of plots that the species was described (pg 29). Environment and soil variables are then listed and represent a roll-up from the various plots and assessements (pg 29). Optional variables such as soil exposure, LFH thickness, forage production and stocking rate for livestock may also be listed and represent a roll-up for various plots.

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Results This guide represents the current analysis of 482 plots described in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. The boreal ecosection includes 227 plots that represent 37 community types. These types are split into: A. Native grasslands 2 community types B. Native shrublands 6 community types C. Deciduous types 8 community types D. Mixedwood types 8 community types E. Conifer types 13 community types. The dominant plant species, canopy cover, soil and environmental conditions are outlined for each type. The foothills ecosection includes 255 plots that represent 47 community types. These types are split into: A. Native grasslands 2 community types B. Native shrublands 9 community types C. Deciduous types 9 community types D. Mixedwood types 12 community types E. Conifer types 15 community types. The dominant plant species, canopy cover, soil and environmental conditions are outlined for each type.

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General Ecological Descriptions Forested community types The Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion is the major zone of hybridization between lodgepole pine and jack pine and this is typically true within the boreal ecosection. Plot data from the foothills ecosection indicates that jack pine is less common in the northwestern areas of this subregion. The foothills ecosection is dominated by lodgepole pine forests and has little presence of jack pine. The hairy wildrye ecosite is also found within the foothills ecosection, but was not described within the boreal ecosection. The hairy wildrye ecosite is described in both the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions (Beckingham et al. 1996). Bearberry, lichen, common Labrador tea and common blueberry occur on the driest sites. Lodgepole pine-jack pine hybrids grow in pure or mixed stands with aspen and white birch, green alder, common Labrador tea, common blueberry and bog cranberry on well drained, coarse textured substrates (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Modal community types on sites of average moisture and nutrient status in the Lower Boreal Highlands are variable and may be pure of mixed stands of aspen, white spruce, white birch, hybrid pine, and black spruce. White birch, balsam poplar, white spruce and hybrid pine tend to replace aspen as the dominant tree species in pure or mixed stands, at higher elevations and where seepage occurs. Pure white birch stands are a distinctive feature at upper elevations in the Lower Boreal Highlands (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Understory species include rose, Canada buffaloberry, hairy wild rye, bluejoint, bunchberry, wild sarsaparilla, dewberry and feather mosses; species diversity likely decreases to the north. White spruce-feather moss communities develop if stand-replacing fires do not occur for a sufficiently long period. These communities are relatively common in Lower Boreal Highlands; balsam fir is a common associate at higher elevations. On nutrient-poor sites, lodgepole pine-jack pine hybrids form stands with black spruce; understories include common Labrador tea, bog cranberry, and feather mosses. On the wetter sites, black spruce is typically the leading species, and white spruce may also occur where nutrient conditions are somewhat better (Natural Regions Committee 2006). On moist, rich sites, balsam poplar, aspen and white spruce occur as pure or mixed stands with understories of red-osier dogwood, bracted honeysuckle, prickly rose, bluejoint and other herbs in deciduous and mixedwood stands, or a carpet of feather mosses and horsetails in coniferous stands. Tall willow communities with similar understories may also occur. These sites are typically found in association with seepage zones along streams. Bluejoint may establish tall monocultues if the overstory is removed by fire or harvest. Wetlands The Alberta Wetland Classification System (2015) recognizes the hydrological, biogeochemical and biotic processes that affect differing characteristics that can be used to define a wetland. The AWCS recognizes five classes of wetlands in Alberta: bogs, fens, marshes, shallow open water and swamps. Wetlands can be divided into two broad groups: peatlands and mineral wetlands. In general the AWCS considers bogs and fens to be peatlands and all other wetland classes (i.e. swamps, marshes and shallow open waters) are considered to be mineral wetlands. For the most part the ecological sites align with AWCS five classes of wetlands (Table A), however some sedge, marsh reedgrass and tufted hairgrass dominated ecological sites because of their moisture regime and species composition are classified as meadows or fens but are mineral wetlands which are considered marshes or swamps in the AWCS classification system. Table A. Cross walk of broad AWCS classes to general Ecological site AWCS Ecological Sites Bog Bog Fen Poor fen Fen Rich fen Marsh Rich fen (mineral wetland) Marsh Meadows

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Marsh Marsh Swamp Red osier dogwood, Honeysuckle, Horsetail and wetter Labrador tea, black spruce dominated ecological sites There is little open water in the Lower Boreal Highlands Natural Subregion other than a few small lakes in the Buffalo Head Hills, Peerless Upland and Birch Mountains. The Chinchaga and Birch Rivers are the largest watercourses. The total area covered by water is about 1 percent of the total land area in this Natural Subregion(Natural Regions Committee 2006) . Wetlands occur across about 35 percent of the area on average, but local percentages range from 20 to 60 percent. Wetlands are mainly treed and shrubby fens, except on the Chinchaga Plain to the north of the Clear Hills where bogs make up about 50 percent of the wetland area. Wet mineral soils occupy about 5 to 10 percent of the total area. Wetlands include nutrient-poor black spruce fens with common Labrador tea, peat mosses and feather mosses. Tamarack-black spruce stands or willow-dwarf birch shrublands with sedges, bluejoint, golden moss and other rich-site vascular and non-vascular associates occur in wetlands receiving nutrient-rich waters (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Shrublands Upland sites forest sites disturbed by fire will often have a early successional shrub phase. Labrador tea, lichen and feather moss tend to dominate the poorer sites and rose, Saskatoon and Bebb's willow the more mesic sites. Shrub communities dominated by willow, water birch and bog birch dominate the moister and richer sites. Sedges and reed grasses (Calamagrostis spp) dominate the drier edges of marshes or areas that have standing water only during spring runoff (i.e. fens). Willow will invade into these fens to form the Willow/Sedge and Willow/Reed grass plant communities and bog birch and Labrador tea tend to dominate the poorer nutrient sites.

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Figure 1. Edatope and Ecological sites for the Lower Boreal Highlands boreal ecosection.

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Figure 2. Edatope and Ecological Sites for the Lower Boreal Highlands foothills ecosection.

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Plant Community Keys

1. Foothills ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Boreal ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

2. b. (submesic/medium) south and west facing slopes with hairy wildrye predominant in the understory (ecosite b hairy wildrye) ................................ 3 a. (subxeric/poor) dry sites (hill crests or steep slopes, with shallow soils) dominated by pine, bearberry or blueberry (ecosite a blueberry/bearberry)8 c. (mesic/poor) mesic site with poor nutrient regimes dominated by black spruce, pine and Labrador tea (ecosite c Labrador tea - mesic) ............. 11 d. (mesic/medium) mesic sites with medium nutrient regimes dominated by aspen, pine, white spruce and an understory of low bush cranberry, buffaloberry, alder and feather mosses (ecosite d low-bush cranberry) ........................................................................................................................... 14 e. (subhygric/rich) moist, rich sites dominated by balsam poplar, river alder, red osier dogwood and willow species (ecosite e red osier dogwood) 20 f. (hygric/rich) moist, very rich sites typically with white spruce, willow and horsetail (ecosite f horsetail) ................................................................. 24 g. (hygric/medium) moist sites with poorer nutrient regimes, black spruce and Labrador tea present (ecosite g Labrador tea - horsetail) ................ 28 h. (subhydric/poor) bog dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite h bog) ........................................................................... 30 i. (subhydric/medium) poor fen site codominated by larch and black spruce, understory has bog birch with some sphagnum and some golden moss (ecosite i poor fen) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33 j. (subhydric/rich) rich fen dominated by larch, willows and bog birch, with little sphagnum (ecosite k rich fen) ........................................................ 36 k. (hydric/rich) aquatic sites with open standing water, dominated by cattails and rush species (ecosite k marsh) ................................................... 39

3. pine dominated phase (ecosite phase b1) ................................................................................................................................................................. 4 aspen dominated phase (ecosite phase b2) ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 site dominated by a mixture of decidous and conifer species (ecosite phase b3) ....................................................................................................... 6 white spruce dominated phase (ecosite phase b4) .................................................................................................................................................... 7 site dominated by grasses and low growing shrubs (ecosite phase b5)

4. Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye ( LBHfE1) ......................................................................................................................................................................... p 121

5. Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (LBHfC2) ............................................................................................................................................................. p 123 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (LBHfC3) ........................................................................................................................................................................ p 124

6. Aw-Pl/Alder/Hairy wildrye ( LBHfD4) ................................................................................................................................................................... p 126 Aw-Sw-Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye (LBHfD2) .............................................................................................................................................................. p 127 Aw-Sw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (LBHfD3) ....................................................................................................................................................... p 128

7. Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye ( LBHfE2) ....................................................................................................................................................................... p 130

8. aspen dominated phase (ecosite phase a2).............................................................................................................................................................. 9 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase a3) ................................................................................................... 10 pine dominated phase (ecosite phase a1) shrub dominated phase (bearberry, juniper) (ecosite phase a4)

9. Aw/Blueberry-Bearberry (LBHfC1) ...................................................................................................................................................................... p 115

10. Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry (LBHfD1) ............................................................................................................................................................................ p 117

11. site dominated by conifer species (Sb-Pl) (ecosite phase c1) .................................................................................................................................. 12 site dominated by a mixture of conifer and deciduous species (Sb-Aw)(ecosite phase c2) ....................................................................................... 13

12. Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss (LBHfE4) ............................................................................................................................................................ p 135 Pl-Sw/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry (LBHfE5) ...................................................................................................................................................... p 136

13. Aw-Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss ( LBHfD6) ..................................................................................................................................................... p 138 Aw/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (LBHfC4) .......................................................................................................................................................... p 139

14. site dominated by pine species (ecosite phase d1) .................................................................................................................................................. 15 site dominated by deciduous species (ecosite phase d2) ......................................................................................................................................... 16 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase d3) ................................................................................................... 17 site dominated by conifer species (ecosite phase d4) .............................................................................................................................................. 18 site dominated by tame forage species (brome, timothy, creeping red fescue) (ecosite phase d8) ........................................................................... 19 site dominated by shrub species (ecosite phase d5) site dominated by grass and low growing shrub species (ecosite phase d6)

15. Pl/Alder (LBHfE10) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 143

16. Aw/Buffaloberry (LBHfC5) .................................................................................................................................................................................. p 145 Aw/Alder (LBHfC6) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 146 Aw/Low-bush cranberry (LBHfC7) ...................................................................................................................................................................... p 147

17. Pl-Sw-Aw/Alder (LBHfD7) ................................................................................................................................................................................... p 149 Aw-Sw-Pl/Buffaloberry (LBHfD8) ........................................................................................................................................................................ p 150 Aw-Sw-Pl/Moss (LBHfD9) ................................................................................................................................................................................... p 151

18. Sw/Alder (LBHfE6) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 153 Sw-Pl/Moss (LBHfE7) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 154

16

Fb-Sw/Moss (LBHfE8) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ p 155 Sw/Moss (LBHfE9) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 156

19. Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion (LBHfA2) .............................................................................................................................................. p 160

20. site dominated by deciduous species (Aw-Pb) (ecosite phase e2) ........................................................................................................................... 21 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase e3) ................................................................................................... 22 site dominated by shrub species (willow) (ecosite phase e5) ................................................................................................................................... 23 site dominated by pine (ecosite phase e1) site dominated by white spruce (ecosite phase e4)

21. Pb-Aw/Red osier dogwood-Willow (LBHfC10) .................................................................................................................................................... p 164 Pb/Willow (LBHfC8) ............................................................................................................................................................................................ p 165 Pb-Aw/Alder (LBHfC9) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ p 166

22. Pb-Sw-Aw/Moss (LBHfD10) ................................................................................................................................................................................ p 169 Pl-Pb/Alder ( LBHfD11) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... p 168

23. Shrubby willow-River alder (LBHfB1) .................................................................................................................................................................. p 172

24. white spruce dominated site (ecosite phase f1) ....................................................................................................................................................... 25 mixture of conifer and deciduous species dominate the site (ecosite phase f2) ........................................................................................................ 26 site dominated by shrub species (willow/alder) (ecosite phase f3) ........................................................................................................................... 27

25. Pl-Sw/Horsetail (LBHfE11).................................................................................................................................................................................. p 175 Sw/Horsetail (LBHfE12) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... p 176

26. Aw-Sw/Horsetail (LBHfD12) ................................................................................................................................................................................ p 178

27. Scouler's willow-Green alder (LBHfB2) ............................................................................................................................................................... p 180

28. shrub dominated site (Labrador tea) (ecosite phase g2) .......................................................................................................................................... 29 conifer dominated site (Sb-Pl) (ecosite phase g1)

29. Willow-Labrador tea/Golden moss (LBHfB3) ....................................................................................................................................................... p 185

30. treed bog dominated by black spruce, labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite phase h1) ............................................................................................ 31 shrubby bog dominated by Labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite phase h2) ............................................................................................................ 32 graminoid dominated bog (mud sedge) (ecosite phase h3)

31. Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (LBHfE14) ............................................................................................................................................................... p 188

32. Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Peat moss (Sb) (LBHfB4) ....................................................................................................................................... p 190

33. site dominated by trees (mixture of Sb and Lt) (ecosite phase i1) ............................................................................................................................ 34 site dominated by shrubs (bog birch) (ecosite phase i2) .......................................................................................................................................... 35 site dominated by sedges, with sphagnum and golden moss (ecosite phase i3)

34. Sb-Lt/Willow/Horsetail (LBHfE13) ....................................................................................................................................................................... p 194 Sb-Lt/Peat moss (LBHfE15)................................................................................................................................................................................ p 195

35. Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (LBHfB5) ................................................................................................................................................................ p 197

36. shrubby rich fen dominated by willow (ecosite phase j2) .......................................................................................................................................... 37 graminoid rich fen dominated by sedges (ecosite phase j3) ..................................................................................................................................... 38 treed rich fen dominated by tamarack (ecosite phase j1)

37. Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (LBHfB6) ................................................................................................................................................. p 202 Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (LBHfB7)................................................................................................................................................................. p 203 Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass (LBHfB8) ...................................................................................................................................................... p 206 Willow/Dandelion/Timothy (LBHfB9) ................................................................................................................................................................... p 207

38. Water Sedge (LBHfA1) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... p 205

39. marsh dominated by cattails and rush species (ecosite phase k1)

40. a. (subxeric/poor) dry sites (hill crests or steep slopes, with shallow soils) dominated by pine, bearberry or blueberry (ecosite a bearberry/lichen) . 41 b. (submesic/medium) coarse textured soils dominated by blueberry in the understory (ecosite b blueberry) .......................................................... 43 c. (mesic/poor) mesic site with poor nutrient regimes dominated by black spruce, pine and Labrador tea (ecosite c Labrador tea - mesic) ............. 46 d. (mesic/medium) mesic sites with medium nutrient regimes dominated by aspen, pine, white spruce and an understory of low bush cranberry, buffaloberry, alder and feather mosses (ecosite d low-bush cranberry) ........................................................................................................................... 50 e. (subhygric/rich) moist, rich sites dominated by balsam poplar, river alder, red osier dogwood and willow species (ecosite e red osier dogwood) 55 f. (hygric/rich) moist, very rich sites typically with white spruce, willow and horsetail (ecosite f horsetail) ................................................................. 60 g. (hygric/medium) moist sites with poorer nutrient regimes, black spruce and labrador tea present (ecosite g Labrador tea - horsetail) ................. 64 h. (subhydric/poor) bog dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite h bog) ........................................................................... 66 i. (subhydric/medium) poor fen site codominated by larch and black spruce, understory has bog birch with some sphagnum and some golden moss (ecosite i poor fen) ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 69

17

j. (subhydric/rich) rich fen dominated by tamarack, willows and bog birch, with little sphagnum (ecosite k rich fen) ................................................. 71 k. (hydric/rich) aquatic sites with open standing water, dominated by cattails and rush species (ecosite k marsh) ................................................... 75

41. pine dominated phase (ecosite phase a1) ............................................................................................................................................................... 42 shrub dominated phase (bearberry, juniper) (ecosite phase a2)

42. Pj/Bearberry (LBHbE1) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 29

43. site dominated by a mixture of decidous and conifer species (ecosite phase b2) ..................................................................................................... 44 aspen dominated phase (ecosite phase b3) ............................................................................................................................................................. 45 spruce and pine dominated phase (ecosite phase b1) site dominated by low growing shrubs (ecosite phase b4) site dominated by grasses and low growing shrubs (ecosite phase b5)

44. Pj-Aw/Blueberry (LBHbD1) ................................................................................................................................................................................... p 34 Pj/Blueberry-Bog cranberry (LBHbE2) .................................................................................................................................................................. p 35

45. Aw/Blueberry (LBHbC1) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... p 37

46. ite dominated by conifer species (Sb-Pl) (ecosite phase c1) .................................................................................................................................... 47 site dominated by a mixture of conifer and deciduous species (Sb-Aw)(ecosite phase c2) ....................................................................................... 48 site dominated by shrub species (Labrador tea)(ecosite phase c3) ......................................................................................................................... 49

47. Pj-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (LBHbE3) ........................................................................................................................................................ p 42 Sb/Labrador tea/Moss (LBHbE4) .......................................................................................................................................................................... p 43

48. Aw-Sb/Moss (LBHbD2) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 45 Aw-Sw/Labrador tea (LBHbD5) ............................................................................................................................................................................ p 46

49. Alder-Labrador tea (Pl-Pj) (LBHbB1) .................................................................................................................................................................... p 48

50. site dominated by white spruce and balsam fir species (ecosite phase d1) .............................................................................................................. 51 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase d2) ................................................................................................... 52 site dominated by deciduous species (ecosite phase d3) ......................................................................................................................................... 53 site dominated by pine species (ecosite phase d4) .................................................................................................................................................. 54 site dominated by shrub species (ecosite phase d5) site dominated by tame forage species (brome, timothy, creeping red fescue) (ecosite phase d6)

51. Sw/Moss (LBHbE7) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 52 Fb-Sw/Moss (LBHbE8) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 53

52. Aw-Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (LBHbD3) ................................................................................................................................................................... p 55 Aw-Sw/Low bush cranberry/Moss (LBHbD4) ........................................................................................................................................................ p 56 Aw-Sw/Alder (LBHbD7) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ p 57

53. Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry (LBHbC2) .............................................................................................................................................................. p 59 Aw/Buffaloberry (LBHbC3) ................................................................................................................................................................................... p 60 Aw/Alder (LBHbC4) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 61

54. Pl/Moss (LBHbE5) ................................................................................................................................................................................................ p 64

55. site dominated by white spruce (ecosite phase e1) .................................................................................................................................................. 56 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase e2) ................................................................................................... 57 site dominated by deciduous species (Aw-Pb) (ecosite phase e3) ........................................................................................................................... 58 site dominated by shrub species (red osier dogwood, honeysuckle) (ecosite phase e5) .......................................................................................... 59 site dominated by tame species (brome, creeping red fescue, timothy) (ecosite phase e6)

56. Pl-Sw(Sb)/Red osier dogwood (LBHbE9) ............................................................................................................................................................. p 69

57. Pl-Pb/Alder (LBHbD6)........................................................................................................................................................................................... p 71

58. Aw/Willow (LBHbC5) ............................................................................................................................................................................................ p 73

59. Shining willow-Red fruited bearberry/Moss (LBHbB2) ........................................................................................................................................... p 75

60. white spruce dominated site (ecosite phase f1) ....................................................................................................................................................... 61 mixture of conifer and deciduous species dominate the site (ecosite phase f2) ........................................................................................................ 62 site dominted by deciduous species (Aw,Pb) (ecosite phase f3) .............................................................................................................................. 63

61. Sw/Horsetail (LBHbE10) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... p 79

62. Aw-Sw/Horsetail (LBHbD8)................................................................................................................................................................................... p 81

63. Aw/Horsetail (LBHbC6) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 83

64. conifer dominated site (Sb-Pl) (ecosite phase g1) .................................................................................................................................................... 65 shrub dominated site (Labrador tea) (ecosite phase g2)

65. Sb/Labrador tea/Horsetail (LBHbE11)................................................................................................................................................................... p 86 18

66. treed bog dominated by black spruce, labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite phase h1) ............................................................................................ 67 shrubby bog dominated by Labrador tea and sphagnum (ecosite phase h2) ............................................................................................................ 68 graminoid dominated bog (mud sedge) (ecosite phase h3)

67. Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (LBHbE12) ................................................................................................................................................................ p 90

68. Bog willow/Lesser panicled sedge-Mud sedge (LBHbB3) ..................................................................................................................................... p 98 Labrador tea/Peat moss (Sb) (LBHbB4) ............................................................................................................................................................... p 92

69. site dominated by shrubs (bog birch) (ecosite phase i2) .......................................................................................................................................... 70 site dominated by trees (mixture of Sb and Lt) (ecosite phase i1) site dominated by sedges, with sphagnum and golden moss (ecosite phase i3)

70. Sb/Willow/Northern bog sedge/Golden moss (LBHbB5) ....................................................................................................................................... p 96

71. treed rich fen dominated by tamarack (ecosite phase j1) ......................................................................................................................................... 72 shrubby rich fen dominated by willow (ecosite phase j2) .......................................................................................................................................... 73 graminoid rich fen dominated by sedges (ecosite phase j3) ..................................................................................................................................... 74

72. Lt/River alder/Golden moss (LBHbE13) .............................................................................................................................................................. p 103

73. Willow/Marsh reedgrass (LBHbB6) ..................................................................................................................................................................... p 105

74. Northern reedgrass (LBHbA1) ............................................................................................................................................................................ p 107 Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion (LBHbA2) ........................................................................................................................................................... p 108

75. marsh dominated by cattails and rush species (ecosite phase k1)

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Plant Community Tables Table 1. Boreal Ecosection Ecological Sites, Ecological site Phase and Plant Communities

Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor) a1 bearberry - Pj LBHbE1 Pj/Bearberry

a2 bearberry-shrub

b blueberry(submesic/medium) b1 blueberry - Sw-Pj

b2 blueberry Pj-Aw LBHbD1 Pj-Aw/Blueberry

LBHbE2 Pj/Blueberry-Bog cranberry

b3 blueberry-Aw LBHbC1 Aw/Blueberry

b4 blueberry-shrub

b5 blueberry - grass

c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) c1 Labrador tea - mesic Pj-Sb LBHbE3 Pj-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry

LBHbE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Moss

c2 Labrador tea mesic Sb-Aw LBHbD2 Aw-Sb/Moss

LBHbD5 Aw-Sw/Labrador tea

c3 labrador tea-mesic shrub LBHbB1 Alder-Labrador tea (Pl-Pj)

d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb LBHbE6 Sw/Alder

LBHbE7 Sw/Moss

LBHbE8 Fb-Sw/Moss

d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl LBHbD3 Aw-Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye

LBHbD4 Aw-Sw/Low bush cranberry/Moss

LBHbD7 Aw-Sw/Alder

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Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

d3 low bush cranberry Aw LBHbC2 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry

LBHbC3 Aw/Buffaloberry

LBHbC4 Aw/Alder

LBHbC7 Bw-Aw/Low bush cranberry-Rose

d4 low bush cranberry Pl LBHbE5 Pl/Moss

d5 low bush cranberry shrub

d6 low bush cranberry tame

e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

e1 red osier dogwood Sw LBHbE9 Pl-Sw(Sb)/Red osier dogwood

e2 red osier dogwood Sw-Aw-Pb LBHbD6 Pl-Pb/Alder

e3 red osier dogwood Pb-Aw LBHbC5 Aw/Willow

e5 red osier dogwood shrub LBHbB2 Shining willow-Red fruited bearberry/Moss

e6 red osier dogwood tame

f horsetail (hygric/rich) f1 horsetail Sw LBHbE10 Sw/Horsetail

f2 horsetail Sw-Aw-Pb LBHbD8 Aw-Sw/Horsetail

f3 horsetail Pb-Aw LBHbC6 Aw/Horsetail

g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

g1 Labrador tea-hygric Sb LBHbE11 Sb/Labrador tea/Horsetail

g2 Labrador tea hygric shrub

h bog (subhydric/very poor) h1 treed bog LBHbE12 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss

h2 shrubby bog LBHbB4 Labrador tea/Peat moss (Sb)

h3 graminoid bog

21

Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

i poor fen (subhydric/medium) i1 treed poor fen LBHbB5 Sb/Willow/Northern bog sedge/Golden moss

i2 shrubby poor fen LBHbB3 Bog willow/Lesser panicled sedge-Mud sedge

i3 graminoid poor fen

j rich fen (subhydric/rich) j1 treed rich fen LBHbC8 Bw/Marsh reedgrass

LBHbE13 Lt/River alder/Golden moss

j2 shrubby rich fen LBHbB6 Willow/Marsh reedgrass

j3 graminoid rich fen LBHbA1 Northern reedgrass LBHbA2 Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion

k marsh (hydric/rich) k1 marsh

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Table 2. Foothills Ecosection Ecological Sites, Ecological site Phases and Plant Communities

Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor)

a1 blueberry-bearberry Pl

a2 blueberry-bearberry Aw LBHfC1 Aw/Blueberry-Bearberry

a3 blueberry-bearberry Aw-Pl-Sw LBHfD1 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry

a4 shrub

b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

b1 hairy wild rye Pl LBHfE1 Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye

b2 hairy wild rye Aw LBHfC2 Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye

LBHfC3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye

b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw LBHfD4 Aw-Pl/Alder/Hairy wildrye

LBHfD2 Aw-Sw-Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye

LBHfD3 Aw-Sw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye

b4 hairy wildrye Sw LBHfE2 Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye

b5 hairy wildrye grass-shrub

c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb LBHfE3 Pl-Sb/Feather moss

LBHfE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss

LBHfE5 Pl-Sw/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry

c2 Labrador tea mesic Aw-Sb LBHfD6 Aw-Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss

LBHfC4 Aw/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry

c3 Labrador tea - mesic shrub

d low-bush cranberry d1 low-bush cranberry Pl LBHfE10 Pl/Alder

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Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

(mesic/medium) d2 low-bush cranberry Aw LBHfC5 Aw/Buffaloberry

LBHfC6 Aw/Alder

LBHfC7 Aw/Low-bush cranberry

d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw LBHfD7 Pl-Sw-Aw/Alder

LBHfD8 Aw-Sw-Pl/Buffaloberry

LBHfD9 Aw-Sw-Pl/Moss

d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb LBHfE6 Sw/Alder

LBHfE7 Sw-Pl/Moss

LBHfE8 Fb-Sw/Moss

LBHfE9 Sw/Moss

d5 low bush cranberry shrub

d6 low bush cranberry grass

d8 tame pasture LBHfA2 Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion

e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

e1 red osier dogwood Pl

e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb LBHfC10 Pb-Aw/Red osier dogwood-Willow

LBHfC8 Pb/Willow

LBHfC9 Pb-Aw/Alder

e3 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb-Pl-Sw

LBHfD11 Pl-Pb/Alder

LBHfD10 Pb-Sw-Aw/Moss

e4 red osier dogwood Sw

e5 shrub LBHfB1 Shrubby willow-River alder

24

Ecological Site / Range Site

Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site

Reference Plant Community Grazing Succession Modified Plant Community

Harvesting Succession

f horsetail (hygric/rich) f1 horsetail Sw LBHfE11 Pl-Sw/Horsetail

LBHfE12 Sw/Horsetail

f2 horsetail Sw-Aw LBHfD12 Aw-Sw/Horsetail

f3 shrub LBHfB2 Scouler's willow-Green alder

g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

g1 Labrador tea-horsetail Sb-Pl LBHfE31 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea/Moss

g2 shrub LBHfB3 Willow-Labrador tea/Golden moss

h bog (subhydric/poor) h1 treed bog LBHfE14 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss

h2 shrub bog LBHfB4 Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Peat moss (Sb)

h3 graminoid bog

i poor fen (subhydric/medium) i1 treed poor fen LBHfE13 Sb-Lt/Willow/Horsetail

LBHfE15 Sb-Lt/Peat moss

i2 shrub poor fen LBHfB5 Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss

i3 graminoid poor fen

j rich fen (subhydric/rich) j1 treed rich fen

j2 shrubby rich fen LBHfB6 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Golden moss

LBHfB7 Willow/Sedge/Golden moss LBHfB8 Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass

LBHfB9 Willow/Dandelion/Timothy

j3 graminoid rich fen LBHfA1 Water Sedge

k marsh (hydric/rich) k1 marsh

25

LBHb Boreal Ecosection (n=227) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands General Description This ecosection is defined by ecodistricts that are influenced by a boreal climate and boreal physiography. These ecodistricts include: Cameron Slope, Cameron Hills Upland, Caribou Slope, Caribou Upland, North Birch Upland, Birch Upland, Peerless Upland, Stony Mtn. Upland, Crow Lake Plain, Buffalo Head Upland, Wadlin Upland and Russell Upland.

Successional Relationships The boreal ecosection is the major zone of hybridization for jack pine and lodgepole pine and both species are present. In contrast the foothills ecosection is dominated by lodgepole pine forests and has little presence of jack pine. The hairy wildrye ecosite is also found within the foothills ecosection, but was not described within the boreal ecosection. The hairy wildrye ecosite is described in both the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Environmental Variables Elevation (range): 650.33 (220-900) M

Ecodistricts Site Count Birch Upland Ecodistrict 0 Buffalo Head Upland Ecodistrict 0 Cameron Hills Upland Ecodistrict 0 Cameron Slope Ecodistrict 0 Caribou Slope Ecodistrict 0 Caribou Upland Ecodistrict 0 Crow Lake Plain Ecodistrict 0 North Birch Upland Ecodistrict 0 Peerless Upland Ecodistrict 0 Russell Upland Ecodistrict 0 Stony Mountain Upland Ecodistrict 0 Wadlin Upland Ecodistrict 0 Ecological Sites Site Count a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor) 2 b blueberry(submesic/medium) 19 c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) 43 d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) 127 e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) 4 f horsetail (hygric/rich) 10 g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) 2 h bog (subhydric/very poor) 10 i poor fen (subhydric/medium) 2 j rich fen (subhydric/rich) 8

26

a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor) (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description This ecosite has dry conditions with rapidly drained acidic soils and poor nutrient status due to the coarse-textured fluvial or eolian parent materials. Plants that are indicative of the nutrient-poor substrate include bearberry, lichen, bog cranberry, and blueberry. Open-canopied jack pine stands dominate this ecosite that commonly has a carpet of lichens covering the forest floor. This ecological site is not common in the Lower Boreal Highlands as the majority of the subregion is dominated by medium textured glacial till deposits on slopes of the northern hill systems.

Successional Relationships Due to the dry nature of this ecosite, succession to a black spruce canopy is slower than the fire return interval. Pine is maintained for relatively long periods from colonization of the site after fire to the climax stages. The pine phase of this ecosite can be considered a fire edaphic climax.

Indicator Species Tree

JACK PINE Pinus banksiana LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE Pinus contorta x banksiana

Shrub COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 12.10 1.80 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 746 (681-811) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), very strong slope (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Very rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (1)

Effective Texture: Sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

27

a1 bearberry - Pj (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 10 ] LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE* Pinus contorta x banksiana [ 7.5 ] JACK PINE* Pinus banksiana

Shrub [ 30.0 ] COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 25.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 13.0 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY* Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 5.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.5 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Forb [ 1.5 ] NORTHERN BASTARD TOADFLAX Geocaulon lividum

Lichen [ 15.0 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 5.0 ] STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN Peltigera aphthosa [ 3.0 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina stellaris

Moss and Liverwort [ 35.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 2.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 3.0 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.5 ] NORTHERN RICE GRASS Oryzopsis pungens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 746 (681-811) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), very strong slope (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Very rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (1)

Effective Texture: Sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

28

LBHbE1 Pj/Bearberry (n=2) (Pinus banksiana/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) The understory of this community type is dominated by bearberry, lichen and bog cranberry. This community type occupies very dry sandy sites that are rapidly drained. Succession in the absence of disturbance will be to black spruce, but this succession is slower than the fire return interval. These pine dominated communities can be considered a fire edaphic climax. Allen and Johnson (2007) described a similar community dominated by jack pine and bog cranberry on a number of sites in the Birch Hills.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor) Ecosite Phase: a1 bearberry - Pj

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE (Pinus contorta x banksiana) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50

Understory Tree JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE (Pinus contorta x banksiana) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.5 1.0-10.0 100 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 13.0 1.0-25.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 25.5 1.0-50.0 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 30.0 10.0-50.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 NORTHERN BASTARD TOADFLAX (Geocaulon lividum) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100

Graminoid NORTHERN RICE GRASS (Oryzopsis pungens) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.0 1.0-5.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 35.0 0.0-70.0 50

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina stellaris) 3.0 1.0-5.0 100 STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 15.0 5.0-25.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 746 (681-811) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (1), Rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (1)

Effective Texture: Sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

29

a2 bearberry-shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: a bearberry/lichen (subxeric/poor)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

30

b blueberry(submesic/medium) (n=19) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description This ecosite tends to be subxeric to submesic partly due to coarse-textured parent materials. It is intermediate in both moisture and nutrient regime between the bearberry ecosite (a) and the buffaloberry/alder ecosite (d). As such it has species characteristic of the bearberry ecosite such as jack pine, blueberry, bearberry, bog cranberry, Labrador tea, and reindeer lichen and also species characteristic of the buffaloberry ecosite such as aspen, buffaloberry, bunchberry, alder, and fireweed. Allen and Johnson (2007) felt this ecological site was common in the Lower Boreal Highland subregion but was only described from a few sandy terraces adjacent to a number of lakes in the Birch Hills.

Successional Relationships The pine, aspen, and white birch-dominated phases of this ecosite may, in some cases, succeed to white spruce, however the process is expected to be relatively slow due to the dry nature of these sites.

Indicator Species Tree

JACK PINE Pinus banksiana ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 14.90 3.70 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.20 0.40 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4), Mesic (fresh) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (6), Submesotrophic (poor) (13)

Elevation (range): 687.67 (475-900) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), very strong slope (1), very gentle slope (4), level (6), nearly level (6)

Aspect: Northerly (2), Westerly (2), Southerly (3), Level (8)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Crest (2), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (5), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (4), Well drained (5), Rapidly drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (8), GRAY LUVISOL (8)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Medium sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Loam (2), Clay (3), Sand (7)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Medium sand (2), Clay (2), Sand (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 101 - (1), 26 - 50 (3)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (19)

Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (3), Eolian (3), Fluvioeolian (5), Morainal (5)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (4)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 3.00 11.00 18

31

b1 blueberry - Sw-Pj (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

32

b2 blueberry Pj-Aw (n=17) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 17.5 ] JACK PINE* Pinus banksiana [ 8.5 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 6.6 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta

Shrub [ 7.9 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 6.7 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY* Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 5.3 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.4 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.5 ] COMMON WILD ROSE Rosa woodsii [ 1.4 ] COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Lichen [ 11.3 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 36.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 0.7 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4), Mesic (fresh) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (5), Submesotrophic (poor) (12)

Elevation (range): 668.5 (475-900) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), very gentle slope (4), level (5), nearly level (6)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Northerly (2), Southerly (3), Level (8)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Crest (2), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (4), Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (3), Moderately well drained (4), Rapidly drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (8)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Medium sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (3), Sand (7)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Medium sand (2), Clay (2), Sand (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 101 - (1), 26 - 50 (3)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (17)

Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Eolian (3), Lacustrine (3), Morainal (3), Fluvioeolian (5)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (3)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.50 3.00 11.00 16

33

LBHbD1 Pj-Aw/Blueberry (n=2) (Pinus banksiana-Populus tremuloides/Vaccinium myrtilloides) This community type is the modal plant community for this ecological site. This community is very similar to the jack pine/blueberry dominated communities but appears to be slightly moister. The understory of this community type is dominated by blueberry and there is an increase in cover of more mesic plant species like alder, rose, bedstraw and wild lily of the valley. However despite the increase in moisture this community type still occupies coarse textured sites that are rapidly drained.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b2 blueberry Pj-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.0 4.0-30.0 100 JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 18.5 7.0-30.0 100

Understory Tree JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 3.5 0.0-7.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 COMMON WILD ROSE (Rosa woodsii) 3.0 0.0-6.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 5.5 1.0-10.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 1.0-5.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 3.5 2.0-5.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.5 3.0-10.0 100

Graminoid NORTHERN RICE GRASS (Oryzopsis pungens) 0.5 0.0-1.0 50

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 50.0 50.0-50.0 100

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 12.5 5.0-20.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 774 (649-900) M

Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Northerly (1)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Sandy loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sandy loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Eolian (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

34

LBHbE2 Pj/Blueberry-Bog cranberry (n=15) (Pinus banksiana/Vaccinium myrtilloides-Vaccinium vitis-ideae) This community type is the modal plant community for this ecological site. This community is very similar to the jack pine/bearberry community type but appears to be slightly moister. The understory of this community type is dominated by blueberry and there is an increase in cover of more mesic plant species like alder, rose, bedstraw and wild lily of the valley. However despite the increase in moisture this community type still occupies very dry coarse textured sites that are rapidly drained.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b2 blueberry Pj-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 13.2 0.0-63.0 53 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 13.3 0.0-40.0 40

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 3.6 0.0-25.0 27

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1.8 0.0-8.0 60 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 1.9 0.0-8.0 67 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 2.0 0.0-15.0 33 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 8.0 0.0-35.0 73 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 8.4 0.0-42.0 93

Low Forb (< 30 cm) STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.0 0.0-20.0 47 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.1 0.0-20.0 67

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.4 0.0-10.0 67

Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 4.8 0.0-30.0 73 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 9.0 0.0-60.0 67 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 22.6 0.0-63.0 80

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 10.2 0.0-45.0 67

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Mesic (fresh) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4), Submesic (moderately fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (5), Submesotrophic (poor) (10)

Elevation (range): 563 (475-651) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (4), 0 - 0.49 (5), 0.5 - 2.49 (6)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Westerly (1), Southerly (3), Level (8)

Topographic Position: Crest (2), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (3), Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (2), Moderately well drained (4), Rapidly drained (8)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Medium sand (1), Clay (2), Silty clay loam (2), Sand (7)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Medium sand (2), Sand (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 101 - (1), 0 - 25 (1), 26 - 50 (3)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (15)

Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Morainal (2), Eolian (2), Lacustrine (3), Fluvioeolian (5)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (3)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 3.00 11.00 14

35

b3 blueberry-Aw (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 24.5 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 17.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 13.0 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.5 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY* Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 2.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.0 ] DWARF BILBERRY Vaccinium caespitosum

Forb [ 10.0 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 6.5 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium

Moss and Liverwort [ 42.5 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 37.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 20.5 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 726 (671-782) M

Slope (%): level (1), very strong slope (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (2)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 2

36

LBHbC1 Aw/Blueberry (n=2) (Populus tremuloides/Vaccinium vitis idaea) This is a very dry, well-drained community type with sandy soil. It is found in conjunction with jack pine stands. Productivity of shrubs is largely blueberry.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b3 blueberry-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 21.5 18.0-25.0 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.0 3.0-5.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.0 0.0-4.0 50 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.5 1.0-10.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 13.0 1.0-25.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 17.5 5.0-30.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) NARROW-LEAVED HAWKWEED (Hieracium umbellatum) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.5 3.0-10.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 1.0-3.0 100 GROUND-CEDAR (Lycopodium complanatum) 8.0 1.0-15.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 9.0 3.0-15.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 20.5 1.0-40.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 37.5 35.0-40.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 42.5 35.0-50.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 726 (671-782) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), FIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

37

b4 blueberry-shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

38

b5 blueberry - grass (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: b blueberry(submesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

39

c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) (n=43) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description This ecosite has a subxeric to subhygric nutrient-poor substrate. Labrador tea and bog cranberry are indicative of the relatively acidic surface soil conditions. It occurs in upland (midslope and upper slope) or level topographic positions dominantly on till or fluvial over till parent materials. There is commonly a two-tiered even-aged canopy where the faster growing jack pine comprise the higher layer and the slower growing black spruce form a secondary canopy below the pine. While the Labrador tea-mesic ecosite (c) has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-subhygric ecosite (g), the mesic ecosite tends to occur in upper topographic positions, has no mottles within the top 25 cm of soil, and a thinner organic layer.

Successional Relationships Successionally mature stands that develop on these ecosites may be dominated by black spruce. Residual pine occurring in the climax community are generally very old. The successionally mature stage is rare due to high fire frequency.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE BIRCH Betula papyrifera ASPEN Populus tremuloides BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana JACK PINE Pinus banksiana

Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 14.40 1.70 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.20 0.50 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (5), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Subhygric (moderately moist) (14), Mesic (fresh) (16)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (14), Submesotrophic (poor) (27)

Elevation (range): 641.4 (394-780) M

Slope (%): very strong slope (1), moderate slope (3), level (6), very gentle slope (8), gentle slope (10), nearly level (14)

Aspect: Easterly (3), Southerly (5), Westerly (8), Level (10), Northerly (10)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (2), Crest (4), Level (8), Midslope (12), Upper Slope (13)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (2), Imperfectly drained (4), Rapidly drained (6), Well drained (11), Moderately well drained (19)

Soil Subgroup: HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), MELANIC BRUNISOL (2), GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (9), GRAY LUVISOL (18)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Humic (1), Loam (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Sandy loam (2), Mesic (2), Clay (4), Clay loam (7)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy clay loam (3), Silty clay (3), Clay (5), Clay loam (9)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1), 51 - 100 (3), 0 - 25 (3)

Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 26 - 39 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (39)

Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Residual (1), Bog (2), Lacustromoraine (2), Fluvial (2), Glaciofluvial (5), Lacustrine (5), Morainal (30)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (18)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 2.00 34.00 25

40

c1 Labrador tea - mesic Pj-Sb (n=36) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 9.0 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 3.9 ] JACK PINE* Pinus banksiana [ 3.6 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta

Shrub [ 15.6 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 7.2 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 4.3 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 2.2 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 1.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Lichen [ 8.2 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 27.1 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 23.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (5), Mesic (fresh) (11), Subhygric (moderately moist) (13)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (9), Submesotrophic (poor) (25)

Elevation (range): 658.5 (425-780) M

Slope (%): very strong slope (1), moderate slope (3), level (4), very gentle slope (6), gentle slope (9), nearly level (12)

Aspect: Easterly (3), Southerly (4), Westerly (6), Level (7), Northerly (9)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Crest (3), Level (6), Upper Slope (10), Midslope (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (2), Imperfectly drained (3), Rapidly drained (5), Well drained (11), Moderately well drained (14)

Soil Subgroup: ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (2), GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (7), GRAY LUVISOL (14)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Loam (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Humic (1), Silty clay (1), Silt loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Mesic (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (6)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Clay (3), Silty clay (3), Clay loam (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1), 0 - 25 (2), 51 - 100 (3)

Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 26 - 39 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (32)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Eolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (2), Fluvial (2), Bog (2), Lacustrine (3), Glaciofluvial (5), Morainal (24)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (3), FIBRIMOR (18)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 14.00 5.00 34.00 19

41

LBHbE3 Pj-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (n=25) (Pinus banksiana-Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea) This community type represents a successionally immature stand of this ecological site. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce. This community type is rapidly drained and has a coarse texture.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c1 Labrador tea - mesic Pj-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.2 0.0-35.0 52 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 7.2 0.0-42.0 28 JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 7.8 0.0-40.0 56

Understory Tree JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 1.6 0.0-15.0 28 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.5 0.0-63.0 88

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 1.0 0.0-8.0 44 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.0 0.0-40.0 40 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.4 0.0-35.0 56 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.7 0.0-29.0 68 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 6.7 0.0-29.0 96 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 13.2 0.0-65.0 80

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.1 0.0-29.0 76

Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 8.7 0.0-63.0 60 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 27.6 3.0-70.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 28.9 0.0-85.0 76

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 7.8 0.0-60.0 52

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (10), Subhygric (moderately moist) (10)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (8), Submesotrophic (poor) (17)

Elevation (range): 677 (425-780) M

Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (2), 0 - 0.49 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (5), 6 - 9.99 (5), 0.5 - 2.49 (10)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Level (4), Westerly (6), Northerly (7)

Topographic Position: Crest (2), Level (4), Upper Slope (6), Midslope (9)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (3), Well drained (10), Moderately well drained (11)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (6), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (6)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Clay (2), Sandy loam (2), Clay loam (5)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 51 - 100 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (24)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Eolian (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (2), Fluvial (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Morainal (17)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (13)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 5.00 22.00 16

42

LBHbE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Moss (n=11) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicaum/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type represents the transition between a treed bog and the upland jack pine/black spruce dominated community types. Labrador tea is indicative of the poor nutrient status of this plant community and the presence of feather moss indicate the drier nature of the site.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c1 Labrador tea - mesic Pj-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 10.8 0.0-30.0 91

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 3.1 0.0-15.0 73

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 4.2 0.0-25.0 82 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 7.8 0.0-20.0 91 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 18.0 0.0-97.0 91

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.5 0.0-20.0 73

Moss N/A (Sphagnum nemoreum) 1.3 0.0-15.0 9 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 17.2 1.0-60.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 26.6 0.0-85.0 82

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 8.6 0.0-50.0 64

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (8)

Elevation (range): 640 (518-728) M

Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 6 - 9.99 (4)

Aspect: Northerly (2), Easterly (2), Southerly (3), Level (3)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Crest (1), Level (2), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (4)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (2), Moderately well drained (3), Rapidly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL REGO (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL TERRIC MESIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Silt loam (1), Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Mesic (2)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Clay loam (2), Silty clay (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 26 - 50 (1), 51 - 100 (2)

Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 26 - 39 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Bog (2), Morainal (7)

Humus Form MESIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 18.00 6.00 34.00 3

43

c2 Labrador tea mesic Sb-Aw (n=5) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 19.3 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 6.4 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 7.5 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 3.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 1.5 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.2 ] SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 1.2 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis

Lichen [ 1.1 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 27.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 5.6 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 699 (610-732) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), level (1), nearly level (1), very gentle slope (2)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Westerly (2), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Upper Slope (2), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (5)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Morainal (4)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (3)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 2.00 15.00 5

44

LBHbD2 Aw-Sb/Moss (n=4) (Populus tremuloides-Picea mariana/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type occupies the moister end of the spectrum with a slightly richer nutrient regime within the Labrador tea-mesic ecological site. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce within this ecological site. The presence of a high cover of aspen and willos indicate the slightly better nutrients. This community type is well to moderately well drained and has a coarser soil texture. In the absence of disturbance this community type will likely succeed to a black spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c2 Labrador tea mesic Sb-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 4.2 0.0-10.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 16.2 0.0-50.0 50

Understory Tree WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 2.0 0.0-5.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 7.5 0.0-20.0 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.7 2.0-20.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 1.5 0.0-6.0 25 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.0 0.0-5.0 75 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.0 0.0-5.0 75

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 0.0-10.0 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 6.2 0.0-25.0 25 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 25.0 0.0-80.0 75

Lichen UNDIFFERENTIATED CLADONIA (Cladonia) 1.0 0.0-2.0 75 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 2.2 0.0-8.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 666 (610-707) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1), Westerly (2)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Crest (1), Upper Slope (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Morainal (4)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (3)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 2.00 15.00 4

45

LBHbD5 Aw-Sw/Labrador tea (n=1) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Ledum groenlandicum) This community type occupies a slightly richer nutrient regime within the Labrador tea-mesic ecological site. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce within this ecological site but the presence of white spruce indicates the slightly richer nutrient of this community type. This community type is well drained with a mesic moisture regime and a medium nutrient regime. In the absence of disturbance this community type will likely succeed to a white spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c2 Labrador tea mesic Sb-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 732 (732-732) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (1)

Effective Texture: Sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 3.00 3.00 3.00 1

46

c3 labrador tea-mesic shrub (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 2.5 ] WHITE BIRCH* Betula papyrifera [ 2.5 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 51.5 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 21.5 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.5 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.0 ] BOG BILBERRY Vaccinium uliginosum [ 4.0 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Forb [ 33.0 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 1.5 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 1.0 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium

Moss and Liverwort [ 34.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 26.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 24.5 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 492 (394-590) M

Slope (%): level (1), nearly level (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 12.00 12.00 1

47

LBHbB1 Alder-Labrador tea (Pl-Pj) (n=2) (Alnus crispa-Ledum groenlandicum(Pinus contorta-Pinus banksiana)) This community type is successionally immature and represents burned sites that are regenerating lodgepole and jack pine. This community has a mesic moisture regime and a poorer nutrient regime than the reference community types found on mesic sites with medium nutrients. In the continued absence of disturbance this community will likely succeed to a mixed white and black spruce dominated community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: c Labrador tea-mesic(mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c3 labrador tea-mesic shrub

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.0 0.0-8.0 50 JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 21.0 0.0-42.0 50

Understory Tree WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 51.5 15.0-88.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 BOG BILBERRY (Vaccinium uliginosum) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 21.5 18.0-25.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BASTARD TOADFLAX (Geocaulon lividum) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.5 3.0-8.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 33.0 3.0-63.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100

Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 24.5 20.0-29.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 26.5 18.0-35.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 34.0 5.0-63.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 492 (394-590) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 12.00 12.00 1

48

d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) (n=127) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description This is the reference ecosite for the Lower Boreal Highland subregion because of the mesic moisture regime and a medium nutrient regime. Generally, these ecosites have fine to medium textured glacial till with Gray Luvisols and gleyed subgroups. Generally these sites are dominated by pure or mixed stands of aspen, white spruce, white birch, hybrid pine or black spruce. At higher elevations white birch, white spruce and hybrid pine tend to replace aspen in pure or mixed stands (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Understory species include rose, green alder and buffaloberry and have a high diversity of forbs (wild sarsaparilla, dewberry, bunchberry) and grasses (bluejoint, hairy wildrye) in the understory.

Successional Relationships Pioneer species such as aspen and white birch are replaced by white spruce. Pine stands maybe dominated by pure lodgepole pine or pure jack pine and the full range of hybrids. White spruce and balsam fir communities develop if stand replacing fires do not occur over longer periods of time (Natural Regions Committee 2006).

Indicator Species Tree

BALSAM FIR Abies balsamea WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.70 0.60 0 WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 15.50 0.00 0 JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 12.70 3.60 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.10 0.00 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.10 0.40 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Hygric (moist) (3), Subxeric (moderately dry) (8), Submesic (moderately fresh) (11), Subhygric (moderately moist) (31), Mesic (fresh) (70)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (14), Permesotrophic (rich) (22), Mesotrophic (medium) (85)

Elevation (range): 650.64 (220-890) M

Slope (%): steep slope (1), very strong slope (1), strong slope (7), moderate slope (14), level (18), gentle slope (20), nearly level (28), very gentle slope (37)

Aspect: Northerly (19), Easterly (20), Westerly (20), Southerly (27), Level (30)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Depression (3), Lower Slope (10), Crest (15), Midslope (30), Level (32), Upper Slope (33)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Rapidly drained (9), Imperfectly drained (28), Well drained (37), Moderately well drained (48)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (3), SOMBRIC BRUNISOL (3), HUMIC GLEYSOL (3), LUVIC GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (10), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (14), GRAY LUVISOL (83)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Fine Sandy Clay (2), Silt loam (3), Medium sand (3), Loam (3), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5), Sandy clay (8), Sandy clay loam (9), Silty clay loam (10), Silty clay (15), Clay loam (20), Clay (26)

Effective Texture: Coarse sand (1), Fine sand (1), Heavy clay (1), Medium sand (1), Silt loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (3), Silty clay loam (4), Sandy loam (5), Loam (5), Sand (6), Sandy clay loam (8), Sandy clay (9), Silty clay (18), Clay loam (22), Clay (24)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (1), 26 - 50 (2), 0 - 25 (7)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (126)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Rock (1), Residual (2), Fluvial (2), Eolian (4), Lacustrine (10), Glaciofluvial (13), Lacustromoraine (15), Glaciolacustrine (18), Morainal (61)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), RAW MODER (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (5), HUMIFIBRIMOR (15), FIBRIMOR (25)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.64 1.00 20.00 112

49

d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb (n=42) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 24.9 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 2.6 ] BALSAM FIR* Abies balsamea

Shrub [ 12.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 9.3 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 9.2 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 8.7 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 7.1 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 5.4 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 4.6 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Forb [ 3.8 ] WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 3.1 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 2.9 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.4 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata

Moss and Liverwort [ 41.7 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 11.2 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 8.9 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis

Graminoid [ 3.3 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Hygric (moist) (3), Subhygric (moderately moist) (12), Mesic (fresh) (18)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (5), Permesotrophic (rich) (6), Mesotrophic (medium) (24)

Elevation (range): 629 (220-890) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (3), strong slope (3), level (6), moderate slope (6), very gentle slope (11), nearly level (12)

Aspect: Northerly (6), Westerly (6), Level (7), Easterly (8), Southerly (8)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Toe (1), Lower Slope (2), Crest (3), Midslope (9), Upper Slope (10), Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Rapidly drained (2), Moderately well drained (9), Imperfectly drained (13), Well drained (14)

Soil Subgroup: SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), HUMIC GLEYSOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (26)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Medium sand (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Loam (2), Sandy clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Clay (5), Silty clay loam (5), Clay loam (8)

Effective Texture: Fine sand (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Coarse sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Loam (3), Sandy clay loam (4), Silty clay (6), Clay (6), Clay loam (8)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1), 0 - 25 (6)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (40)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Eolian (1), Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (2), Glaciolacustrine (3), Glaciofluvial (5), Lacustromoraine (8), Morainal (20)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (7), FIBRIMOR (12)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 9.00 3.00 20.00 33

50

LBHbE6 Sw/Alder (n=3) (Picea glauca/Alnus crispa) This community type seems to form on slopes that have coarse soils and underground seepage. The underground seepage makes this community type fairly moist and nutrient rich. The high amount of moisture allows green alder to proliferate.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 24.0 13.0-30.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.0 0.0-18.0 33

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 21.3 15.0-29.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 14.0 3.0-29.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 14.0 4.0-20.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 18.0 5.0-29.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 18.6 4.0-29.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 10.3 3.0-20.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.3 1.0-10.0 100 SMALL ENCHANTER'S NIGHTSHADE (Circaea alpina) 6.0 0.0-18.0 33 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 10.0 0.0-29.0 67

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.3 1.0-2.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33 SWEET-SCENTED BEDSTRAW (Galium triflorum) 6.0 0.0-18.0 33 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 7.0 1.0-18.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 18.0 6.0-30.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.3 0.0-10.0 33

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 17.6 0.0-35.0 67 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 38.0 25.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 606 (465-756) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Southerly (2)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 7.00 12.00 2

51

LBHbE7 Sw/Moss (n=25) (Picea glauca/Pleurozium schreberi) This community is considered successionally mature. The limited light penetration in this community discourages understory development and allows moss to dominate the understory. In the continued absence of disturbance this community will succeed to a mixed White spruce/Balsam fir dominated community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.7 0.0-25.0 28 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 24.0 0.0-65.0 92

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.7 0.0-20.0 76

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.9 0.0-20.0 32 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.7 0.0-20.0 72 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.9 0.0-35.0 84 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.3 0.0-15.0 88

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 2.7 0.0-30.0 48

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.9 0.0-10.0 64

Low Forb (< 30 cm) KIDNEY-LEAVED VIOLET (Viola renifolia) 1.0 0.0-20.0 28 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 1.8 0.0-25.0 64 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.2 0.0-30.0 24 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.5 0.0-20.0 92

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 6.7 0.0-85.0 36

Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 4.4 0.0-40.0 56 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 5.4 0.0-30.0 80 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 54.2 0.0-90.0 96

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (9), Mesic (fresh) (11)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (5), Mesotrophic (medium) (15)

Elevation (range): 619 (220-790) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2), 10 - 15.99 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (7), 0.5 - 2.49 (10)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Southerly (4), Level (5), Northerly (5), Easterly (6)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Lower Slope (2), Crest (2), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (7), Level (9)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Rapidly drained (2), Well drained (6), Moderately well drained (6), Imperfectly drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL SOLONETZIC (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ GLEYED GRAY (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (5), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (7)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Medium sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (4), Clay (5), Clay loam (5)

Effective Texture: Coarse sand (1), Fine sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Clay loam (4), Clay (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1), 0 - 25 (4)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (24)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Lacustromoraine (5), Morainal (11)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), RAW MODER (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (9)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 9.00 4.00 20.00 21

52

LBHbE8 Fb-Sw/Moss (n=14) (Abies balsamea-Picea glauca/Pleurozium schreberi) This community is considered successionally more mature than the previously described Sw/Moss dominated community type. The limited light penetration in this community discourages understory development and allows moss to dominate the understory. In the continued absence of disturbance this community will eventually succeed to a Balsam fir dominated community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d1 low bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 3.2 0.0-25.0 29 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 7.9 0.0-42.0 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 12.6 0.0-42.0 86

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.5 0.0-10.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.6 0.0-22.0 14 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 2.0 0.0-22.0 43 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 4.5 0.0-22.0 86 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.6 0.0-25.0 79 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.3 0.0-32.0 86

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.4 0.0-30.0 86

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 1.4 0.0-15.0 43

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 1.2 0.0-8.0 64 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.2 0.0-18.0 29 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 13.9 1.0-42.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.0 0.0-10.0 21

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 10.7 0.0-35.0 79 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 22.4 0.0-85.0 86 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 33.1 0.0-85.0 71

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Hydric (wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (6)

Elevation (range): 662 (406-890) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (4)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (2), Easterly (2), Southerly (2), Westerly (4)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Crest (1), Midslope (1), Level (3), Upper Slope (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (3), Imperfectly drained (3), Well drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL LUVISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (5)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loam (1), Clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Silty clay loam (4)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Silty clay (2), Loam (2), Clay loam (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (2)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (13)

Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Lacustromoraine (3), Morainal (7)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 3.00 15.00 10

53

d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl (n=16) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 25.2 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 12.1 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 5.4 ] BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera

Shrub [ 16.7 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 7.0 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 7.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 6.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.2 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.9 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 2.5 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Forb [ 4.6 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.0 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 1.6 ] CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus

Moss and Liverwort [ 13.2 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 8.3 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 1.8 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (12)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (14)

Elevation (range): 672 (518-860) M

Slope (%): strong slope (2), nearly level (2), moderate slope (2), level (2), gentle slope (2), very gentle slope (6)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Northerly (1), Southerly (2), Westerly (4), Level (5)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (4), Level (4), Midslope (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (1), Rapidly drained (2), Well drained (3), Moderately well drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (10)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy clay (2), Sand (3), Clay (3), Silt loam (3)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (3), Sand (3), Sandy clay (3), Silty clay (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (16)

Parent Material: Rock (1), Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (2), Glaciolacustrine (3), Lacustrine (5), Morainal (7)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 9.00 1.00 17.00 16

54

LBHbD3 Aw-Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=6) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is very similar to the hairy wildrye dominated community types described in the foothills ecosection. Indeed, the majority of plots in this community type were described near Haig Lake in the Buffalo Head Hills which is found on the western edge of the boreal ecosection. This community is considered successionally immature. The high cover of hairy wildrye in this community type indicates slightly drier site conditions than the modal conditions for this ecological site. In the Lower Foothills subregion hairy wildrye is indicative of submesic sites with medium nutrient regimes. In the continued absence of disturbance this community will succeed to a Sw/Moss dominated community type and then balsam fir, but the process maybe slow due to the drier nature of this plant community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 11.3 1.0-30.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 23.3 0.0-40.0 83

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 1.8 0.0-10.0 33 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.8 0.0-10.0 67

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.3 0.0-5.0 33 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.3 0.0-3.0 67 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.5 0.0-7.0 33 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.6 0.0-5.0 67 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 4.1 0.0-15.0 33

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.0 0.0-6.0 67 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 8.0 2.0-15.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) LABRADOR LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis labradorica) 1.3 0.0-8.0 17 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 0.0-6.0 50 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.8 0.0-12.0 67

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 25.0 5.0-60.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 8.8 0.0-38.0 33

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (6)

Elevation (range): 705 (545-753) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (3)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (2), Level (2)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Upper Slope (2), Midslope (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Rapidly drained (2), Moderately well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (2), Sand (2), Clay (2)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (6)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 1.00 15.00 6

55

LBHbD4 Aw-Sw/Low bush cranberry/Moss (n=8) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Viburnum edule/Pleurozium schreberi) This community is considered successionally immature. In the absence of disturbance spruce will eventually dominate the community to form the Sw/Moss dominated community type. In the continued absence of disturbance this community will eventually succeed to a White spruce/Balsam fir dominated community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 1.2 0.0-10.0 13 WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 2.5 0.0-15.0 25 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.0 0.0-20.0 88 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 25.0 10.0-65.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.8 0.0-20.0 75

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 1.8 0.0-10.0 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.8 0.0-10.0 88 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 7.5 0.0-20.0 88 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 17.5 0.0-55.0 88

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.2 0.0-10.0 63

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 0.0-10.0 75 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.0 0.0-15.0 63

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.1 0.0-10.0 63 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.6 0.0-15.0 63 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.8 2.0-20.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 1.6 0.0-10.0 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 10.0 0.0-50.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 726 (632-860) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (1), Westerly (2), Level (2)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Crest (1), Midslope (2), Upper Slope (2), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (2), Moderately well drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (5)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay (2), Silt loam (3)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Sand (2), Clay loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Rock (1), Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (2), Morainal (5)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 2.00 14.00 8

56

LBHbD7 Aw-Sw/Alder (n=2) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Alnus crispa) This reference plant community represents a mixedwood phase of the low bush cranberry ecological site in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. Moisture and nutrients are intermediate between the drier blueberry ecosite and the moister red osier dogwood ecological site. Succession in the absence of disturbance is to a white spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low bush cranberry Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.0 5.0-15.0 100 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 15.0 0.0-30.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 27.5 10.0-45.0 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.5 0.0-7.0 50

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 21.0 2.0-40.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON WILD ROSE (Rosa woodsii) 3.5 0.0-7.0 50 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 11.0 7.0-15.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 28.5 17.0-40.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 8.5 5.0-12.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3.0 2.0-4.0 100 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.5 2.0-5.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 9.0 8.0-10.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 5.5 1.0-10.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 21.0 2.0-40.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 585 (518-652) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1), Sandy clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 14.00 10.00 17.00 2

57

d3 low bush cranberry Aw (n=66) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 36.0 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 9.7 ] WHITE BIRCH Betula papyrifera [ 2.2 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 8.7 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 6.9 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 5.5 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.8 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 4.5 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 3.6 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.8 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 4.4 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.7 ] WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 1.5 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus

Graminoid [ 4.9 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 2.1 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (6), Submesic (moderately fresh) (8), Subhygric (moderately moist) (14), Mesic (fresh) (39)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (8), Permesotrophic (rich) (14), Mesotrophic (medium) (45)

Elevation (range): 646 (363-790) M

Slope (%): steep slope (1), very strong slope (1), strong slope (2), moderate slope (6), level (9), nearly level (14), gentle slope (14), very gentle slope (19)

Aspect: Easterly (10), Westerly (10), Northerly (12), Southerly (16), Level (17)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Lower Slope (7), Crest (10), Midslope (15), Level (15), Upper Slope (18)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (5), Imperfectly drained (12), Well drained (19), Moderately well drained (30)

Soil Subgroup: MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (2), SOMBRIC BRUNISOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (9), GRAY LUVISOL (45)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Fine Sandy Clay (2), Medium sand (2), Sandy loam (3), Silty clay loam (3), Sandy clay (5), Sandy clay loam (5), Silty clay (9), Clay loam (11), Clay (18)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Medium sand (1), Silty clay loam (2), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (2), Sand (3), Sandy clay loam (4), Sandy clay (5), Sandy loam (5), Silty clay (9), Clay loam (11), Clay (15)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 51 - 100 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (67)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Eolian (2), Lacustrine (3), Lacustromoraine (5), Glaciofluvial (7), Glaciolacustrine (12), Morainal (31)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (12)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 1.00 14.00 60

58

LBHbC2 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry (n=28) (Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis-Viburnum edule) This plant community appears to be the modal aspen community type under limited disturbance on mesic, medium to rich sites. The presence of tall forbs such as fireweed, and peavine distinguish this community from the low forb type described in the Central Mixedwood subregion. It has also been observed that the low forb type can be produced when the tall forb community is lightly to moderately grazed for a number of years (Willoughby 1996). If the canopy is relatively open, marsh reed grass is abundant.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 39.7 0.0-80.0 93

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.1 0.0-10.0 29 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 6.7 0.0-30.0 46

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.2 0.0-15.0 32

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.2 0.0-35.0 29 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 3.8 0.0-10.0 79 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 7.4 0.0-30.0 86 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 14.6 0.0-60.0 79

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.5 0.0-10.0 39

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1.6 0.0-10.0 61 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.6 0.0-20.0 71 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.8 0.0-45.0 93

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.8 0.0-11.0 64 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 0.0-15.0 61 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.2 0.0-40.0 79

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 7.7 0.0-60.0 68

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (3), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (21)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (7), Mesotrophic (medium) (20)

Elevation (range): 670 (363-790) M

Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (3), 0 - 0.49 (5), 6 - 9.99 (7), 2.5 - 5.99 (10)

Aspect: Northerly (2), Easterly (4), Westerly (6), Level (6), Southerly (9)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Crest (4), Level (6), Midslope (6), Upper Slope (11)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (3), Well drained (9), Moderately well drained (15)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED DARK (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ GLEYED GRAY (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (4), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (16)

Surface Texture: Sandy loam (1), Medium sand (1), Sand (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay (3), Sandy clay loam (3), Clay loam (6), Clay (7)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Sandy clay (2), Sand (2), Sandy clay loam (3), Clay loam (7), Clay (8)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (28)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Colluvial (1), Eolian (1), Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (2), Lacustromoraine (3), Glaciofluvial (4), Glaciolacustrine (8), Morainal (17)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 1.00 14.00 26

59

LBHbC3 Aw/Buffaloberry (n=11) (Populus tremuloides/Shepherdia canadensis) This community type was found on mesic sites, with shallow slopes and had medium nutrient regimes. Beckingham (1993) felt the Aw/Buffaloberry type was slightly drier and had a slightly poorer nutrient regime than the more modal Aw/Alder or Aw/Low bush cranberry dominated community types. A similar buffaloberry dominated community was described at upper elevations in the Birch and Saddle Hills of the Boreal Mixedwood Natural Region (Moisey et al. 2012).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 42.0 7.0-65.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.1 0.0-15.0 55 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 8.7 0.0-30.0 73

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 2.4 0.0-15.0 27 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.9 0.0-7.0 82 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 4.1 0.0-20.0 36 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.3 0.0-15.0 73 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.6 0.0-20.0 46 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 18.2 2.0-40.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 0.8 0.0-3.0 36

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) AMERICAN MILK VETCH (Astragalus americanus) 1.5 0.0-7.0 36 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.5 0.0-7.0 82 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 8.5 1.0-40.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 4.0 0.0-35.0 55 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.7 0.0-20.0 64

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 12.0 0.0-60.0 82

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (10)

Elevation (range): 623 (472-739) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (5)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Southerly (3), Level (5)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Midslope (1), Depression (1), Crest (3), Level (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Rapidly drained (2), Imperfectly drained (3), Moderately well drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL PODZOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Clay (2), Sandy loam (2), Silty clay (3)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (2), Clay loam (2), Sandy clay (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (11)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (3), Morainal (6)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 3.00 8.00 10

60

LBHbC4 Aw/Alder (n=12) (Populus tremuloides/Alnus crispa) This reference plant community represents a deciduous phase of the low bush cranberry ecological site in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. Moisture and nutrients are intermediate between the drier blueberry ecosite and the moister red osier dogwood ecological site. Succession in the absence of disturbance is to a white spruce climax community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 33.0 15.0-60.0 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.0 0.0-12.0 58

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 4.5 0.0-30.0 25 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 25.4 0.0-80.0 75

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.8 0.0-20.0 17 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.9 0.0-10.0 67 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 5.6 0.0-45.0 42 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.6 0.0-30.0 83 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 13.6 1.0-45.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.0 0.0-20.0 67

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.9 0.0-10.0 58 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.4 0.0-10.0 92 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 6.1 0.0-70.0 33

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.1 0.0-20.0 92

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 7.5 0.0-40.0 33

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (8)

Elevation (range): 678 (579-762) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (5)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Southerly (2), Westerly (2), Level (5)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Crest (2), Level (3), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (5), Moderately well drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: SOLODIZED SOLONETZ GRAY (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (10)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1), Sandy clay (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2), Clay (4)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (12)

Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (8)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 4.00 10.00 9

61

LBHbC7 Bw-Aw/Low bush cranberry-Rose (n=15) (Betula papyrifera-Populus tremuloides/Viburnum edule-Rosa acicularis) This plant community is similar to other aspen dominated community types in the low-bush cranberry ecological site, but is dominated by paper birch rather than aspen. This type has vegetative affinities with the Aw/Rose-Low Bush Cranberry type due to the common mesic substrate characteristics, but the birch type appears to be slightly more acidic and with slightly poorer nutrients.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.4 0.0-20.0 20 WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 39.0 15.0-60.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 1.0 0.0-15.0 13 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.8 0.0-15.0 73

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 1.0 0.0-3.0 93 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.5 0.0-12.0 67 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.0 0.0-19.0 87 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.3 0.5-19.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 2.5 0.0-21.0 33 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 5.0 0.0-20.0 53

Low Forb (< 30 cm) STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 1.6 0.0-20.0 20

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.2 0.0-5.0 80

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 2.7 0.0-30.0 53 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 3.2 0.0-35.0 40 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 4.4 0.0-30.0 67

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (7), Subhygric (moderately moist) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3), Submesotrophic (poor) (6), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 613 (525-773) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (3), 10 - 15.99 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1), Southerly (2), Easterly (3), Northerly (9)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Crest (1), Level (1), Upper Slope (4), Lower Slope (4), Midslope (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (2), Well drained (4), Moderately well drained (4), Imperfectly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (3), SOMBRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Medium sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Fine Sandy Clay (2), Silty clay (3), Clay (6)

Effective Texture: Medium sand (1), Sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (2), Clay (2), Silty clay (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 51 - 100 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (16)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 2.00 9.00 15

62

d4 low bush cranberry Pl (n=3) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 25.0 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 13.3 ] LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE Pinus contorta x banksiana [ 5.6 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 4.6 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 5.3 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.0 ] SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 2.6 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.3 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Forb [ 3.3 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.6 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.6 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 38.3 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 20.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 3.6 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis

Graminoid [ 3.3 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 670 (550-750) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), level (1), very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Level (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Clay (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Morainal (3)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 4.00 10.00 3

63

LBHbE5 Pl/Moss (n=3) (Pinus contorta/Stair step moss) In the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion pine stands maybe dominated by pure lodgepole pine, pure jackpine or a full range of hybrids. On drier sites the understory will be dominated by bearberry, lichen or blueberry. On more mesic sites the understory is dominated by feather mosses, bunchberry and fireweed. This community type is ecologically similar to the Sw/Moss community but is successionally less advanced. As this forest grows older, white spruce will eventually replace lodgepole pine as the dominant tree species. This community type represents an intermediate state between a young seral deciduous stand and a climax white spruce - balsam fir stand.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d4 low bush cranberry Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.6 2.0-10.0 100 LODGEPOLE X JACK PINE (Pinus contorta x banksiana) 13.3 0.0-40.0 33 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 25.0 0.0-40.0 67

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.6 2.0-10.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.3 0.0-2.0 67 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.6 2.0-3.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.6 0.0-7.0 67

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 3.3 0.0-10.0 33 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.3 2.0-10.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.3 0.0-5.0 67

Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 3.6 0.0-10.0 67 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 20.0 0.0-30.0 67 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 38.3 25.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 670 (550-750) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Level (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Clay (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Morainal (3)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 4.00 10.00 2

64

d5 low bush cranberry shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

65

d6 low bush cranberry tame (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: d low bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

66

e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) (n=4) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description The dogwood ecosite is subhygric and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on level or depressional areas near the base of slopes or near watercourses that receive nutrient rich seepage or are occassionally flooded. Fine textured till and lacustrine parent materials are common.

Successional Relationships Succession to conifer on these rich sites proceeds slowly because of the proliferation of grass, forbs and shrubs after disturbance. These sites are often dominated by balsam poplar and red osier dogwood with the succession to spruce in the absence of disturbance.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera

Shrub SHINING WILLOW Salix lucida SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana ALPINE BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos rubra RED-OSIER DOGWOOD Cornus stolonifera

Forb RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.00 0.70 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 663.25 (434-840) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), level (3)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Well drained (1), Poorly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 5.00 7.00 2

67

e1 red osier dogwood Sw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 45.0 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 30.0 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 20.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca

Shrub [ 30.0 ] RED-OSIER DOGWOOD* Cornus stolonifera [ 20.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 10.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 2.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis

Forb [ 5.0 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.0 ] ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN Orthilia secunda [ 3.0 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 2.0 ] MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense [ 2.0 ] RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort [ 40.0 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 30.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 20.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 434 (434-434) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position:Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

68

LBHbE9 Pl-Sw(Sb)/Red osier dogwood (n=1) (Pinus contorta-Picea glauca(Picea mariana)/Cornus stolonifera) Beckingham and Archibald (1996) described this community type on lower slope topographic positions or near wetlands, water bodies or water courses where they receive nutrient-rich seepage or flood waters for a portion of the growing season. Often these sites are dominated by balsam poplar and in the absence of disturbance will eventually become dominated by white spruce to form this community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e1 red osier dogwood Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 45.0 45.0-45.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 RED-OSIER DOGWOOD (Cornus stolonifera) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 40.0 40.0-40.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 434 (434-434) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

69

e2 red osier dogwood Sw-Aw-Pb (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 25.0 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 15.0 ] BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera [ 5.0 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 25.0 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 15.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.0 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 2.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 1.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.0 ] WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus [ 1.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 3.0 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 3.0 ] RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY* Actaea rubra [ 2.0 ] LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.0 ] ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN Orthilia secunda

Moss and Liverwort [ 10.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 739 (739-739) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 1

70

LBHbD6 Pl-Pb/Alder (n=1) (Pinus contorta-Populus balsamifera/Alnus crispa) This reference plant community represents a mixedwood phase of the red osier dogwood ecological in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. Succession in the absence of disturbance will be to lodgepole pine and eventually a white spruce dominated community type. The presence of balsam poplar indicates the slightly better nutrient status and higher moisture content of this community type than the Aw-Sw/Alder and Aw/Alder dominated community types.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e2 red osier dogwood Sw-Aw-Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 739 (739-739) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 1

71

e3 red osier dogwood Pb-Aw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 30.0 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 5.0 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 3.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 20.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 15.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 10.0 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW* Salix scouleriana [ 5.0 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana

Forb [ 60.0 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 3.0 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium

Moss and Liverwort [ 30.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 30.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 840 (840-840) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Crest (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 7.00 7.00 1

72

LBHbC5 Aw/Willow (n=1) (Populus tremuloides/Salix scouleriana) This community type was described on a westerly facing slope and appears to occupy areas that receive some nutrient seepage throughout the growing season. There are some trees growing on these sites, but they are generally restricted to the drier areas. This community is similar to the Willow-Alder/fern community that was described on nutrient rich seepage areas in the Saddle Hills northwest of Grande Prairie in the Lower Foothills subregion. This community type is very productive, but it is difficult to graze because of the slope and the high cover of alder and willow which restricts livestock movement. This community type should be rated as non-use.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e3 red osier dogwood Pb-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 60.0 60.0-60.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 840 (840-840) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 7.00 7.00 1

73

e5 red osier dogwood shrub (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 15.0 ] ALPINE BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos rubra [ 10.0 ] SHINING WILLOW* Salix lucida [ 5.0 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 5.0 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.0 ] COMMON WILD ROSE Rosa woodsii [ 1.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 2.0 ] MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense [ 1.0 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 50.0 ] N/A Brachythecium salebrosum [ 30.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 10.0 ] GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 640 (640-640) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Glaciofluvial (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

74

LBHbB2 Shining willow-Red fruited bearberry/Moss (n=1) (Salix lucida-Arctostaphylos rubra/Brachythecium salebrosum) This community appears to be an early successional community near riparian areas which periodically flooded or has water close to the surface. Red fruit bearberry pioneers on gravel floodplains and other bare substrates in primary succession. It colonizes bare mineral soil in tundra and taiga sites in Alaska (Densmore 1979 http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/arcrub/all.html#13) and can persist in the understory in mature spruce and pine stands. Shining willow is another pioneer species found growing on lake and slough margins, river floodplains and sand dune slacks (Moss 1994). In the absence of disturbance this community will likely succeed to a white spruce dominated community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e5 red osier dogwood shrub

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m)

COMMON WILD ROSE (Rosa woodsii) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 SHINING WILLOW (Salix lucida) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 ALPINE BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos rubra) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100 N/A (Brachythecium salebrosum) 50.0 50.0-50.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 640 (640-640) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

75

e6 red osier dogwood tame (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

76

f horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=10) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description The horsetail ecosite is wet and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on till, lacustro-till and fluvial parent materials where flooding or seepage enhances the substrate nutrient supply (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). The high water tables, wet soil conditions and Gleysolic soils tends to lead to the accumulation of organic matter. Horsetails often dominate the forest floor and these sites are often associated with running water.

Successional Relationships Succession on these sites is largely controlled by high soil water content. Some sites that have peaty soils may have taken hundreds of years to develop (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). When the trees are removed the water table may rise making tree establishment difficult. These sites are often dominated by White spruce in the last successional stage.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Forb COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 16.50 1.80 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2), Hygric (moist) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (6)

Elevation (range): 635.67 (400-900) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), nearly level (1), very gentle slope (1), level (5)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (1), Level (3)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (3), Moderately well drained (3), Poorly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), HUMISOL (1), REGOSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1), Humic (1), Loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (2), 26 - 50 (2)

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (2), Morainal (3)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 13.00 6.00 38.00 7

77

f1 horsetail Sw (n=8) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 21.3 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 9.7 ] BALSAM FIR Abies balsamea

Shrub [ 9.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 8.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 6.2 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Forb [ 21.3 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 11.0 ] DWARF SCOURING-RUSH* Equisetum scirpoides [ 10.7 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 4.0 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.6 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 2.1 ] WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Maianthemum canadense [ 1.1 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata

Moss and Liverwort [ 58.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 10.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 6.6 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (5)

Elevation (range): 615 (400-900) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), nearly level (1), very gentle slope (1), level (4)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (1), Level (3)

Topographic Position:Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (3), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL (1), REGOSOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Humic (1), Fibric (1), Clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (2), 26 - 50 (2)

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (7)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Morainal (3)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 20.00 8.00 38.00 6

78

LBHbE10 Sw/Horsetail (n=8) (Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense) This community type is moist and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on fluvial or glaciolacustrine parent materials where flooding or seepage enhances the substrate nutrient supply. With high water tables and moist soil conditions, organic matter tends to accumulate which favors the growth of horsetails. Horsetail communities often are dominated by white spruce because the higher moisture conditions limit the fire return interval.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f1 horsetail Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 21.3 8.0-35.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 18.5 0.0-63.0 88

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 9.7 0.0-63.0 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 3.6 0.0-20.0 38 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 6.2 1.0-18.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 9.5 1.0-20.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.7 0.0-10.0 88

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.1 0.0-4.0 75 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 10.7 0.0-29.0 63 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 21.3 0.0-65.0 63

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 2.1 0.0-15.0 38 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.6 0.0-18.0 38 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 4.0 1.0-15.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 8.8 0.0-35.0 88 DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 11.0 0.0-63.0 25

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.6 0.0-35.0 88

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 10.3 0.0-20.0 88 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 12.8 1.0-63.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 58.0 18.0-95.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (5)

Elevation (range): 615 (400-900) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (4)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (1), Level (3)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (3), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), HUMISOL TERRIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Fibric (1), Loam (1), Clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (2), 26 - 50 (2)

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (7)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (1), Morainal (3)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 20.00 8.00 38.00 7

79

f2 horsetail Sw-Aw-Pb (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 15.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 15.0 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 2.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Forb [ 75.0 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 2.0 ] MEADOW HORSETAIL* Equisetum pratense [ 2.0 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 4.0 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.1 ] WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Maianthemum canadense [ 4.0 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata

Moss and Liverwort [ 55.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 1.0 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 625 (625-625) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position:Depression (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 6.00 6.00 1

80

LBHbD8 Aw-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense) This community type is moist and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on fluvial or glaciolacustrine parent materials where flooding or seepage enhances the substrate nutrient supply. With high water tables and moist soil conditions, organic matter tends to accumulate which favors the growth of horsetails. Horsetail communities often are dominated by white spruce because the higher moisture conditions limit the fire return interval and in the absence of disturbance this community will likely be dominated by white spruce and horsetail.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f2 horsetail Sw-Aw-Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD RED CURRANT (Ribes triste) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 75.0 75.0-75.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) KIDNEY-LEAVED VIOLET (Viola renifolia) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 55.0 55.0-55.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 625 (625-625) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position: Depression (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 6.00 6.00 1

81

f3 horsetail Pb-Aw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 85.0 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 6.7 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.6 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 60.9 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 5.6 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 4.7 ] VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 3.0 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.2 ] WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.1 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.0 ] FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED Cerastium arvense

Graminoid [ 3.7 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 2.2 ] SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 667 (667-667) M

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

82

LBHbC6 Aw/Horsetail (n=1) (Populus tremuloides/Equisetum arvense) This community type was described adjacent to a small creek in an area northwest of Peace River. The site was very rich and moist. It was dominated by Aspen and an understory of horsetail. This community type is unusual in that these sites are usually dominated by spruce in the overstory. In the absence of disturbance this community will likely succeed to White spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f3 horsetail Pb-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 85.0 85.0-85.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.6 5.6-5.6 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 1.7 1.7-1.7 100 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 4.7 4.7-4.7 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.6 5.6-5.6 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 60.9 60.9-60.9 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED (Cerastium arvense) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.1 2.1-2.1 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.2 2.2-2.2 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.7 6.7-6.7 100

Graminoid PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) 0.4 0.4-0.4 100 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.2 2.2-2.2 100 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 3.7 3.7-3.7 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 667 (667-667) M

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

83

g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description The Labrador tea-subhygric ecosite has a nutrient-poor substrate with imperfectly to very poorly drained soils. Labrador tea and bog cranberry are indicative of the relatively acidic surface soil conditions. It dominanly occurs on fine-textured till or glaciolacustrine deposits, on coarse- textured glaciofluvial material, where the wet soil conditions promote the development of Gleysolic soils. While the Labrador tea-hygric ecosite has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-mesic ecosite, the hygric ecosite tends to occur in lower topographic positions, has mottles in the top 25 cm of soil, has a thicker organic layer, and may be dominated by black spruce rather than pine. High soil water content associated with this ecosite creates a greater risk of site modification if operations occur within months when the soil is not frozen (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Successional Relationships Young and mature stands developing in this ecosite often have a component of black spruce. The black spruce is often the same age as the pine but forms a secondary canopy due to slower growth rates. Successionally mature stands are dominated by black spruce with a small component of residual pine (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum

Forb WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum

Moss and Liverwort SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 10.70 0.00 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.30 1.10 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 755 (640-870) M

Slope (%): very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Toe (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (2)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 10.00 10.00 1

84

g1 Labrador tea-hygric Sb (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 44.0] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana

Shrub [ 15.0 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 10.5 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 9.0 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 6.5 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.5 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum

Forb [ 22.0 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 9.5 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum

Moss and Liverwort [ 44.5 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 19.5 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 19.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 14.5 ] COMMON HAIR-CAP Polytrichum commune [ 4.0 ] WIDE-TONGUED PEAT MOSS Sphagnum russowii

Graminoid [ 23.5 ] BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 755 (640-870) M

Slope (%): very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Toe (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (2)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 10.00 10.00 1

85

LBHbE11 Sb/Labrador tea/Horsetail (n=2) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Equisetum sylvaticum) This community type represents the transition between a treed fen and the upland pine/black spruce dominated community types. Labrador tea is indicative of poor nutrient status and horsetail and marsh reedgrass are indicative of slightly richer sites which represents the transitional nature of this community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) Ecosite Phase: g1 Labrador tea-hygric Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 36.5 10.0-63.0 100

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.5 7.0-8.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 4.5 1.0-8.0 100 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 9.0 0.0-18.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.5 3.0-18.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 15.0 1.0-29.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 22.0 15.0-29.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.5 5.0-8.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 9.5 1.0-18.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 23.5 5.0-42.0 100

Moss WIDE-TONGUED PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum russowii) 4.0 0.0-8.0 50 COMMON HAIR-CAP (Polytrichum commune) 14.5 0.0-29.0 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 19.0 18.0-20.0 100 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 19.5 10.0-29.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 44.5 29.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 755 (640-870) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Depression (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (2)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 10.00 10.00 1

86

g2 Labrador tea hygric shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: g labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

87

h bog (subhydric/very poor) (n=10) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description Wetland types in the boreal ecosection of the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion are generally dominated by treed and shrub fens (Natural Regions Committee 2006). Bog ecosites are less common and have a very poor to poor nutrient regime and are poor to very poorly drained. Organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss are common. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where water tends to be stagnant and impeded drainage or high water tables enhance the accumulation of organic matter. Stunted black spruce forms a sparse canopy on the treed phase (h1) of the bog ecosite. Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) is very common in the bog ecosite.

Successional Relationships The bog ecosite is an edaphic climax that is maintained by water tables. The hydrarch succession that leads to the bog ecosite is extremely slow.

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub NORTHERN LAUREL Kalmia polifolia COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus BOG WILLOW Salix pedicellaris DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila LEATHERLEAF Chamaedaphne calyculata

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum

Graminoid MUD SEDGE Carex limosa

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Hydric (wet) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Oligotrophic (very poor) (6)

Elevation (range): 623.5 (360-739) M

Slope (%): very gentle slope (1), nearly level (3), level (5)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Level (6)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Midslope (1), Depression (3), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (5), Very poorly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (1), HUMISOL (1), MESISOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (6)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Mesic (1), Fibric (6)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Humic (2), Fibric (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2), 60 - 79 cm (3), >= 80 cm (5)

Parent Material: Bog (4), Undifferentiated Organic (4)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (3)

88

h1 treed bog (n=6) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/very poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 40.6 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 57.1 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 13.3 ] CLOUDBERRY* Rubus chamaemorus [ 10.6 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 4.1 ] LEATHERLEAF* Chamaedaphne calyculata

Lichen [ 41.8 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 17.3 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina rangiferina

Moss and Liverwort [ 24.6 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 1.6 ] N/A Sphagnum nemoreum

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hydric (wet) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (4)

Elevation (range): 557 (360-739) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), very gentle slope (1), level (3)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Midslope (1), Depression (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL (1), MESISOL (1), FIBRISOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (2)

Surface Texture: Mesic (1), Humic (1), Fibric (3)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Fibric (2), Humic (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (2), >= 80 cm (3)

Parent Material: Bog (2), Undifferentiated Organic (3)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1)

89

LBHbE12 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (n=6) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Sphagnum spp.) This community type is typical of a treed bog ecological site phase. Rich fens tend to be dominated by larch, willow and golden moss, whereas, bogs are dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/very poor) Ecosite Phase: h1 treed bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 6.8 1.0-29.0 100

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 1.0 0.0-3.0 33

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 16.0 7.0-30.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) LEATHERLEAF (Chamaedaphne calyculata) 4.1 0.0-15.0 67 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 10.6 4.0-20.0 100 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 16.8 10.0-28.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 57.1 40.0-88.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 13.3 4.0-20.0 100

Moss N/A (Sphagnum nemoreum) 1.6 0.0-10.0 17 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 24.6 0.0-70.0 67

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina rangiferina) 17.3 0.0-63.0 67 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 41.8 0.0-99.0 67

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hydric (wet) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (4)

Elevation (range): 557 (360-739) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (3)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Crest (1), Depression (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TYPIC (1), HUMISOL MESIC (1), MESISOL TYPIC (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL FIBRIC (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL HUMIC (1)

Surface Texture: Mesic (1), Humic (1), Fibric (3)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Fibric (2), Humic (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (2), >= 80 cm (3)

Parent Material: Bog (2), Undifferentiated Organic (3)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1)

90

h2 shrubby bog (n=4) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/very poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 7.5 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 56.2 ] NORTHERN LABRADOR TEA* Ledum palustre [ 12.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.7 ] CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus [ 2.2 ] DWARF BIRCH* Betula pumila [ 0.7 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 0.5 ] NORTHERN LAUREL Kalmia polifolia

Lichen [ 23.7 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 2.5 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina rangiferina [ 2.5 ] N/A Cetraria nivalis [ 1.2 ] N/A Cetraria cucullata

Moss and Liverwort [ 5.0 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum [ 2.5 ] TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Oligotrophic (very poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 690 (690-690) M

Slope (%): nearly level (2), level (2)

Aspect: Level (4)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: ORGANIC CRYOSOL (4)

Surface Texture: Fibric (3)

Effective Texture: Fibric (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), >= 80 cm (2)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Bog (2)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (3)

91

LBHbB4 Labrador tea/Peat moss (Sb) (n=4) (Ledum groenlandicum/Sphagnum spp.(Picea mariana)) This community type is typical of a shrub bog ecological site phase. Fire disturbance kills the overstory trees and allows shrubs to dominate the community type. Rich fens tend to be dominated by larch, willow and golden moss, whereas, bogs are dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss. In the absence of disturbance (ie fire) this community will eventually become dominated by black spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/very poor) Ecosite Phase: h2 shrubby bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 0.5 0.0-2.0 25

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) NORTHERN LAUREL (Kalmia polifolia) 0.5 0.0-2.0 25 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 0.7 0.0-3.0 25 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 2.2 0.0-7.0 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 6.2 0.0-15.0 75 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 12.5 5.0-25.0 100 NORTHERN LABRADOR TEA (Ledum palustre) 56.2 40.0-75.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 5.7 3.0-10.0 100

Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 5.0 0.0-10.0 75 UNDIFFERENTIATED POLYTRICHUM (Polytrichum) 6.2 0.0-20.0 50

Lichen N/A (Cetraria cucullata) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 N/A (Cetraria nivalis) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina rangiferina) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 UNDIFFERENTIATED CLADONIA (Cladonia) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 23.7 0.0-85.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 690 (690-690) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (4)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: ORGANIC CRYOSOL MESIC (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL FIBRIC (3)

Surface Texture: Fibric (3)

Effective Texture: Fibric (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), >= 80 cm (2)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Bog (2)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (3)

92

h3 graminoid bog (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/very poor)

General Description This ecological site phase currently has no data and graminoid bogs have not been described in the Boreal Natural Region. This ecological site phase was created for photo interpretation of vegetation for Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) and Primary Land Vegetation Inventory (PLVI) if the interpreters call for a mapcode of 9B (Hydric/very poor). If interpreted in the various vegetation land cover inventories it will provide a spatial location in which to sample.

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

93

i poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description The poor fen ecosite is intermediate in nutrient regime between the bog (h) and the rich fen (j) ecosites and as such has species characteristic of both. Drainage is poor to very poor, however, there is some movement of water through the substratum. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where impeded drainage or high water tables enhance the accumulation of organic matter. This organic matter consists of a combination of bog-type organic matter (peat moss) and rich fen-type organic matter (sedges, golden moss, tufted moss, and brown moss). Both the black spruce and/or tamarack that dominate a sparse canopy on the treed phase (i1) of the poor fen ecosite are stunted and generally considered unmerchantable (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Successional Relationships The hydrarch succession characteristic of this ecosite occurs over periods of hundreds to thousands of years. Thus, recovery from disturbance is extremely slow. Changing hydrologic regimes that can result from disturbance influence the direction and rate of succession. As these systems depend on water flow through them, impeding this flow can result in reduction or elimination of tree cover and changes in the shrub, forb and grass layers(Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub BOG WILLOW Salix pedicellaris

Moss and Liverwort BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus vernicosus TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Graminoid TWO-STAMENED SEDGE Carex diandra MUD SEDGE Carex limosa

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.90 0.70 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 500 (500-500) M

Slope (%): level (2)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

94

i1 treed poor fen (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 47.0 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana

Shrub [ 8.0 ] COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 8.0 ] MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia [ 8.0 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 4.0 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 2.0 ] CROWBERRY Empetrum nigrum

Forb [ 4.0 ] DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides [ 1.0 ] HOODED LADIES'-TRESSES Spiranthes romanzoffiana

Moss and Liverwort [ 63.0 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 42.0 ] TUFTED MOSS* Aulacomnium palustre [ 1.0 ] PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii

Graminoid [ 18.0 ] NORTHERN BOG SEDGE Carex gynocrates [ 4.0 ] WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 500 (500-500) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

95

LBHbB5 Sb/Willow/Northern bog sedge/Golden moss (n=1) (Picea mariana/Salix myrtillifolia/Carex gynocrates/Tomenthypnum nitens) This ecosite is intermediate between a bog and rich fen. LBHbB5 is a shrubby phase poor fen, distinguishable from a bog by having significant cover of species usually associated with a rich fen (e.g. willows, sedges, and golden moss). It also has plants usually associated with bog communities (e.g. black spruce, labrador tea, Northern bog sedge). If conditions are favorable for tree growth, black spruce and larch will become prominent changing the plant community to a treed poor fen.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i1 treed poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 8.0 8.0-8.0 100 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 29.0 29.0-29.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CROWBERRY (Empetrum nigrum) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 8.0 8.0-8.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 8.0 8.0-8.0 100 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 18.0 18.0-18.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) HOODED LADIES'-TRESSES (Spiranthes romanzoffiana) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100

Graminoid WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 18.0 18.0-18.0 100

Moss PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 42.0 42.0-42.0 100 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 63.0 63.0-63.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 500 (500-500) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL REGO (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

96

i2 shrubby poor fen (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 30.0 ] BOG WILLOW* Salix pedicellaris

Forb [ 10.0 ] MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris [ 1.0 ] MARSH WILLOWHERB Epilobium palustre [ 1.0 ] BUCK-BEAN Menyanthes trifoliata [ 1.0 ] SEASIDE ARROW-GRASS Triglochin maritima

Moss and Liverwort [ 85.0 ] BROWN MOSS* Drepanocladus vernicosus [ 5.0 ] BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus aduncus [ 1.0 ] N/A Cratoneuron filicinum [ 1.0 ] N/A Riccia cavernosa

Graminoid [ 35.0 ] TWO-STAMENED SEDGE* Carex diandra [ 15.0 ] MUD SEDGE* Carex limosa [ 5.0 ] PROSTRATE SEDGE Carex chordorrhiza [ 2.0 ] HAIRY-FRUITED SEDGE Carex lasiocarpa

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range): 0 (0-0) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

97

LBHbB3 Bog willow/Lesser panicled sedge-Mud sedge (n=1) (Salix pedicellaris/Carex diandra-Carex limosa) This community represents very wet boggy areas because they receive some nutrient rich seepage throughout the growing season. Allen and Johnson (2007) described both Lesser panicled sedge and mud sedge dominated communities adjacent to thermokarst pools and collapse scars in the Birch Mountains. They found these communities wetter than the surrounding bogs but they were not under water.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i2 shrubby poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m)

BOG WILLOW (Salix pedicellaris) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MARSH WILLOWHERB (Epilobium palustre) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 SEASIDE ARROW-GRASS (Triglochin maritima) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 MARSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla palustris) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUCK-BEAN (Menyanthes trifoliata) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY-FRUITED SEDGE (Carex lasiocarpa) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 PROSTRATE SEDGE (Carex chordorrhiza) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 MUD SEDGE (Carex limosa) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 TWO-STAMENED SEDGE (Carex diandra) 35.0 35.0-35.0 100

Moss N/A (Cratoneuron filicinum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 N/A (Riccia cavernosa) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus aduncus) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus vernicosus) 85.0 85.0-85.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range): 0 (0-0) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

98

i3 graminoid poor fen (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

99

j rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=8) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description The rich fen ecosite is characterized by flowing water and alkaline nutrient-rich conditions. The soil is composed of organic matter derived from decomposing sedges, as well as golden, tufted, and brown mosses. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where the water table is at or near the surface for a portion of the growing season. Tamarack dominates the canopy on the treed phase while dwarf birch or willow form the canopy of the shrubby phase, and sedges dominate the graminoid phase of the rich fen ecosite.

Successional Relationships The rich fen is an early stage in hydrarch succession. Species composition, and direction and rate of succession changes with the changing hydrologic regime. As with other wetlands, rich fens have slow successional rates, so recovery from disturbance may also be slow.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE BIRCH Betula papyrifera TAMARACK Larix laricina

Shrub SALIX SPECIES Salix RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa

Forb WILD MINT Mentha arvensis COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense

Moss and Liverwort GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Graminoid BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis NORTHERN REED GRASS Calamagrostis inexpansa

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 8.80 0.70 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (3), Permesotrophic (rich) (4)

Elevation (range): 635.4 (333-866) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), level (7)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Level (7)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (2), Moderately well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), MESISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Heavy clay (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1), Mesic (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: >= 80 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (2)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Swamp (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 8.00 8.00 1

100

j1 treed rich fen (n=3) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 12.5 ] TAMARACK* Larix laricina [ 8.7 ] WHITE BIRCH* Betula papyrifera

Shrub [ 15.0 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 12.5 ] RIVER ALDER* Alnus tenuifolia [ 7.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.2 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana

Moss and Liverwort [ 20.0 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 10.0 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 10.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 2.5 ] ACUTE-LEAVED PEAT MOSS Sphagnum capillifolium

Graminoid [ 22.5 ] BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis [ 20.0 ] NORTHERN BOG SEDGE Carex gynocrates

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 738 (684-866) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), level (2)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Depression (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Mesic (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: >= 80 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (2)

Parent Material: Swamp (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

101

LBHbC8 Bw/Marsh reedgrass (n=2) (Betula papyrifera/Calamagrostis canadensis) This community type represents invasion of birch into a marsh reedgrass fen. Typically willow, aspen and balsam poplar will invade on the drier edges of these marsh reedgrass fens as the water table drops. The soils of this community type are organic.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j1 treed rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 17.5 10.0-25.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 1.7 0.5-3.0 100 NORTHERN BLACK CURRANT (Ribes hudsonianum) 2.5 1.0-4.0 100

Graminoid TWO-SEEDED SEDGE (Carex disperma) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 45.0 30.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Hydric (wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 792 (719-866) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Depression (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL TYPIC (2)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Mesic (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (1), >= 80 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

102

LBHbE13 Lt/River alder/Golden moss (n=1) (Larix laricina/Alnus tenuifolia/Tomenthypnum nitens) The dominance of tamarack, river alder and golden moss are indicative of the rich nutrients that occur on this community type. In contrast bogs tend to be dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j1 treed rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Graminoid NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 40.0 40.0-40.0 100

Moss ACUTE-LEAVED PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum capillifolium) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 40.0 40.0-40.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 684 (684-684) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL TERRIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture: Mesic (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (1)

Parent Material: Swamp (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

103

j2 shrubby rich fen (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 7.5 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 40.0 ] SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 17.5 ] BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana [ 12.5 ] BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 5.1 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 2.1 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 16.2 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 9.0 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 5.8 ] ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites sagittatus [ 5.2 ] LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 4.1 ] WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.2 ] YELLOW AVENS Geum aleppicum [ 1.2 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata

Moss and Liverwort [ 49.5 ] UNDIFFERENTIATED MOSS - ALL GENERA Moss

Graminoid [ 16.2 ] BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 669 (667-671) M

Slope (%): level (2)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

104

LBHbB6 Willow/Marsh reedgrass (n=2) (Salix spp./Calamagrostis canadensis) This plant community was found along the edges of reed grass or sedge fens (meadows) and in moist depressions. Willow will invade onto these graminoid fens to form the Willow/Reed grass community type as the site drys. Increased grazing pressure on these sites will cause marsh reed grass to decline and there will be an invasion of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. Increased flooding and prolonged waterlogging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a graminoid fen.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j2 shrubby rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 17.5 0.0-35.0 50 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 40.0 15.0-65.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.1 0.0-10.3 50 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 12.5 0.0-25.0 50

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 2.1 0.0-4.3 50

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CANADA GOLDENROD (Solidago canadensis) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 YELLOW AVENS (Geum aleppicum) 1.2 0.0-2.5 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.2 0.4-2.0 100 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.7 0.0-3.5 50 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 5.2 2.0-8.5 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 16.2 15.0-17.5 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.1 3.0-5.2 100 ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites sagittatus) 5.8 3.0-8.7 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 9.0 8.0-10.0 100

Graminoid HAIR-LIKE SEDGE (Carex capillaris) 3.0 1.1-5.0 100 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 16.2 10.0-22.5 100

Moss UNDIFFERENTIATED MOSS - ALL GENERA (Moss) 49.5 0.0-99.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 669 (667-671) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

105

j3 graminoid rich fen (n=3) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 4.0 ] SALIX SPECIES Salix

Forb [ 2.0 ] WATER SMARTWEED Polygonum coccineum [ 1.0 ] SMALL BEDSTRAW Galium trifidum [ 1.0 ] WILD MINT* Mentha arvensis [ 1.0 ] SILVERWEED Potentilla anserina [ 1.0 ] MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris [ 1.0 ] MACOUN'S BUTTERCUP Ranunculus macounii [ 1.0 ] MARSH SKULLCAP Scutellaria galericulata [ 1.0 ] LONG-LEAVED CHICKWEED Stellaria longifolia

Graminoid [ 60.0 ] NORTHERN REED GRASS* Calamagrostis inexpansa [ 1.0 ] SEDGE SPECIES Carex [ 1.0 ] SLOUGH GRASS Beckmannia syzigachne

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 516 (333-701) M

Slope (%): level (3)

Aspect: Level (3)

Topographic Position:Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Heavy clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 8.00 8.00 1

106

LBHbA1 Northern reedgrass (n=1) (Calamagrostis inexpansa) This community type is found on the edges of wetlands and lakes. If the area drys this community type will be invaded by willow. In contrast if the water table rises sedge will tend to dominate the site.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD MINT (Mentha arvensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 MARSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla palustris) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 MACOUN'S BUTTERCUP (Ranunculus macounii) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 MARSH SKULLCAP (Scutellaria galericulata) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WATER SMARTWEED (Polygonum coccineum) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) SMALL BEDSTRAW (Galium trifidum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 SILVERWEED (Potentilla anserina) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 LONG-LEAVED CHICKWEED (Stellaria longifolia) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Graminoid SLOUGH GRASS (Beckmannia syzigachne) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 NORTHERN REED GRASS (Calamagrostis inexpansa) 60.0 60.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 333 (333-333) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Heavy clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 8.00 8.00 1

107

LBHbA2 Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion (n=2) (Poa pratensis/Taraxacum officinale) This community type was described on a grazing disposition just north of Hines Creek within the Whitemud hills. This Plant Community represents a reed grass fen (LBHbA2) that has been moderately to heavily grazed resulting in disturbance and/or invasive species displacing native species. The disturbance species actually present may vary depending on local propagules, but Kentucky bluegrass, nettles and other weedy forbs are commonly found. It is a fairly productive community type but grazing should be timed to avoid wet soil conditions.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Forb (>= 30 cm)

YELLOW AVENS (Geum aleppicum) 1.4 0.8-2.1 100 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 2.2 1.4-3.0 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 3.1 3.0-3.3 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 3.4 0.0-6.8 50 SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 4.4 3.4-5.4 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 6.1 0.0-12.2 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED (Cerastium arvense) 3.6 2.7-4.6 100 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 6.9 2.8-11.0 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 8.7 3.2-14.3 100 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 32.0 4.0-60.0 100

Graminoid PRAIRIE SEDGE (Carex prairea) 1.0 0.0-2.1 50 AWNED SEDGE (Carex atherodes) 1.3 0.0-2.6 50 FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 2.0 0.0-4.0 50 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.7 0.1-5.3 100 TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 3.6 0.0-7.2 50 ROUGH HAIR GRASS (Agrostis scabra) 11.9 8.0-15.8 100 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 12.6 7.2-18.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 0-15

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 699 (697-701) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

108

k marsh (hydric/rich) (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

General Description There is little open water in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion (<1%) (Natural Regions Committee 2006) so marshes are not common throughout the subregion and are dominated by emergent sedges and rushes. The marsh ecosite is found in level and depressional areas and around the shorelines of water bodies and riparian zones. The water is above the rooting zone for at least a portion of the growing season.

Successional Relationships The marsh ecosite is near the beginning stages of hydrarch succession. The marsh ecosite can be thought of as successionally stable with changes in plant community composition being determined largely by disturbance to the water regime.

Indicator Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

Graminoid CATTAIL Typha latifolia GREAT BULRUSH Scirpus acutus

109

k1 marsh (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHb Boreal

Ecosite: k marsh (hydric/rich)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood, Boreal Subarctic and Northern Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

110

LBHf Foothills Ecosection (n=255) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands General Description This ecosection includes ecodistricts that are closer to the foothills climate and physiography and were previously classified within the Lower Foothills subregion (Ecodistricts of Alberta 1995). These ecodistricts include Chinchaga Plain, Clear Hills Upland, Milligan Upland, Notikewin Plain and Rainbow Lake Plain and are located in the Northwestern part of the province.

Successional Relationships The foothills ecosection is dominated by lodgepole pine forests and has little presence of jack pine. In contrast the boreal ecosection is the major zone of hybridization for jack pine and lodgepole pine and both species are present. The hairy wildrye ecosite is also found within the foothills ecosection, but was not described within the boreal ecosection. The hairy wildrye ecosite is described in both the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Environmental Variables Elevation (range): 749.5 (274-1061) M

Ecodistricts Site Count Chinchaga Plain Ecodistrict 1 Clear Hills Upland Ecodistrict 1 Milligan Upland Ecodistrict 1 Notikewin Plain Ecodistrict 1 Rainbow Lake Plain Ecodistrict 1 Ecological Sites Site Count a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor) 2 b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) 26 c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) 23 d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) 118 e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) 13 f horsetail (hygric/rich) 8 g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) 7 h bog (subhydric/poor) 21 i poor fen (subhydric/medium) 13 j rich fen (subhydric/rich) 24

111

a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor) (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description This ecosite has dry conditions with rapidly drained acidic soils and poor nutrient status due to the coarse-textured (sands and loamy sands) morainal and glaciolacustrine parent materials (O'Leary et al. 2002). This ecosite is similar to the blueberry ecosite described in the boreal subregions (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). Plants that are indicative of the nutrient-poor substrate include bearberry, lichen, bog cranberry, and blueberry. Open-canopied aspen and lodgepole pine stands dominate this ecosite that commonly has a carpet of lichens, bearberry or blueberry covering the forest floor. This ecological site is not common in the Lower Boreal Highlands as the majority of the subregion is dominated by medium textured glacial till deposits on slopes of the northern and eastern hill systems. Allen and Johnson (2007) felt this ecological site was common in the boreal ecosection of the Lower Boreal Highland subregion but was only described from a few sandy terraces adjacent to a number of lakes in the Birch Hills. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships Due to the dry nature of this ecosite, succession to a white spruce canopy is slower than the fire return interval. Pine is maintained for relatively long periods from colonization of the site after fire to the climax stages. The pine phase of this ecosite can be considered a fire edaphic climax. The pine, aspen, and white birch-dominated phases of this ecosite may, in some cases, succeed to white spruce, however the process is expected to be relatively slow due to the dry nature of these sites. A shrub phase of this ecosite dominated by blueberry and bearberry may exist for an extended period of time after a fire.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 13.20 0.30 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 676 (610-742) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), strong slope (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Residual (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

112

a1 blueberry-bearberry Pl (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

113

a2 blueberry-bearberry Aw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 24.3 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 3.4 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta

Shrub [ 30.8 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY* Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 15.6 ] COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 9.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 3.4 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.4 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis

Forb [ 10.7 ] WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Maianthemum canadense [ 5.7 ] LABRADOR LOUSEWORT Pedicularis labradorica [ 3.5 ] MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD Solidago spathulata [ 3.5 ] GROUND-CEDAR Lycopodium complanatum [ 2.4 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.4 ] MICHAUX'S SAGEWORT Artemisia michauxiana

Lichen [ 18.6 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis

Graminoid [ 15.8 ] KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis [ 8.7 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 5.4 ] SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 742 (742-742) M

Slope (%): strong slope (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position:Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

114

LBHfC1 Aw/Blueberry-Bearberry (n=1) (Populus tremuloides/Vaccinium myrtilloides-Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community type was described on well drained, coarse textured glaciolacustrine materials. The canopy of this community type is very open and the understory is dominated by blueberry. In the boreal these sites are often associated with open Jack pine stands on sandy hilltops. This community type is not common in the foothills ecosection of the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor) Ecosite Phase: a2 blueberry-bearberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.8 15.8-15.8 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.4 3.4-3.4 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 8.5 8.5-8.5 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 0.2 0.2-0.2 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.4 3.4-3.4 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 3.4 3.4-3.4 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 9.5 9.5-9.5 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 15.6 15.6-15.6 100 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 30.8 30.8-30.8 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MICHAUX'S SAGEWORT (Artemisia michauxiana) 2.4 2.4-2.4 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.4 2.4-2.4 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) GROUND-CEDAR (Lycopodium complanatum) 3.5 3.5-3.5 100 MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD (Solidago spathulata) 3.5 3.5-3.5 100 LABRADOR LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis labradorica) 5.7 5.7-5.7 100 WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 10.7 10.7-10.7 100

Graminoid SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 5.4 5.4-5.4 100 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.7 8.7-8.7 100 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 15.8 15.8-15.8 100

Lichen N/A (Cladonia botrytes) 5.5 5.5-5.5 100 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 18.6 18.6-18.6 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 742 (742-742) M

Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

115

a3 blueberry-bearberry Aw-Pl-Sw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 35.0 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 5.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca

Shrub [ 15.0 ] COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 10.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 10.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 7.0 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 5.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 5.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis

Forb [ 4.0 ] WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Maianthemum canadense [ 4.0 ] WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.0 ] CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.0 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium

Lichen [ 5.0 ] N/A Stereocaulon tomentosum [ 3.0 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 2.0 ] STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN Peltigera aphthosa

Moss and Liverwort [ 35.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 610 (610-610) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Residual (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

116

LBHfD1 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry (n=1) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community type was found on a small, sandy hill crest and is not common in the foothills ecosection of the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion. Succession in the absence of disturbance will be to lodgepole pine and eventually white spruce. Lodgepole pine is expected to be an associate in stands of this type growing on sandy or coarse textured soils.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor) Ecosite Phase: a3 blueberry-bearberry Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 7.0 7.0-7.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 35.0 35.0-35.0 100

Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 N/A (Stereocaulon tomentosum) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 610 (610-610) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL SOLONETZIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

117

a4 shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: a blueberry-bearberry (subxeric/poor)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

118

b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) (n=26) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description This ecosite tends to be submesic as a result of sloped, southerly aspects, relatively course-textured morainal, glaciofluvial or glaciolacustrine parent materials, or a combination of both (O'Leary et al. 2002). This ecosite is similar to the hairy wildrye ecosite described in the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996) and tends to be found on level, mid to upper slope positions. The nutrient regime varies from poor to rich with richer sites being associated with higher covers of hairy wild rye and deciduous trees. This ecosite is intermediate in both moisture and nutrient regime between the blueberry-bearberry ecosite (a) and the low-bush cranberry ecosite (d). Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships The pine- and aspen-dominated phases of this ecosite may, in some cases, succeed to white spruce but the process is slow due to the dry nature of this ecosite.

Indicator Species Tree

ASPEN Populus tremuloides WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta

Shrub CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.60 0.80 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 18.40 0.50 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 9.50 0.20 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 14.50 0.50 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (9), Mesic (fresh) (14)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (21)

Elevation (range): 754.57 (274-975) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (2), very gentle slope (3), nearly level (6), level (15)

Aspect: Southerly (2), Westerly (3), Northerly (3), Level (18)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Midslope (5), Upper Slope (5), Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (3), Moderately well drained (10), Well drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (3), LUVIC GLEYSOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (12)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sand (1), Clay (2), Clay loam (3), Silty clay (3), Silty clay loam (5)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Clay loam (2), Loam (2), Silty clay (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silt loam (4)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (18)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (10)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 13.00 4.00 23.00 16

119

b1 hairy wild rye Pl (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 16.9 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 6.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 13.6 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 10.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 9.3 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 8.8 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 8.3 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 4.2 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis

Forb [ 10.9 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 5.8 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.7 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.2 ] CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.1 ] NORTHERN BASTARD TOADFLAX Geocaulon lividum [ 1.7 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 32.8 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 14.3 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 22.8 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 771 (750-792) M

Slope (%): level (1), nearly level (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 18.00 18.00 18.00 1

120

LBHfE1 Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=2) (Pinus contorta/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type resembles the Aw-Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye community type but is successionally more advanced. The community occurs on well drained, sloping sites with poorer nutrient regimes than the modal low-bush cranberry dominated ecosite.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b1 hairy wild rye Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 16.9 15.0-18.8 100

Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.0 2.1-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4.2 0.0-8.5 50 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.8 0.0-9.6 50 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 8.3 1.0-15.7 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.8 5.0-12.6 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 9.3 8.7-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 13.6 2.2-25.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.2 1.0-3.4 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.8 1.0-10.7 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.9 4.0-17.8 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.7 0.0-3.4 50 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.7 1.0-2.4 100 NORTHERN BASTARD TOADFLAX (Geocaulon lividum) 2.1 0.0-4.3 50 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.7 2.0-3.5 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 22.8 15.7-30.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 14.3 10.0-18.6 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 32.8 15.6-50.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 771 (750-792) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 18.00 18.00 18.00 1

121

b2 hairy wild rye Aw (n=14) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 42.5 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 14.7 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 12.7 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 9.7 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 9.3 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 4.6 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.4 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana [ 1.2 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Forb [ 12.4 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.8 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 2.8 ] CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.8 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.3 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata

Moss and Liverwort [ 6.2 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 33.1 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 1.7 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (6), Submesic (moderately fresh) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (11)

Elevation (range): 687 (274-792) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), very gentle slope (2), nearly level (3), level (8)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Northerly (2), Level (11)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Upper Slope (2), Midslope (2), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (3), Well drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Clay (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sand (1), Silty clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (7)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (4)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.50 4.00 18.00 7

122

LBHfC2 Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (n=6) (Populus tremuloides/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is similar to the Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye community described by Beckingham et al. (1996) in the Lower Foothills subregion. The hairy wildrye dominated community types are generally found on slopes with southerly aspects and have a predominance of hairy wildrye in the understory. Succession of this community in the absence of disturbance will be to pine and eventually white spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b2 hairy wild rye Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 33.9 15.0-55.0 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.1 0.0-10.0 83

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 2.9 0.0-8.2 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.7 0.0-4.5 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.3 0.0-12.0 33 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 3.3 0.0-8.7 83 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 9.5 0.0-50.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.0 1.0-20.8 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 12.7 0.0-25.9 67 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 24.6 10.0-60.9 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 2.1 1.0-3.5 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.9 1.0-5.4 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 12.3 1.0-15.8 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 2.2 0.0-5.7 67 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.4 0.0-5.5 67

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 32.2 20.8-50.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 5.8 0.0-10.6 83

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 710 (490-760) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Northerly (2), Level (3)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 5.00 11.00 2

123

LBHfC3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=8) (Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is very similar to the previously described Aw/Buffaloberry dominated community, but lacks the high cover of buffaloberry. Beckingham (1993) felt the Aw/Buffaloberry type was slightly drier and had a slightly poorer nutrient regime than the modal Aw/Rose dominated communities. Succession in the absence of disturbance will be to white spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b2 hairy wild rye Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 47.2 20.0-70.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4.8 0.0-10.5 88 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.0 3.0-9.7 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.7 0.0-25.9 38 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.6 1.0-20.7 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 16.0 1.0-45.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.8 0.0-8.6 75 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.7 0.0-10.0 88 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 12.5 1.0-30.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 3.3 1.0-9.7 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 3.4 1.0-11.7 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.1 0.0-30.0 63

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 3.5 0.0-10.0 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 34.0 15.0-60.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 2.1 0.0-7.5 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 6.6 0.0-20.0 88

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 664 (274-792) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (6)

Aspect: Level (8)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Crest (1), Midslope (1), Level (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (2), Well drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED SOLONETZIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sand (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (5)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 9.00 4.00 18.00 5

124

b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw (n=6) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 18.7 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 11.6 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 11.1 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca

Shrub [ 35.5 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 30.6 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 17.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 11.2 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 8.3 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 4.7 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 4.6 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 4.0 ] BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata [ 1.6 ] DWARF BILBERRY Vaccinium caespitosum

Forb [ 13.8 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 3.1 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.4 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.6 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 48.7 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 25.8 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 40.5 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 810 (647-975) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), very gentle slope (1), level (4)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1), Level (4)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (1), Upper Slope (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (5)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (2)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (6)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (2), Morainal (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 5.00 18.00 5

125

LBHfD4 Aw-Pl/Alder/Hairy wildrye (n=1) (Populus tremuloides-Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Elymus innovatus) This community type is similar to the Aw/Alder community but is successional more advanced and slightly drier with poorer nutrients than more mesic/medium Aw/Alder dominated community type. In the absence of disturbance this community will succeed to lodgepole pine and eventually spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 COMMON WILD ROSE (Rosa woodsii) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 60.0 60.0-60.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 25.0 25.0-25.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 40.0 40.0-40.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 80.0 80.0-80.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 50.0 50.0-50.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 90.0 90.0-90.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 975 (975-975) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 18.00 18.00 18.00 1

126

LBHfD2 Aw-Sw-Pl/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=3) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type resembles the Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye community type but is successionally more advanced. The community occurs on well drained, sloping sites with poorer nutrient regimes than the modal low-bush cranberry ecosite (d).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 13.3 0.0-25.0 67 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 18.3 15.0-20.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 13.3 0.0-35.0 67

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 2.0 1.0-4.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 13.3 10.0-15.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 16.0 3.0-30.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 20.0 5.0-45.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 8.6 4.0-15.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1.6 1.0-2.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.3 1.0-5.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 9.3 3.0-20.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.3 1.0-2.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.3 0.0-5.0 67 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 26.6 5.0-40.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 51.6 20.0-75.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 36.3 5.0-89.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 57.6 5.0-88.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 805 (647-975) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Southerly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 5.00 18.00 3

127

LBHfD3 Aw-Sw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye (n=2) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is similar to the Aw/Buffaloberry/Hairy wildrye community but is successional more advanced. In the absence of disturbance this community will succeed to lodgepole pine and eventually spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b3 hairy wild rye Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 8.0 8.0-8.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 12.0 12.0-12.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 12.0 12.0-12.0 100 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 12.0 12.0-12.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 12.0 12.0-12.0 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 12.0 12.0-12.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DWARF BRAMBLE (Rubus pedatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range): 650 (650-650) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 5.00 7.00 2

128

b4 hairy wildrye Sw (n=4) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 45.7 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 11.2 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 13.5 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 13.2 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.5 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 2.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.2 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 1.5 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis

Forb [ 5.2 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.5 ] SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus

Moss and Liverwort [ 65.7 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 10.5 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 22.5 ] HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 707 (680-731) M

Slope (%): nearly level (2), level (2)

Aspect: Westerly (2), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (4)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Morainal (3)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 20.00 15.00 23.00 3

129

LBHfE2 Sw/Rose/Hairy wildrye (n=4) (Picea glauca/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type resembles the Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye community type but is successionally more advanced. In the absence of disturbance the communities in this ecosite will succeed to white spruce. The community occurs on well drained, sloping sites with poorer nutrient regimes than the modal low-bush cranberry dominated ecosite (d).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: b4 hairy wildrye Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 11.2 5.0-20.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 28.7 10.0-65.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.0 0.0-40.0 75

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.2 1.0-4.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.5 1.0-5.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 13.5 1.0-35.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.5 0.0-10.0 75

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.7 1.0-3.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.2 1.0-15.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 13.2 1.0-25.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 22.5 15.0-25.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 10.5 0.0-40.0 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 65.7 0.0-95.0 75

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 707 (680-731) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (2), Westerly (2)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Midslope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Morainal (3)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 20.00 15.00 23.00 3

130

b5 hairy wildrye grass-shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: b hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

131

c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) (n=23) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description This ecosite tends to have a submesic to mesic moisture, nutrient-poor to medium substrate. Labrador tea and bog cranberry are indicative of the relatively acidic surface soil conditions. This ecosite occurs in upland (midslope and upper slope) or level topographic positions dominantly on morainal, glaciolacustrine or glaciofluvial parent materials. There is commonly a two-tiered even-aged canopy where the faster growing lodgepole pine comprise the higher layer and the slower growing black spruce form a secondary canopy below the pine. While the Labrador tea-mesic ecosite (c) has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-subhygric ecosite (g), the subhygric ecosite tends to occur in lower topographic positions, commonly has mottles near the soil surface, has a thicker organic layer, and tends to be dominated by black spruce rather than pine. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships Successionally mature stands that develop on this ecosite may be dominated by black spruce. Residual pine occurring in the climax community are generally very old. The successionally mature stage is rare due to high fire frequency.

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 12.60 1.80 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 15.30 0.20 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.50 0.60 0 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 11.10 0.90 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.90 1.20 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (13)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (9), Submesotrophic (poor) (10)

Elevation (range): 734.8 (600-1061) M

Slope (%): moderate slope (1), gentle slope (4), very gentle slope (5), level (6), nearly level (6)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Southerly (2), Northerly (3), Easterly (4), Level (10)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (2), Midslope (6), Level (9)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (4), Moderately well drained (6), Well drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (12)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Clay (1), Silt loam (2), Silty clay (2), Silty clay loam (3), Clay loam (3), Sandy clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Loam (2), Clay loam (3), Silt loam (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (19)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Residual (1), Glaciofluvial (3), Morainal (10)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 1.00 9.00 17

132

c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb (n=19) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 20.7 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 18.5 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 12.4 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 8.7 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 6.7 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 6.3 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 5.1 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 3.6 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 3.3 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 2.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 1.7 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis

Lichen [ 4.5 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 32.2 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 20.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (11)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (8), Submesotrophic (poor) (8)

Elevation (range): 752 (600-1061) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (3), very gentle slope (3), nearly level (6), level (6)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Southerly (2), Northerly (2), Easterly (3), Level (8)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (5), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (4), Imperfectly drained (4), Well drained (8)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (9)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Clay (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (2), Clay loam (3), Sandy clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Clay loam (2), Silt loam (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (16)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (3), Morainal (9)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 1.00 9.00 14

133

LBHfE3 Pl-Sb/Feather moss (n=12) (Pinus contorta-Picea mariana/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type is successionally more advanced than the Aw-Sb/moss (c2-LBHfD6) indicated by the high cover of feather and stair step moss. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce within this ecological site. This community type is well to moderately well drained and has a coarser soil texture. In the absence of disturbance this community type will likely succeed to a black spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.2 0.0-25.0 25 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 26.7 5.0-50.0 100

Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 1.3 0.0-5.0 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.9 0.0-60.0 83

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 1.5 0.0-5.0 58 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 2.2 0.0-15.0 50 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 3.0 0.0-20.0 75 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.3 0.0-15.0 75 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.0 0.0-65.0 67

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.6 1.0-12.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.2 1.0-42.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 30.3 0.0-65.0 92

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 2.2 0.0-15.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (6), Mesotrophic (medium) (6)

Elevation (range): 783 (655-1061) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (2), 0 - 0.49 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (5)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1), Northerly (1), Easterly (2), Level (7)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Midslope (5), Level (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (4), Moderately well drained (4), Imperfectly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2), Silt loam (4)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (12)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (3), Morainal (8)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (5)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 2.00 9.00 10

134

LBHfE4 Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss (n=4) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type is successionally more advanced than the Pl-Sb/moss (LBHfDE3) indicated by the dominance of black spruce and high cover of feather and stair step moss. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce within this ecological site. This community type is well to moderately well drained and has a coarser soil texture.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 21.2 0.0-50.0 75

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 6.4 0.0-25.8 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.3 0.0-5.4 25 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.1 0.0-8.7 25 TWINING HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera dioica) 3.0 0.0-12.0 25 NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY (Ribes oxyacanthoides) 3.0 0.0-12.0 25 WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 3.0 0.0-12.0 25 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 3.1 0.0-12.7 25 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 3.5 0.0-12.0 50 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 3.9 0.0-15.7 25 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 6.2 0.0-12.0 75 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 9.2 0.0-13.0 75 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 9.2 0.0-13.0 75

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 17.5 0.0-30.0 75 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 22.5 0.0-30.0 75

Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 1.3 0.0-5.4 25 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina rangiferina) 2.6 0.0-10.6 25 N/A (Stereocaulon paschale) 2.6 0.0-10.6 25 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 11.4 0.0-45.9 25

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 735 (700-810) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Easterly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1), Sandy clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 1.00 6.00 3

135

LBHfE5 Pl-Sw/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry (n=3) (Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Ledum groenlandicum/Vaccinium vitis-idaea) This community type is very similar to the Pl-Sb/moss (LBHfDE3) but the presence of white spruce in the overstory indicates slightly richer soil conditions. Successionally mature sites are often dominated by black spruce or white spruce on slightly richer sites within this ecological site. This community type is well to moderately well drained and has a coarser soil texture.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c1 Labrador tea mesic Pl-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 35.6 25.0-55.9 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.0 0.0-30.0 33

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 7.6 0.0-15.5 67

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 1.4 0.0-4.4 33 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.8 0.0-5.5 33 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.9 1.0-6.4 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.1 0.0-10.7 67 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.3 0.0-25.0 33 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 9.3 0.0-25.9 67 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 14.0 8.5-18.7 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 19.9 15.8-25.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 20.5 10.0-35.8 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.4 1.0-2.2 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.6 1.0-3.4 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 23.8 10.0-35.8 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 43.8 20.6-70.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 738 (600-840) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Level (1), Lower Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 6.00 6.00 1

136

c2 Labrador tea mesic Aw-Sb (n=4) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 22.6 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 5.0 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 3.3 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 10.1 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 7.4 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.1 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 4.5 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.0 ] SNOWBERRY Symphoricarpos albus [ 3.4 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.2 ] COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 1.2 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis

Forb [ 8.4 ] GROUND-CEDAR Lycopodium complanatum [ 2.7 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.1 ] LABRADOR LOUSEWORT Pedicularis labradorica

Moss and Liverwort [ 25.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 8.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 2.0 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 709 (650-745) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), moderate slope (1), very gentle slope (2)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Northerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Lacustromoraine (1)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 5.00 3.00 6.00 3

137

LBHfD6 Aw-Sb/Labrador tea/Feather moss (n=2) (Populus tremuloides-Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type is successionally more advanced than the Aw-Sb/Labrador tea (LBHfD6) indicated by the high cover of feather and stair step moss. The presence of a high cover of aspen indicates the slightly better nutrients. This community type is expected to be moderately well drained and has a coarser soil texture. In the absence of disturbance this community type will likely succeed to a black spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c2 Labrador tea mesic Aw-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.5 5.0-30.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos albus) 6.0 0.0-12.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 6.5 1.0-12.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.0 2.0-12.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) LABRADOR LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis labradorica) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 1.0-3.0 100 GROUND-CEDAR (Lycopodium complanatum) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.5 1.0-10.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.0 1.0-5.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 12.5 0.0-25.0 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.0 15.0-25.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 720 (708-732) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 3.00 4.00 2

138

LBHfC4 Aw/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry (n=2) (Populus tremuloides/Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea) This community type represents a moister and slightly more nutrient rich variant within the Labrador tea-mesic ecological site. The presence of a high cover of aspen indicates the slightly better nutrients. This community type is well to moderately well drained and has a loamy soil texture. In the absence of disturbance this community type will likely succeed to a black spruce dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: c2 Labrador tea mesic Aw-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 32.9 30.9-35.0 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.5 1.1-2.0 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2.7 1.0-4.4 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 2.7 1.0-4.5 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.7 2.0-5.4 100 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 3.7 0.0-7.4 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.2 2.4-10.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.8 0.0-15.7 50 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 12.2 4.4-20.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 25.4 20.0-30.9 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 5.3 2.0-8.7 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 LABRADOR LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis labradorica) 4.3 2.0-6.7 100 GROUND-CEDAR (Lycopodium complanatum) 20.2 5.4-35.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 35.0 0.0-70.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 698 (650-745) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (1)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 6.00 6.00 1

139

c3 Labrador tea - mesic shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: c Labrador tea (mesic/poor)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

140

d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) (n=118) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description This is the reference ecosite for the Lower Boreal Highland/Foothills ecosection because it commonly has a mesic moisture regime and a medium nutrient regime. Generally, these sites have moderately fine to fine-textured till, glaciofluvial or glaciolacustrine parent materials. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships This ecosite is similar successionally to the low bush cranberry ecosite described in the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996). Pioneer deciduous tree species such as aspen, balsam poplar, and white birch are replaced by lodgepole pine, white spruce and balsam fir as these sites develop successionally. Along with a change in canopy composition is a change in understory structure and understory species composition and abundance. Generally, as a stand successionally matures, the coniferous canopy cover increases, and understory species structure and diversity declines. This results in stands with low cover of shrub, forb, and grass species and high moss cover. On the agricultural fringe of the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion these sites are often cleared, tilled and seeded to tame forage species. Once developed perennial pastures are often stable successionally for long periods.

Indicator Species Tree

ASPEN Populus tremuloides WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta

Shrub CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa

Forb WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.10 0.20 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 17.70 0.20 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 14.50 1.80 0 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 14.90 0.60 0 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 14.70 1.10 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.70 0.20 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Hygric (moist) (3), Submesic (moderately fresh) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (15), Mesic (fresh) (78)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (9), Submesotrophic (poor) (16), Mesotrophic (medium) (85)

Elevation (range): 767.42 (463-1010) M

Slope (%): strong slope (2), very strong slope (2), gentle slope (8), moderate slope (8), nearly level (20), very gentle slope (31), level (45)

Aspect: Southerly (11), Westerly (12), Easterly (19), Northerly (19), Level (52)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Crest (5), Lower Slope (8), Upper Slope (16), Midslope (32), Level (42)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (4), Poorly drained (5), Imperfectly drained (14), Well drained (43), Moderately well drained (44)

Soil Subgroup: DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1), REGOSOL (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GLEYSOL (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (4), LUVIC GLEYSOL (6), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (7), GRAY LUVISOL (48)

Surface Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (2), Silt loam (2), Sandy clay loam (4), Sandy loam (4), Sand (5), Silty clay (5), Clay (10), Silty clay loam (13), Clay loam (25)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Silt (1), Sandy clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Loamy sand (5), Sandy loam (5), Clay loam (7), Silty clay loam (8), Clay (9), Silt loam (13), Loam (16)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (2), 26 - 50 (6), 0 - 25 (9)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (76)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Eolian (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Fluvial (2), Undifferentiated Organic (2), Lacustromoraine (4), Lacustrine (5), Glaciofluvial (6), Glaciolacustrine (7), Residual (9), Morainal (43)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (6), FIBRIMOR (10)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.09 2.00 30.00 73

141

d1 low-bush cranberry Pl (n=11) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 29.2 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 2.2 ] JACK PINE Pinus banksiana

Shrub [ 19.6 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 9.4 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 6.3 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.5 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.2 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 3.1 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis

Forb [ 4.5 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 1.6 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.5 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus

Moss and Liverwort [ 36.4 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 13.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 4.8 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 3.9 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 867 (700-1010) M

Slope (%): level (1), very strong slope (1), moderate slope (2), gentle slope (2), very gentle slope (5)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Northerly (2), Level (3), Westerly (4)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2), Rapidly drained (2), Moderately well drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (6)

Surface Texture: Sand (2), Clay loam (3), Silty clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (2), Silt loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (3), Residual (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 11.00 3.00 20.00 8

142

LBHfE10 Pl/Alder (n=11) (Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa) This community type occurs on fairly loamy to coarse, moderately well drained parent material. It corresponds to Aw-Sw-Pl/green alder (Beckingham et al 1996) in the Lower Foothills subregion and is thought to represent a transition from the modal aspen to the dry lodgepole pine dominated types. The presence of green alder indicates a slightly higher moisture availability, compared to the modal, likely created by an impermeable soil layer within about 2m of the soil surface.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d1 low-bush cranberry Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

JACK PINE (Pinus banksiana) 2.2 0.0-25.0 9 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 29.2 5.2-50.0 100

Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2.2 0.0-10.0 46

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 19.6 0.0-45.0 73

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.5 0.0-8.0 82 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.1 0.0-15.0 46 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.5 0.0-20.0 46 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 9.4 0.0-45.0 64 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 9.6 0.0-35.6 73

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.2 0.0-20.0 36

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.5 0.0-5.7 64 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 4.5 0.0-12.0 64 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.3 0.0-20.0 55

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.9 0.0-30.0 27 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 4.8 0.0-40.0 36

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 13.5 0.0-35.8 91 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 36.4 2.0-80.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 867 (700-1010) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (5)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Northerly (2), Level (3), Westerly (4)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (2), Well drained (2), Moderately well drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (4)

Surface Texture: Sand (2), Clay loam (3), Silty clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (2), Silty clay loam (2), Loam (2), Loamy sand (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1), 26 - 50 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Residual (3), Morainal (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 11.00 3.00 20.00 8

143

d2 low-bush cranberry Aw (n=52) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 39.9 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 10.9 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 10.7 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 9.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 5.9 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 4.6 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 2.4 ] WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus [ 1.5 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 9.1 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 3.7 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 3.2 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.3 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 1.8 ] CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus

Moss and Liverwort [ 2.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 5.7 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.4 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (6), Mesic (fresh) (34)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Permesotrophic (rich) (5), Mesotrophic (medium) (37)

Elevation (range): 711 (463-1002) M

Slope (%): very strong slope (1), gentle slope (3), moderate slope (3), nearly level (7), very gentle slope (15), level (22)

Aspect: Westerly (4), Easterly (5), Southerly (6), Northerly (7), Level (26)

Topographic Position:Crest (3), Lower Slope (4), Upper Slope (5), Midslope (10), Level (20)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (2), Poorly drained (2), Imperfectly drained (6), Moderately well drained (13), Well drained (23)

Soil Subgroup: SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (18)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay (2), Sandy loam (3), Silty clay loam (4), Clay (4), Clay loam (6)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Silt (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy loam (2), Clay loam (4), Loam (5), Clay (6)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (27)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Residual (2), Glaciofluvial (4), Glaciolacustrine (5), Morainal (15)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (4)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 2.00 18.00 25

144

LBHfC5 Aw/Buffaloberry (n=14) (Populus tremuloides/Shepherdia canadensis) This aspen community type is dominated by an understory of buffalo-berry and is similar to communities described in the Lower Foothills and Dry Mixedwood subregions. Beckingham (1993) described a similar community type (Aw/Buffalo-berry) in the Boreal. This type had vegetative affinities with the Aw/Rose-Low Bush Cranberry/Tall Forb described in the Lower Foothills (Lane et al. 2000) type due to the common mesic substrate characteristics, but the buffalo-berry type was slightly drier, acidic (pH 5.3) and nutrient poor. This community type is not as productive as other mesic/medium Aspen types.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low-bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.4 0.0-15.0 21 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 31.7 15.0-45.9 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.3 0.0-30.0 64

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.1 0.0-20.0 36 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.1 0.0-12.0 93 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 10.1 0.0-40.9 36 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 11.0 1.0-25.8 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 29.2 10.5-65.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.8 0.0-5.7 71 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.8 0.0-5.6 79 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.5 0.0-8.7 93 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 12.7 1.0-30.9 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 0.9 0.0-8.7 36 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.3 0.0-8.6 71 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.9 0.0-15.0 50

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 6.6 0.0-15.7 79

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 2.7 0.0-15.6 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 4.3 0.0-20.8 71

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (10)

Elevation (range): 681 (488-807) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (3), 0 - 0.49 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (7)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Westerly (1), Northerly (3), Level (8)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2), Well drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay (2)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Clay loam (2), Clay (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (8)

Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (4)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 3.00 6.00 8

145

LBHfC6 Aw/Alder (n=8) (Populus tremuloides/Alnus crispa) This community type is generally found at low to mid slope elevations on sites with northerly aspects. It tends to be dominated by green alder in the tall shrub layer and rose & raspberry in the low shrub layer. Wild sarsaparilla dominates the forb layer. EMA (1993) described a similar community type (Aw(Pb)/Green Alder/Wild Sarsaparilla) throughout the Low Boreal Cordilleran ecoregion. They found this type on well drained Orthic Grey Luvisols and Eutric Brunisols (Balsam poplar occurred as a codominant in the overstory on imperfectly drained, luvisolic Gleysols). This community type can be found in the boreal and foothills subregions of the province.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low-bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.2 0.0-10.0 38 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 45.5 20.0-60.9 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.1 0.0-10.0 38

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 14.0 0.0-30.0 88

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.3 0.0-10.0 25 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.0 0.0-15.0 88 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 6.6 0.0-15.6 75 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 7.3 0.0-35.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.6 1.0-20.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 13.6 4.0-30.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 4.7 0.0-15.0 63

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 2.2 0.0-15.0 25 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.4 0.0-20.0 75 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 4.5 0.0-10.7 75

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.7 0.0-10.0 75 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.5 0.0-20.0 63 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 8.0 0.0-30.0 75

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.9 0.0-40.0 50

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 3.2 0.0-15.5 63

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (5)

Elevation (range): 748 (590-1002) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (2), Lower Slope (2), Midslope (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Moderately well drained (2), Well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1), Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (6)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (3)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 2.00 13.00 5

146

LBHfC7 Aw/Low-bush cranberry (n=30) (Populus tremuloides/Viburnum edule) This community type appears to be the modal aspen type on mesic well to moderately well drained, nutrient medium to rich, undisturbed sites throughout the foothills ecosection. Beckingham et al (1996) described a similar community type (Aw/Low Bush Cranberry) in both the boreal and foothills subregions. Later seral stages will likely succeed to a mixed Aw-Sw/rose/forb type and climax to a Sw/moss dominated community.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d2 low-bush cranberry Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 42.6 0.0-85.0 97

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.2 0.0-20.7 30 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.2 0.0-25.6 57

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 3.5 0.0-14.6 57 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.5 0.0-25.0 80 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.6 0.0-35.9 43 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.3 0.0-50.0 73 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 12.7 0.0-40.9 97

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.9 0.0-10.7 60 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3.0 0.0-10.0 83 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.5 0.0-12.7 77 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.2 0.0-25.9 93

Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 0.6 0.0-3.5 43 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 0.0-10.6 67 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.8 0.0-15.7 57 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 3.1 0.0-30.0 73

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 3.0 0.0-30.0 47 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 4.7 0.0-18.7 63

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (23)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (22)

Elevation (range): 704 (463-830) M

Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (6), 0 - 0.49 (17)

Aspect: Westerly (2), Northerly (3), Easterly (3), Southerly (4), Level (18)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (2), Lower Slope (2), Crest (3), Midslope (5), Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (4), Moderately well drained (11), Well drained (12)

Soil Subgroup: DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM GLEYED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), HUMO-FERRIC PODZOL ORTHIC (1), SOLODIZED SOLONETZ GRAY (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (3)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Clay (3), Silty clay loam (3), Clay loam (4)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Silt (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Clay loam (2), Clay (2), Loam (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (13)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Morainal (8)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (3)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 4.00 18.00 12

147

d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw (n=20) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 15.0 ] ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 9.9 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 5.4 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca

Shrub [ 10.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 10.1 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 8.9 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 7.4 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 5.1 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 5.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis

Forb [ 5.8 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 4.4 ] WILD SARSAPARILLA* Aralia nudicaulis

Moss and Liverwort [ 25.8 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 12.7 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 3.1 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.9 ] BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (16)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (16)

Elevation (range): 772.67 (580-1005) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (2), very gentle slope (4), nearly level (4), level (11)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1), Northerly (2), Easterly (5), Level (12)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Toe (1), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (4), Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (3), Moderately well drained (8), Well drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: SOLODIZED SOLONETZ (1), GLEYSOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (8)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (2), Clay loam (7)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silty clay (2), Silt loam (3), Loam (5)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (2), 0 - 25 (3)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (14)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Residual (2), Morainal (11)

Humus Form RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.67 5.00 30.00 14

148

LBHfD7 Pl-Sw-Aw/Alder (n=4) (Pinus contorta-Picea glauca-Populus tremuloides/Alnus crispa) This community type occurs on loamy textures, moderately well drained parent material. It corresponds to Aw-Sw-Pl/green alder (Beckingham et al 1996) and is thought to represent a transition from the modal aspen to the dry lodgepole pine dominated types. The presence of green alder indicates a slightly higher moisture availability, compared to the modal, likely created by an impermeable soil layer.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 7.2 0.0-20.0 50 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 10.5 0.0-30.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 12.5 0.0-40.0 50

Understory Tree GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 17.5 0.0-70.0 25

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 22.2 0.0-40.0 75

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.0 2.0-6.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.5 2.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 14.0 5.0-25.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 1.5 0.0-4.0 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.2 0.0-3.0 75 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.5 0.0-7.0 75 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 13.2 0.0-25.0 75

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.0 0.0-3.0 75 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 18.2 5.0-40.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.7 0.0-3.0 75

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 17.5 0.0-40.0 50 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 17.7 0.0-40.0 75

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 786 (730-890) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Loam (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Morainal (4)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 13.00 5.00 30.00 4

149

LBHfD8 Aw-Sw-Pl/Buffaloberry (n=3) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Shepherdia canadensis) This community type is similar to Aw-Sw-Pl/buffalo-berry/hairy wild rye described by Beckingham et al (1996). The prominence of aspen indicates that it is relative early succession as lodgepole pine and later white spruce will begin to dominant with later succession stands. The diversity of shrubs has restricted the herbaceous growth to low forbs with little grass cover.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 9.4 0.0-15.6 67 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 20.8 13.6-28.8 100

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.1 0.0-4.2 67 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.5 1.1-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.4 5.0-5.7 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.5 0.0-12.6 67 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.8 3.0-18.8 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 12.2 0.0-20.9 67 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 15.4 15.0-15.8 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.7 0.0-3.7 67 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.2 2.0-2.4 100 WESTERN LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis bracteosa) 2.2 0.0-4.4 67 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.5 2.0-20.9 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 3.5 0.0-8.7 67

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.0 2.0-10.7 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 13.0 5.5-25.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 23.8 15.6-35.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 750 (762-880) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: SOLODIZED SOLONETZ GRAY (1)

Surface Texture: Clay (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 10.00 10.00 1

150

LBHfD9 Aw-Sw-Pl/Moss (n=13) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Hylocomium splendens) This community type is ecologically similar to the Pl-Aw/Hylo spl - Pleu sch association of Beckingham (1993). However, this community type is more successionally advanced and white spruce is well established in the stand. As this forest grows older, white spruce will eventually replace lodgepole pine as the dominant tree species. This community type represents an intermediate state between a young seral deciduous stand and a climax white spruce - balsam fir stand.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d3 low-bush cranberry Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.2 0.0-30.0 43 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 9.8 0.0-45.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 11.9 0.0-30.0 71

Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.7 0.0-20.8 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.4 0.0-33.0 79

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.9 0.0-30.8 36

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.6 0.0-18.9 57 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.9 0.0-20.9 36 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.7 1.0-30.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 8.8 0.0-37.0 79 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.5 0.0-40.0 93

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.5 0.0-15.9 86 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.6 0.0-20.0 57

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 0.4 0.0-1.0 50 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 0.8 0.0-2.0 64 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.4 0.0-20.0 43 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 12.8 0.0-45.0 64

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.1 0.0-15.0 71 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 4.1 0.0-30.0 36

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 7.7 0.0-35.0 79 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 36.0 0.0-91.0 93

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (10)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (11)

Elevation (range): 782 (580-1005) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (8)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Westerly (1), Easterly (4), Level (8)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Crest (1), Midslope (1), Upper Slope (3), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (3), Well drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL SOLONETZIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay loam (4)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Loam (2), Silt loam (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (2), 0 - 25 (3)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (9)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Residual (2), Morainal (7)

Humus Form RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 9.00 5.00 16.00 9

151

d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb (n=33) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 25.4 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 12.5 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 5.0 ] BALSAM FIR* Abies balsamea

Shrub [ 23.4 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 16.9 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 13.7 ] GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 8.9 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 8.5 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.6 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 5.4 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.6 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.1 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.1 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum

Moss and Liverwort [ 37.6 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 20.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 10.8 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (6), Mesic (fresh) (21)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (25)

Elevation (range): 797.5 (598-925) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), strong slope (2), moderate slope (3), very gentle slope (7), nearly level (9), level (11)

Aspect: Southerly (3), Westerly (3), Easterly (8), Northerly (8), Level (11)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (3), Upper Slope (3), Level (10), Midslope (13)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (3), Imperfectly drained (5), Well drained (8), Moderately well drained (14)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GLEYSOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (16)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Heavy clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Sand (2), Silty clay loam (4), Clay (4), Clay loam (9)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Clay loam (2), Clay (3), Sandy loam (3), Loam (4), Silt loam (7)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (2), 26 - 50 (3), 0 - 25 (4)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (27)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Colluvial (1), Eolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Fluvial (2), Residual (2), Lacustrine (4), Morainal (14)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.50 2.00 30.00 26

152

LBHfE6 Sw/Alder (n=3) (Picea glauca/Alnus crispa) This community type occurs on loamy, moderately well drained parent material. It corresponds to Aw-Sw-Pl/green alder (Beckingham et al 1996) in the Lower Foothills subregion and is thought to represent a transition from the modal aspen and mixedwood dominated types. The presence of green alder indicates a slightly higher moisture availability, compared to the modal, likely created by an impermeable soil layer.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 26.6 20.0-35.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.6 4.0-5.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 45.0 25.0-60.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 11.0 3.0-20.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 13.3 5.0-25.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 28.3 5.0-50.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.6 1.0-3.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.3 1.0-5.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.6 2.0-25.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 3.3 2.0-5.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 8.6 0.0-25.0 67 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 40.0 10.0-70.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 16.6 0.0-30.0 67 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 30.0 0.0-50.0 67

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 873 (810-925) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (2)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 26 - 50 (1), 51 - 100 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 13.00 9.00 15.00 3

153

LBHfE7 Sw-Pl/Moss (n=1) (Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Hylocomium splendens) This community type is ecologically similar to the Pl-Aw/Hylo spl - Pleu sch association of Beckingham (1993). However, this community type is more successionally advanced and white spruce is well established in the stand. As this forest grows older, white spruce will eventually replace lodgepole pine as the dominant tree species. This community type represents an intermediate state between a young seral deciduous stand and a climax white spruce - balsam fir stand.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 50.0 50.0-50.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 60.0 60.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 770 (770-770) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Northerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 6.00 6.00 1

154

LBHfE8 Fb-Sw/Moss (n=3) (Abies balsamea-Picea glauca/Hylocomium splendens) This community type is ecologically similar to the Sw-Pl/Moss but this community type is more successionally advanced and white spruce is well established in the stand. As this forest grows older, white spruce will eventually be replaced by balsam.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.3 10.0-25.0 100 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 20.0 0.0-35.0 67

Understory Tree BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 18.3 0.0-35.0 67

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.3 0.0-3.0 67 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.3 1.0-2.0 100 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 6.6 1.0-15.0 100 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 15.6 0.0-40.0 67 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 30.6 2.0-60.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 4.6 0.0-10.0 67

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.3 0.0-3.0 67 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.6 0.0-4.0 67

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 1.3 1.0-2.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.3 0.0-2.0 67 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 25.3 1.0-50.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 15.6 5.0-30.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 37.6 8.0-85.0 100 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 43.3 10.0-60.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 809 (720-853) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Colluvial (1), Lacustrine (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 15.00 9.00 20.00 3

155

LBHfE9 Sw/Moss (n=26) (Picea glauca/Hylocomium splendens) This community type is ecologically similar to the Sw-Pl/Moss but this community type is more successionally advanced and white spruce is well established in the stand. As this forest grows older, white spruce and balsam fir will dominate the stand.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d4 low-bush cranberry Sw-Fb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 1.9 0.0-15.0 39 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 28.0 6.2-60.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.1 0.0-45.0 65

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.5 0.0-9.5 23 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.3 0.0-40.0 96 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.7 1.0-40.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 9.5 0.0-35.0 89

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.0 0.0-20.0 42

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.2 0.0-5.4 54 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.7 0.0-15.0 58 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.8 0.0-20.0 85

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.4 0.0-10.0 58 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.0 0.0-10.0 81 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.4 0.0-10.0 77 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 8.5 0.0-30.0 73

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.5 0.0-8.0 50

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 17.1 0.0-60.8 85 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 44.9 0.0-92.0 96

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (17)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (19)

Elevation (range): 738 (598-795) M

Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (6), 0.5 - 2.49 (8), 0 - 0.49 (9)

Aspect: Westerly (2), Southerly (3), Northerly (5), Easterly (7), Level (9)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Lower Slope (3), Level (9), Midslope (10)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (3), Poorly drained (3), Well drained (7), Moderately well drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL PODZOLIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (7)

Surface Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Sand (2), Clay (3), Silty clay loam (3), Clay loam (5)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Clay loam (2), Clay (2), Loam (3), Silt loam (4)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (1), 26 - 50 (2), 0 - 25 (4)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (20)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Eolian (1), Lacustrine (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Fluvial (2), Morainal (12)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (2)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 16.00 2.00 30.00 19

156

d5 low bush cranberry shrub (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

157

d6 low bush cranberry grass (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

158

d8 tame pasture (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 4.0 ] SALIX SPECIES Salix

Forb [ 30.3 ] COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale [ 3.4 ] LARGE-LEAVED YELLOW AVENS Geum macrophyllum [ 2.7 ] COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 1.5 ] ALSIKE CLOVER Trifolium hybridum [ 1.2 ] COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense

Moss and Liverwort [ 5.2 ] UNDIFFERENTIATED MOSS - ALL GENERA Moss

Graminoid [ 24.8 ] TIMOTHY Phleum pratense [ 6.7 ] KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis [ 4.9 ] PRAIRIE SEDGE Carex prairea [ 4.7 ] SEDGE SPECIES Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 701 (701-701) M

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

159

LBHfA2 Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Dandelion (n=2) (Poa pratensis-Phleum pratense/Taraxacum officinale) Perennial crops are rare in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion because of the short growing season. This community type seems to have developed because of either poor establishment for seeded species or prolonged heavy grazing. Although tall productive species such as timothy, brome grass and orchard grass were likely seeded on the site, grazing resistant species such as Kentucky bluegrass, dandelion and clover now dominate. Continued heavy grazing will likely allow disturbance species and/or weedy species to continue to invade. Although these sites may be productive, the ecological sustainable stocking rate has been reduced to help improve range health.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: d low-bush cranberry (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: d8 tame pasture

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 4.0 0.0-8.0 50

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.2 0.0-2.4 50 ALSIKE CLOVER (Trifolium hybridum) 1.5 0.3-2.8 100 LARGE-LEAVED YELLOW AVENS (Geum macrophyllum) 3.4 0.0-6.8 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.7 0.0-5.5 50 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 30.3 4.6-56.0 100

Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 4.7 0.0-9.4 50 PRAIRIE SEDGE (Carex prairea) 4.9 0.0-9.8 50 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 6.7 0.6-12.8 100 TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 24.8 3.2-46.5 100

Moss UNDIFFERENTIATED MOSS - ALL GENERA (Moss) 5.2 3.5-7.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 5-12

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 701 (701-701) M

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

160

e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) (n=13) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The dogwood-fern ecosite is subhygric and nutrient medium to rich. These sites are commonly found on level or depressional areas near the base of slopes or near watercourses that recieve nutrient rich seepage or are occassionally flooded. Fine textured till, morainal and lacustrine parent materials are common. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships Succession to conifer on these rich sites proceeds slowly because of the proliferation of grass, forbs and shrubs after disturbance. These sites are often dominated by balsam poplar, river alder, willow and red osier dogwood with the succession to spruce in the absence of disturbance.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub RED-OSIER DOGWOOD Cornus stolonifera SHRUBBY WILLOW Salix arbusculoides SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia

Forb RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 18.50 0.20 0 WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 17.40 1.10 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 19.10 0.10 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.60 0.80 0 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 18.80 1.20 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 19.10 0.20 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (4), Mesic (fresh) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (8)

Elevation (range): 699.67 (445-853) M

Slope (%): strong slope (1), very strong slope (1), very gentle slope (2), gentle slope (2), nearly level (3), level (4)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Southerly (2), Level (9)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Depression (1), Toe (1), Lower Slope (2), Midslope (3), Level (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (3), Moderately well drained (4), Well drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (3)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (6)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Residual (1), Morainal (5)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.33 5.00 18.00 5

161

e1 red osier dogwood Pl (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

162

e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb (n=8) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 32.5 ] BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera [ 11.6 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides

Shrub [ 15.8 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 14.4 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 10.8 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 8.4 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW* Salix scouleriana [ 6.8 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 6.6 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 3.9 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 3.3 ] RED-OSIER DOGWOOD* Cornus stolonifera [ 2.3 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens

Forb [ 10.8 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 4.2 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.2 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.8 ] LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 1.6 ] WILD SARSAPARILLA* Aralia nudicaulis [ 1.0 ] MEADOW HORSETAIL* Equisetum pratense

Moss and Liverwort [ 2.5 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 2.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 4.2 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 3.8 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 728 (675-762) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), nearly level (1), strong slope (1), very gentle slope (1), very strong slope (1), level (3)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Level (6)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Toe (1), Midslope (2), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (2), Well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 5.00 8.00 3

163

LBHfC10 Pb-Aw/Red osier dogwood-Willow (n=1) (Populus balsamifera-P. tremuloides/Cornus stolonifera-Salix scouleriana) Beckingham and Archibald (1996) and Thompson and Hansen (2002) found this community type on mid to lower slope topographic positions or near wetlands, water bodies or water courses where they receive nutrient-rich seepage or flood waters for a portion of the growing season. Thompson and Hansen (2002) suggest that Sw will replace Pb with time (succession).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 35.0 35.0-35.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 RED-OSIER DOGWOOD (Cornus stolonifera) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 762 (762-762) M

Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 8.00 8.00 8.00 1

164

LBHfC8 Pb/Willow (n=5) (Populus balsamifera/Salix scouleriana) This community type is found on lower slope seepage areas with moderately moist, nutrient rich soils. It is often found in association with other moisture-adapted shrub species such as honeysuckle, dogwood, and to a lesser extent alder. This may be found upslope, in transition, from willow shrubland areas and is an important cover and browse for moose.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 1.1 0.0-5.5 20 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 9.8 0.0-20.8 60 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 20.1 10.6-25.8 100

Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 6.1 0.0-12.6 80 SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 7.9 2.1-18.6 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 7.8 3.2-10.7 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.8 2.4-8.7 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 12.4 0.0-30.8 80 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 14.1 0.0-20.8 80 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 15.9 0.0-30.8 80 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 20.6 15.7-25.9 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3.1 0.0-5.6 80 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 7.2 0.0-10.7 80 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 7.4 3.4-10.7 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 22.4 15.7-30.9 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.2 0.0-2.4 60 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.4 2.4-6.7 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 5.8 0.0-10.7 80

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.5 0.0-15.7 60 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 7.6 0.0-10.7 80

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 7.7 3.5-12.5 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (3)

Elevation (range): 732 (704-751) M

Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (3)

Aspect: Level (5)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Midslope (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2), Well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

165

LBHfC9 Pb-Aw/Alder (n=2) (Populus balsamifera-P. tremuloides/Alnus crispa) This community type occupies mid to lower-slope positions and is easily recognized in the field by the dominance of alder. Green alder (Alnus crispa) would be more abundant than river alder (Alnus tenuifolia) on midslope positions, and the opposite would be true on the lower slope positions. However, tree, forb and grass layers are very similar at both mid and lower-slope positions. This community type is similar to the Pb-Aw/Alder type described by Beckingham (1993) and the Aw (Pb)/ Green alder/ Wild Sarsaparilla and Pb-Aw/ Bracted Honeysuckle- River alder community types described by Environmental Management Associates (EMA) (1993). This community type is found on mesic to hygric, moderately well-drained sites. The moisture regime is slightly wetter than the Pb-Aw/Rose community type, which likely accounts for the increased growth of alder.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e2 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 42.5 15.0-70.0 100

Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 3.5 2.0-5.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 13.5 2.0-25.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 20.0 10.0-30.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 23.5 2.0-45.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.5 2.0-5.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) SWEET-SCENTED BEDSTRAW (Galium triflorum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 ONE-SIDED WINTERGREEN (Orthilia secunda) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.0 1.0-5.0 100

Graminoid NARROW REED GRASS (Calamagrostis stricta) 3.5 0.0-7.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 690 (675-705) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sand (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Residual (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 6.00 5.00 7.00 2

166

e3 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb-Pl-Sw (n=4) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 14.5 ] BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera [ 13.5 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 12.5 ] LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta

Shrub [ 18.7 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 12.3 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 12.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 10.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 10.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 7.7 ] WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus [ 6.5 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis

Forb [ 5.5 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 4.5 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 3.5 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 3.5 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 2.5 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 2.3 ] RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY* Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort [ 32.3 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 2.5 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 784.5 (740-853) M

Slope (%): gentle slope (1), level (1), nearly level (1), very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1), Level (2)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Midslope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 17.00 16.00 18.00 2

167

LBHfD11 Pl-Pb/Alder (n=2) (Pinus contorta-Populus balsamifera/Alnus crispa) This community type is similar to Aw-Sw-Pl/moss type previously (LBHfD10) but lacks the high cover of alder. With succession this community will succeed to a Sw/Alder/moss dominated type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e3 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.0 0.0-8.0 50 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 11.0 10.0-12.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 25.0 20.0-30.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 37.5 15.0-60.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 7.5 5.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.5 5.0-10.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 15.0 10.0-20.0 100 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 15.5 1.0-30.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 20.0 10.0-30.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.5 2.0-3.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 6.5 3.0-10.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 20.0 15.0-25.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 45.5 0.0-91.0 50

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 822 (792-853) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Imperfectly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Morainal (2)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 17.00 16.00 18.00 2

168

LBHfD10 Pb-Sw-Aw/Moss (n=2) (Populus balsamfera-Picea glauca-Populus tremuloides/Hylocomium splendens) This community type is similar to Aw-Sw-Pl/bracted honeysuckle/fern type described by Beckingham et al (1996). With succession this community will succeed to a Sw/moss dominated type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e3 red osier dogwood Aw-Pb-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 5.2 0.0-10.4 50 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 18.1 15.5-20.8 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 23.0 15.5-30.6 100

Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 4.3 4.2-4.4 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 7.3 4.2-10.5 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 0.8 0.5-1.1 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.6 5.6-5.7 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 9.0 7.5-10.5 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 13.2 10.8-15.7 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 17.1 15.6-18.6 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 3.7 0.0-7.4 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.6 0.5-8.7 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.5 4.5-8.6 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.3 0.0-8.7 50 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 7.0 3.3-10.7 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 7.0 3.4-10.6 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.9 2.5-5.4 100

Epiphyte N/A (Alectoria sarmentosa) 1.4 0.3-2.5 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 19.2 12.6-25.8 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 747 (740-754) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position: Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

169

e4 red osier dogwood Sw (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

170

e5 shrub (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 35.0 ] SHRUBBY WILLOW* Salix arbusculoides [ 5.0 ] RIVER ALDER* Alnus tenuifolia [ 1.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 1.0 ] CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 1.0 ] RED-OSIER DOGWOOD* Cornus stolonifera

Forb [ 1.0 ] COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 1.0 ] DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides [ 1.0 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 1.0 ] LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 1.0 ] WILD VETCH Vicia americana

Moss and Liverwort [ 2.0 ] GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Graminoid [ 1.0 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 1.0 ] GOLDEN SEDGE Carex aurea

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 445 (445-445) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Depression (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

171

LBHfB1 Shrubby willow-River alder (n=1) (Salix arbusculoides-Alnus tenuifolia) This community represents lowland sites surrounding open water or nutrient rich river flood plains This community is part of the red osier dogwood (e) ecological site. River alder is the defining species with horsetail common in the understory. These sites have high diversity. Succession, in the absence of disturbance will likely be to balsam poplar and eventually white spruce.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: e red osier dogwood (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: e5 shrub

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Understory Tree

RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 SHRUBBY WILLOW (Salix arbusculoides) 35.0 35.0-35.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) RED-OSIER DOGWOOD (Cornus stolonifera) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 SHRUBBY WILLOW (Salix arbusculoides) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 GOLDEN SEDGE (Carex aurea) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 HAIR-LIKE SEDGE (Carex capillaris) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Lichen DOG LICHEN (Peltigera canina) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 445 (445-445) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Depression (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

172

f horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=8) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The horsetail ecosite is wet and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on till, lacustro-till, fluvial or glaciolacustrine parent materials where flooding or seepage enhances the substrate nutrient supply. With high water tables, wet soil conditions, and Gleysolic soils, organic matter tends to accumulate. Horsetails commonly form a blanket over the forest floor. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships Succession on these sites is largely controlled by high soil water content. Some sites that have peaty soils and may have taken hundreds of years to develop. When the trees are removed, the water table may rise making tree establishment because bluejoint and shrubs take over the site. White spruce forms the canopy in the last successional stage. Shrub phases tend to be dominated by tall willow and alder species.

Indicator Species Tree

WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca ASPEN Populus tremuloides

Shrub WILD RED CURRANT Ribes triste SCOULER'S WILLOW Salix scouleriana GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa RED-OSIER DOGWOOD Cornus stolonifera

Forb COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.80 0.50 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 16.70 1.60 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 15.50 0.90 0 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 25.80 1.20 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 23.10 0.10 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (5)

Elevation (range): 856.25 (684-1001) M

Slope (%): very gentle slope (1), nearly level (2), level (5)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (2), Level (5)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Lower Slope (2), Midslope (2), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay loam (2)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (1), Fluvial (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 16.00 10.00 35.00 4

173

f1 horsetail Sw (n=5) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 20.8 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 7.5 ] LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta

Shrub [ 10.2 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 10.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 9.2 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 6.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule

Forb [ 18.8 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 12.7 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 5.5 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.8 ] PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 2.5 ] BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 1.0 ] RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY* Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort [ 54.2 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 18.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 3.0 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 881.5 (684-975) M

Slope (%): nearly level (2), level (3)

Aspect: Southerly (2), Level (3)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Midslope (1), Toe (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Moderately well drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluvial (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 18.00 10.00 35.00 3

174

LBHfE11 Pl-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) (Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense) This community type is similar to Beckingham's (1993) Pl/Horsetail community type and will likely succeed to the Sw/Horsetail/Step Moss ecosystem association of Corns and Annas (1986).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f1 horsetail Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.0 7.0-7.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 7.0 7.0-7.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 93.0 93.0-93.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 975 (975-975) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 10.00 10.00 10.00 1

175

LBHfE12 Sw/Horsetail (n=4) (Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense) This community type is moister and richer than the modal Aw/Low-bush cranberry types. It is similar to the Sw/Horsetail/Step Moss ecosystem association of Beckingham et al. 1996 and represents near climax conditions for this ecological site.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f1 horsetail Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 26.6 15.8-40.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.9 5.2-10.6 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.7 0.0-8.7 50 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.1 0.0-10.6 75 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.4 0.0-15.0 75

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SWAMP HORSETAIL (Equisetum fluviatile) 1.3 0.0-5.4 25 RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 2.1 0.0-5.0 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.6 0.0-8.7 75 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 10.4 0.0-20.9 75 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 11.1 0.0-25.0 75 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 17.7 0.0-40.0 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.6 0.0-7.7 75 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 5.1 0.0-15.0 75 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.5 0.0-12.0 50

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.1 0.0-20.0 50

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 15.4 0.0-35.8 75 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 19.0 10.0-45.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 34.1 20.8-45.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 788 (684-914) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 0 - 0.49 (3)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Level (3)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Lower Slope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Moderately well drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 0 - 25 (1)

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (2)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 26.00 17.00 35.00 2

176

f2 horsetail Sw-Aw (n=1) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 20.0 ] ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 15.0 ] WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca

Shrub [ 15.0 ] TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 10.0 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 10.0 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 10.0 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 5.0 ] DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 2.0 ] RED-OSIER DOGWOOD* Cornus stolonifera

Forb [ 20.0 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 10.0 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.0 ] TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 1.0 ] RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra

Moss and Liverwort [ 45.0 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 45.0 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis

Graminoid [ 8.0 ] HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 762 (762-762) M

Slope (%): level (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 12.00 12.00 1

177

LBHfD12 Aw-Sw/Horsetail (n=1) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense) This community type is similar to Beckingham's (1993) Aw-Pb/Horsetail community type and will likely succeed to the Sw/Horsetail/Step Moss ecosystem association of Corns and Annas (1986).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f2 horsetail Sw-Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) RED-OSIER DOGWOOD (Cornus stolonifera) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 15.0 15.0-15.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 20.0 20.0-20.0 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100

Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.0 8.0-8.0 100

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 45.0 45.0-45.0 100 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 45.0 45.0-45.0 100

cm Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 762 (762-762) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 12.00 12.00 12.00 1

178

f3 shrub (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 9.3 ] WHITE BIRCH Betula papyrifera [ 4.8 ] BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera [ 2.1 ] WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca

Shrub [ 29.7 ] SCOULER'S WILLOW* Salix scouleriana [ 15.4 ] GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 12.6 ] LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 12.1 ] PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 9.2 ] BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.2 ] WILD RED CURRANT* Ribes triste

Forb [ 4.6 ] TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 4.3 ] STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 3.8 ] COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 2.9 ] COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.1 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense

Moss and Liverwort [ 7.9 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Graminoid [ 1.7 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 900 (798-1001) M

Slope (%): level (1), very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Lower Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

179

LBHfB2 Scouler's willow-Green alder (n=2) (Salix scouleriana-Alnus crispa) This community is similar to a Willow-Alder/Fern community described on seepage areas with northern and eastern aspects in the Saddle Hills north of Grande Prairie (Lane et al. 2000). This community appears to occupy areas that receive some nutrient seepage throughout the growing season. There are some trees growing on these sites, but they are generally restricted to the drier areas.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: f horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f3 shrub

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.1 0.0-4.2 50 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.7 0.0-9.4 50 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 4.8 4.2-5.4 100 WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 9.3 0.0-18.7 50

Understory Tree SCOULER'S WILLOW (Salix scouleriana) 29.7 18.7-40.8 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 15.4 0.0-30.8 50

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD RED CURRANT (Ribes triste) 4.2 0.0-8.4 50 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.4 3.4-5.4 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 9.2 5.7-12.7 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 12.1 5.4-18.8 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 12.6 12.6-12.7 100 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 12.9 0.0-25.8 50

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.1 0.0-2.2 50 RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 1.2 0.0-2.4 50 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.7 0.2-3.3 100 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.9 2.4-3.4 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.6 4.6-4.7 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 3.8 0.0-7.7 50 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 4.3 0.0-8.7 50

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.7 0.0-3.4 50

Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 7.9 5.4-10.5 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2)

Elevation (range): 900 (798-1001) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Lower Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

180

g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=7) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The Labrador tea/horsetail ecosite is wet and commonly has a medium to poor nutrient regime. These sites are commonly found on lower topographic positions on level glaciolacustrine, till, or organic parent materials. With wet substrate conditions, Gleysolic soils are common and organic matter tends to accumulate. Along with Labrador tea, horsetails commonly form a blanket over the forest floor. The Labrador tea-hygric ecosite has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-mesic ecosite, the hygric ecosite tends to occur in lower topographic positions, has mottles in the top 25 cm of soil, has a thicker organic layer, and may be dominated by black spruce rather than pine. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships Young and mature stands developing in this ecosite often have a component of black spruce. The black spruce is often the same age as the pine but forms a secondary canopy due to slower growth rates. Successionally mature stands are dominated by black spruce with a small component of residual pine (Beckingham and Archibald 1996). After disturbance, these sites are commonly colonized by hydrophytic species such as willow, marsh reed grass, and sedges in the shrub phase.

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum

Forb COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense

Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 14.70 0.00 0 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 15.00 0.20 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.10 0.50 0 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 7.10 0.00 0 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 18.50 0.40 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hygric (moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (3)

Elevation (range): 742 (695-806) M

Slope (%): level (2), very gentle slope (2)

Aspect: Level (2), Westerly (2)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Midslope (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (3), Very poorly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), MESISOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1), Mesic (1)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (4)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Morainal (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 7.00 7.00 1

181

g1 Labrador tea-horsetail Sb-Pl (n=5) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 38.7 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana

Shrub [ 4.1 ] MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia [ 3.1 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 2.1 ] SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca [ 1.2 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 1.2 ] FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW Salix planifolia [ 1.1 ] FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW Salix planifolia [ 1.0 ] CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus

Forb [ 1.0 ] COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 1.0 ] MEADOW HORSETAIL* Equisetum pratense

Lichen [ 4.9 ] REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 41.3 ] SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 31.1 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 6.1 ] KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 3.1 ] GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens [ 2.5 ] TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre

Graminoid [ 1.0 ] SHEATHED SEDGE Carex vaginata

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 754 (717-806) M

Slope (%): level (1), very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1), GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1), Mesic (1)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Silty clay loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 7.00 7.00 1

182

LBHfE31 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea/Moss (n=5) (Picea mariana-Pinus contorta/Ledum groenlandicum/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type represents the transition between a treed fen and the upland pine/black spruce dominated community types. Labrador tea is indicative of poor nutrient status and horsetail and marsh reedgrass are indicative of slightly richer sites which represents the transitional nature of this community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) Ecosite Phase: g1 Labrador tea-horsetail Sb-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 35.1 0.0-80.0 80

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.6 0.0-40.8 80

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 1.2 0.0-6.0 20

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 1.1 0.0-4.5 40 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.2 0.0-3.4 60 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.1 0.0-10.6 20 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 3.1 0.0-10.6 80 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 4.1 0.0-20.8 20

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 1.0 0.0-3.0 60

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.0 0.0-4.4 40 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 1.0 0.0-5.4 20

Graminoid SHEATHED SEDGE (Carex vaginata) 1.0 0.0-5.4 20

Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 2.5 0.0-10.6 40 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 3.1 0.0-10.6 40 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 6.1 0.0-15.5 60 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 31.1 5.5-60.0 100 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 41.3 10.0-75.9 100

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 4.9 0.0-12.6 60

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2)

Elevation (range): 754 (717-806) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Lower Slope (1), Level (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL FIBRIC (1)

Surface Texture: Mesic (1), Fibric (1)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Fibric (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Lacustromoraine (1)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 7.00 7.00 7.00 1

183

g2 shrub (n=2) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 11.7 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana

Shrub [ 16.3 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 12.5 ] MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix myrtillifolia [ 9.3 ] ATHABASCA WILLOW Salix athabascensis [ 2.8 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 2.3 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus

Forb [ 5.3 ] MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris [ 3.8 ] THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia [ 1.0 ] DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides

Moss and Liverwort [ 49.3 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 34.8 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 6.3 ] TUFTED MOSS* Aulacomnium palustre

Graminoid [ 13.8 ] WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (1)

Elevation (range): 730 (695-766) M

Slope (%): level (1), very gentle slope (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Morainal (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

184

LBHfB3 Willow-Labrador tea/Golden moss (n=2) (Salix spp.-Ledum groenlandicum/Tomenthypnum nitens) This community type occurs in association with lowland areas adjacent to poor fens where the nutrient regime is medium. The water table under this community type is high during the entire growing season, but flooding is rare. Succession within this community type is to white spruce and black spruce but is inhibited due to poor drainage. This community was included in the shrub phase because black spruce is only found in the mid and tall shrub layer and has a low canopy cover.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: g Labrador tea-horsetail (hygric/medium) Ecosite Phase: g2 shrub

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.7 8.5-15.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 2.3 0.0-4.7 50 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.8 0.0-5.6 50 ATHABASCA WILLOW (Salix athabascensis) 9.3 0.0-18.7 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.8 10.0-13.6 100 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 12.5 0.0-25.0 50 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 16.3 12.7-20.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MARSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla palustris) 5.3 0.0-10.7 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 3.8 0.0-7.7 50

Graminoid WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 13.8 2.0-25.7 100

Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 6.3 4.0-8.6 100 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 34.8 3.0-66.6 100 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 49.3 8.6-90.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 730 (695-766) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Midslope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL TERRIC FIBRIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1)

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

185

h bog (subhydric/poor) (n=21) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The bog ecosite commonly has organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss. They are poorly to very poorly drained and have a very poor to poor nutrient regime. This ecosite occupies level areas and depressions where water tends to be stagnant and impeded drainage or high water tables enhance the accumulation of organic matter. Stunted black spruce form a sparse canopy on the treed phase (k1) of the bog ecosite. Bog ecosites are less common in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion (Natural Regions Committee 2006) and tend to be dominated by the tree and shrub phases. Site index for this ecological site is from the Lower Foothills subregion (Beckingham et al. 1996).

Successional Relationships The bog ecosite is an edaphic climax that is maintained by high water tables. The hydrarch succession to the bog ecosite is extremely slow.

Indicator Species Tree

BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus BOG ROSEMARY Andromeda polifolia BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Lichen REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 9.30 0.00 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 9.50 0.70 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (6), Subhydric (moderately wet) (14)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (5), Oligotrophic (very poor) (15)

Elevation (range): 753.5 (490-885) M

Slope (%): level (21)

Aspect: Level (21)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (19)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (6), Poorly drained (15)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), MESISOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (2), 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Humus Form

186

h1 treed bog (n=12) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 16.1 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub [ 39.5 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 10.0 ] CLOUDBERRY* Rubus chamaemorus [ 7.9 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 4.8 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus

Lichen [ 26.0 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 2.6 ] N/A Icmadophila ericetorum

Moss and Liverwort [ 42.9 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum

Graminoid [ 3.3 ] SHEATHED COTTON GRASS Eriophorum vaginatum [ 1.5 ] SEDGE SPECIES Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (4), Subhydric (moderately wet) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Oligotrophic (very poor) (8)

Elevation (range): 757 (741-781) M

Slope (%): level (12)

Aspect: Level (12)

Topographic Position:Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (11)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

187

LBHfE14 Sb/Labrador tea/Peat moss (n=12) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Sphagnum spp.) This plant community is found on the bog ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). The bog ecosite commonly has organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss. Bogs are dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss. This is the successionally mature community type for this ecological site phase.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/poor) Ecosite Phase: h1 treed bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.0 0.0-15.8 75

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 9.1 0.0-30.8 42

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.5 0.0-25.8 58

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 4.8 0.0-8.7 92 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 7.9 3.5-15.8 100 CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 10.0 0.0-15.9 92 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 39.5 20.6-60.9 100

Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.5 0.0-9.5 17 SHEATHED COTTON GRASS (Eriophorum vaginatum) 3.3 0.0-10.6 42

Moss RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 42.9 15.6-81.6 100

Lichen N/A (Icmadophila ericetorum) 2.6 0.0-8.6 67 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 26.0 0.0-45.8 92

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (4), Subhydric (moderately wet) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Oligotrophic (very poor) (8)

Elevation (range): 757 (741-781) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (12)

Aspect: Level (12)

Topographic Position: Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (11)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material:

Humus Form

188

h2 shrub bog (n=9) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 22.2 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana

Shrub [ 34.9 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 15.0 ] BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.8 ] CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus [ 4.2 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 1.4 ] BOG ROSEMARY* Andromeda polifolia [ 1.4 ] BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa

Forb [ 4.7 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum

Lichen [ 23.0 ] REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis

Moss and Liverwort [ 57.6 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum

Graminoid [ 2.5 ] SHEATHED COTTON GRASS Eriophorum vaginatum [ 1.2 ] WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (7)

Elevation (range): 750 (490-885) M

Slope (%): level (9)

Aspect: Level (9)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (4), Very poorly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: MESISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Humus Form

189

LBHfB4 Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Peat moss (Sb) (n=9) (Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea/Sphagnum spp.(Picea mariana)) This plant community represents the shrubby phase of the bog ecosite described by Beckingham and Archibald (1996). In the absence of disturbance this site will eventually succeed to a treed bog. The bog ecosite commonly has organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/poor) Ecosite Phase: h2 shrub bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.2 0.0-25.8 89

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG ROSEMARY (Andromeda polifolia) 1.4 0.0-8.7 22 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 1.4 0.0-7.5 33 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 4.2 0.0-8.7 89 CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 5.8 0.0-12.7 67 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 10.0 0.0-20.8 89 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 15.0 2.5-45.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 34.9 20.8-60.8 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 2.8 0.0-20.0 33

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 4.7 0.0-30.9 33

Graminoid SHEATHED COTTON GRASS (Eriophorum vaginatum) 2.5 0.0-8.6 56

Moss PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 1.7 0.0-8.5 22 SLENDER HAIR-CAP (Polytrichum strictum) 3.1 0.0-5.5 67 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 57.6 0.0-91.8 89

Lichen N/A (Cladonia cornuta) 2.3 0.0-6.6 67 N/A (Cetraria nivalis) 2.4 0.0-8.5 78 N/A (Cladonia chlorophaea) 4.8 0.0-15.6 44 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 23.0 1.0-70.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Oligotrophic (very poor) (7)

Elevation (range): 750 (490-885) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (9)

Aspect: Level (9)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (4), Very poorly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL REGO (1), MESISOL TERRIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Humus Form

190

h3 graminoid bog (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: h bog (subhydric/poor)

General Description This ecological site phase currently has no data and graminoid bogs have not been described in the Boreal Natural Region. This ecological site phase was created for photo interpretation of vegetation for Alberta Vegetation Inventory (AVI) and Primary Land Vegetation Inventory (PLVI) if the interpreters call for a mapcode of 9B (Hydric/very poor). If interpreted in the various vegetation land cover inventories it will provide a spatial location in which to sample.

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

191

i poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=13) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The poor fen ecosite is intermediate in nutrient regime between the bog (h) and the rich fen (j) ecosites and as such has species characteristic of both. Drainage is poor to very poor, however, there is some movement of water through the substratum. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where impeded drainage or high water tables enhance the accumulation of organic matter. This organic matter consists of a combination of bog-type organic matter (peat moss) and rich fen-type organic matter (sedges, golden moss, tufted moss, and brown moss). Both the black spruce and/or tamarack that dominate a sparse canopy on the treed phase (i1) of the poor fen ecosite are stunted and generally considered unmerchantable (Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Successional Relationships The hydrarch succession characteristic of this ecosite occurs over periods of hundreds to thousands of years. Thus, recovery from disturbance is extremely slow. Changing hydrologic regimes that can result from disturbance influence the direction and rate of succession. As these systems depend on water flow through them, impeding this flow can result in reduction or elimination of tree cover and changes in the shrub, forb and grass layers(Beckingham and Archibald 1996).

Indicator Species Tree

TAMARACK Larix laricina BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana

Shrub FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW Salix planifolia COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa

Forb WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum

Moss and Liverwort RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Graminoid WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 0.00 0.00 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 0.00 0.00 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Hydric (wet) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (7)

Elevation (range): 760.67 (697-824) M

Slope (%): level (13)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (12)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Level (11)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (5), Very poorly drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (0), MESISOL (0)

Surface Texture: Fibric (0), Humic (0), Mesic (0)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Mesic (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (0)

Humus Form

192

i1 treed poor fen (n=6) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 11.0 ] BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 4.2 ] TAMARACK* Larix laricina

Shrub [ 20.4 ] SWEET GALE Myrica gale [ 14.3 ] BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 6.7 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.4 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 3.6 ] SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 3.5 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea

Forb [ 10.4 ] BUCK-BEAN Menyanthes trifoliata [ 7.1 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 5.1 ] COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 2.2 ] THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia [ 1.8 ] SMALL BEDSTRAW Galium trifidum

Moss and Liverwort [ 21.1 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 15.4 ] BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus [ 10.4 ] PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii [ 8.8 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 6.6 ] TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre [ 6.1 ] STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens

Graminoid [ 3.3 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hydric (wet) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 755 (697-822) M

Slope (%): level (6)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (5)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Level (4)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (0), MESISOL (0)

Surface Texture: Fibric (0), Humic (0), Mesic (0)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Mesic (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (0)

Humus Form

193

LBHfE13 Sb-Lt/Willow/Horsetail (n=5) (Picea mariana-Larix laricina/Salix spp./Equisetum arvense) This community type is transitional between the rich fen and the bog ecological sites. Rich fens tend to be dominated by tamarack, willow and golden moss, whereas, bogs are dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss. The presence of a high cover of willow, tamarack and horsetail in this community indicate the richer nutrients compared to the communities within the bog ecosite.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i1 treed poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 3.1 0.0-12.4 40 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 14.2 0.0-18.8 80

Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.6 0.0-22.8 40

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 7.2 0.0-20.0 80

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 1.9 0.0-5.4 40 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 3.0 0.0-8.0 40 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 3.2 0.0-10.5 40 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 3.7 0.0-18.7 20 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 7.1 0.0-15.8 80 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 13.4 0.0-30.8 80

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.4 0.0-4.0 40 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 5.3 0.0-15.7 40 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 10.2 0.0-20.0 60 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 14.3 0.0-45.8 40

Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 0.4 0.0-2.0 20 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.7 0.0-4.4 60

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.6 0.0-12.5 60

Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 9.2 0.0-30.6 40 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 12.3 0.0-30.8 40 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 13.3 0.0-35.8 40 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 16.4 0.0-61.6 40

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (3)

Elevation (range): 763 (697-822) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (5)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (4)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TYPIC (0), MESISOL TERRIC (0), MESISOL TYPIC (0)

Surface Texture: Humic (0), Fibric (0), Mesic (0)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Fibric (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (0)

Humus Form

194

LBHfE15 Sb-Lt/Peat moss (n=1) (Picea mariana-Larix laricina/Peat moss) This community type is transitional between the rich fen and the bog ecological sites. Rich fens tend to be dominated by tamarack, willow and golden moss, whereas, bogs are dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss. The presence of a high cover of tamarack, bog birch and brown moss in this community indicate the richer nutrients compared to the communities within the bog ecosite.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i1 treed poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.4 2.4-2.4 100 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 5.4 5.4-5.4 100

Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.4 2.4-2.4 100 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 5.4 5.4-5.4 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 4.5 4.5-4.5 100 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 7.7 7.7-7.7 100 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 15.7 15.7-15.7 100 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 25.7 25.7-25.7 100 SWEET GALE (Myrica gale) 40.9 40.9-40.9 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) SMALL BEDSTRAW (Galium trifidum) 3.7 3.7-3.7 100 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 4.4 4.4-4.4 100 BUCK-BEAN (Menyanthes trifoliata) 20.9 20.9-20.9 100

Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 8.5 8.5-8.5 100 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 20.8 20.8-20.8 100 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 25.8 25.8-25.8 100 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus) 30.8 30.8-30.8 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 25-25

Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 747 (747-747) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

195

i2 shrub poor fen (n=7) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 5.5 ] BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 2.7 ] TAMARACK Larix laricina

Shrub [ 24.0 ] BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 9.9 ] COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.9 ] BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 4.4 ] MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia [ 4.0 ] FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix planifolia [ 3.8 ] SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 3.8 ] CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus [ 3.4 ] SWEET GALE Myrica gale [ 2.7 ] SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca [ 2.5 ] LEATHERLEAF Chamaedaphne calyculata

Forb [ 2.9 ] THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia [ 2.5 ] WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 2.2 ] ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites sagittatus

Moss and Liverwort [ 48.3 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 9.7 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 9.7 ] TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre

Graminoid [ 16.7 ] WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 8.6 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hydric (wet) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3), Submesotrophic (poor) (4)

Elevation (range): 772 (742-824) M

Slope (%): level (7)

Aspect: Level (7)

Topographic Position:Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

196

LBHfB5 Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (n=7) (Betula glandulosa/Carex aquatilis/Sphagnum spp.) This community type is found in moist depressions and has species characteristic of bogs (peat moss, Labrador tea) and species characteristic of fens (water sedge, willow and bog birch). As organic matter accumulates these sites dry out, black spruce, tamarack, balsam poplar or paper birch establish (Beckingham 1993). Bog birch dominated communities are found in both the Lower Foothills and Central Mixedwood subregions and are associated with richer sites.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i2 shrub poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m)

LEATHERLEAF (Chamaedaphne calyculata) 2.5 0.0-10.8 43 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 2.7 0.0-8.5 43 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.7 0.0-10.5 29 SWEET GALE (Myrica gale) 3.4 0.0-15.8 29 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 3.8 0.0-8.8 71 CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 3.8 0.0-10.7 57 FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 4.0 0.0-15.5 29 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 4.4 0.0-30.8 14 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 5.9 0.0-12.7 86 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.0 0.0-23.8 71 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 9.9 0.0-18.7 86 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 10.5 0.0-20.7 57 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 24.0 8.7-45.9 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 2.5 0.0-15.7 29

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites sagittatus) 2.2 0.0-15.8 14 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 2.9 0.0-5.6 71

Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 8.6 0.0-22.7 57 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 16.7 0.0-35.8 86

Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 9.7 0.0-15.8 86 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 9.7 0.0-20.5 86 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 48.3 0.0-76.6 86

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hydric (wet) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3), Submesotrophic (poor) (4)

Elevation (range): 772 (742-824) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (7)

Aspect: Level (7)

Topographic Position: Level (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (2), Very poorly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

197

i3 graminoid poor fen (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: i poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

198

j rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=24) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description The rich fen ecosite is characterized by flowing water and alkaline nutrient-rich conditions. The soil is composed of organic matter derived from decomposing sedges, as well as golden, tufted, and brown mosses. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where the water table is at or near the surface for a portion of the growing season. Tamarack dominates the canopy on the treed phase while dwarf birch or willow form the canopy of the shrubby phase, and sedges dominate the graminoid phase of the rich fen ecosite.

Successional Relationships The rich fen is an early stage in hydrarch succession. Species composition, and direction and rate of succession changes with the changing hydrologic regime. As with other wetlands, rich fens have slow successional rates, so recovery from disturbance may also be slow.

Indicator Species Shrub

BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW Salix planifolia

Moss and Liverwort GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens

Graminoid BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE Carex utriculata

Site Index at 50 Years Height (m) Variation (m) Count

TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 0.00 0.00 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 0.00 0.00 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (8), Hydric (wet) (13)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Eutrophic (very rich) (6), Mesotrophic (medium) (7), Permesotrophic (rich) (8)

Elevation (range): 712.6 (630-758) M

Slope (%): nearly level (2), level (19)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (19)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Level (19)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (2), Poorly drained (8), Very poorly drained (13)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL (1), FIBRISOL (2)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (1), Undifferentiated Organic (3)

Humus Form

199

j1 treed rich fen (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

200

j2 shrubby rich fen (n=18) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree

[ 3.1 ] TAMARACK Larix laricina

Shrub [ 19.8 ] BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 10.7 ] SMOOTH WILLOW* Salix glauca [ 6.7 ] FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix planifolia [ 5.1 ] ATHABASCA WILLOW Salix athabascensis [ 4.7 ] SWEET GALE Myrica gale [ 2.8 ] DWARF RASPBERRY Rubus arcticus [ 2.1 ] MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia

Forb [ 3.0 ] MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris [ 2.9 ] ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites sagittatus [ 1.7 ] THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 19.1 ] GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 18.1 ] TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre [ 3.6 ] RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum

Graminoid [ 22.3 ] WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 4.3 ] BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (8), Hydric (wet) (9)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Eutrophic (very rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (5), Permesotrophic (rich) (6)

Elevation (range): 735.5 (630-758) M

Slope (%): nearly level (2), level (16)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (17)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (16)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (7), Very poorly drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Morainal (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Humus Form

201

LBHfB6 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (n=6) (Betula glandulosa-Salix spp/Carex aquatilis/Tomenthypnum nitens) This community is similar to the previously described Bog birch (LBHfB5) community, but has richer nutrients because of the flowing water through the site. The lack of peat moss and the presence of golden moss indicate the change in nutrient status between the two community types. Willow and bog birch become established at the edges of the sedge meadow due to the shorter duration of standing water. Increased flooding and prolonged water logging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow. As organic matter accumulates these sites dry out, black spruce, tamarack, balsam poplar or paper birch establish (Beckingham 1993).

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j2 shrubby rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 3.5 0.0-15.7 33

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) ATHABASCA WILLOW (Salix athabascensis) 4.3 0.0-25.8 17 DWARF RASPBERRY (Rubus arcticus) 5.7 0.0-8.7 83 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 6.2 0.0-25.8 50 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.1 0.0-30.8 50 SWEET GALE (Myrica gale) 9.4 0.0-35.8 33 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 13.2 0.0-30.8 50 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 30.9 11.7-40.9 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) MARSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla palustris) 6.1 0.0-15.7 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) LABRADOR LOUSEWORT (Pedicularis labradorica) 1.9 0.0-11.7 17 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 3.5 0.0-8.7 67 ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites sagittatus) 4.2 0.0-10.7 67

Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 12.0 0.0-30.8 67 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 19.3 0.0-40.8 67

Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 1.4 0.0-8.5 17 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus aduncus) 4.0 0.0-15.6 33 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 7.2 0.0-20.6 50 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 21.5 15.6-30.8 100 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 27.8 0.0-55.9 83

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (3)

Elevation (range): 742 (719-758) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (6)

Aspect: Level (6)

Topographic Position: Level (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (3), Very poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

202

LBHfB7 Willow/Sedge/Golden moss (n=12) (Salix spp./Carex aquatilis/Tomenthypnum nitens) This community type is very similar to the previously described bog birch (LBHfB6) dominated community but lacks the high cover of bog birch. The reduced bog birch cover may indicate the slightly more alkaline and richer condition of this community type. This community type is found along the edges of sedge meadows and in moist depressions. Willow becomes established at the edges of the sedge meadow due to the shorter duration of standing water. Increased flooding and prolonged water logging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j2 shrubby rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Understory Tree

BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.6 0.0-12.8 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 1.6 0.0-10.0 42 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 4.2 0.0-20.8 42 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 4.6 0.0-40.6 17 ATHABASCA WILLOW (Salix athabascensis) 5.9 0.0-70.9 8 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 8.8 0.0-18.8 67 FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 13.5 0.0-50.0 50 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 21.5 0.0-70.8 50

Low Forb (< 30 cm) ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites sagittatus) 1.6 0.0-8.7 33

Graminoid SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 1.7 0.0-20.7 8 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 4.1 0.0-30.8 25 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 8.6 0.0-25.9 83 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 25.4 0.0-60.9 75

Moss THIN-LEAFED PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum teres) 3.2 0.0-35.0 17 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 10.5 0.0-31.2 58 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 14.7 0.0-50.8 67

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hydric (wet) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3), Eutrophic (very rich) (4), Mesotrophic (medium) (4)

Elevation (range): 729 (630-755) M

Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 0 - 0.49 (10)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (11)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (10)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (4), Very poorly drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TERRIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (3)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (1), Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Humus Form

203

j3 graminoid rich fen (n=6) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub

[ 2.1 ] SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 1.3 ] SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca [ 1.2 ] FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW Salix planifolia

Forb [ 4.7 ] MARSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla palustris [ 1.8 ] LONG-LEAVED CHICKWEED Stellaria longifolia [ 1.8 ] COMMON CATTAIL Typha latifolia

Moss and Liverwort [ 7.5 ] N/A Scorpidium turgescens [ 6.4 ] SQUARROSE PEAT MOSS Sphagnum squarrosum [ 2.6 ] BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus aduncus

Graminoid [ 59.4 ] WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 13.0 ] BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis [ 8.0 ] SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE* Carex utriculata

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Hydric (wet) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Eutrophic (very rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 697.33 (679-754) M

Slope (%): level (3)

Aspect: Level (2)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Well drained (2), Very poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1)

Humus Form

204

LBHfA1 Water Sedge (n=4) (Carex aquatilis) This community type is found in areas that are flooded for most of the growing season. It occurs on wetter sites than the Marsh Reed Grass dominated community type described in the Lower Foothills subregion (Lane et al. 2000). Succession within this community type is very slow and proceeds with organic matter accumulations (Beckingham 1993). Therefore, this community type can be considered the potential natural vegetation for the site. As organic matter accumulates and the edges dry willow will invade into the edge of this community type.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 2.1 0.0-8.4 25

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 1.3 0.0-5.5 25

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON CATTAIL (Typha latifolia) 1.8 0.0-5.3 50 MARSH CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla palustris) 4.7 0.0-8.7 75

Low Forb (< 30 cm) LONG-LEAVED CHICKWEED (Stellaria longifolia) 1.8 0.0-5.3 50

Graminoid SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 8.0 0.0-10.7 75 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 13.0 5.7-20.0 100 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 59.4 50.0-75.9 100

Moss BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus aduncus) 2.6 0.0-10.5 25 SQUARROSE PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum squarrosum) 6.4 0.0-25.6 25 N/A (Scorpidium turgescens) 7.5 0.0-30.0 25

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Eutrophic (very rich) (2)

Elevation (range): 734 (695-754) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect:

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Very poorly drained (3)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TYPIC (1)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 40 - 59 cm (1)

Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1)

Humus Form

205

LBHfB8 Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass (n=1) (Salix bebbiana/Carex aquatilis-Poa pratensis) This community type occurs on the drier edges of wet sedge meadows and Willow - Bog Birch/Sedge or Willow/Marsh reedgrass dominated community types, where it is easy for livestock to access. The heavy grazing regime has favoured the growth of Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. Continued heavy grazing pressure will eventually lead to a community type dominated by agronomic species (timothy, kentucky bluegrass, clover and dandelion) in the understory.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 65.0 65.0-65.0 100

Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF RASPBERRY (Rubus arcticus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.5 1.5-1.5 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 2.1 2.1-2.1 100 YELLOW AVENS (Geum aleppicum) 2.2 2.2-2.2 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 11.5 11.5-11.5 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) LONG-LEAVED CHICKWEED (Stellaria longifolia) 0.2 0.2-0.2 100 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 0.8 0.8-0.8 100 NORTHERN GRASS-OF-PARNASSUS (Parnassia palustris) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 ARROW-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites sagittatus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 18.0 18.0-18.0 100 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 22.3 22.3-22.3 100

Graminoid HAIR-LIKE SEDGE (Carex capillaris) 0.3 0.3-0.3 100 ROUGH HAIR GRASS (Agrostis scabra) 0.5 0.5-0.5 100 SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 1.4 1.4-1.4 100 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 10.0 10.0-10.0 100 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 11.8 11.8-11.8 100 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 25.5 25.5-25.5 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 15-20

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (1)

Elevation (range): 679 (679-679) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

206

LBHfB9 Willow/Dandelion/Timothy (n=1) (Salix spp./Taraxacum officinale/Phleum pratense) This community is similar to the previously described Willow/Sedge-Kentucky bluegrass (LBHfB8) dominated community but has been heavily grazed for a longer period of time. Heavy grazing will move the community towards a Kentucky Bluegrass/ Clover - Dandelion dominated community type. This community type is considered to be in fair to poor range condition and is generally very productive for domestic livestock, but stocking levels should be reduced on these sites to allow for recovery.

Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: j rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m)

SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 30.0 30.0-30.0 100

Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.5 1.5-1.5 100

Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 0.4 0.4-0.4 100 ALSIKE CLOVER (Trifolium hybridum) 3.0 3.0-3.0 100 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 4.4 4.4-4.4 100

Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 0.7 0.7-0.7 100 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 12.4 12.4-12.4 100 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 49.0 49.0-49.0 100

Graminoid AWNLESS BROME (Bromus inermis) 3.4 3.4-3.4 100 TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 43.0 43.0-43.0 100

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 8-15

Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1)

Elevation (range): 679 (679-679) M

Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect: Level (1)

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

207

k marsh (hydric/rich) (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

General Description There is little open water in the Lower Boreal Highlands subregion (<1%) (Downing and Pettapiece 2006) so marshes are not common throughout the subregion and are dominated by emergent sedges and rushes. The marsh ecosite is found in level and depressional areas and around the shorelines of water bodies and riparian zones. The water is above the rooting zone for at least a portion of the growing season.

Successional Relationships The marsh ecosite is near the beginning stages of hydrarch succession. The marsh ecosite can be thought of as successionally stable with changes in plant community composition being determined largely by disturbance regime.

Indicator Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

Graminoid CATTAIL Typha latifolia GREAT BULRUSH Scirpus acutus

208

k1 marsh (n=0) Natural Subregion: Lower Boreal Highlands Ecosection: LBHf Foothills

Ecosite: k marsh (hydric/rich)

General Description A number of ecological site phases currently have no data. These ecological site phases have been created as place holders because they were described in adjacent subregions (Upper Boreal Highland, Central Mixedwood and Dry Mixedwood).

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:

Topographic Position:

Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Humus Form

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

%: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

209

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Resource Development. St. Paul. AB Pub. no. T/276. Mueggler, W.F. 1988. Aspen community types of the Intermountain Region. U.S.D.A. Intermoutain Research Station. INT-250. 133pp. Natural Regions Committee 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by D. J. Downing and W. W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. Pub. No. I/005. O'Leary, A. Saxena and C. DeCoursey. 2002. Biophysical Inventory of Chinchaga Wildland Park. Geowest Environmental Consults. Alberta Community Development. Parks and Protected Areas. Government of Alberta. 65pp. Range Survey Manual. 1992. Range Management Section, Alberta Forest Service. Edmonton, Alta. 39pp. Strong, W.L. and H.G. Anderson. 1980. Ecological Land Classification and Evaluation Reference Manual. Resource Inventory and Appraisal Resource Evaluation Branch, Alberta Energy and Natural Resources. Edmonton, AB. 160pp. Strong, W.L. and J.M. Thompson. 1995. Ecodistricts of Alberta: Summary of Biophysical Attributes. Alberta Environmental Protection, Resource Data Division. Edmonton, Alta. Pub. no. T/319. 91pp. Task Group on Unity and Concept. 1995. New concepts for assessment of rangeland condition. J. Range Manage. 38:220-225. Thompson, W.H. and P.L. Hansen. 2002. Classification and management of riparian and wetland sites of the Alberta Grassland Natural Region and adjacent subregions. Bitterroot Restoration Inc. Prepared for the Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Program-Cows and Fish, Lethbridge, Alberta. 416pp.

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