ecological sites of the upper foothills subregion · for copies of this report contact: michael g....

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ECOLOGICAL SITES OF THE UPPER FOOTHILLS SUBREGION

Second approximation

This publication is a revision of the guides to Ecological sites of West-central and Southwestern Alberta (1996) for the Upper Foothills subregion

2018

Prepared by:

M. G. Willoughby, J.H. Archibald, G.D. Klappstein, I.G.W. Corns, J.D. Beckingham, T. L. France and D.J. Downing

Alberta Government Edmonton

Please note: Marsh reedgrass and Bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) are used interchangeably throughout the guide

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ISBN No.: 978-1-4601-4024-6 (Online Edition)

For copies of this report contact: For copies of this report contact: Michael G. Willoughby 9920 108 Street, 4th Floor Edmonton, AB (780) 422-4598 E-mail: [email protected]

This publication is the property of the Government of Alberta and is available under the Alberta Open Government Licence (https://open.alberta.ca/licence) and the publication is available online at: https://open.alberta.ca/publications/9781460140246

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Environment and Parks, 2018

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Table of Contents

ECOLOGICAL SITES OF THE UPPER FOOTHILLS SUBREGION .................................................................................................................................. i Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... iii Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... vii Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... viii 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 UF Upper Foothills (n=1874) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 24

a grassland (xeric/poor) (n=14) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 25 a1 shrubby grassland (n=14) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 26

ufa10 Bearberry/Slender wheat grass (n=4) ................................................................................................................................................. 27 ufa9 June grass-Sedge/Fringed sage (n=10) ............................................................................................................................................... 28

b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) (n=156) .................................................................................................................................................... 29 b1 bearberry/lichen Pl (n=124) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 30

ufe17 Pl/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry (n=17) ................................................................................................................................................ 31 ufe1 Pl/Bog cranberry (n=56) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32 ufe11 Pl/Bearberry (n=40)............................................................................................................................................................................ 33

b2 bearberry/lichen Aw (n=4) .......................................................................................................................................................................... 34 ufd1 Aw/Rose/Bearberry (n=4)..................................................................................................................................................................... 35

b3 bearberry/lichen Aw-Pl-Sw (n=5) ................................................................................................................................................................ 36 ufe18 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (n=5) ........................................................................................................................................... 37

b4 bearberry/lichen Sw (n=23) ........................................................................................................................................................................ 38 ufe14 Sw/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (n=23) .................................................................................................................................................... 39

c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) (n=191) ....................................................................................................................................................... 40 c1 hairy wild rye Pl (n=92) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 41

ufe15 Pl/Hairy wild rye (n=34) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 42 ufe19 Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=35) ..................................................................................................................................... 43 ufe20 Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (n=13) .................................................................................................................................................. 44

c2 hairy wild rye Aw (n=47) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 45 ufd3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wild rye (n=42) ............................................................................................................................................................. 46

c3 hairy wild rye Aw-Sw-Pl (n=20) ................................................................................................................................................................... 47 ufd4 Aw-Sw-Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=7) ............................................................................................................................. 48 ufe16 Aw-Sw-Pl/Hairy wild rye (n=10) .......................................................................................................................................................... 49 ufe35 Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (n=3) ........................................................................................................................................ 50

c4 hairy wild rye Sw (n=17) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 51 ufe36 Sw/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=17) ................................................................................................................................... 52

c5 yellow mountain avens (fluvial) (n=8) .......................................................................................................................................................... 53 ufb14 Bearberry-Yellow Mtn. avens (n=4) .................................................................................................................................................... 54 ufd2 Pb/Willow/Yellow mountain avens (n=4) .............................................................................................................................................. 55

c6 hairy wild rye grassland (n=7) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 56 ufa15 Hairy wild rye-Sedge (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................................. 57 ufa16 Hairy wild rye/Bearberry (n=1)............................................................................................................................................................ 58

d Labrador tea-mesic (mesic/poor) (n=164) ........................................................................................................................................................ 59

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d1 Labrador tea-mesic Pl-Sb (n=164) .............................................................................................................................................................. 60 ufe37 Pl-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=164) .................................................................................................................. 61

e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) (n=612) ..................................................................................................................................................... 62 e1 tall bilberry/arnica Pl (n=348) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 63

ufe21 Pl/Green alder/Feather moss (n=57) .................................................................................................................................................. 64 ufe22 Pl/Labrador tea-Tall bilberry/Feather moss (n=112) ........................................................................................................................... 65 ufe4 Pl/Feather moss (n=77) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 66

e2 tall bilberry/arnica Aw-Sw-Pl (n=26) ............................................................................................................................................................ 67 ufd7 Aw-Pl-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=9) .............................................................................................................................. 68 ufe2 Aw-Pl-Sw/Green alder/Feather moss (n=7) .......................................................................................................................................... 69

e3 tall bilberry/arnica Sw (n=136) .................................................................................................................................................................... 70 ufe10 Sw/Feather moss (n=77) .................................................................................................................................................................... 71 ufe12 Sw/Green alder (n=13) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 72 ufe23 Sw/Tall bilberry-Labrador tea/Moss (n=35) ......................................................................................................................................... 73

e4 tall bilberry/arnica Fa (n=33) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 74 ufe24 Fa/Tall bilberry-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=15) .......................................................................................................................... 75 ufe25 Fa/Feather moss (n=18) .................................................................................................................................................................... 76

e5 tall bilberry/arnica Aw (n=14) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 77 ufd10 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=6) ....................................................................................................... 78 ufd9 Aw/Green alder (n=8)........................................................................................................................................................................... 79

e6 intermediate oat-grass grassland (n=14) .................................................................................................................................................... 80 ufa8 Intermediate oat grass-Sedge-Rough fescue (n=13) ............................................................................................................................ 81

e9 tall bilberry industrial/tame (n=41) ............................................................................................................................................................... 82 ufc7 Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass/Clover (n=41) ....................................................................................................................... 83

f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) (n=103) ................................................................................................................................................... 84 f1 bracted honeysuckle Pl (n=45) .................................................................................................................................................................... 85

ufe26 Pl/Green alder/Fern (n=24) ................................................................................................................................................................ 86 ufe3 Pl/Bracted honeysuckle/Fern/Feather moss (n=20) .............................................................................................................................. 87

f2 bracted honeysuckle Pb (n=16) ................................................................................................................................................................... 88 ufd11 Pb-Aw/Green alder/Fern (n=3) ........................................................................................................................................................... 89 ufd5 Pb-Aw/Rose/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (n=13) ................................................................................................................................ 90

f3 bracted honeysuckle Pb-Sw-Pl (n=15) ......................................................................................................................................................... 91 ufd12 Pb-Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Fern (n=14) ............................................................................................................................................... 92

f4 bracted honeysuckle Sw (n=15) .................................................................................................................................................................. 93 ufe27 Sw/Green alder/Fern/Feather moss (n=12) ........................................................................................................................................ 94 ufe28 Sw/Silverberry (fluvial) (n=3) .............................................................................................................................................................. 95

f5 bracted honeysuckle Fa (n=9) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 96 ufe29 Fa/Fern/Feather moss (n=9) .............................................................................................................................................................. 97

f6 bracted honeysuckle-willow (n=3) ................................................................................................................................................................ 98 ufb12 Willow-Green alder/Fern-Cow parsnip (n=3) ...................................................................................................................................... 99

ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) (n=92) ............................................................................................................................................... 100 ff1 grassland (n=52) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 101

ufa12 Rough fescue-Bog sedge (n=3) ....................................................................................................................................................... 102 ufa18 Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge (n=2) ...................................................................................................................................... 103 ufa5 Rough fescue-Tufted hair grass (n=8) ................................................................................................................................................ 104 ufa6 Rough fescue-Hairy wild rye (n=13) ................................................................................................................................................... 105 ufa7 Rough fescue/Bearberry (fluvial) (n=7) ............................................................................................................................................... 106

ff2 shrubland (n=40) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 107 ufb4 Willow-Bog birch/Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye (n=2) ........................................................................................................................... 108 ufb5 Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry (n=27) ......................................................................................................................................... 109 ufb8 Willow-Bog birch/Hairy wild rye-Sedge (n=11) ................................................................................................................................... 110

g meadow (subhygric/very rich) (n=248) ........................................................................................................................................................... 111 g1 shrubby meadow (n=99) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 112

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ufb16 Snowberry/Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue (n=2)............................................................................................................................ 113 ufb10 Willow-Bog birch/Graceful sedge (n=27) .......................................................................................................................................... 114 ufb11 Willow-Bog birch (n=23) ................................................................................................................................................................... 115 ufb3 Willow-Bog birch/Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (n=41) ................................................................................................................. 116

g2 forb meadow (n=19) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 117 ufa11 Fireweed/Hairy wild rye (Forb meadow) (n=4) .................................................................................................................................. 118 ufa14 Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue/Fringed brome (n=7) ..................................................................................................................... 119

g3 grass meadow (n=130) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 120 ufa2 Sedge-Slender wheat grass/Veiny meadow rue (n=3) ........................................................................................................................ 121 ufa3 Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (n=54) ............................................................................................................................................ 122

h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor) (n=60) ............................................................................................................................................ 123 h1 Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pl (n=60) ........................................................................................................................................................ 124

ufe30 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=60) .................................................................................................................. 125 i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=35) ................................................................................................................................................ 126

i1 Labrador tea/horsetail Sb-Sw (n=35) ......................................................................................................................................................... 127 ufe31 Sb-Sw/Labrador tea/Horsetail (n=18) ............................................................................................................................................... 128 ufe32 Sb-Sw/Feather moss (n=17) ............................................................................................................................................................ 129

j horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=50) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 130 j1 horsetail Sw (n=35) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 131

ufe6 Sw/Horsetail/Feather moss (n=27) ..................................................................................................................................................... 132 ufe7 Sw/Willow (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 133

j2 horsetail Pb (n=11) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 134 ufd6 Pb/Willow/Horsetail (n=5) ................................................................................................................................................................... 135 ufd8 Pb-Aw/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (n=6) ................................................................................................................................................... 136

j3 horsetail Pb-Sw (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 137 j4 horsetail shrubland (n=4) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 138

ufb17 Willow/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (n=4) ................................................................................................................................................. 139 k bog (subhydric/poor) (n=14) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 140

k1 treed bog (n=12) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 141 ufe5 Sb/Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (n=12) .................................................................................................................................. 142

k2 shrubby bog (n=2) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 143 ufb15 Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (n=2) ....................................................................................................................................... 144

k3 graminoid bog (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 145 l poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=64) ............................................................................................................................................................... 146

l1 treed poor fen (n=21) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 147 ufe33 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (n=21) ........................................................................................................................................ 148

l2 shrubby poor fen (n=35) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 149 ufb13 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Peat moss (n=35) ...................................................................................................................................... 150

l3 graminoid poor fen (n=8) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 151 ufa20 Sedge/Peat moss (n=8) ................................................................................................................................................................... 152

m rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=71) ..................................................................................................................................................................... 153 m1 treed rich fen (n=10) ................................................................................................................................................................................ 154

ufe34 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Golden moss (n=10) .................................................................................................................................... 155 m2 shrubby rich fen (n=45) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 156

ufb1 Willow-Bog birch/Water sedge/Golden moss (n=39) .......................................................................................................................... 157 ufb18 Willow-Bog birch/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (n=6) ......................................................................................................................... 158

m3 graminoid rich fen (n=16)......................................................................................................................................................................... 159 ufa1 Water sedge-Beaked (small bottle sedge) sedge meadow (n=15) ...................................................................................................... 160 ufa19 Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=1) .................................................................................................................................................... 161

n marsh (n=0) ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 162 n1 marsh (n=0) .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 163

Literature Cited .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 164 Appendix 1. Forest Management Interpretations ................................................................................................................................................... 167

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Drought Limitations ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 167 Excess Moisture ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 168 Soil Rutting and Compaction Hazard .................................................................................................................................................................. 168 Soil Temperature Limitations .............................................................................................................................................................................. 168 Vegetation Competition ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 169 Windthrow Hazard ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 169 Soil Erosion Hazard .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 169 Appendix 2. Soil Types ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 170 SV1 Very Dry/Sandy (n=32) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 171 SV2 Very Dry/Coarse Loamy (n=26) .............................................................................................................................................................. 172 SV3 Very Dry/Silty Loamy (n=32) ................................................................................................................................................................... 173 SV4 Very Dry/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=80)....................................................................................................................................................... 174 SD1 Dry/Sandy (n=23) .................................................................................................................................................................................... 175 SD2 Dry/Coarse Loamy (n=33) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 176 SD3 Dry/Silty-Loamy (n=73) ........................................................................................................................................................................... 177 SD4 Dry/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=263) ............................................................................................................................................................. 178 SM1 Moist/Sandy (n=35) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 179 SM2 Moist/Coarse Loamy (n=55) ................................................................................................................................................................... 180 SM3 Moist/Silty Loamy (n=298) ...................................................................................................................................................................... 181 SM4 Moist/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=1518) ....................................................................................................................................................... 182 SMp Moist/Peaty (n=51) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 183 SWm Wet/Mineral (n=174) ............................................................................................................................................................................. 184 SWp Wet/Peaty (n=75) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 185 SR Organic (n=188) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 186 SS Shallow (n=17) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 187

List of Figures

Figure 1. Edatope grid and ecological sites for the Upper Foothills subregion. ................................................................................................................. 15

List of Tables

Table 1. Upper Foothills Communities ............................................................................................................................................................................ 20 Table 2. Forest management interpretations for Ecological sites in the Upper Foothills Subregion………………………………………………………….167

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Executive Summary The Upper Foothills subregion is found elevationally below the Subalpine and above the Lower Foothills and Montane subregions. It is dominated by closed canopied lodgepole pine forests. In the valley bottoms the shrub and grassland community types 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. This guide represents the analysis of over 1800 plots described in the Upper Foothills subregion, near Grande Cache (Willmore Wilderness Park), Swan Hills and west of Rocky Mtn. House and Calgary. The 1874 plots represent 99 community types. Early successional or disturbed plant community types, stocking rates for livestock and forage production values are described in the Range Plant Community guide for the Upper Foothills subregion. The undisturbed community types are split into: A. Native grasslands 18 community types B. Native shrublands 14 community types C. Grazing modified types 9 community types (see range plant community guide) D. Deciduous types 13 community types E. Conifer types 33 community types F. Cutblocks and burns 12 community types (see range plant community guide) The dominant plant species, canopy cover 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 / Klappstein/Corns). 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. In January, 1999 the Rangeland Health Assessment Project was initiated. Its purpose was to coordinate the development of rangeland health assessment methods and ecological site descriptions for both forested and grassland dominated rangelands in the province and transfer the new technology (awareness, information and tools) to livestock producers, staff and other stake holders. At this time a website (ESD) was also developed to store the rangeland ecological data, but there was insufficient funds to develop hard copy reports from the website. In 2005 funding was provided by Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the technical assistance objective of the Green Cover program and hard copy pdf documents were made available from the old ESD website. In 2010 funding was provided by Policy and Planning Division, Alberta Environment and Parks to upgrade the ESD website to ECOSYS in order to produce hard copy pdf documents from the new website (https://securexnet.env.gov.ab.ca/EcoSysExternal/). The creation of this report would not be possible without data collected in other projects. We would like to acknowledge Parks Canada for allowing us to use data from the Ecological Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks (Holland and Coen 1982). Much of the grassland and shrubland vegetation data collected by Ian Corns and Peter Achuff were incorporated into this guide. We would like to acknowledge the work done by Bill Thompson and Paul Hansen who completed the Classification and Management of Riparian and Wetland Sites of Alberta's Grassland Natural Region. All plots done in the Upper Foothills subregion for this riparian classification were included in this guide. We would also like to acknowledge the work of Harry Archibald, Grant Klappstein, John Beckingham and Ian Corns who developed the initial classification of ecological sites and plant communities in both the Southwestern and West-Central ecosite guides.

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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 (Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta 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 Upper Foothills 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 West-Central Alberta (Beckingham et al. 1996) and the Field guide to Ecosites of Southwestern Alberta (Archibald et al. 1996) for the Upper Foothills ecological area. It also builds on work done by Willoughby (2007) for the rangeland plant community guide for the Upper Foothills subregion. This guide outlines the analysis of 1874 plots described in the Upper Foothills subregion. In 2006 (Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta 2006) the original Upper Foothills subregion in the Chinchaga area of the province was split into the Upper Boreal Highlands this reduced the area of the original Upper Foothills subregion and it was felt that one guide would now adequately cover the ecology of the whole Upper Foothills subregion. As a result the original plots described in the Southwestern and West-Central ecosite guides and the range plant community guide were combined into this one subregion guide.

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Physiography, Climate and Soils Please note this summary of Natural Subregion characteristics is extracted directly from the Natural Subregions guide (Natural Regions Committee 2006) and is presented here for the reader's convenience. The Upper Foothills Natural Subregion includes about 34 percent of the Foothills Natural Region area. It occupies a narrow belt between the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion at lower elevations and the Subalpine Natural Subregion at higher elevations, with one outlier on the highest elevations of the Swan Hills. Elevations range from about 1050 m in the north to more than 1700 m in the south and west along its boundary with the Subalpine Natural Subregion. Its lower boundary with the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion decreases with latitude at a rate of about 1.2 m per kilometer northward. Its upper boundary with the Subalpine Natural Subregion decreases at a rate of about 0.6 m per kilometer northward. Upper Foothills Natural Subregion climate, soils and vegetation patterns indicate a transition between the drier, somewhat warmer conditions of the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion and the cooler, wetter conditions of the Subalpine Natural Subregion. The Upper Foothills Natural Subregion occurs mainly within the high-elevation dissected plateaus and foothills of the Rockies Front Ranges. Strongly rolling to steep terrain with thin glacial deposits and exposed bedrock is typical. Monthly temperature and precipitation patterns are shown in Figure 4-2.1 and Table 3-2 (in Part 3) summarizes annual and seasonal climate statistics. Compared to the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion, the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion is on average cooler year-round with cooler summers and slightly warmer winters, has a shorter growing season, and receives heavier summer and winter precipitation. It has the highest July precipitation of any Natural Subregion. These conditions favour the growth of conifers over deciduous species because evergreen needles can begin photosynthesis early in the spring and continue late into the fall, and because the growing season may not be long enough to allow the maturation of twigs and buds on deciduous trees. Pure deciduous stands are usually restricted to the warmer microclimates created by south and west- facing aspects that lose their snowpack and remain warmer later into the fall. The Upper Foothills Natural Subregion is characterized by very hilly terrain associated with the foothills and high-elevation dissected plateaus of west-central Alberta. The bedrock is composed mainly of sandstones and mudstones of Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous origin; coal seams are common in the latter. Surficial materials are usually glacial till veneers and blankets over bedrock, with some colluvium and exposed bedrock on the steeper slopes. The till is variable in texture and chemistry, but is mainly medium textured and weakly calcareous. Appendix 4 summarizes the proportional occurrence of landscape elements and parent materials in the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion. Well to imperfectly drained Brunisolic Gray Luvisolic soils are typical throughout most of the area. Orthic Gray Luvisols are associated with moderately well drained sites, and are usually associated with stands having a deciduous component. Brunisols are typical of less stable colluvial and weathered residual materials. Wetlands are a complex of Terric and Typic Mesisols along with Peaty and Orthic Gleysols.

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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). Currently there is no ecosection described for this subregion. Ecological Site

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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" representing the driest ecological site and the last letter representing 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 have similar characteristic plants and soils. Ecological site phase An ecological site phase is a subdivision of the ecological site based on the dominant species in the 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, lower strata plant species and pedogenic processes. 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 Data used to create this guide were collected from field plots within the Upper Foothills subregion. A total of 1874 plots were used to create the classification for this subregion. Field inventory for these plots generally followed the Ecological Land Survey Site Description Manual (2003) and uses various site, vegetation and soils forms. Plot data was analyzed using the multivariate analysis techniques of classification and ordination. Classification is the assignment of plots to classes or groups based on the similarity of species within each plot. A polythetic agglomerative approach was used to group the samples. This technique assigns each plot 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 plots (Gauch 1982). The cluster analysis was performed in SAS with Euclidean distance 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). Once final groupings were determined on the ordination specific environmental variables can be assigned to the variation outlined on the ordination axes. Plant community summaries were generated by averaging plant species composition, range in composition,

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and percent constancy of occurrence, among vegetation inventory plots which were part of a community type. Environmental data were aggregated for 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) of 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 (Adams et al. 2009). 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 Please note this summary of Natural Subregion characteristics is largely extracted directly from the Natural Subregions guide (Natural Regions Committee 2006) and is presented here for the reader's convenience. Forests dominate the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion, and are typically even-aged fire origin lodgepole pine stands, often with an understory of black spruce. White spruce stands occur along river valleys and on lower slopes. Deciduous and mixedwood stands are restricted to southerly and westerly slopes where conditions are similar to those found at lower elevations. Shrubby grasslands occur on the driest sites, and poor to rich fens dominated by black spruce, tamarack, shrubs and herbs occur on low, wet sites. The lower boundary of the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion is marked in part by the transition from mixedwood-dominated forests in the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion to conifer-dominated forests in the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion. Indicator species such as tall bilberry (throughout the Natural Subregion) and dwarf bramble (in the northern half) also mark the change from the Lower to Upper Foothills Natural Subregions. At the upper limits of the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion, hybridization between white spruce, a low-elevation species, and Engelmann spruce, a subalpine species, becomes more pronounced, as does hybridization between the lowland balsam fir and the higher elevation subalpine fir. Shrubby subalpine indicator species such as white flowered rhododendron, false azalea, crowberry and in the south, grouseberry begin to appear at the upper limits of the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion, particularly on northerly aspects. Plant communities in the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion are less diverse than those on similar sites in the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion, reflecting a shorter, cooler growing season. There is a similar north-south division to that noted for the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion, reflecting the effects of latitude on species distribution and community composition. Mesic sites south of the North Saskatchewan River are dominated by lodgepole pine–white spruce mixtures. Black spruce is seldom found in the understory, and common Labrador tea is present but with low cover. Mesic sites north of the North Saskatchewan River include mixed stands of aspen, lodgepole pine and white spruce. Black spruce occurs with low cover, and common Labrador tea is present with higher cover than in the southern areas. On the driest sites, in the bearberry ecological site, common juniper and hairy wild rye form open communities. Slightly moister sites typically support pure or mixed aspen, lodgepole pine and white spruce stands with an understory of bearberry and hairy wild rye (hairy wildrye ecological site). Rich, moist sites have the highest species diversity and vigor, with bracted honeysuckle, ferns, cow parsnip and bluejoint as common (honeysuckle ecological site) associates under mixed or pure overstories of aspen, balsam poplar, lodgepole pine and white spruce. Nutrient-poor mesic to very moist sites have an overstory of lodgepole pine and black spruce (Labrador tea-mesic ecological site), the latter dominant on moister areas, and a species-poor understory dominated by feathermosses with variable cover of common Labrador tea, bog cranberry, and common blueberry. Wet areas support a diverse array of communities depending on nutrient conditions. Black and white spruce occur in pure or mixed stands often with tamarack (Labrador tea/Horsetail ecological site). Horsetails, common Labrador tea, willows, bog birch and various mosses occur in the understory. Shrubby or sedge-dominated fens occur in the wettest locales.

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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 increasing from bottom to top along the vertical axis and soil nutrient regime increasing from left to right on the horizontal axis. 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. Ecological sites within a Natural subregion are defined unique combinations of soil moisture and nutrients. These conditions, in addition to climate, terrain, and elevations create conditions favourable to specific suite of plants referred to as Indicator species. For example a site with a subxeric moisture regime and 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 of interest 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 (Ecological Land Survey Site Description Manual 2003). Step 5 Determine the important soil properties

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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 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 are synthetic variables that are derived from integration of site, soil and vegetation attributes. 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 (Ecological Land Survey Site Description Manual 2003).

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How to use the Guide Organization of the guide This guide is an amalgamation of the Ecosites of West-Central and Southwestern Alberta guides (Beckingham et al. 1996, Archibald et al. 1996) and Upper Foothills range plant community guide (Willoughby 2007). It contains new information and it is recommended that the reader has access to relevant information from all three guides. The community types in this guide are closely related to the ecosites and ecosite phases outlined in Ecosites of West-Central and Southwestern Alberta, and are similarly arranged (e.g. Table 1). Table 1 is a reproduction of Figure 17 in Ecosites of West-Central Alberta with community types in this guide further separated into reference plant communities. The bulk of this guide is community descriptions which include information on the dominant plant species, canopy cover and environmental conditions. In all three of the above mentioned guides, that contributed to the current guide, ecological units within a subregion are classified by 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. Upper Foothills [UF] 2. Ecosection [UF] 3. Dominant cover type a. Native and disturbed grasslands [a, c (grazed see range plant community guide)] b. Shrublands [b] c. Conifer [e] d. Deciduous and Mixedwood forest [d] g. Harvested or burned forest [f] (see range plant community guide) NOTE: Each dominant cover type may overlay several ecological sites and ecological site phases. For example ufe (Upper foothills conifer) community types occurs in numerous ecological sites. 3. Community types are presented and named by: a. Subregion/Ecological area and dominant cover type [e.g. ufa (grasslands)]. 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 24). Each ecosection has been given a name that conveys information about the location of the unit and are frequently named after a general location within the subregion (Ecosection: Upper foothills (UF) of the Upper foothills subregion). A short text description of the site is given under the General Description (pg 24), this is followed by a picture or a cross section diagram and map of the ecosection (pg 24). The section on successional relationships gives a brief note about the spatial locations and differences in ecosections (pg 24). This is followed by a list of envrionmental variables (elevation), ecodistricts and ecological sites associated with the ecosection (pg 24). Currently there are no ecosections for the Upper Foothills subregion.

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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 25). 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 25), this is followed by a picture or a cross section diagram of the ecological site (pg 25). The section on successional relationships gives a brief note about the temporal development of the ecological site (pg 25). 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 25). 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 25). Environment and soil variables are then listed and represent a roll-up from the plant community and ecological site phase descriptions (pg 25). 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 26). 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 26) 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 26). 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 26). 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 27). 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 27)). Environment and soil variables are then listed and represent a roll-up from the various plots and assessements (pg 27). 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 analysis of over 1800 plots described in the Upper Foothills subregion, near Hinton, Grande Cache (Willmore Wilderness Park), Swan Hills and west of Rocky Mtn. House and Calgary. The 1874 plots represent 99 community types. These types are split into: A. Native grasslands 18 community types B. Native shrublands 14 community types C. Grazing modified types 9 community types (see range plant community guide) D. Deciduous types 13 community types E. Conifer types 33 community types F. Cutblocks and burns 12 community types (see range plant community guide) The dominant plant species, canopy cover and environmental conditions are outlined for each type.

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General Ecological Descriptions NATIVE GRASS AND SHRUBLANDS (Plant community code A and B) The native grass and shrubland community types are found in the valley bottoms, adjacent to streams and rivers, throughout the Upper Foothills subregion. Deep snow accumulations and cold air drainage prevent trees from growing in these valley bottoms (Daubenmire, 1978). Historically, these grass and shrublands burned frequently, further preventing tree encroachment. The sequence of these community types along a moisture gradient from wet (UFA1 sedge meadows) to dry (UFA9 junegrass-sedge/ sage slopes) is outlined in Table 1. The change in species composition from the wet sedge, tufed hairgrass meadows to rough fescue and intermediate oatgrass dominated meadows may occur over a 3 foot elevational gradient. The maintenance of these grassland community types is extremely fire dependent. The lack of fire allows bog birch and willow to expand, shading the modal grassland community types. Prolonged shading causes the understory composition to shift from a tufted hairgrass-rough fescue dominated understory to one dominated by slender wheatgrass and sedge. Under heavy shrub cover (pussy willow shrubland and willow-bog birch community types), there is little forb or grass understory. Increased shrub cover also causes a decline in forage productivity and reduces the accessibility for livestock. GRAZING MODIFIED AND DISTURBED COMMUNITY TYPES (Plant community code C) (see Range Plant Community guide) The grazing modified community types in the Upper Foothills subregion are outlined in the Range Plant Community guide. There are a few grasslands that exhibit signs of historic heavy grazing. These sites are predominantly covered by Kentucky bluegrass, timothy, dandelion and clover plant species (UFC3) Kentucky bluegrass-sedge/ dandelion and (UFC4) Kentucky bluegrass/ dandelion and (UFC8) Kentucky bluegrass-Timothy/Veiny meadow rue. Under long-term moderate grazing pressure or heavy grazing over a couple of years, there is a general decline in rough fescue and tufted hairgrass and an increase in sedge and slender wheatgrass (UFC1) Slender wheatgrass-sedge/ strawberry and (UFC11) Sedge-Slender wheatgrass-Rough fescue communities. When these plant communities are protected from grazing, they appear to succeed back to the original communities dominated by rough fescue and tufted hairgrass. However, when Kentucky bluegrass becomes established, the community appears to revert to a rough fescue or tufted hairgrass-Kentucky bluegrass-dominated plant community (UFC5) Tufted hairgrass-Kentucky bluegrass when protected from grazing. The climax range condition model suggests that vegetation development will be directional, predictable and revert to the original vegetation when protected from grazing, but once Kentucky bluegrass has established, bluegrass appears to compete with rough fescue and tufted hairgrass for co-dominance. These Kentucky bluegrass communities move toward a different community rather than back to the original vegetation when protected from livestock disturbance (Westoby et al. 1989). The Rocky Mtn. fescue/ graceful cinquefoil community (UFC2) appears to be a moderately to heavily grazed intermediate oatgrass community type. The dry, gravelly conditions on this site do not appear to favour the growth of Kentucky bluegrass under heavy grazing conditions. The Creeping red fescue/ Clover (UFC7) community type represents seeded pastures and pipelines within the Upper Foothills subregion. This community type usually occurs at lower elevations, adjacent to industrial sites, farms and ranches where extensive modification of the native grass and shrublands have taken place. DECIDUOUS COMMUNITY TYPES (Plant community code D)

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The 13 deciduous community types described in the Upper Foothills subregion are outlined in Table 1. Deciduous types are rare in this subregion. The cool climate severely restricts the growth of deciduous tree species (Strong and Leggat 1992). As a result, aspen and balsam poplar are generally found on south facing slopes where the increased insolation permits colonization. The Pb/ Willow/ Yellow Mtn. avens community type (UFD2) is representative of the gravelly floodplains adjacent to rivers and streams. The Aw/ Rose/ Bearberry and Aw/ Rose/ Hairy wildrye community types are found on dry south facing slopes throughout the region. The Aw/ Rose-Low bush cranberry/Marsh reedgrass type is slightly moister than the other aspen community types found on south facing slopes in the Upper Foothills subregion and the Pb/Willow/ Horsetail was described on a river floodplain adjacent to the Wildhay river. The Aw-Pl/Bunchberry (UFD7) represents a mixedwood community that is undergoing succession to a lodgepole pine dominated forest. This successional sequence is typical of south facing slopes throughout the Upper foothills subregion. CONIFER AND MIXEDWOOD COMMUNITY TYPES (Plant community code E) Lodgepole pine dominates the overstory vegetation of the mesic reference sites in the Upper Foothills subregion. Typical forests are represented by the Pl/ Bog cranberry (UFE1) and the Pl/Feather moss c.t. (UFE4) community types. Secondary succession is to white spruce and leads to the formation of the Sw/Feather moss c.t. (UFE10) or Sw/Alder (UFE12). Continued successionon wetter sites, in the absence of disturbance, leads to a Sw/ horsetail/ moss dominated c.t. (UFE6) and to the Fa/ Feather moss (UFE29) dominated community on more mesic sites. Wetter, subhygric sites can be dominated by lodgepole pine, black spruce or white spruce. Many of these sites have a predominant willow understory (Pl/ Bracted honeysuckle/Fern/Feather moss (UFE3) or Sw/willow(UFE7)). These types appear to represent continued succession from the native shrub and grassland community types. Succession in the absence of disturbance on these sites will be to white spruce and subalpine fir. Black spruce dominates poorly drained depressional areas (Sb/ Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (UFE5)). These sites have a high water table throughout most of the year. Organic accumulations are a common result of the poor drainage conditions and low oxygen availability (Strong and Leggat, 1992). Dry, south facing slopes are typically dominated by deciduous aspen forests with succession to a Sw/ bearberry (UFE14) and Pl/ bearberry/ hairy wildrye (UFE11) dominated community types (Beckingham et al., 1996). The conifer forest types are generally unsuitable for livestock grazing and are typically rated as nonuse. The 33 coniferous community types described in the Upper Foothills subregion are outlined in Table 1. CUTBLOCK AND BURN COMMUNITY TYPES (Plant community code F) (see Range Plant Community guide) In general, cutblocks provide only a limited source of forage for domestic livestock in the Upper Foothills subregion. The Robb head tax permit and Upper James allotment are examples where the livestock rely principally on the forage within harvested cutblocks. On average, cutblocks produce twice as much forage as deciduous stands and nearly 3 times as much forage as coniferous stands. Other cutblock community types were described on moister sites throughout the Solomon valley. These communities represent areas that were harvested 30-40 years ago. Currently, they are important sources of forage for domestic livestock throughout the area. One burn community type was described from the Solomon valley. This burn occurred on an Se-Fa/ willow community approximately 10 years ago. The site was located in an area that had nutrient rich seepage that made it very productive for horses grazing the area. Another burned community was described west of Sundre. This burn occurred in Lodgepole pine about 3 years ago.

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In the Upper James, Wilson and Williams creek allotments west of Sundre, harvesting of lodgepole pine dominated sites produces fireweed/ hairy wildrye dominated communities on south and west facing slopes. On the more northern aspects in this area, the cutblocks tended to be dominated by moss to form the Pl-Sw/ moss community type. Livestock preferred to graze the fireweed/ hairy wildrye dominated cutblocks. 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 willow, bog birch, sedge, marsh reedgrass and tufted hairgrass dominated ecological sites because of their moisture regime and species composition are classified as meadows and fens and have mineral soils but in the AWCS classification these sites are mineral wetlands which are considered marshes or swamps. Table A. Cross walk of broad AWCS classes to general Ecological site AWCS Ecological Sites Bog Bog Fen Poor fen (Organic soils) Fen Rich fen (Organic soils) Marsh Poor fen, Rich fen (Mineral soils) Marsh Meadows Marsh Marsh Swamp Red osier dogwood, Honeysuckle, Horsetail and wetter Labrador tea, black spruce dominated ecological sites. There is very little standing water in the Upper Foothills subregion, although many major rivers (including the North Saskatchewan, Macleod, Athabasca, Smoky and Wapiti) run eastward and northward through the Natural Subregion. Wetlands only occur over about 10 percent of the Upper Foothills Natural Subregion, and are confined to the major valleys. Where organic accumulations occur, they are typically thin and often gently sloping. Treed and shrubby fens occurring on organic deposits are slightly more common than those occurring on wet Gleysolic mineral soils. Seepage is common on lower slopes and nutrient rich patterned fens are locally common in valley bottoms and toe slopes.

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Figure 1. Edatope grid and ecological sites for the Upper Foothills subregion.

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Plant Community Keys

1. Upper Foothills .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

2. xeric/poor sites predominantly grasslands on upper slopes and hill crests with shallow soils dominated by bearberry, junegrass and fringed sage (ecosite a) ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 subxeric/poor sites on steep south and west facing slopes with predominant bearberry understory (ecosite b).......................................................... 6 submesic/medium sites on shallower south and west facing slopes with a predominant hairy wildrye understory, grasslands dominated by intermediate oatgrass, gravelly river flood plains dominated by yellow mountain avens (ecosite c) .................................................................................. 13 mesic/poor sites with predominant black spruce, lodgepole pine, Labrador tea, bog cranberry cover (ecosite d) ..................................................... 24 mesic/medium sites with aspen, white spruce, lodgepole pine and subalpine fir overstories, understories dominated by rose, green alder and feather moss species (ecosite e) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 subhygric/rich sites with a predominant understory of fern species, green alder, honeysuckle, cow parsnip and feather mosses (ecosite f) ............ 38 mesic/rich grass and shrublands in valley bottoms dominated by bog birch, willow, rough fescue and hairy wildrye (ecosite ff) .............................. 49 subhygric/rich grass and shrubland sites in valley bottoms dominated by willow, bog birch, tufted hairgrass, graceful sedge and veiny meadow rue (ecosite g) ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52 subhygric/poor sites with black spruce, lodgepole pine and Labrador tea cover (ecosite h) ..................................................................................... 56 hygric/medium sites with black spruce, white spruce, Labrador tea and horsetail cover (ecosite i) ........................................................................... 58 hygric/rich sites dominated by white spruce and horsetail (ecosite j) ........................................................................................................................ 60 subhydric/poor bog sites dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and peat moss (ecosite k) ................................................................................ 67 subhydric/medium poor fen sites dominated by black spruce, larch, bog birch, willow, peat moss and golden moss (ecosite l) ............................... 71 subhydric/rich rich fen sites dominated by larch, black spruce, willow, bog birch and golden moss (ecosite m)........................................................ 75 marshy sites with standing water dominated by rush and cattail species (ecosite n) ................................................................................................ 79

3. bearberry dominated community type ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 junegrass, sedge and fringed sage dominated community type ................................................................................................................................. 5

4. Bearberry/Slender wheat grass (ufa10) ................................................................................................................................................................ p 27

5. June grass-Sedge/Fringed sage (ufa9) ................................................................................................................................................................. p 28

6. lodgepole pine dominated community types (ecosite phase b1) ................................................................................................................................ 7 aspen dominated community types (ecosite phase b2) ............................................................................................................................................ 10 site dominated by a mixture of conifer and decidudous species (ecosite phase b3) ................................................................................................. 11 white spruce dominated community types (ecosite phase b4) .................................................................................................................................. 12

7. unharvested site ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 harvested site ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

8. Pl/Bog cranberry (ufe1) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 32 Pl/Bearberry (ufe11) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. p 33 Pl/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry ( ufe17) ................................................................................................................................................................. p 31

9. Aw-Pl/Blueberry-Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (uff7) ..................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

10. Aw/Rose/Bearberry (ufd1) .................................................................................................................................................................................... p 35

11. Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (ufe18) ........................................................................................................................................................... p 37

12. Sw/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (ufe14) ..................................................................................................................................................................... p 39

13. lodgepole pine dominated community types (ecosite phase c1) ............................................................................................................................... 14 aspen dominated community types (ecosite phase c2) ............................................................................................................................................ 17 site dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase c3) ................................................................................................... 20 site dominated by white spruce (ecosite phase c4) .................................................................................................................................................. 21 dry gravelly river flats with balsam poplar, willow and yellow mtn. avens (ecosite phase c5) .................................................................................... 22 grasslands on upper slope positions dominated by hairy wildrye (ecosite phase c6) ................................................................................................ 23

14. unharvested site ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15 harvested site .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

15. Pl/Hairy wild rye (ufe15) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ p 42 Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (ufe19) ....................................................................................................................................................... p 43 Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (ufe20) .................................................................................................................................................................... p 44

16. Rose/Hairy wild rye (uff2) ...................................................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide


18. Aw/Rose/Hairy wild rye (ufd3) ............................................................................................................................................................................... p 46

19. Fireweed (Aw-Pl) (uff6) .......................................................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

17

20. Aw-Sw-Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (ufd4) ............................................................................................................................................. p 48 Aw-Sw-Pl/Hairy wild rye (ufe16)............................................................................................................................................................................ p 49 Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (ufe35) ........................................................................................................................................................ p 50

21. Sw/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (ufe36) ..................................................................................................................................................... p 52

22. Bearberry-Yellow Mtn. avens (ufb14) .................................................................................................................................................................... p 54 Pb/Willow/Yellow mountain avens (ufd2) .............................................................................................................................................................. p 55

23. Hairy wild rye-Sedge (ufa15) ................................................................................................................................................................................ p 57 Hairy wild rye/Bearberry (ufa16) ........................................................................................................................................................................... p 58

24. overstory and understory dominated by a mixture of lodgepole pine and black spruce (ecosite phase d1)............................................................... 25

25. Pl-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (ufe37) ...................................................................................................................................... p 61

26. overstory dominated by lodgepole pine (ecosite phase e1) ...................................................................................................................................... 27 overstory dominated by a mixture of deciduous and conifer species (ecosite phase e2) .......................................................................................... 30 overstory dominated by white spruce (ecosite phase e3) ......................................................................................................................................... 31 overstory dominated by subalpine fir (ecosite phase e4) .......................................................................................................................................... 34 overstory dominated by aspen (ecosite phase e5) ................................................................................................................................................... 35 grasslands dominated by intermediate oatgrass and sedge species (rough is not dominate on these sites) (ecosite phase e6) .............................. 36 seeded well sites and pipelines generally dominated by creeping red fescue and kentucky bluegrass (ecosite phase e9) ....................................... 37


28. Pl/Labrador tea-Tall bilberry/Feather moss (ufe22) ............................................................................................................................................... p 65 Pl/Green alder/Feather moss (ufe21) .................................................................................................................................................................... p 64 Pl/Feather moss (ufe4) ......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 66

29. Fireweed/Hairy wild rye (Pl) (uff2a) ........................................................................................................................ see Range Plant Community guide Pl-Sw/Moss (uff4a) ................................................................................................................................................ see Range Plant Community guide Hairy wildrye (Pl) (uff9) .......................................................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide Kentucky bluegrass-Creeping red fescue/Clover (Pl) (uff8) .................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

30. Aw-Pl-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (ufd7) .............................................................................................................................................. p 68 Aw-Pl-Sw/Green alder/Feather moss (ufe2) .......................................................................................................................................................... p 69


32. Sw/Feather moss (ufe10) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... p 71 Sw/Green alder (ufe12) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ p 72 Sw/Tall bilberry-Labrador tea/Moss (ufe23) .......................................................................................................................................................... p 73

33. Hairy wildrye/Feather moss (Sw) (uff4) .................................................................................................................. see Range Plant Community guide Fireweed/Pine grass (Sw) (uff10) ........................................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

34. Fa/Tall bilberry-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (ufe24) ............................................................................................................................................ p 75 Fa/Feather moss (ufe25) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... p 76

35. Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (ufd10) ....................................................................................................................... p 78 Aw/Green alder (ufd9) .......................................................................................................................................................................................... p 79

36. Intermediate oat grass-Sedge-Rough fescue (ufa8) .............................................................................................................................................. p 81 Rocky Mountain (Alpine) fescue/Graceful cinquefoil (ufc2) .................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

37. Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass/Clover (ufc7) ........................................................................................................................................ p 83

38. overstory dominated by lodgepole pine (ecosite phase f1) ....................................................................................................................................... 39 overstory dominated by balsam poplar and or aspen (ecosite phase f2) .................................................................................................................. 42 overstory dominated by a mixture of conifer and deciduous species (ecosite phase f3) ........................................................................................... 43 overstory dominated by white spruce (ecosite phase f4) .......................................................................................................................................... 46 overstory dominated by subalpine or balsam fir (ecosite phase f5) .......................................................................................................................... 47 shrubland dominated by willow, green alder, fern and cow parsnip (ecosite phase f6) ............................................................................................. 48

39. unharvested sites .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40 burned or harvested sites ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 41

40. Pl/Green alder/Fern (ufe26) .................................................................................................................................................................................. p 86 Pl/Bracted honeysuckle/Fern/Feather moss (ufe3) ............................................................................................................................................... p 87

41. River alder-Willow/Fireweed-Cow parsnip (uff5) .................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

42. Pb-Aw/Rose/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (ufd5) .................................................................................................................................................. p 90 Pb-Aw/Green alder/Fern (ufd11) ........................................................................................................................................................................... p 89

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43. undisturbed community type .................................................................................................................................................................................... 44 disturbed community type with Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion in the understory ............................................................................................... 45

44. Pb-Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Fern (ufd12) ................................................................................................................................................................ p 92

45. Pb-Sw/Kentucky bluegrass/Dandelion (ufd13) ....................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

46. Sw/Green alder/Fern/Feather moss (ufe27) .......................................................................................................................................................... p 94 Sw/Silverberry (fluvial) (ufe28) .............................................................................................................................................................................. p 95

47. Fa/Fern/Feather moss (ufe29) .............................................................................................................................................................................. p 97

48. Willow-Green alder/Fern-Cow parsnip (ufb12) ...................................................................................................................................................... p 99

49. grasslands dominated by rough fescue and hairy wildrye (ecosite phase ff1) .......................................................................................................... 50 shrublands dominated by willow and bog birch with an understory of rough fescue and hairy wildrye (ecosite phase ff2) ........................................ 51

50. Rough fescue-Bog sedge (ufa12) ....................................................................................................................................................................... p 102 Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge (ufa18) ...................................................................................................................................................... p 103 Rough fescue-Tufted hair grass (ufa5)................................................................................................................................................................ p 104 Rough fescue-Hairy wild rye (ufa6) ..................................................................................................................................................................... p 105 Rough fescue/Bearberry (fluvial) (ufa7) .............................................................................................................................................................. p 106 Idaho fescue-Parry oat grass-Sedge (ufa17) ......................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide Kentucky bluegrass-Sedge-Rough fescue (ufc11) ................................................................................................. see Range Plant Community guide

51. Willow-Bog birch/Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye (ufb4) ........................................................................................................................................... p 108 Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry (ufb5) ........................................................................................................................................................... p 109 Willow-Bog birch/Hairy wild rye-Sedge (ufb8) ..................................................................................................................................................... p 110

52. shrublands dominated by willow and bog birch with the understory dominated by tufted hairgrass and sedge species (ecosite phase g1) .............. 53 site dominated by forb species cow parsnip, veiny meadow rue and fireweed (ecosite phase g2) ........................................................................... 54 grasslands dominated by grass species (tufted hairgrass and sedge) (ecosite phase g3) ........................................................................................ 55

53. Snowberry/Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue ( ufb16) .......................................................................................................................................... p 113 Willow-Bog birch/Graceful sedge (ufb10) ............................................................................................................................................................ p 114 Willow-Bog birch (ufb11) ..................................................................................................................................................................................... p 115 Willow-Bog birch/Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (ufb3) .................................................................................................................................. p 116 Willow/Dandelion/Kentucky bluegrass (ufc10) ....................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

54. Fireweed/Hairy wild rye (Forb meadow) (ufa11).................................................................................................................................................. p 118 Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue/Fringed brome (ufa14) ..................................................................................................................................... p 119

55. Sedge-Slender wheat grass/Veiny meadow rue (ufa2) ....................................................................................................................................... p 121 Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (ufa3) ............................................................................................................................................................. p 122 Tufted hair grass-Kentucky bluegrass (ufc5) .......................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide Sedge-Tufted hair grass (ufc6) .............................................................................................................................. see Range Plant Community guide Slender wheat grass-Sedge/Strawberry (ufc1) ....................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide Kentucky bluegrass-Sedge/Dandelion (ufc4) ......................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide Kentucky bluegrass/Clover-Dandelion (ufc3) ......................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

56. moist sites dominated by black spruce and lodgepole pine (ecosite phase h1) ........................................................................................................ 57

57. Sb-Pl/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (ufe30) .................................................................................................................................... p 125

58. moist sites with a predominant black spruce and white spruce overstory (ecosite phase i1) .................................................................................... 59

59. Sb-Sw/Labrador tea/Horsetail (ufe31) ................................................................................................................................................................. p 128 Sb-Sw/Feather moss (ufe32) .............................................................................................................................................................................. p 129

60. site dominated by white spruce, willow or horsetail (ecosite phase j1) ..................................................................................................................... 61 site dominted by balsam poplar (ecosite phase j2) ................................................................................................................................................... 64 site dominated by a mixture of conifer and deciduous species (ecosite phase j3) .................................................................................................... 65 shrubland dominated by willow, cow parsnip and horsetail (ecosite phase j4) .......................................................................................................... 66

61. unharvested sites .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62 harvested sites ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 63

62. Sw/Horsetail/Feather moss (ufe6) ....................................................................................................................................................................... p 132 Sw/Willow (ufe7) ................................................................................................................................................................................................. p 133

63. Horsetail (Sw) (uff11) ............................................................................................................................................. see Range Plant Community guide Horsetail/Kentucky bluegrass (Sw) (uff3) ............................................................................................................... see Range Plant Community guide

64. Pb/Willow/Horsetail (ufd6) .................................................................................................................................................................................. p 135 Pb-Aw/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (ufd8) ................................................................................................................................................................... p 136

65. currently no plant communities described

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66. Willow/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (ufb17) ................................................................................................................................................................. p 139

67. treed bog (ecosite phase k1) ................................................................................................................................................................................... 68 shrubby bog (ecosite phase k2) ............................................................................................................................................................................... 69 graminoid bog (ecosite phase k3) ............................................................................................................................................................................ 70

68. Sb/Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (ufe5) .................................................................................................................................................... p 142

69. Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (ufb15) ....................................................................................................................................................... p 144

70. currently no plant communities described (maybe identified in DEP layer)

71. treed poor fen (mixture of larch and black spruce) (ecosite phase l1)....................................................................................................................... 72 shrubby poor fen bog birch, willow and peat moss (ecosite phase l2) ...................................................................................................................... 73 graminoid poor fen (sedge and peat moss) (ecosite phase l3) ................................................................................................................................. 74

72. Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (ufe33) .......................................................................................................................................................... p 148

73. Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Peat moss (ufb13) ........................................................................................................................................................ p 150

74. Sedge/Peat moss (ufa20) ................................................................................................................................................................................... p 152

75. treed rich fen (golden moss dominates over peat moss) (ecosite phase m1) ........................................................................................................... 76 shrubby rich fen willow, bog birch, water sedge and marsh reedgrass dominant (ecosite phase m2) ...................................................................... 77 graminoid rich fen (water sedge and marsh reedgrass dominant) (ecosite phase m3) ............................................................................................. 78

76. Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Golden moss (ufe34) ...................................................................................................................................................... p 155

77. Willow-Bog birch/Water sedge/Golden moss (ufb1) ............................................................................................................................................ p 157 Willow-Bog birch/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (ufb18) ........................................................................................................................................ p 158

78. Water sedge-Beaked (small bottle sedge) sedge meadow (ufa1) ....................................................................................................................... p 160 Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (ufa19) .................................................................................................................................................................... p 161

79. currently no plant community types described (maybe identified in the DEP layer)

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Plant Community Tables Table 1. Upper Foothills Communities

Ecological Site / Range Site Ecosite Phase / Ecological Range Site Reference Plant Community

a grassland (xeric/poor) a1 shrubby grassland ufa10 Bearberry/Slender wheat grass

ufa9 June grass-Sedge/Fringed sage

b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) b1 bearberry/lichen Pl ufe17 Pl/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry

ufe1 Pl/Bog cranberry

ufe11 Pl/Bearberry

b2 bearberry/lichen Aw ufd1 Aw/Rose/Bearberry

b3 bearberry/lichen Aw-Pl-Sw ufe18 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye

b4 bearberry/lichen Sw ufe14 Sw/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye

c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) c1 hairy wild rye Pl ufe15 Pl/Hairy wild rye

ufe19 Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye

ufe20 Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye

c2 hairy wild rye Aw ufd3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wild rye

c3 hairy wild rye Aw-Sw-Pl ufd4 Aw-Sw-Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye

ufe16 Aw-Sw-Pl/Hairy wild rye

ufe35 Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye

c4 hairy wild rye Sw ufe36 Sw/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye

c5 yellow mountain avens (fluvial) ufb14 Bearberry-Yellow Mtn. avens

ufd2 Pb/Willow/Yellow mountain avens

c6 hairy wild rye grassland ufa15 Hairy wild rye-Sedge

ufa16 Hairy wild rye/Bearberry

d Labrador tea-mesic (mesic/poor) d1 Labrador tea-mesic Pl-Sb ufe37 Pl-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss

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e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) e1 tall bilberry/arnica Pl ufe21 Pl/Green alder/Feather moss

ufe22 Pl/Labrador tea-Tall bilberry/Feather moss

ufe4 Pl/Feather moss

e2 tall bilberry/arnica Aw-Sw-Pl ufd7 Aw-Pl-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint)

ufe2 Aw-Pl-Sw/Green alder/Feather moss

e3 tall bilberry/arnica Sw ufe10 Sw/Feather moss

ufe12 Sw/Green alder

ufe23 Sw/Tall bilberry-Labrador tea/Moss

e4 tall bilberry/arnica Fa ufe24 Fa/Tall bilberry-Bog cranberry/Feather moss

ufe25 Fa/Feather moss

e5 tall bilberry/arnica Aw ufd10 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint)

ufd9 Aw/Green alder

e6 intermediate oat-grass grassland ufa8 Intermediate oat grass-Sedge-Rough fescue

e9 tall bilberry industrial/tame ufc7 Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass/Clover

f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) f1 bracted honeysuckle Pl ufe26 Pl/Green alder/Fern

ufe3 Pl/Bracted honeysuckle/Fern/Feather moss

f2 bracted honeysuckle Pb ufd11 Pb-Aw/Green alder/Fern

ufd5 Pb-Aw/Rose/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint)

f3 bracted honeysuckle Pb-Sw-Pl ufd12 Pb-Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Fern

f4 bracted honeysuckle Sw ufe27 Sw/Green alder/Fern/Feather moss

ufe28 Sw/Silverberry (fluvial)

f5 bracted honeysuckle Fa ufe29 Fa/Fern/Feather moss

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f6 bracted honeysuckle-willow ufb12 Willow-Green alder/Fern-Cow parsnip

ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) ff1 grassland ufa12 Rough fescue-Bog sedge

ufa18 Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge

ufa5 Rough fescue-Tufted hair grass

ufa6 Rough fescue-Hairy wild rye

ufa7 Rough fescue/Bearberry (fluvial)

ff2 shrubland ufb4 Willow-Bog birch/Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye

ufb5 Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry

ufb8 Willow-Bog birch/Hairy wild rye-Sedge

g meadow (subhygric/very rich) g1 shrubby meadow ufb16 Snowberry/Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue

ufb10 Willow-Bog birch/Graceful sedge

ufb11 Willow-Bog birch

ufb3 Willow-Bog birch/Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge

g2 forb meadow ufa11 Fireweed/Hairy wild rye (Forb meadow)

ufa14 Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue/Fringed brome

g3 grass meadow ufa2 Sedge-Slender wheat grass/Veiny meadow rue

ufa3 Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge

h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor) h1 Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pl ufe30 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss

i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) i1 Labrador tea/horsetail Sb-Sw ufe31 Sb-Sw/Labrador tea/Horsetail

ufe32 Sb-Sw/Feather moss

j horsetail (hygric/rich) j1 horsetail Sw ufe6 Sw/Horsetail/Feather moss

ufe7 Sw/Willow

j2 horsetail Pb ufd6 Pb/Willow/Horsetail

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ufd8 Pb-Aw/Cow parsnip-Horsetail

j3 horsetail Pb-Sw

j4 horsetail shrubland ufb17 Willow/Cow parsnip-Horsetail

k bog (subhydric/poor) k1 treed bog ufe5 Sb/Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss

k2 shrubby bog ufb15 Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss

k3 graminoid bog

l poor fen (subhydric/medium) l1 treed poor fen ufe33 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss

l2 shrubby poor fen ufb13 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Peat moss

l3 graminoid poor fen ufa20 Sedge/Peat moss

m rich fen (subhydric/rich) m1 treed rich fen ufe34 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Golden moss

m2 shrubby rich fen ufb1 Willow-Bog birch/Water sedge/Golden moss

ufb18 Willow-Bog birch/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint)

m3 graminoid rich fen ufa1 Water sedge-Beaked (small bottle sedge) sedge meadow

ufa19 Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint)

n marsh n1 marsh

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UF Upper Foothills (n=1874) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills General Description There currently are no ecosections described for the Upper Foothills subregion. The Upper Foothills occurs mainly within the higher elevation dissected plateaus and foothills of the Rockies Front Ranges with one outlier at the higher elevations of the Swan Hills. The Upper Foothills subregion is part of numerous ecodistricts. These include the Banff Mountains, Berland Upland, Jasper Mountains, Luscar Foothills, Mayberne Upland, Morley Foothills, O'Chiese Upland, Obed Upland, Ram River Upland, Swan Hills, Willmore Foothills and Wolf Lake Upland.

Environmental Variables Elevation (range): 1379.83 (320-2438) M

Ecological Sites Site Count a grassland (xeric/poor) 14 b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) 156 c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) 191 d Labrador tea-mesic (mesic/poor) 164 e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) 612 f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) 103 ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) 92 g meadow (subhygric/very rich) 248 h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor) 60 i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) 35 j horsetail (hygric/rich) 50 k bog (subhydric/poor) 14 l poor fen (subhydric/medium) 64 m rich fen (subhydric/rich) 71

25

a grassland (xeric/poor) (n=14) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The grassland ecosite is frequently found on rapidly drained steep southerly slopes with glaciofluvial or colluvial parent materials. These dry, exposed sites are often dominated by bearberry, fringed sage, junegrass, saskatoon, rose and sedge species.

Successional Relationships The grassland ecosite can be considered an edaphic climax as the moisture limitations and or disturbance regime prevent the establishment of a tree canopy. The inaccessibility and fragile nature of the soils make this community type unsuitable for livestock grazing. These sites are often heavily utilized by wild ungulate species.

Indicator Species Shrub SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Forb PASTURE SAGEWORT Artemisia frigida THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED Oxytropis monticola Graminoid JUNE GRASS Koeleria macrantha SEDGE SPECIES Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Submesotrophic (poor) (3), Mesotrophic (medium) (10)

Elevation (range): 1506 (1326-2438) M

Slope (%): nearly level (1), very steep slope (1), steep slope (2), strong slope (2), very gentle slope (2), moderate slope (3), very strong slope (5)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Level (1), Northerly (2), Westerly (2), Southerly (10)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (3), Well drained (4), Moderately well drained (4), Rapidly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Silt loam (2)

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

Depth to Mottles/Gley:

Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (6)

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

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1)

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

LFH Thickness Mean Min Max Count

cm: 4.00 1.00 5.00 4

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a1 shrubby grassland (n=14) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: a grassland (xeric/poor)

Characteristic Species Shrub [ 13.3 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 1.7 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL* Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 3.0 ]PASTURE SAGEWORT* Artemisia frigida [ 2.5 ]LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED* Oxytropis monticola [ 2.0 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.9 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum [ 1.8 ]GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL Potentilla gracilis [ 1.5 ]CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE Anemone multifida [ 1.1 ]UNDIFFERENTIATED GOLDENROD Solidago [ 1.0 ]ALPINE LOCOWEED Oxytropis cusickii [ 1.0 ]PURPLE MILK VETCH Astragalus dasyglottis Graminoid [ 10.6 ]JUNE GRASS* Koeleria macrantha [ 3.6 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 3.0 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 2.9 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (6)



Slope (%): nearly level (1), very steep slope (1), very gentle slope (2), strong slope (2), steep slope (2), moderate slope (3), very strong slope (5)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Level (1), Westerly (2), Northerly (2), Southerly (10)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (3), Well drained (4), Moderately well drained (4), Rapidly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (3)


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



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

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1)

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


cm: 4.00 1.00 5.00 4

27

ufa10 Bearberry/Slender wheat grass (n=4) (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Agropyron trachycaulum) This community type represents the forest-grassland ecotone on dry, rocky south facing slopes throughout the Jasper river valleys. Indeed many of the stands described in this community type were placed into Douglas fir and spruce forest types described by Corns and Achuff (1982). Lane et al. (2000), described a similar community type-Low northern sedge/Bearberry on rocky hilltops in the Lower Foothills subregion near Hinton.

Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: a grassland (xeric/poor) Ecosite Phase: a1 shrubby grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 1.1 0.1-3.1 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 1.3 0.0-3.0 75 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.3 0.3-3.7 100 UNDIFFERENTIATED VACCINIUM (Vaccinium) 1.6 0.0-6.7 25 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.7 0.0-6.0 50 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 26.6 6.7-50.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 1.0 0.0-3.3 50 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 1.0 0.0-4.0 50 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.2 0.0-4.0 75 UNDIFFERENTIATED GOLDENROD (Solidago) 2.2 0.0-9.0 25 Low Forb (< 30 cm) UNDIFFERENTIATED ERIGERON (Erigeron) 1.0 0.0-4.0 25 PASTURE SAGEWORT (Artemisia frigida) 1.2 0.0-4.8 25 MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD (Solidago spathulata) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.0 0.0-14.0 75 Graminoid SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.0 0.0-7.7 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.2 0.0-6.0 75

Environmental Variables Ecological Status Score: 40-40

Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3)


Slope (%): 46 - 70.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (3)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Midslope (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (1), Very rapidly drained (1), Moderately well drained (1)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

Surface Texture: Loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy clay loam (1)



Parent Material: Morainal (1)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Coarse (1)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1)


cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

28

ufa9 June grass-Sedge/Fringed sage (n=10) (Koeleria macrantha-Carex spp/Artemisia frigida) This community type occurs on steep, south facing slopes, with shallow soils, overlying sandstone bedrock. The characteristic species are drought tolerant: fringed sage, locoweed and junegrass. This community type is very similar to the Blunt sedge-Rocky Mtn. fescue/Bearberry community described by Willoughby and Alexander (2006) and the June grass-Hairy wild rye-Brome community described by Corns and Achuff (1982) on steep south-facing slopes in the Subalpine subregion.


Ecosite: a grassland (xeric/poor) Ecosite Phase: a1 shrubby grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.7 0.0-12.1 30 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) ASCENDING PURPLE MILK VETCH (Astragalus striatus) 1.0 0.0-10.0 10 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.9 0.0-10.0 40 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 3.6 0.0-31.0 20 Low Forb (< 30 cm) YELLOW FALSE DANDELION (Agoseris glauca) 1.0 0.0-7.5 40 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.1 0.0-8.2 50 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 1.1 0.0-8.0 40 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.3 0.0-9.0 70 SHOWY LOCOWEED (Oxytropis splendens) 1.9 0.0-10.0 40 PURPLE MILK VETCH (Astragalus dasyglottis) 2.0 0.0-20.0 10 ALPINE LOCOWEED (Oxytropis cusickii) 2.1 0.0-20.0 20 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 2.5 0.0-22.2 20 CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 3.1 0.0-26.5 60 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 3.9 0.0-15.0 40 PASTURE SAGEWORT (Artemisia frigida) 4.9 0.0-30.0 80 Graminoid AWNLESS BROME (Bromus inermis) 1.1 0.0-10.0 20 LOW SEDGE (Carex stenophylla) 1.3 0.0-13.0 10 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.9 0.0-30.0 30 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 5.2 0.0-44.0 30 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 5.8 0.0-50.0 20 JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 21.2 0.0-60.0 90


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4)



Slope (%): 71 - 100.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (2), 31 - 45.99 (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (2), Westerly (2), Southerly (7)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Toe (1), Midslope (2), Upper Slope (4)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (2), Moderately well drained (3), Well drained (3), Rapidly drained (5)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (2)

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

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1), Clay loam (2)



Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2), Fluvial (2)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1)

Humus Form RHIZOMULL (1)


cm: 3.00 1.00 5.00 3

29

b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) (n=156) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This ecosite has generally dry conditions with rapidly drained, acidic soils, and poor nutrient status due to the coarse-textured glaciofluvial, morainal, and fluvial parent materials. Plants that are indicative of the nutrient-poor substrate include bearberry, lichen, bog cranberry, and blueberry. Lodgepole pine dominates the primary canopy of this ecosite and black spruce forming a secondary canopy below the pine in approximately one third of the plots sampled. It should be noted that the mixedwood and white spruce dominated ecosite phases tend to be slightly moister and richer than the lodgepole pine dominated ecosite phase. These phases are transitional to the hairy wildrye ecological site, but still have a high cover of bearberry.

Successional Relationships Given sufficient time black spruce will form the canopy of the climax plant community for this ecosite. Succession to black spruce is commonly slower than the fire return interval. Therefore, pine is maintained for relatively long periods and can be considered to dominate the canopy in an edaphic climax community.

Indicator Species Tree WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea GROUND JUNIPER Juniperus communis COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Lichen CLADINA Cladina Moss and Liverwort SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

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

WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 12.30 3.40 3 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 11.40 0.50 78 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.00 0.60 3 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.10 0.00 1 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (2), Xeric (dry) (11), Mesic (fresh) (40), Submesic (moderately fresh) (45), Subxeric (moderately dry) (60)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (3), Permesotrophic (rich) (14), Mesotrophic (medium) (63), Submesotrophic (poor) (74)

Elevation (range): 1359.29 (850-1760) M

Slope (%): steep slope (4), very strong slope (9), gentle slope (13), very gentle slope (16), moderate slope (18), nearly level (22), level (34), strong slope (35)

Aspect: Northerly (13), Level (17), Easterly (18), Westerly (35), Southerly (43)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Toe (3), Crest (16), Lower Slope (18), Upper Slope (20), Level (29), Midslope (40)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Very rapidly drained (1), Moderately well drained (25), Rapidly drained (57), Well drained (74)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (8), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (22), GRAY LUVISOL (33), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (52)

Surface Texture: Fine sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Very fine sandy loam (2), Fine sandy loam (2), Loamy fine sand (2), Clay (3), Loamy very fine sand (4), Sandy clay loam (4), Silt loam (6), Loamy sand (6), Very fine sand (8), Sand (9), Clay loam (9), Loam (17), Sandy loam (21)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Silt loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Silty clay (3), Very fine sand (4), Medium sand (4), Clay (4), Loamy sand (5), Fine sand (8), Sandy clay loam (10), Sand (11), Loam (12), Clay loam (13), Sandy loam (16)

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


Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Rock (3), Saprolite (6), Residual (8), Fluvioeolian (8), Eolian (10), Colluvial (17), Fluvial (33), Glaciofluvial (36), Morainal (36)

Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Coarse (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Very Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Sandy (4), Very Dry/Fine (5), Dry/Fine (6), Dry/Sandy (7), Very Dry/Sandy (29)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), MOR (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), HUMIFIBRIMOR (11), FIBRIMOR (48)


cm: 4.67 1.00 10.00 95

30

b1 bearberry/lichen Pl (n=124) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium)

General Description The three community types in this ecosite phase can be dominated by bearberry, bog cranberry or Labrador tea in the understory.

Characteristic Species Tree [ 35.7 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 2.2 ]BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 1.1 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca Shrub [ 14.5 ]BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 12.7 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 7.7 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 3.4 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 3.2 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.2 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 1.3 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 1.0 ]GROUND JUNIPER* Juniperus communis Lichen [ 3.0 ]REINDEER LICHEN* Cladina mitis [ 2.1 ]REINDEER LICHEN Cladina rangiferina [ 1.2 ]STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN Peltigera aphthosa [ 1.2 ]N/A Stereocaulon tomentosum Moss and Liverwort [ 30.3 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 5.3 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 2.1 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis Graminoid [ 4.3 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (9), Mesic (fresh) (28), Submesic (moderately fresh) (36), Subxeric (moderately dry) (54)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (10), Mesotrophic (medium) (48), Submesotrophic (poor) (67)


Slope (%): steep slope (3), very strong slope (9), gentle slope (11), very gentle slope (14), nearly level (16), moderate slope (16), level (26), strong slope (30)

Aspect: Northerly (11), Easterly (13), Level (13), Westerly (33), Southerly (36)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Toe (2), Crest (13), Level (14), Lower Slope (18), Upper Slope (19), Midslope (34)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Moderately well drained (20), Rapidly drained (45), Well drained (63)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (20), GRAY LUVISOL (28), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (44)

Surface Texture: Fine sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Very fine sandy loam (2), Loamy fine sand (2), Fine sandy loam (2), Clay (3), Sandy clay loam (4), Sand (4), Loamy very fine sand (4), Loamy sand (4), Silt loam (6), Clay loam (7), Very fine sand (8), Sandy loam (14), Loam (14)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Sandy clay (2), Clay (3), Loamy sand (3), Silty clay (3), Very fine sand (4), Medium sand (4), Sand (5), Fine sand (8), Sandy clay loam (9), Clay loam (10), Loam (11), Sandy loam (12)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (2)


Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Rock (3), Saprolite (5), Residual (6), Fluvioeolian (8), Eolian (8), Colluvial (16), Fluvial (21), Glaciofluvial (27), Morainal (32)

Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (2), Very Dry/Coarse (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Fine (4), Dry/Sandy (4), Dry/Fine (6), Very Dry/Sandy (26)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), MOR (1), MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), HUMIFIBRIMOR (10), FIBRIMOR (42)


cm: 4.33 1.00 10.00 76

31

ufe17 Pl/Labrador tea/Bog cranberry (n=17) (Pinus contorta/Ledum groenlandicum/Vaccinium vitis-idaea) This community type is common on dry, coarse textured, well drained sites throughout the Upper Foothills subregion and is part of the subxeric/ poor ecosite described by Beckingham et al. (1996). These sites are generally located on slopes with southerly aspects. This community type is very similar to the Pl/ bog cranberry community type but this community type has a high cover of Labrador tea. Beckingham (1994), felt that white and or black spruce would eventually dominate the canopy of this community type.


Ecosite: b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) Ecosite Phase: b1 bearberry/lichen Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 29.7 11.0-52.0 100 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 4.2 0.0-20.0 59 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.0 0.0-20.0 88 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.1 0.0-15.0 65 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3.3 0.0-15.0 65 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 7.5 0.0-15.0 88 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 17.8 1.0-55.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 31.5 0.0-55.0 94 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.9 0.0-6.0 71 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.7 0.0-8.0 59 Moss WAVY DICRANUM (Dicranum polysetum) 1.2 0.0-5.0 47 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 4.3 0.0-20.0 59 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 6.3 0.0-20.0 65 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 50.8 20.0-90.0 100 Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 2.2 0.0-5.0 94 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina rangiferina) 4.6 0.0-25.0 71 REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 6.5 0.0-20.0 82


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (15)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (14)


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

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

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (7), Rapidly drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (6)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (2), Very fine sand (5)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Sand (2), Fine sand (2), Very fine sand (3)



Parent Material: Eolian (2), Fluvial (4), Glaciofluvial (5), Morainal (5), Fluvioeolian (6)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Sandy (8)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (5)


cm: 5.00 1.00 9.00 7

32

ufe1 Pl/Bog cranberry (n=56) (Pinus contorta/Vaccinium vitis-idaea) This community type is common on dry, coarse textured, well drained sites throughout the Upper Foothills subregion and is part of the subxeric/ poor ecosite described by Beckingham et al. (1996). These sites are generally located on slopes with southerly aspects. This community type is very similar to the Pl/ hairy wildrye/ bunchberry community type described by Lane et al. (2000) in the Lower Foothills subregion, and the Pl-Sw/ low bush cranberry/ twinflower type described by Beckingham (1994) in the Upper Foothills subregion, but this community type appears to be drier with a poorer nutrient regime. Beckingham (1994), felt that white and or black spruce would eventually dominate the canopy of this community type.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 36.0 0.0-80.0 96 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.9 0.0-30.0 29 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.1 0.0-35.0 38 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.5 0.0-25.0 70 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.1 0.0-12.0 29 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.3 0.0-12.0 61 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2.1 0.0-12.0 48 DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 2.1 0.0-25.0 54 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.5 0.0-45.0 32 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.7 0.0-32.0 91 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 6.6 0.0-60.0 71 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 21.8 0.0-60.0 98 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.2 0.0-15.0 71 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.8 0.0-20.7 82 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 6.1 0.0-50.0 57 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 9.1 0.0-60.0 63 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 33.5 0.0-86.0 79 Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 2.7 0.0-40.0 38


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (3), Mesic (fresh) (17), Submesic (moderately fresh) (18), Subxeric (moderately dry) (20)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (6), Mesotrophic (medium) (21), Submesotrophic (poor) (32)


Slope (%): 46 - 70.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (4), 6 - 9.99 (6), 2.5 - 5.99 (7), 16 - 30.99 (9), 0.5 - 2.49 (9), 10 - 15.99 (10), 0 - 0.49 (12)

Aspect: Northerly (6), Level (8), Easterly (9), Southerly (12), Westerly (17)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Toe (2), Crest (3), Upper Slope (7), Level (8), Lower Slope (11), Midslope (15)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (16), Rapidly drained (18), Well drained (26)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (6), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (14), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (16)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Fine sand (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Sand (1), Silty clay loam (1), Very fine sand (2), Very fine sandy loam (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Loamy fine sand (2), Loamy very fine sand (3), Silt loam (4), Clay loam (6), Loam (7), Sandy loam (7)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Very fine sand (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay (2), Loamy sand (3), Medium sand (3), Fine sand (5), Sandy clay loam (5), Sandy loam (5), Loam (6), Clay loam (8)



Parent Material: Rock (1), Saprolite (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluvioeolian (2), Residual (3), Eolian (6), Colluvial (7), Fluvial (12), Morainal (14), Glaciofluvial (16)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Sandy (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Fine (6), Very Dry/Sandy (14)

Humus Form MOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (21)


cm: 5.00 1.00 10.00 42

33

ufe11 Pl/Bearberry (n=40) (Pinus contorta/Arctostahphylos uva-ursi) This community type is typical of dry, well drained south facing slopes throughout the Upper Foothills subregion and is part of the subxeric/poor ecosite described by Beckingham et al. (1996). It is felt that white spruce will eventually dominate the canopy of this community in the absence of disturbance.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 25.4 0.0-63.0 95 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.3 0.0-16.0 28 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 6.6 0.0-50.0 68 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.2 0.0-5.7 70 GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 2.9 0.0-15.0 63 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 3.8 0.0-29.0 70 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.4 0.0-41.0 46 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.1 0.0-30.0 76 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 17.1 0.0-65.0 93 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 2.0 0.0-55.0 25 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.7 0.0-44.3 41 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.9 0.0-22.7 68 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.1 0.0-28.0 95 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 1.3 0.0-10.0 40 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 3.8 0.0-75.0 50 Lichen N/A (Stereocaulon tomentosum) 3.5 0.0-60.0 43


Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (4), Mesic (fresh) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (14), Subxeric (moderately dry) (18)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (19), Mesotrophic (medium) (19)


Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 6 - 9.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 46 - 70.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (4), 31 - 45.99 (5), 0 - 0.49 (6), 16 - 30.99 (17)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Level (4), Westerly (10), Southerly (19)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (4), Level (5), Crest (7), Upper Slope (10), Midslope (11)


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (9)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Very fine sand (1), Silt loam (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Sand (2), Clay (2), Sandy loam (5), Loam (7)

Effective Texture: Fine sand (1), Medium sand (1), Silty clay (1), Clay loam (2), Clay (2), Sand (3), Sandy clay loam (4), Loam (4), Sandy loam (6)



Parent Material: Rock (2), Residual (3), Saprolite (4), Fluvial (5), Glaciofluvial (6), Colluvial (9), Morainal (13)

Soil Type: Dry/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Sandy (3), Very Dry/Fine (3), Very Dry/Sandy (4)

Humus Form MODER (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (16)


cm: 3.00 1.00 8.00 25

34

b2 bearberry/lichen Aw (n=4) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 41.2 ]ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 5.5 ]BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera [ 3.7 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub [ 12.7 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 8.0 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 8.0 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 2.5 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 1.0 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 3.8 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.8 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.9 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 1.5 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 1.3 ]WILD VETCH Vicia americana [ 1.2 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale [ 1.2 ]SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus [ 1.0 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus Lichen [ 3.0 ]REINDEER LICHEN Cladina mitis Moss and Liverwort [ 0.2 ]WAVY DICRANUM Dicranum polysetum Graminoid [ 3.5 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 1.9 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum

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

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


Slope (%): nearly level (1), strong slope (2)

Aspect: Southerly (3)

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

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

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

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

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



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

Soil Type: Very Dry/Sandy (1)



cm: 4.00 2.00 6.00 2

35

ufd1 Aw/Rose/Bearberry (n=4) (Populus tremuloided/Rosa acicularis/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community type is not common in the Upper Foothills subregion and was described on the steep south facing slopes above Rough Creek, west of Rocky Mountain House and two areas west of Calgary. The drier site conditions favour the growth of bearberry. This community type is transitional to the hairy wildrye ecological site. The soils are more productive and the moisture regime is slightly better than the other community types described in the bearberry/lichen ecological site. This community type probably represents an earlier successional phase of the Pl/ bearberry community type described by Beckingham et al (1996).


Ecosite: b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) Ecosite Phase: b2 bearberry/lichen Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.7 0.0-15.0 25 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 5.5 0.0-22.0 25 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 39.7 10.0-60.0 100 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.0 0.0-4.1 25 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.0 2.0-22.1 100 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 8.0 0.0-25.0 75 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 12.7 1.0-30.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1.0 0.0-2.0 75 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 1.2 0.0-4.0 50 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.3 0.0-3.5 75 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.5 0.0-6.2 25 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.8 0.0-10.5 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.2 0.0-3.0 75 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.9 0.0-4.0 75 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3.8 0.0-7.2 75 Graminoid SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 1.9 0.0-4.9 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.5 0.0-9.0 75 Lichen REINDEER LICHEN (Cladina mitis) 3.0 0.0-12.0 25


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



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2)


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

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

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

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

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



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

Soil Type: Very Dry/Sandy (1)



cm: 4.00 2.00 6.00 2

36

b3 bearberry/lichen Aw-Pl-Sw (n=5) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 16.4 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 13.6 ]ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 17.0 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca Shrub [ 13.9 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 6.5 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 4.6 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.5 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 3.0 ]GROUND JUNIPER* Juniperus communis [ 2.6 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis Forb [ 6.1 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 3.6 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 3.1 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 1.8 ]WHITE CAMAS Zigadenus elegans Lichen [ 1.2 ]STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN Peltigera aphthosa Moss and Liverwort [ 3.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 17.5 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 4.6 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 2.5 ]FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE Festuca campestris

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (2)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (2)


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

Aspect: Westerly (2), Southerly (3)

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

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

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (2)

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

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



Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Residual (2), Morainal (2)

Soil Type:

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


cm: 6.00 5.00 6.00 2

37

ufe18 Aw-Sw-Pl/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (n=5) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Elymus innovatus) This community type is similar to the Sw/ buffaloberry/ bearberry c.t. described by Lane et al. (2000) in the Lower Foothills. The ecological conditions of this site are transitional to the hairy wildrye ecological site. Both the moisture and nutrient regime are on the moister and richer side of the edatope for the bearberry ecosite. This community type will likely succeed to a white spruce dominated community in the absence of disturbance.


Ecosite: b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) Ecosite Phase: b3 bearberry/lichen Aw-Pl-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.0 0.0-18.0 80 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 13.6 0.0-30.0 80 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.4 0.0-25.0 80 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2.0 0.0-5.0 60 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.8 1.0-10.0 100 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 9.0 0.0-30.0 80 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.6 0.0-10.0 60 GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 3.0 0.0-7.3 60 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4.5 0.0-15.0 60 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 6.5 0.0-25.0 80 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 13.9 0.0-39.8 80 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WHITE CAMAS (Zigadenus elegans) 1.8 0.0-5.0 80 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3.1 0.0-6.9 80 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.6 1.0-10.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 1.2 0.0-3.0 80 HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.2 0.0-5.0 40 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.6 0.0-18.0 40 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 6.1 0.0-20.0 80 Graminoid FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 2.5 0.0-11.5 40 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 4.6 0.0-16.0 40 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 17.5 2.0-40.0 100 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 3.4 0.0-10.0 60


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (2)


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

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

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1)

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

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



Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2), Residual (2)

Soil Type:

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


cm: 6.00 5.00 6.00 2

38

b4 bearberry/lichen Sw (n=23) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 28.5 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 5.3 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 5.0 ]ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE Picea engelmannii x glauca Shrub [ 16.4 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 4.2 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa [ 2.2 ]GROUND JUNIPER* Juniperus communis [ 2.1 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 1.1 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 1.1 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis Forb [ 5.7 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 4.0 ]ALPINE HEDYSARUM Hedysarum alpinum [ 3.7 ]MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD Solidago spathulata [ 1.3 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 1.1 ]ALPINE MILK VETCH Astragalus alpinus Moss and Liverwort [ 14.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 2.3 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 12.9 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 1.9 ]BEAUTIFUL SEDGE Carex concinna [ 1.6 ]ROUGH FESCUE Festuca scabrella

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (6), Mesic (fresh) (9)



Slope (%): steep slope (1), strong slope (1), very gentle slope (2), moderate slope (2), nearly level (4), level (8)

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

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Depression (1), Toe (1), Midslope (3), Level (14)


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (2), REGOSOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (7)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Loam (2), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Sandy loam (3), Sand (6)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Eolian (1), Morainal (1), Saprolite (1), Glaciofluvial (7), Fluvial (11)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Very Dry/Sandy (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Dry/Sandy (3), Moist/Sandy (4)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (4)


cm: 5.00 2.00 10.00 15

39

ufe14 Sw/Bearberry/Hairy wild rye (n=23) (Picea glauca/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi/Elymus innovatus) This community type represents the succession of spruce onto dry gravelly river flats and coarse textured south facing slopes. The ecological conditions of this site are transitional to the hairy wildrye ecological site. Both the moisture and nutrient regime are slightly moister and richer than the overall bearberry ecological site. This type is fairly dry with a poor nutrient regime at the soil surface on fluvial flood plains; as indicated by the high abundance of bearberry. On steep south facing slopes it may also be somewhat windswept and desiccated, as indicated by the low tree canopy cover. This community type is similar to the Sw/ buffaloberry/ bearberry c.t. described by Lane et al. (2000) in the Lower Foothills.


Ecosite: b bearberry/lichen (subxeric/medium) Ecosite Phase: b4 bearberry/lichen Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 5.0 0.0-75.0 13 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.3 0.0-68.0 35 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 16.5 0.0-60.0 83 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 12.0 0.0-50.0 70 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.1 0.0-5.0 52 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.1 0.0-17.0 13 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 2.1 0.0-20.0 70 GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 2.2 0.0-6.0 61 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 4.2 0.0-25.0 65 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 16.4 0.0-40.0 96 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.3 0.0-15.0 35 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 4.0 0.0-25.0 35 Low Forb (< 30 cm) ALPINE MILK VETCH (Astragalus alpinus) 1.1 0.0-6.5 26 MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD (Solidago spathulata) 3.7 0.0-55.0 22 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.7 0.0-25.0 74 Graminoid ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 1.6 0.0-15.0 31 BEAUTIFUL SEDGE (Carex concinna) 1.9 0.0-15.0 35 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 12.9 0.0-60.0 87 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 2.3 0.0-20.0 30 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 14.4 0.0-63.0 39


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (6), Mesic (fresh) (9)



Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (4), 0 - 0.49 (8)

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

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Crest (1), Depression (1), Midslope (3), Level (14)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), REGOSOL ORTHIC (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (6)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Loam (2), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Sandy loam (3), Sand (6)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Morainal (1), Eolian (1), Glaciofluvial (7), Fluvial (11)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Very Dry/Sandy (2), Dry/Sandy (3), Moist/Sandy (4)



cm: 5.00 2.00 10.00 15

40

c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) (n=191) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This ecosite tends to be submesic to mesic as a result of southerly aspects, and occasionally due to relatively coarse-textured parent materials or a combination of both. The nutrient regime varies from poor to rich with more productive sites (based on the site index) being associated with higher covers of hairy wild rye and deciduous trees. Parent materials tend to be calcareous (Beckingham et al. 1996). Grasslands in this ecological site are dominated by hairy wild rye and tend to occupy steep upper slopes and ridge crests with Regosolic soils. There is also an ecosite phase in this ecological site that describes coarse textured flood plains initially dominated by yellow mountain avens with succession to balsam poplar and white spruce.

Successional Relationships The pine and aspen dominated phases of this ecosite are seral to the white spruce-dominated climax community. Due to the dry nature of these sites, succession tends to be slow. The grassland phase of this ecological site often remain the climax vegetation due to the dry nature of the soils. The fluvial sites are initially dominated by yellow mountain avens with succession to balsam poplar/willow and white spruce/silverberry dominated community types in the absence of disturbance.

Indicator Species Tree WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta ASPEN Populus tremuloides Shrub CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis YELLOW MOUNTAIN AVENS Dryas drummondii SILVERBERRY Elaeagnus commutata GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Forb SHOWY LOCOWEED Oxytropis splendens Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus SEDGE SPECIES Carex


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 14.70 0.30 61 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.70 0.30 75 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 15.00 1.80 3 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 15.60 0.70 26 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (5), Subxeric (moderately dry) (11), Submesic (moderately fresh) (73), Mesic (fresh) (83)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (3), Submesotrophic (poor) (25), Permesotrophic (rich) (28), Mesotrophic (medium) (111)


Slope (%): steep slope (9), gentle slope (17), nearly level (18), very strong slope (18), level (20), moderate slope (24), very gentle slope (29), strong slope (45)

Aspect: Level (8), Northerly (18), Easterly (29), Westerly (33), Southerly (73)

Topographic Position:Toe (2), Crest (12), Lower Slope (19), Level (25), Upper Slope (26), Midslope (55)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Rapidly drained (26), Moderately well drained (49), Well drained (100)

Soil Subgroup: BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (9), REGOSOL (11), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (37), GRAY LUVISOL (63)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silt (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Sand (3), Loamy sand (4), Sandy loam (6), Clay (8), Silty clay loam (8), Clay loam (14), Loam (20), Silt loam (29)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sand (1), Silt (1), Loamy sand (3), Silty clay (3), Silty clay loam (3), Sandy clay (4), Sandy loam (8), Silt loam (8), Loam (13), Clay (15), Sandy clay loam (17), Clay loam (20)



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Tephra (1), Saprolite (5), Glaciolacustrine (7), Residual (9), Glaciofluvial (19), Colluvial (22), Eolian (24), Fluvial (24), Rock (25), Morainal (65)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Sandy (2), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Sandy (2), Dry/Coarse (5), Dry/Silty-Loamy (11), Moist/Silty-Loamy (11), Dry/Fine (13), Moist/Fine (20)

Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), ZOOMULL (1), MULL-LIKE MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (7), MOR (8), HUMIFIBRIMOR (11), FIBRIMOR (39)


cm: 6.11 1.00 15.00 95

41

c1 hairy wild rye Pl (n=92) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 35.0 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 3.0 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 1.0 ]BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 1.0 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides Shrub [ 7.0 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 7.0 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 5.0 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.0 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 5.0 ]COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 4.0 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.0 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.0 ]DWARF BILBERRY Vaccinium caespitosum [ 1.0 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum Forb [ 2.0 ]HEART-LEAVED ARNICA Arnica cordifolia Moss and Liverwort [ 20.0 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 13.0 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 16.0 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (6), Mesic (fresh) (34), Submesic (moderately fresh) (37)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (8), Submesotrophic (poor) (20), Mesotrophic (medium) (46)


Slope (%): steep slope (2), level (7), gentle slope (8), nearly level (9), very gentle slope (10), moderate slope (12), very strong slope (12), strong slope (23)

Aspect: Level (2), Northerly (7), Westerly (17), Easterly (19), Southerly (33)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Lower Slope (5), Crest (6), Level (6), Upper Slope (15), Midslope (28)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (11), Moderately well drained (18), Well drained (50)

Soil Subgroup: BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), REGOSOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (26), GRAY LUVISOL (36)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Sand (2), Loamy sand (2), Silty clay loam (6), Sandy loam (6), Clay (7), Clay loam (10), Loam (13), Silt loam (13)

Effective Texture: Silt (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay (2), Loamy sand (3), Silt loam (5), Sandy loam (7), Loam (9), Clay loam (10), Clay (11), Sandy clay loam (12)



Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Tephra (1), Saprolite (2), Glaciolacustrine (4), Residual (7), Fluvial (9), Glaciofluvial (11), Colluvial (12), Eolian (13), Rock (16), Morainal (41)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (2), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (7), Dry/Fine (8), Dry/Silty-Loamy (8), Moist/Fine (10)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), MULL-LIKE MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), MOR (6), HUMIFIBRIMOR (10), FIBRIMOR (25)


cm: 6.33 1.00 13.00 60

42

ufe15 Pl/Hairy wild rye (n=34) (Pinus contorta/Elymus innovatus) This community occupies southerly aspects, with submesic to mesic moisture regimes. The Pl and Aw dominated phases of this community are seral to the white spruce dominated community type. A higher cover of spruce in this community type would indicate that this community type is approaching climax.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c1 hairy wild rye Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.3 0.0-30.0 41 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 30.5 0.0-88.0 94 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.3 0.0-42.0 59 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.3 0.0-20.0 29 GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 1.5 0.0-10.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.5 0.0-15.0 77 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 2.5 0.0-20.0 65 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.3 0.0-30.0 82 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 0.0-60.0 79 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 3.3 0.0-30.0 56 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.2 0.0-8.0 71 HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.5 0.0-10.0 68 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 19.6 1.0-60.0 100 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 4.7 0.0-40.0 56 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 7.7 0.0-50.0 68 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 17.9 0.0-85.0 71


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (3), Mesic (fresh) (12), Submesic (moderately fresh) (18)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (2), 0 - 0.49 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (4), 10 - 15.99 (5), 31 - 45.99 (5), 16 - 30.99 (11)


Topographic Position: Lower Slope (2), Crest (3), Level (5), Upper Slope (9), Midslope (12)


Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (7)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Clay loam (3), Silty clay loam (4), Loam (4), Silt loam (6)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Silt loam (3), Loam (4), Clay loam (4), Sandy clay loam (6)



Parent Material: Tephra (1), Lacustrine (1), Colluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluvial (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Residual (3), Eolian (4), Rock (4), Morainal (15)

Soil Type: Dry/Coarse (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Fine (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Fine (4), Dry/Silty-Loamy (4)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), MULL-LIKE MODER (2), MOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (5), FIBRIMOR (8)


cm: 6.00 3.00 11.00 21

43

ufe19 Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=35) (Pinus contorta/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is very similar to the Pl/Hairy wildrye (UFE15) dominated community type, but this community type has a strong component of buffalo berry. It appears this community type occurs on slightly shallower slopes with better moisture which seems to favour the growth of Canada buffalo berry. In the absence of disturbance this community will likely succeed to white spruce.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 28.8 0.0-63.0 91 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.3 0.0-29.0 60 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 6.1 0.0-50.0 60 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 1.1 0.0-7.0 57 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.5 0.0-13.0 83 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 3.7 0.0-50.0 34 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 4.7 0.0-35.0 57 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.6 0.0-40.0 94 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 14.3 2.0-52.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 4.4 0.0-20.0 71 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.2 0.0-8.0 43 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.3 0.0-10.0 77 HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 2.6 0.0-18.0 71 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 12.5 0.0-60.0 94 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 10.3 0.0-60.0 57 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 26.8 0.0-80.0 77


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (11), Mesic (fresh) (18)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (3), 6 - 9.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (4), 10 - 15.99 (4), 0.5 - 2.49 (5), 2.5 - 5.99 (6), 16 - 30.99 (10)


Topographic Position: Level (1), Toe (1), Lower Slope (2), Upper Slope (2), Crest (3), Midslope (14)


Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (7), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (7), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (10)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (5), Silt loam (6), Loam (6), Clay loam (6)

Effective Texture: Silt (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Sandy clay (2), Sandy clay loam (4), Clay loam (4), Loam (5), Clay (8)



Parent Material: Saprolite (1), Residual (3), Glaciolacustrine (3), Colluvial (4), Fluvial (6), Rock (8), Glaciofluvial (8), Eolian (8), Morainal (18)

Soil Type: Dry/Coarse (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Fine (3), Dry/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4), Moist/Fine (4)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), MOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (12)


cm: 6.00 1.00 13.00 20

44

ufe20 Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (n=13) (Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Elymus innovatus) This community type is very similar to the Pl/Hairy wildrye (UFE15) dominated community type, but this community type has a strong component of green alder. It appears this community type occurs on slightly shallower slopes with better moisture which seems to favour the growth of alder. In the absence of disturbance this community will likely succeed to white spruce.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 34.4 0.0-55.0 92 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.3 0.0-8.0 39 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 7.0 0.0-50.0 92 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 5.1 0.0-60.0 23 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.1 0.0-2.0 85 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 2.6 0.0-28.0 39 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 3.4 0.0-13.0 46 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.3 0.0-18.0 85 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 22.9 0.0-80.0 92 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 4.4 0.0-25.0 85 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 2.4 0.0-9.0 77 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.9 0.0-20.0 85 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 9.9 0.0-40.0 77 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 5.0 0.0-25.0 77 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 12.9 0.0-35.0 92


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3), Submesic (moderately fresh) (8)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (5), Submesotrophic (poor) (7)


Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (2), 46 - 70.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (3), 31 - 45.99 (4)

Aspect: Northerly (2), Easterly (3), Westerly (4), Southerly (4)

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


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

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Loam (3), Sandy loam (3)

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



Parent Material: Residual (1), Saprolite (1), Fluvial (1), Eolian (1), Rock (4), Colluvial (7), Morainal (8)

Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Fine (2)



cm: 7.00 3.00 10.00 12

45

c2 hairy wild rye Aw (n=47) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 42.9 ]ASPEN* Populus tremuloides Shrub [ 5.7 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.3 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis Forb [ 6.3 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 5.3 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 4.6 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 4.2 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.3 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.7 ]WILD VETCH Vicia americana [ 2.3 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 2.1 ]SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus [ 1.6 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale [ 1.4 ]WILD WHITE GERANIUM Geranium richardsonii [ 1.4 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 1.0 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum Graminoid [ 23.0 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 2.8 ]PURPLE OAT GRASS Schizachne purpurascens [ 1.7 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (23), Submesic (moderately fresh) (24)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (3), Permesotrophic (rich) (14), Mesotrophic (medium) (32)


Slope (%): very strong slope (2), gentle slope (3), nearly level (3), level (4), steep slope (5), moderate slope (9), very gentle slope (10), strong slope (13)

Aspect: Northerly (2), Level (3), Easterly (5), Westerly (7), Southerly (27)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Crest (3), Level (6), Upper Slope (7), Lower Slope (9), Midslope (15)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2), REGOSOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (14)

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

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (6)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Residual (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Eolian (2), Rock (3), Saprolite (3), Colluvial (6), Fluvial (8), Morainal (9)

Soil Type: Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Dry/Fine (4), Moist/Fine (5)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (9)


cm: 6.00 2.00 10.00 18

46

ufd3 Aw/Rose/Hairy wild rye (n=42) (Populus tremuloided/Rosa acicularis/Elymus innovatus) This community type is typical of aspen forest types found throughout the Upper Foothills subregion on south facing slopes. The dry site conditions and high solar insolation favours the growth of grasses and forbs rather than shrubs. The canopy cover of aspen is also noticeably lower on this community type. This community type is similar to the Aw/ buffaloberry/ hairy wild rye community described by Bork (1994) in Willmore Wilderness Park, but the absence of buffaloberry distinguishes this type from the Willmore type.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c2 hairy wild rye Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 39.9 0.0-90.0 98 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 3.0 0.0-40.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.7 0.0-33.0 86 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.0 0.0-10.0 36 WILD WHITE GERANIUM (Geranium richardsonii) 1.4 0.0-10.7 41 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 2.1 0.0-17.1 50 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 2.3 0.0-16.0 52 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 2.7 0.0-15.0 76 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.3 0.0-18.4 67 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 4.2 0.0-75.0 74 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 4.6 0.0-40.0 71 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 6.3 0.0-75.0 79 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 1.3 0.0-25.0 26 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.4 0.0-5.0 79 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.6 0.0-4.9 83 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.3 0.7-24.2 100 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.7 0.0-25.0 31 PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) 2.8 0.0-43.1 24 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 23.0 2.8-70.0 100


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (21), Submesic (moderately fresh) (22)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 31 - 45.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (2), 0 - 0.49 (3), 46 - 70.99 (5), 2.5 - 5.99 (8), 10 - 15.99 (9), 16 - 30.99 (13)


Topographic Position: Crest (1), Toe (1), Level (5), Upper Slope (6), Lower Slope (8), Midslope (15)


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (4), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (9)

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

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (6)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Eolian (2), Residual (2), Saprolite (3), Rock (3), Colluvial (6), Fluvial (8), Morainal (9)

Soil Type: Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Coarse (2), Dry/Silty-Loamy (2), Dry/Fine (4), Moist/Fine (5)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (9)


cm: 6.00 2.00 10.00 16

47

c3 hairy wild rye Aw-Sw-Pl (n=20) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 24.1 ]ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 12.9 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 12.8 ]WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca Shrub [ 7.1 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 6.7 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 5.3 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 5.1 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 3.8 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 3.2 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 2.1 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 2.0 ]BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana [ 1.8 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 1.7 ]COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 1.5 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides Forb [ 2.8 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.8 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.1 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium Moss and Liverwort [ 11.9 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 7.9 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 11.3 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (7), Mesic (fresh) (9)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (17)


Slope (%): steep slope (1), very strong slope (1), nearly level (2), moderate slope (2), gentle slope (2), strong slope (3), very gentle slope (4), level (4)

Aspect: Westerly (2), Easterly (2), Northerly (4), Southerly (7)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (3), Well drained (8), Moderately well drained (9)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (10)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Loam (3), Silt loam (3)

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Eolian (2), Rock (4), Glaciofluvial (5), Morainal (8)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Dry/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Fine (4)



cm: 6.50 2.00 10.00 7

48

ufd4 Aw-Sw-Pl/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=7) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus) This community type was described along lower, south facing slopes and river terraces throughout Willmore Wilderness Park and areas west of Hinton. Bork (1994), found this community type to be uncommon throughout Willmore, but pockets of this type were found along the Smoky, Sulphur and Sheep rivers on the North side of the Park. Bork felt that frequent disturbance and/ or arid conditions resulted in the aspen dominated overstory. He felt if left undisturbed, the community type would eventually succeed to a coniferous forest. This community type is very similar to the Aw/buffaloberry type described by Youngblood (1993) in Alaska and the Aw/ rose/ hairy wild rye community type (UFD3) previously described near Rocky Mtn. House. The presence of buffaloberry distinguishes this northern type from the more southern rose type. The presence of buffaloberry may indicate a higher pH and lower nutrient status. Beckingham (1994), described Aw/ buffaloberry stands on lower pH sites. In the Upper foothills, this community type is often located in close proximity to the trails and camps used by outfitters and recreationalists.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c3 hairy wild rye Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.7 0.0-20.0 43 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.2 0.0-30.0 43 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 23.7 10.0-40.0 100 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 2.8 0.0-10.0 57 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.7 0.0-20.0 71 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 2.0 0.0-8.0 57 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.5 0.0-15.0 43 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 3.5 0.0-25.0 14 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.1 0.0-12.3 43 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.5 0.0-30.0 29 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.7 0.0-25.0 57 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 9.2 0.0-25.0 57 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.3 0.0-5.0 57 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 2.4 0.0-11.2 57 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 6.1 0.0-11.5 86 Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.2 0.0-2.9 86 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.0 0.0-15.0 43 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.9 0.0-15.8 71 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 13.4 0.0-31.5 86 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 3.2 0.0-20.0 43


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



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

Aspect: Easterly (1), Northerly (2), Southerly (2)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1), Well drained (1), Moderately well drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3)

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

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



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

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (2)

Humus Form


cm: 6.00 4.00 7.00 2

49

ufe16 Aw-Sw-Pl/Hairy wild rye (n=10) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Elymus innovatus) This community type is successionally more advanced than the Aw/Rose/Hairy wildrye community previously described. This community type is typically found throughout the Upper Foothills subregion on south facing slopes. The dry site conditions and high solar insolation favours the growth of grasses and forbs rather than shrubs. The canopy cover of aspen is also noticeably lower on this community type and succession will eventually be to a Sw/Hairy wildrye dominated community type.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 7.6 0.0-20.0 60 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.4 0.0-32.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 28.0 0.0-55.0 90 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.0 0.0-15.0 30 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.3 0.0-20.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1.6 0.0-10.0 30 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.6 0.0-10.0 40 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.8 0.0-7.0 80 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.1 0.0-40.0 20 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.5 2.5-13.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.3 0.0-29.0 60 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.0 0.0-3.6 50 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 1.1 0.0-4.0 60 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.2 0.0-9.5 70 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.3 0.0-13.3 80 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.7 0.0-9.0 90 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.9 0.0-15.0 50 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 15.3 2.0-35.0 100 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 8.4 0.0-45.0 40 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 11.5 0.0-75.0 30


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (4)



Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

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

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


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

Surface Texture: Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (2), Loam (2)

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Eolian (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Rock (3), Morainal (4)

Soil Type: Dry/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Fine (2)



cm: 7.00 2.00 10.00 5

50

ufe35 Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Hairy wild rye (n=3) (Populus tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Elymus innovatus) This community type is not common in the Upper Foothills subregion and was described from only 3 sites in west central Alberta. Green alder dominated sites are much more common in the tall bilberry and bracted honeysuckle ecological sites. Green alder prefers to have some moisture at depth.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.6 0.0-8.0 33 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 18.3 15.0-20.0 100 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 19.6 15.0-24.0 100 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2.0 0.0-5.0 67 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 0.0-10.0 67 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 0.0-5.0 67 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.6 1.0-5.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.0 0.0-8.0 67 DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 3.6 1.0-8.0 100 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 6.0 0.0-18.0 33 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 15.3 0.0-45.0 67 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 15.6 0.0-45.0 67 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 20.3 3.0-35.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.6 0.0-3.0 67 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.6 1.0-5.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 1.0-3.0 100 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.3 0.0-7.0 33 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.6 0.0-7.0 67 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 6.3 0.0-14.0 67 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 11.6 0.0-20.0 67 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 26.6 0.0-50.0 67 Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 1.6 0.0-4.0 67


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



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

Aspect: Southerly (1), Westerly (1), Easterly (1)

Topographic Position: Midslope (2)


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2)

Soil Type:



cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

51

c4 hairy wild rye Sw (n=17) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 29.3 ]WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca Shrub [ 13.3 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY* Shepherdia canadensis [ 9.0 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 3.8 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.4 ]COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 2.6 ]GROUND JUNIPER Juniperus communis [ 1.2 ]SILVERBERRY Elaeagnus commutata Forb [ 3.3 ]SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus [ 1.7 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.7 ]ALPINE HEDYSARUM Hedysarum alpinum [ 1.6 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.1 ]HEART-LEAVED ARNICA Arnica cordifolia Moss and Liverwort [ 35.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 17.5 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (12)



Slope (%): level (1), moderate slope (1), very strong slope (1), nearly level (2), very gentle slope (4), strong slope (4), gentle slope (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Southerly (2), Easterly (2), Northerly (5), Westerly (6)

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


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (3), REGOSOL (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (7)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (6)

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



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Rock (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Colluvial (2), Fluvial (5), Eolian (7), Morainal (7)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), MOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)


cm: 9.00 5.00 15.00 8

52

ufe36 Sw/Canada buffaloberry/Hairy wild rye (n=17) (Picea glauca/Shepherdia canadensis/Elymus innovatus) This community type was described along the north shore of Brule lake. It is characteristic of the fine-textured, calcareous loess deposits which have blown down the Athabasca river valley from Jasper National Park. The soils of this community have a high pH (8) which supports a good cover of hairy wildrye. This community type is extremely slow growing. When harvested, the cutblocks resemble native grasslands ( rose/ hairy wildrye (UFF2)).


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c4 hairy wild rye Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 20.2 0.0-63.0 94 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 9.1 0.0-30.0 82 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 1.2 0.0-20.7 6 GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 2.6 0.0-15.0 65 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3.4 0.0-20.0 47 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.8 0.0-29.0 82 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 9.0 0.0-30.0 94 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 13.3 0.0-55.0 88 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.6 0.0-10.0 47 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 1.7 0.0-15.0 41 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 3.3 0.0-15.0 71 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.1 0.0-8.0 47 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.7 0.0-6.0 82 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 17.5 0.0-63.0 94 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 35.4 0.0-90.0 82


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (12)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 6 - 9.99 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (4), 16 - 30.99 (4)


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


Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (5)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (6)

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



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Rock (2), Colluvial (2), Fluvial (5), Eolian (7), Morainal (7)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (1), Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), MOR (2)


cm: 9.00 5.00 15.00 5

53

c5 yellow mountain avens (fluvial) (n=8) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 58.5 ]BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera [ 5.0 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 49.4 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca Shrub [ 11.5 ]YELLOW MOUNTAIN AVENS* Dryas drummondii [ 3.7 ]WHITE MOUNTAIN AVENS Dryas octopetala [ 3.0 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 2.6 ]SILVERBERRY* Elaeagnus commutata [ 2.3 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 1.8 ]CANADA BUFFALOBERRY Shepherdia canadensis [ 1.8 ]SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca Forb [ 6.2 ]PRAIRIE SELAGINELLA Selaginella densa [ 4.5 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 3.7 ]COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 3.0 ]EARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED Oxytropis sericea [ 2.0 ]ALPINE HEDYSARUM Hedysarum alpinum [ 1.2 ]ALPINE MILK VETCH Astragalus alpinus Moss and Liverwort [ 9.3 ]UNDIFFERENTIATED MOSS - ALL GENERA Moss Graminoid [ 3.9 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 1.4 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 1.0 ]ROUGH FESCUE Festuca scabrella

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (4)



Slope (%): strong slope (1), nearly level (2), level (3)

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

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (7)

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

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (1)


Effective Texture: Loam (1)



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

Soil Type:

Humus Form ZOOMULL (1)


cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

54

ufb14 Bearberry-Yellow Mtn. avens (n=4) (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi-Dryas drummondii) This community type is found on fluvial and colluvial sites with gravelly soils and shallow slopes. Sub-surface flow through coarse substrate provides habitat suitable for species whose roots reach groundwater. The surface is subxeric characterized by juniper, bearberry and yellow mountain avens. In the absence of disturbance this site will likely succeed to balsam poplar, spruce and lodgepole pine dominated forest.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c5 yellow mountain avens (fluvial)

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.0 0.0-8.0 25 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.0 0.0-8.0 25 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.3 0.0-3.0 75 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 1.5 0.0-6.0 25 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 3.7 0.0-15.0 25 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 4.9 0.0-12.6 75 SILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 5.3 0.0-20.0 50 WHITE MOUNTAIN AVENS (Dryas octopetala) 7.5 0.0-30.0 25 YELLOW MOUNTAIN AVENS (Dryas drummondii) 17.0 0.0-50.0 75 Low Forb (< 30 cm) ALPINE MILK VETCH (Astragalus alpinus) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.8 0.0-5.5 75 EARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericea) 6.0 0.0-24.2 25 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 7.9 0.0-29.8 50 PRAIRIE SELAGINELLA (Selaginella densa) 12.5 0.0-50.0 25 Graminoid JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 1.4 0.0-5.6 25 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 2.0 0.0-8.0 25 AWNLESS BROME (Bromus inermis) 2.2 0.0-5.0 50 ALPINE BLUEGRASS (Poa alpina) 2.5 0.0-10.1 25 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.9 0.0-11.6 25 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.8 1.0-10.0 100


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Very Xeric (very dry) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Level (1)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Level (3)


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)


Effective Texture: Loam (1)



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

Soil Type:



cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

55

ufd2 Pb/Willow/Yellow mountain avens (n=4) (Populus balsamifera/Salix spp./Dryas drummondiana) This community type is common throughout the Upper Foothills subregion on gravelly floodplains along rivers and streams. It is similar to the bearberry/ slender wheatgrass community (UFB14), but it is successionally more advanced. This type is dominated by balsam poplar with an understory of spruce in the later successional stages. One particular stand was fairly young with the tree canopy being less than 5 m tall. Yellow mountain avens is a common pioneer species on gravelly river bars and rocky slopes up into the alpine tundra (MacKinnon et al., 1992). As this community succeeds towards a mature forest, yellow mountain avens will decline in cover. The excessively drained surface soil horizon limits the growth of grasses, forbs and shrubs.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c5 yellow mountain avens (fluvial)

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 8.0 0.0-15.0 75 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 9.7 1.0-30.0 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.0 0.0-40.0 25 Understory Tree FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 9.2 0.0-30.0 75 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 2.0 0.0-5.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 1.1 0.0-3.0 75 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 3.2 0.0-13.0 25 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 3.7 0.0-9.0 75 YELLOW MOUNTAIN AVENS (Dryas drummondii) 6.0 0.0-16.0 75 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.2 0.0-3.6 75 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 2.0 0.0-8.3 25 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 4.1 0.0-11.4 50 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 7.4 0.0-29.8 25 Low Forb (< 30 cm) ALPINE MILK VETCH (Astragalus alpinus) 1.0 0.0-4.0 25 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.1 0.5-2.4 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 1.3 0.0-5.3 25 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.0 0.0-8.3 25 DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 2.7 0.0-11.1 25 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.0 0.0-5.0 50


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Mesic (fresh) (3)

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


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

Aspect: Easterly (1), Level (1)

Topographic Position: Level (4)

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

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

56

c6 hairy wild rye grassland (n=7) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 5.9 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 12.2 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 6.8 ]WILD VETCH Vicia americana [ 6.0 ]SHOWY LOCOWEED* Oxytropis splendens [ 4.9 ]GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL Potentilla gracilis [ 3.2 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 2.8 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 2.8 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale [ 2.2 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.1 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.0 ]ALPINE GOLDENROD Solidago multiradiata [ 1.8 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.7 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 1.6 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum Graminoid [ 25.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 7.3 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 6.2 ]SEDGE SPECIES* Carex [ 4.0 ]ROUGH HAIR GRASS Agrostis scabra [ 2.0 ]ARCTIC BLUEGRASS Poa arctica [ 1.6 ]FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE Festuca campestris [ 1.5 ]N/A Festuca altaica

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2)



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


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

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

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1)



Parent Material:

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1)

Humus Form


cm: 3.00 3.00 3.00 1

57

ufa15 Hairy wild rye-Sedge (n=6) (Elymus innovatus/Carex spp.) This community type was described on south facing slopes along Wilson Creek and Burnt Timber allotment in the Upper Foothills subregion. Corns and Achuff (1982) described similar community types in the subalpine of Banff and Jasper National Parks. These included the Shrubby cinquefoil/Hairy wildrye and Hairy wildrye/Bearberry-Juniper community types. Both these community types were associated with steep south facing slopes. The presence of this community type may indicate the transition to the Subalpine subregion.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c6 hairy wild rye grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 3.2 0.0-17.7 33 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) FELWORT (Gentianella amarella) 1.0 0.0-5.2 33 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.3 0.0-4.5 67 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.4 0.0-6.6 33 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.5 0.0-8.0 50 WANDERING DAISY (Erigeron peregrinus) 1.5 0.0-9.4 17 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 4.1 0.0-9.7 83 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 4.3 0.0-9.0 83 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.1 0.0-31.7 67 Low Forb (< 30 cm) ALPINE GOLDENROD (Solidago multiradiata) 1.0 0.0-5.9 33 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 2.1 0.0-11.3 50 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 2.3 0.3-4.0 100 SHOWY LOCOWEED (Oxytropis splendens) 3.3 0.0-18.0 50 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 4.3 0.6-14.9 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.7 0.7-21.1 100 Graminoid ROUGH HAIR GRASS (Agrostis scabra) 2.0 0.0-12.1 33 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 2.8 0.0-10.7 67 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 3.1 0.0-13.7 33 PRESL SEDGE (Carex preslii) 4.0 0.0-24.2 17 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 6.3 0.0-13.1 83 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 28.9 0.0-70.0 83


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (2)



Slope (%): 46 - 70.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1)


Topographic Position: Crest (1), Midslope (1), Level (2)


Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL ORTHIC (1)





Parent Material:

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1)

Humus Form


cm: 3.00 3.00 3.00 1

58

ufa16 Hairy wild rye/Bearberry (n=1) (Elymus innovatus/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community was described in the Ghost area west of Calgary on well-drained, lower south facing slopes with xeric to subxeric moisture regimes. It appears to be similar to the Hairy wildrye-Sedge and the Bearberry/Slender wheatgrass dominated community types that were described on south facing slopes in transition to the Subalpine subregion.


Ecosite: c hairy wild rye (submesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: c6 hairy wild rye grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 1.3 1.3-1.3 100 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.3 1.3-1.3 100 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 3.3 3.3-3.3 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.0 4.0-4.0 100 CREEPING JUNIPER (Juniperus horizontalis) 6.0 6.0-6.0 100 SNOWBERRY (Symphoricarpos albus) 6.7 6.7-6.7 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 52.0 52.0-52.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LOW GOLDENROD (Solidago missouriensis) 1.3 1.3-1.3 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 2.3 2.3-2.3 100 SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 3.3 3.3-3.3 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 0.1 0.1-0.1 100 EARLY BLUE VIOLET (Viola adunca) 0.3 0.3-0.3 100 CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 0.7 0.7-0.7 100 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 4.3 4.3-4.3 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 7.3 7.3-7.3 100 Graminoid ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 0.1 0.1-0.1 100 ALPINE BLUEGRASS (Poa alpina) 0.2 0.2-0.2 100 BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 0.7 0.7-0.7 100 PINE REED GRASS (Calamagrostis rubescens) 0.9 0.9-0.9 100 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 22.3 22.3-22.3 100


Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1)


Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (1)


Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

59

d Labrador tea-mesic (mesic/poor) (n=164) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This ecosite tends to have a subxeric to mesic nutrient-poor to medium substrate. Labrador tea and bog cranberry are indicative of the relatively acidic surface soil conditions. It occurs in upland (midslope, upper slope and crest) or level topographic positions dominantly on morainal 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 (d) has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-subhygric (h) 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.

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 LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea Lichen CLADINA Cladina Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.50 2.20 7 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 8.50 1.20 6 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 12.90 0.20 302 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 9.70 0.30 64 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (20), Submesic (moderately fresh) (35), Mesic (fresh) (103)



Slope (%): very strong slope (1), steep slope (2), strong slope (14), moderate slope (18), level (19), nearly level (28), gentle slope (29), very gentle slope (48)


Topographic Position:Depression (1), Lower Slope (3), Level (6), Crest (6), Upper Slope (11), Midslope (24)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (5), Rapidly drained (5), Well drained (64), Moderately well drained (84)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM (1), FIBRISOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (22), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (24), GRAY LUVISOL (101)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Silt (2), Sand (2), Clay (3), Sandy clay loam (6), Loamy sand (6), Silty clay loam (13), Sandy loam (13), Clay loam (14), Loam (22), Silt loam (39)

Effective Texture: Very Fine Sandy Clay (1), Fine sand (2), Loam (3), Sandy clay (3), Silt (3), Silt loam (3), Loamy sand (4), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5), Silty clay loam (6), Silty clay (7), Sandy clay loam (15), Clay (30), Clay loam (37)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Swamp (2), Fluvioeolian (2), Residual (3), Lacustrine (4), Saprolite (4), Rock (5), Colluvial (6), Eolian (6), Glaciolacustrine (7), Fluvial (17), Glaciofluvial (31), Morainal (103)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Shallow (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Sandy (3), Dry/Sandy (5), Dry/Silty-Loamy (5), Moist/Sandy (5), Moist/Silty-Loamy (10), Dry/Fine (10), Moist/Fine (69)

Humus Form MOR (1), RAW MODER (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (14)


cm: 8.00 1.00 30.00 123

60

d1 Labrador tea-mesic Pl-Sb (n=164) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

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

Characteristic Species Tree [ 33.6 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 13.4 ]BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana Shrub [ 19.2 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 12.5 ]BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.9 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 5.7 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 2.9 ]TALL BILBERRY Vaccinium membranaceum [ 2.9 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.1 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis Lichen [ 1.5 ]STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN Peltigera aphthosa [ 1.2 ]N/A Hypogymnia physodes Moss and Liverwort [ 44.2 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 20.5 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS* Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 15.5 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (20), Submesic (moderately fresh) (35), Mesic (fresh) (103)



Slope (%): very strong slope (1), steep slope (2), strong slope (14), moderate slope (18), level (19), nearly level (28), gentle slope (29), very gentle slope (48)


Topographic Position:Depression (1), Lower Slope (3), Crest (6), Level (6), Upper Slope (11), Midslope (24)


Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), DARK GRAY CHERNOZEM (1), FIBRISOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (22), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (24), GRAY LUVISOL (101)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Silt (2), Sand (2), Clay (3), Sandy clay loam (6), Loamy sand (6), Sandy loam (13), Silty clay loam (13), Clay loam (14), Loam (22), Silt loam (39)

Effective Texture: Very Fine Sandy Clay (1), Fine sand (2), Loam (3), Sandy clay (3), Silt loam (3), Silt (3), Loamy sand (4), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5), Silty clay loam (6), Silty clay (7), Sandy clay loam (15), Clay (30), Clay loam (37)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Swamp (2), Fluvioeolian (2), Residual (3), Saprolite (4), Lacustrine (4), Rock (5), Eolian (6), Colluvial (6), Glaciolacustrine (7), Fluvial (17), Glaciofluvial (31), Morainal (103)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Shallow (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Sandy (3), Moist/Sandy (5), Dry/Sandy (5), Dry/Silty-Loamy (5), Dry/Fine (10), Moist/Silty-Loamy (10), Moist/Fine (69)

Humus Form MOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), RAW MODER (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (14)


cm: 8.00 1.00 30.00 123

61

ufe37 Pl-Sb/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=164) (Pinus contorta-Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea/Pleurozium schreberi) This community occurs in mid to upper slope positions and generally has a two tiered canopy composed of lodgepole pine and black spruce. In the absence of disturbance this community will continue to succeed to black spruce. This community type combines the Pl-Sb/tall bilberry/feather moss (d1.1), Pl-Sb/Labrador tea/feather moss (d1.2) and Pl-Sb/feather moss (d1.3) communities described by Beckingham et al. (1996) in West-Central Alberta. At higher elevations in transition to the Subalpine subregion this community type tends to occupy more medium nutrient sites which may explain the high predominance of mesic/medium sites within this community type.


Ecosite: d Labrador tea-mesic (mesic/poor) Ecosite Phase: d1 Labrador tea-mesic Pl-Sb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.4 0.0-50.0 46 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 30.2 0.0-65.0 96 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.4 0.0-35.0 57 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.0 0.0-50.0 68 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.1 0.0-30.0 45 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.9 0.0-30.0 71 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 2.9 0.0-42.0 29 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 5.9 0.0-52.0 58 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 12.5 0.0-82.0 83 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 19.2 0.0-90.0 92 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.7 0.0-30.0 89 Epiphyte N/A (Hypogymnia physodes) 1.2 0.0-25.0 46 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 15.5 0.0-75.0 79 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 20.5 0.0-85.0 87 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 44.2 0.0-95.0 97 Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 1.5 0.0-30.0 63





Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (1), 46 - 70.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (14), 10 - 15.99 (18), 0 - 0.49 (19), 0.5 - 2.49 (28), 6 - 9.99 (29), 2.5 - 5.99 (48)


Topographic Position: Depression (1), Lower Slope (3), Crest (6), Level (6), Upper Slope (11), Midslope (24)


Soil Subgroup: MELANIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), FIBRISOL TERRIC HUMIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (2), REGOSOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (3), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (7), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (12), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (23), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (24), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (73)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Silt (2), Sand (2), Clay (3), Sandy clay loam (6), Loamy sand (6), Silty clay loam (13), Sandy loam (13), Clay loam (14), Loam (22), Silt loam (39)

Effective Texture: Very Fine Sandy Clay (1), Fine sand (2), Loam (3), Sandy clay (3), Silt (3), Silt loam (3), Loamy sand (4), Sand (5), Sandy loam (5), Silty clay loam (6), Silty clay (7), Sandy clay loam (15), Clay (30), Clay loam (37)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Fluvioeolian (2), Swamp (2), Residual (3), Lacustrine (4), Saprolite (4), Rock (5), Colluvial (6), Eolian (6), Glaciolacustrine (7), Fluvial (17), Glaciofluvial (31), Morainal (103)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Shallow (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Very Dry/Sandy (3), Moist/Sandy (5), Dry/Silty-Loamy (5), Dry/Sandy (5), Dry/Fine (10), Moist/Silty-Loamy (10), Moist/Fine (69)

Humus Form MOR (1), RAW MODER (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (14)


cm: 8.00 1.00 30.00 123

62

e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) (n=612) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This is the reference ecosite for the Upper Foothills subregion because it commonly has a mesic moisture regime and a medium nutrient regime. Stands on these sites may consist of pine, spruce and fir mixtures with aspen, balsam poplar and white birch being less common. Aspen may be found on coarser-textured materials within the tall bilberry/arnica ecosite. The alder-dominated plant community types of this ecosite tend to be more productive than the tall bilberry, Labrador tea or feather moss plant community types. Grasslands on this ecological site tend to be dominated by Intermediate oat grass and occur on mid to upper slope positions with well developed Brunisolic soils.

Successional Relationships This ecosite progresses from lodgepole pine and mixedwood to white spruce and subalpine fir-dominated forests as succession advances. The pine phases are the most prevalent due to an extensive fire history in the area. The grassland phase often remains the climax vegetation for prolonged periods of time because of the dry nature of the soils.

Indicator Species Tree BALSAM FIR Abies balsamea SUBALPINE FIR Abies lasiocarpa WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta ASPEN Populus tremuloides Shrub TALL BILBERRY Vaccinium membranaceum BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS Danthonia intermedia


SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 10.80 0.30 98 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.40 0.20 332 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 11.80 0.50 26 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 11.60 0.20 285 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.80 0.60 21 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (3), Hygric (moist) (7), Subxeric (moderately dry) (41), Subhygric (moderately moist) (94), Submesic (moderately fresh) (116), Mesic (fresh) (345)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (99), Submesotrophic (poor) (134), Mesotrophic (medium) (378)


Slope (%): extreme slope (1), steep slope (16), very strong slope (36), nearly level (61), gentle slope (84), level (92), very gentle slope (96), strong slope (107), moderate slope (121)

Aspect: Variable (1), Level (59), Westerly (114), Northerly (127), Easterly (128), Southerly (135)

Topographic Position:Depression (4), Toe (18), Crest (19), Lower Slope (50), Level (78), Upper Slope (84), Midslope (188)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (1), Rapidly drained (37), Imperfectly drained (54), Well drained (241), Moderately well drained (267)

Soil Subgroup; HUMIC REGOSOL (2), LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), MELANIC BRUNISOL (4), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (5), REGOSOL (9), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (58), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (93), GRAY LUVISOL (206)

Surface Texture; Sand (1), Very fine sand (1), Fine sandy loam (3), Sandy clay (4), Loamy sand (5), Clay (6), Silt (7), Silty clay (7), Very fine sandy loam (7), Sandy clay loam (17), Silty clay loam (29), Sandy loam (36), Clay loam (49), Loam (61), Silt loam (85)

Effective Texture: Medium Sandy Clay Loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Very fine sandy loam (2), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (2), Silt (4), Heavy clay (5), Sand (6), Loamy sand (6), Sandy clay (10), Silt loam (14), Sandy loam (15), Silty clay (21), Sandy clay loam (22), Loam (26), Silty clay loam (28), Clay (64), Clay loam (93)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: 51 - 100 (5), 26 - 50 (15), 0 - 25 (21)

Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (424)

Parent Material: Lacustrine (6), Residual (11), Glaciolacustrine (11), Eolian (16), Saprolite (18), Glaciofluvial (35), Rock (41), Colluvial (52), Fluvial (62), Morainal (209)

Soil Type: Wet/Mineral (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Moist/Peaty (2), Dry/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Coarse (9), Dry/Sandy (9), Moist/Sandy (12), Dry/Fine (21), Moist/Silty-Loamy (36), Moist/Fine (151)

Humus Form MULL (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), ZOOMULL (1), MODER (2), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), MOR (9), RAW MODER (10), FIBRIHUMIMOR (25), HUMIFIBRIMOR (29), FIBRIMOR (83)


cm: 7.31 1.00 35.00 314

63

e1 tall bilberry/arnica Pl (n=348) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 37.4 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 1.4 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca Shrub [ 11.2 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 7.8 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 7.5 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.8 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.8 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 3.2 ]TALL BILBERRY* Vaccinium membranaceum [ 2.6 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.2 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 2.2 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis Forb [ 1.8 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.0 ]STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 1.0 ]HEART-LEAVED ARNICA Arnica cordifolia Moss and Liverwort [ 28.8 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 14.2 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 14.2 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis Graminoid [ 2.9 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 2.2 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (32), Subhygric (moderately moist) (39), Submesic (moderately fresh) (78), Mesic (fresh) (194)



Slope (%): extreme slope (1), steep slope (4), very strong slope (19), nearly level (33), level (44), gentle slope (44), very gentle slope (59), strong slope (72), moderate slope (73)


Topographic Position:Toe (8), Crest (11), Lower Slope (25), Level (29), Upper Slope (48), Midslope (110)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very rapidly drained (1), Rapidly drained (17), Imperfectly drained (27), Well drained (140), Moderately well drained (155)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (2), REGOSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (27), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (48), GRAY LUVISOL (140)

Surface Texture: Fine sand (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Sandy clay (2), Loamy sand (2), Silt (3), Very fine sandy loam (4), Silty clay (4), Clay (4), Sandy clay loam (10), Silty clay loam (16), Sandy loam (20), Clay loam (31), Loam (39), Silt loam (44)

Effective Texture: Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Medium Sandy Clay Loam (1), Silt (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Loamy sand (2), Heavy clay (3), Sand (5), Sandy loam (8), Silt loam (8), Silty clay loam (9), Sandy clay loam (12), Loam (13), Silty clay (15), Clay (48), Clay loam (53)



Parent Material: Lacustromoraine (1), Swamp (2), Lacustrine (2), Glaciolacustrine (4), Residual (6), Eolian (6), Saprolite (11), Rock (17), Glaciofluvial (18), Colluvial (25), Fluvial (29), Morainal (133)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Coarse (3), Moist/Sandy (5), Dry/Sandy (6), Dry/Fine (13), Moist/Silty-Loamy (18), Moist/Fine (99)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), MOR (3), RAW MODER (3), HUMIFIBRIMOR (11), FIBRIHUMIMOR (16), FIBRIMOR (45)


cm: 7.67 1.00 18.00 177

64

ufe21 Pl/Green alder/Feather moss (n=57) (Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type corresponds to the Pl/Green alder/Feather moss plant community type of Beckingham et al. (1996). It seems to be fairly moist and nutrient rich as indicated by the rich forb layer and high cover of green alder. According to Beckingham (1993) his Sw/Green alder/feathermoss association is the expected climax type. This community type seems to form on slopes that have coarse soils and a soil layer that restricts water movement at depth. The underground seepage makes this community type fairly moist and nutrient rich. Adequate moisture allows green alder to proliferate.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e1 tall bilberry/arnica Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 34.7 0.0-63.0 98 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.3 0.0-42.0 58 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 8.8 0.0-60.0 46 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 1.7 0.0-20.0 28 WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 1.7 0.0-12.0 44 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 3.5 0.0-15.0 44 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.7 0.0-52.0 51 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.9 0.0-22.0 67 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.1 0.0-22.0 88 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 6.0 0.0-52.0 63 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 7.1 0.0-60.0 53 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 23.6 0.0-90.0 83 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 1.2 0.0-20.0 30 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.0 0.0-30.0 84 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.9 0.0-18.0 68 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.3 0.0-35.0 91 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.9 0.0-50.0 56 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.1 0.0-40.0 47 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 10.3 0.0-61.0 77 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 15.0 0.0-50.0 81 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 26.9 0.0-90.0 91


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (1), Hygric (moist) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (6), Subhygric (moderately moist) (11), Mesic (fresh) (37)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (2), 10 - 15.99 (6), 0 - 0.49 (7), 0.5 - 2.49 (8), 6 - 9.99 (10), 2.5 - 5.99 (10), 16 - 30.99 (14)

Aspect: Level (4), Northerly (7), Southerly (10), Westerly (16), Easterly (16)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Lower Slope (3), Level (3), Upper Slope (5), Midslope (15)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (8), Well drained (18), Moderately well drained (29)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL PODZOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL SOLONETZIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (6), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (8), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (23)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silt (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy loam (3), Clay loam (6), Silty clay loam (8), Loam (12), Silt loam (12)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay loam (3), Silty clay loam (3), Silt loam (4), Sandy loam (5), Silty clay (6), Clay loam (11), Clay (13)



Parent Material: Swamp (1), Saprolite (1), Lacustromoraine (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluvial (4), Rock (5), Glaciofluvial (5), Eolian (5), Colluvial (10), Morainal (28)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Fine (2), Dry/Sandy (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Fine (29)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIHUMIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (7)


cm: 7.00 2.00 16.00 142

65

ufe22 Pl/Labrador tea-Tall bilberry/Feather moss (n=112) (Pinus contorta/Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium membranaceum/Pleurozium schreberi) Moisture, nutrients and drainage of this community type are very similar to the Pl-Sb/Labrador tea-bog cranberry/feather moss (UFE13) but this community type lacks black spruce in both the over and understory. The presence of black spruce indicates slightly poorer nutrients in the UFE13 plant community type.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 30.7 0.0-88.0 90 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.1 0.0-29.0 30 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 6.9 0.0-64.0 61 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 1.4 0.0-22.0 32 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 3.2 0.0-42.0 31 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.6 0.0-53.0 86 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 7.4 0.0-50.0 46 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 12.3 0.0-50.0 82 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 14.4 0.0-80.0 76 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.2 0.0-35.0 63 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.1 0.0-18.0 53 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.0 0.0-65.0 54 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.7 0.0-21.0 88 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.2 0.0-30.0 33 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.6 0.0-42.0 52 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 16.5 0.0-88.0 80 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 31.6 0.0-90.0 93


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (17), Submesic (moderately fresh) (24), Mesic (fresh) (66)



Slope (%): > 100.99 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (7), 0.5 - 2.49 (8), 0 - 0.49 (13), 6 - 9.99 (17), 10 - 15.99 (18), 2.5 - 5.99 (20), 16 - 30.99 (24)

Aspect: Level (7), Southerly (20), Westerly (20), Easterly (25), Northerly (29)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Crest (2), Level (3), Lower Slope (8), Upper Slope (13), Midslope (32)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (4), Imperfectly drained (10), Well drained (35), Moderately well drained (56)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL PODZOLIC (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED DARK (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (9), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (10), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (13), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (17), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (37)

Surface Texture: Fine sand (1), Fine sandy loam (1), Loamy medium sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Very fine sandy loam (2), Silt (2), Clay (3), Sandy clay loam (5), Silty clay loam (5), Sandy loam (10), Silt loam (14), Clay loam (16), Loam (18)

Effective Texture: Loamy medium sand (1), Loamy sand (1), Silt (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Medium Sandy Clay Loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Heavy clay (2), Sand (3), Silt loam (3), Loam (7), Sandy clay loam (7), Silty clay (7), Clay (21), Clay loam (23)



Parent Material: Swamp (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Residual (4), Saprolite (8), Rock (8), Glaciofluvial (9), Colluvial (9), Fluvial (17), Morainal (64)

Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Sandy (2), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Sandy (4), Moist/Silty-Loamy (9), Dry/Fine (9), Moist/Fine (37)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), MOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (5), FIBRIHUMIMOR (6), FIBRIMOR (26)


cm: 7.00 1.00 16.00 80

66

ufe4 Pl/Feather moss (n=77) (Pinus contorta/Pleurozium schreberi) This site represents a successionally mature lodgepole stand. It is equivalent to Beckingham's et al. (1996) Pl/Feathermoss community type. As these stands mature and the canopy becomes more closed, the amount of understory vegetation decreases until most of the shrub, forb, and grass layers have been eliminated and only shade- tolerant forbs and mosses remain.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.4 0.0-40.0 38 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 34.2 0.0-90.0 97 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2.4 0.0-55.0 39 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.1 0.0-12.0 46 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.4 0.0-32.0 56 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 2.4 0.0-52.0 43 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.9 0.0-72.0 35 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 3.2 0.0-60.0 33 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.1 0.0-52.0 58 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.9 0.0-52.0 91 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.4 0.0-22.0 66 Low Forb (< 30 cm) STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 1.1 0.0-25.0 34 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.5 0.0-34.0 93 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.5 0.0-65.0 43 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.1 0.0-37.3 66 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 11.8 0.0-70.0 68 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 15.9 0.0-81.0 68 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 28.4 0.0-95.0 82





Slope (%): 46 - 70.99 (2), 31 - 45.99 (6), 0.5 - 2.49 (6), 6 - 9.99 (8), 16 - 30.99 (13), 2.5 - 5.99 (13), 10 - 15.99 (16), 0 - 0.49 (17)

Aspect: Level (11), Easterly (12), Westerly (14), Northerly (16), Southerly (20)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (2), Crest (2), Toe (5), Level (9), Upper Slope (10), Midslope (17)


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (6), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (11), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (15)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy loam (3), Sandy clay loam (4), Clay loam (7), Loam (8), Silt loam (14)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Loam (3), Silty clay loam (3), Clay loam (13), Clay (13)



Parent Material: Eolian (1), Saprolite (2), Residual (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (4), Fluvial (4), Rock (4), Colluvial (5), Morainal (29)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Fine (25)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), MOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (11)


cm: 6.00 1.00 18.00 38

67

e2 tall bilberry/arnica Aw-Sw-Pl (n=26) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 20.9 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 25.2 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 7.7 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 7.6 ]ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE Picea engelmannii x glauca Shrub [ 18.3 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 8.3 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 7.2 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 4.6 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.9 ]RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia [ 3.3 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 2.5 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.0 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum Forb [ 2.9 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 2.2 ]COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia [ 1.3 ]STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum Moss and Liverwort [ 13.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 10.0 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 4.7 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 4.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus




Slope (%): very gentle slope (2), strong slope (2), level (2), gentle slope (2), nearly level (4), moderate slope (5)

Aspect: Level (1), Variable (1), Easterly (3), Southerly (4), Westerly (6)

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


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (9)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Loam (2), Silt loam (5)

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



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Rock (2), Lacustrine (2), Morainal (6)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Moist/Fine (7)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), MODER (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2)


cm: 7.50 3.00 12.00 11

68

ufd7 Aw-Pl-Sw/Rose/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=9) (Populus tremuloides-Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Rosa acicularis/Marsh reedgrass) This community type represents an aspen community that is undergoing succession to a lodgepole pine dominated forest. This successional sequence is typical of south facing slopes throughout the Upper Foothills subregion.This community type represents the modal type on mesic/ mesotrophic sites throughout the Upper Foothills subregion and may be transitional to the Lower Foothills subregion if aspen occurs in the stand. Strong (1992), found that lodgepole pine dominated the reference sites in this subregion with white spruce succession occurring on undisturbed areas. Beckingham (1994), described a similar community type (Pl-Sw/ low bush cranberry/ twinflower) and felt that white spruce and balsam fir will eventually dominate the canopy. The change in canopy dominance will lead to a decline in understory cover of shrubs and forbs. As succession occurs, moss cover will increase.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e2 tall bilberry/arnica Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.6 0.0-19.0 22 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.8 0.0-60.0 22 ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 13.5 0.0-63.0 33 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.8 0.0-65.0 44 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 22.0 0.0-75.0 67 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.8 0.0-15.0 33 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.4 0.0-15.3 67 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 7.6 0.0-50.0 44 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 7.8 0.0-53.0 78 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.0 0.0-2.3 89 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.3 0.0-5.3 44 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.4 0.0-16.0 44 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.9 0.0-29.0 67 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 4.6 0.0-20.0 56 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 4.8 0.0-19.1 67 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.2 0.0-83.0 56





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

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (2), Southerly (2), Westerly (3)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Midslope (4)

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

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1)

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

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



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

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Fine (4)

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


cm: 8.00 6.00 12.00 5

69

ufe2 Aw-Pl-Sw/Green alder/Feather moss (n=7) (Pinus contorta-Picea glauca/Alnus crispa/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type represents an Aw-Pl-Sw/Alder/Marsh reed grass community that is undergoing succession towards a white spruce-dominated canopy. Beckingham (1993) described the succession of a similar community type Pb-Aw/Green Alder type. Beckingham stated that the density of spruce in the climax canopy determines if the climax community will be in the Sw/Green Alder/Feathermoss or the Sw-Fb/Feathermoss association. This is because green alder has a low tolerance to shade. Therefore these communities tend to be fairly open. The presence of alder are also indicative of adequate soil moisture regime and nutrient content of this community.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e2 tall bilberry/arnica Aw-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.4 0.0-37.0 29 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 17.1 0.0-45.0 71 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 25.0 0.0-50.0 86 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.5 0.0-30.0 43 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 35.5 10.0-70.0 100 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.1 0.0-8.0 86 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 2.4 0.0-12.0 57 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.0 0.0-11.0 86 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.7 2.0-13.0 100 RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 7.8 0.0-55.0 14 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 8.1 0.0-35.0 43 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 2.8 0.0-5.0 71 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 5.8 1.0-25.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.5 0.0-10.0 71 STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 2.7 0.0-12.0 57 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 3.8 0.0-15.0 86 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.2 0.0-10.0 57 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.4 0.0-30.0 57 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 4.1 0.0-20.0 71 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 13.4 2.0-45.0 100





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

Aspect: Easterly (1), Southerly (2), Westerly (3)



Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (5)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (2), Loam (2)

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



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

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Fine (3)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)


cm: 7.00 3.00 9.00 6

70

e3 tall bilberry/arnica Sw (n=136) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 19.8 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 7.6 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 5.7 ]ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE Picea engelmannii x glauca [ 3.5 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides Shrub [ 8.2 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 5.1 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.8 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 2.9 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.6 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 1.5 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.5 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 1.5 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.0 ]TALL BILBERRY Vaccinium membranaceum Forb [ 1.8 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.4 ]HEART-LEAVED ARNICA Arnica cordifolia [ 1.1 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata Moss and Liverwort [ 37.7 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 13.5 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 11.0 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis Graminoid [ 4.7 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (2), Hygric (moist) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (15), Subhygric (moderately moist) (27), Mesic (fresh) (80)



Slope (%): very strong slope (6), steep slope (9), nearly level (12), very gentle slope (15), level (20), strong slope (22), moderate slope (26), gentle slope (26)


Topographic Position:Depression (2), Crest (4), Toe (6), Lower Slope (11), Level (15), Upper Slope (24), Midslope (46)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (2), MELANIC BRUNISOL (4), REGOSOL (5), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (17), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (37), GRAY LUVISOL (37)

Surface Texture: Silt (1), Very fine sand (1), Sandy clay (2), Loamy sand (2), Fine sandy loam (2), Silty clay (3), Very fine sandy loam (3), Sandy clay loam (6), Silty clay loam (7), Sandy loam (11), Clay loam (12), Loam (16), Silt loam (24)

Effective Texture: Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Sand (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Loamy sand (3), Sandy clay (4), Sandy loam (5), Silt loam (6), Silty clay (6), Clay (8), Silty clay loam (9), Loam (10), Sandy clay loam (10), Clay loam (25)



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Saprolite (4), Residual (4), Glaciolacustrine (4), Eolian (9), Glaciofluvial (12), Rock (15), Colluvial (24), Fluvial (30), Morainal (48)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Peaty (2), Dry/Fine (2), Dry/Coarse (2), Moist/Coarse (2), Dry/Sandy (3), Moist/Sandy (6), Moist/Silty-Loamy (12), Moist/Fine (28)

Humus Form MODER (1), MULL (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), MOR (4), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), RAW MODER (5), HUMIFIBRIMOR (14), FIBRIMOR (32)


cm: 8.25 1.00 35.00 89

71

ufe10 Sw/Feather moss (n=77) (Picea glauca/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type combines the fir/feather moss (e3.4) and feather moss (e3.5) community types in the West-Central ecosite guide (Beckingham et al. 1996) and the stair-step moss (c2.5) and the wiry fern moss (c2.6) from the Southern ecosite guide (Archibald et al. 1996). This community type represents a successionally mature forested stand in the Upper Foothills subregion. As succession occurs from pine to spruce and fir, the canopy cover becomes closed and the amount of understory vegetation decreases until most of the shrub, forb and grass layers have been eliminated.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e3 tall bilberry/arnica Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.3 0.0-30.0 56 ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 4.6 0.0-63.0 18 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 26.4 0.0-75.0 79 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.1 0.0-50.0 66 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.3 0.0-22.0 36 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.6 0.0-12.0 70 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 2.5 0.0-52.0 49 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 3.9 0.0-32.0 92 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.3 0.0-10.0 73 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.3 0.0-18.0 68 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.5 0.0-29.0 55 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.9 0.0-20.0 81 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 9.8 0.0-60.0 69 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 10.2 0.0-60.0 68 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 51.4 0.0-95.0 92


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (5), Submesic (moderately fresh) (7), Subhygric (moderately moist) (18), Mesic (fresh) (41)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (5), 46 - 70.99 (6), 0.5 - 2.49 (6), 2.5 - 5.99 (7), 16 - 30.99 (12), 0 - 0.49 (13), 6 - 9.99 (13), 10 - 15.99 (14)

Aspect: Southerly (6), Level (9), Westerly (14), Easterly (16), Northerly (24)

Topographic Position: Depression (2), Crest (2), Toe (4), Lower Slope (5), Level (8), Upper Slope (12), Midslope (28)


Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), REGOSOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (2), REGOSOL CUMULIC (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (4), MELANIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (4), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (5), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (8), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (11), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (18)

Surface Texture: Sandy clay (1), Very fine sand (1), Very fine sandy loam (2), Silty clay (2), Loamy sand (2), Fine sandy loam (2), Sandy loam (4), Silty clay loam (4), Sandy clay loam (4), Clay loam (11), Loam (13), Silt loam (15)

Effective Texture: Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Fine Sandy Clay Loam (1), Clay (3), Loamy sand (3), Silty clay (3), Sandy loam (3), Silt loam (6), Sandy clay loam (6), Loam (7), Silty clay loam (7), Clay loam (20)



Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Saprolite (3), Residual (4), Glaciofluvial (5), Eolian (6), Rock (9), Colluvial (18), Fluvial (25), Morainal (27)

Soil Type: Dry/Coarse (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Very Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Fine (1), Dry/Sandy (2), Moist/Peaty (2), Moist/Sandy (4), Moist/Silty-Loamy (8), Moist/Fine (12)

Humus Form MULL (1), MODER (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2), RAW MODER (3), MOR (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), HUMIFIBRIMOR (9), FIBRIMOR (26)


cm: 11.00 1.00 35.00 49

72

ufe12 Sw/Green alder (n=13) (Picea glauca/Alnus crispa) This community type seems to form on slopes that have loamy to coarse soils and underground seepage. The underground seepage makes this community type fairly moist and nutrient rich. Adequate moisture deeper in the soil profile allows green alder to proliferate.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 7.6 0.0-63.0 15 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 10.3 0.0-35.0 69 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 24.4 0.0-45.0 85 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.0 0.0-29.0 54 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 4.2 0.0-15.0 46 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 1.2 0.0-10.0 39 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.0 0.0-18.0 54 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.7 0.0-18.0 92 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 3.1 0.0-29.0 39 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.5 0.0-20.0 39 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.9 0.0-20.0 77 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 13.0 0.0-60.0 46 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1.6 0.0-18.0 31 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.2 0.0-4.0 85 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 3.3 0.0-21.1 46 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.8 0.0-22.9 92 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.4 0.0-6.0 62 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.7 0.0-26.0 69 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.8 0.0-40.0 77 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 13.1 0.0-60.0 46 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 14.8 0.0-50.0 69 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 30.1 0.0-75.0 77





Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (3), 10 - 15.99 (4)

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

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (2), Level (3), Midslope (6)


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

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Eolian (3), Rock (3), Morainal (7)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2)


cm: 12.00 8.00 20.00 6

73

ufe23 Sw/Tall bilberry-Labrador tea/Moss (n=35) (Picea glauca/Vaccinium membranaceum-Ledum groenlandicum/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type combines the tall bilberry (e3.2) and Labrador tea (e3.3) community types from the West-Central ecosite guide (Beckingham et al. 1996) and the tall bilberry (c2.2), bog cranberry (c2.3) and Canada buffaloberry (c2.4) community types from the Southern ecosite guide (Archibald et al 1996). This community type is common on mesic/medium sites with little disturbance. In the continued absence of disturbance these sites will often succeed to subalpine fir.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 4.7 0.0-63.0 20 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 8.5 0.0-37.0 69 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.2 0.0-55.0 43 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 11.1 0.0-50.0 66 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.3 0.0-20.0 63 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 7.3 0.0-54.0 60 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.8 0.0-6.0 77 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.5 0.0-20.0 40 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 3.0 0.0-30.0 29 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 7.8 0.0-50.0 57 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 8.7 0.0-63.0 74 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 1.2 0.0-12.0 31 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.1 0.0-8.0 51 Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.1 0.0-10.0 54 HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.4 0.0-10.0 49 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 7.4 0.0-26.3 69 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.5 0.0-16.0 54 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 3.6 0.0-35.0 54 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 19.1 0.0-50.0 91 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 29.0 0.0-88.0 83





Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (3), 16 - 30.99 (3), 46 - 70.99 (3), 10 - 15.99 (4), 0 - 0.49 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (5), 6 - 9.99 (12)


Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Toe (2), Crest (2), Level (3), Upper Slope (7), Midslope (9)


Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ORTHIC (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (5), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (10)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Silt (1), Silty clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay loam (2), Loam (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silt loam (5), Sandy loam (6)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Very fine sandy loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Silty clay loam (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Silty clay (3), Clay loam (4), Clay (5)



Parent Material: Saprolite (1), Rock (3), Glaciolacustrine (3), Fluvial (5), Colluvial (6), Glaciofluvial (6), Morainal (14)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Coarse (1), Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Sandy (2), Moist/Fine (14)

Humus Form MOR (1), RAW MODER (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (3), FIBRIMOR (5)


cm: 8.00 4.00 15.00 23

74

e4 tall bilberry/arnica Fa (n=33) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 26.5 ]SUBALPINE FIR* Abies lasiocarpa [ 11.0 ]BALSAM FIR* Abies balsamea [ 9.5 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 9.1 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 1.9 ]ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE Picea engelmannii x glauca [ 1.4 ]ENGELMANN SPRUCE Picea engelmannii Shrub [ 8.4 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 7.5 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 6.7 ]TALL BILBERRY Vaccinium membranaceum [ 6.5 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 6.2 ]DWARF BRAMBLE Rubus pedatus [ 4.8 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 1.3 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule Moss and Liverwort [ 32.1 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 21.2 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 20.6 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis Graminoid [ 1.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Subhygric (moderately moist) (13), Mesic (fresh) (16)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (1), Permesotrophic (rich) (7), Submesotrophic (poor) (8), Mesotrophic (medium) (16)


Slope (%): nearly level (1), gentle slope (2), steep slope (3), very strong slope (4), strong slope (4), level (4), very gentle slope (5), moderate slope (7)

Aspect: Level (3), Westerly (3), Easterly (5), Southerly (7), Northerly (10)

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


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (7), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (11), GRAY LUVISOL (13)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Loam (3), Sandy loam (3), Silt (3), Silty clay loam (4), Clay loam (5), Silt loam (8)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Loam (2), Silt (3), Clay (5), Silty clay loam (6), Clay loam (9)



Parent Material: Eolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Saprolite (1), Lacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Fluvial (2), Colluvial (2), Rock (3), Morainal (17)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Dry/Fine (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (5), Moist/Fine (13)

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


cm: 7.00 3.00 13.00 28

75

ufe24 Fa/Tall bilberry-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=15) (Abies lasiocarpa/Vaccinium membranaceum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type combines the bog cranberry/feather moss (c3.1) community type from the Southwestern ecosite guide (Archibald et al. 1996) and the tall bilberry (e4.1) and Labrador tea (e4.2) community types from the West-Central ecosite guide (Beckingham et al. 1996). This community type is similar to the white spruce dominated community types (UFE10, UFE21) but is successionally more advanced. In the absence of disturbance subalpine fir dominated community types represent the climax on mesic/medium sites throughout the Upper Foothills subregion.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e4 tall bilberry/arnica Fa

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 3.6 0.0-18.0 27 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 8.4 0.0-37.0 47 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 9.1 0.0-35.0 53 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 12.6 0.0-63.0 20 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 22.2 0.0-63.0 80 Understory Tree SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 6.5 0.0-42.0 33 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 7.0 0.0-29.0 93 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 9.1 0.0-31.0 80 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 11.4 0.0-40.0 53 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 12.8 1.0-29.0 100 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DWARF BRAMBLE (Rubus pedatus) 9.4 0.0-42.0 53 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.2 0.0-6.0 47 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 9.4 0.0-29.0 87 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.3 0.0-14.0 47 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 20.5 0.0-45.0 93 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 28.2 0.0-70.0 80 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 33.6 18.0-63.0 100 Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 1.6 0.0-5.0 80


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Mesic (fresh) (4), Subhygric (moderately moist) (9)



Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (2), 46 - 70.99 (3), 10 - 15.99 (3)

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

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


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (6)

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

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Clay (2), Silt (3), Clay loam (5)



Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1), Colluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Rock (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (9)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4), Moist/Fine (6)

Humus Form MOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIMOR (3)


cm: 8.00 5.00 13.00 7

76

ufe25 Fa/Feather moss (n=18) (Abies lasiocarpa/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type combines the bog cranberry/feather moss (c3.1) community type from the Southwestern ecosite guide (Archibald et al. 1996) and the fir/feather moss (e4.3) and feather moss (e4.4) community types from the West-Central ecosite guide (Beckingham et al. 1996). This community type is similar to the white spruce dominated community types (UFE10) but is successionally more advanced. In the absence of disturbance subalpine fir dominated community types represent the climax on mesic/medium sites throughout the Upper Foothills subregion.


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e4 tall bilberry/arnica Fa

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 8.5 0.0-30.0 33 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 9.3 0.0-35.0 72 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.5 0.0-42.0 78 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 19.6 0.0-50.0 61 Understory Tree SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 9.8 0.0-52.0 77 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 1.2 0.0-10.0 39 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 1.6 0.0-15.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.6 0.0-12.0 56 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.2 0.0-35.0 28 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.7 0.0-35.0 44 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.7 0.0-32.0 44 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.5 0.0-22.0 89 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DWARF BRAMBLE (Rubus pedatus) 2.7 0.0-15.0 50 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 1.3 0.0-10.0 39 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.0 0.0-7.0 56 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.1 0.0-5.0 67 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.0 1.0-15.0 100 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.6 0.0-20.0 28 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 16.0 0.0-60.0 89 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 20.5 0.0-60.0 89 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 29.7 0.0-88.0 83


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (4), Mesic (fresh) (12)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (3), 10 - 15.99 (4), 31 - 45.99 (4)

Aspect: Southerly (2), Level (2), Westerly (2), Easterly (5), Northerly (6)

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


Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (5), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (6)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Loam (2), Clay loam (3), Silty clay loam (3), Silt loam (6)

Effective Texture: Heavy clay (1), Loam (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (4), Silty clay loam (5)



Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Colluvial (1), Eolian (1), Rock (2), Fluvial (2), Morainal (8)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (7)

Humus Form MOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4)


cm: 6.00 3.00 11.00 15

77

e5 tall bilberry/arnica Aw (n=14) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 52.0 ]ASPEN* Populus tremuloides [ 1.8 ]BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera Shrub [ 21.3 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 8.5 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY* Viburnum edule [ 4.3 ]PRICKLY ROSE* Rosa acicularis [ 4.1 ]WHITE MEADOWSWEET Spiraea betulifolia [ 3.7 ]COMMON WILD ROSE Rosa woodsii [ 3.0 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.0 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 2.6 ]DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 2.0 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides Forb [ 6.5 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 5.0 ]WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 3.2 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.2 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 1.6 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.2 ]WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY Maianthemum canadense Moss and Liverwort [ 3.4 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 10.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 5.6 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis


Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (4), Permesotrophic (rich) (7)


Slope (%): strong slope (1), moderate slope (2), very gentle slope (3), very strong slope (3), gentle slope (4)

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

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


Soil Subgroup: BLACK CHERNOZEM (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (7)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Residual (1), Saprolite (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Rock (4), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Fine (4)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), ZOOMULL (1)


cm: 4.50 1.00 10.00 9

78

ufd10 Aw/Rose-Low bush cranberry/Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=6) (Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis-Viburnum edule/Calamagrostis canadensis) This community type is not common in the Upper Foothills subregion because the climate of the subregion is too cold for aspen growth. However on warmer sites this aspen community type can develop on mesic well to moderately well drained, nutrient medium to rich, undisturbed sites. Beckingham et al (1996) described a similar community type (Aw/Low Bush Cranberry) in the Lower Foothills subregion. Later seral stages will likely succeed to a mixed Aw-Sw/rose/forb type and climax to a Sw/moss dominated community..


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e5 tall bilberry/arnica Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.5 0.0-15.0 17 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 36.3 0.0-63.0 83 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 22.5 0.0-52.0 83 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SASKATOON (Amelanchier alnifolia) 1.3 0.0-3.0 67 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.6 0.0-8.0 83 WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 3.8 0.0-8.0 67 COMMON WILD ROSE (Rosa woodsii) 5.0 0.0-25.0 33 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 8.3 0.0-35.0 50 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 1.5 0.0-8.0 33 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.5 0.0-5.0 67 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.5 0.0-9.0 67 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 4.3 0.0-20.0 50 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 4.5 0.0-18.0 83 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 5.6 0.0-30.0 67 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 7.6 2.0-30.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.8 1.0-8.0 100 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 4.8 0.0-25.0 50 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.6 0.0-30.0 33 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 13.1 0.0-50.0 83





Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (2)

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Southerly (3)

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


Soil Subgroup: BLACK CHERNOZEM ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)

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

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



Parent Material: Residual (1), Colluvial (1), Rock (2), Saprolite (2)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Dry/Fine (1)

Humus Form ZOOMULL (1), FIBRIMOR (1)


cm: 4.00 1.00 8.00 2

79

ufd9 Aw/Green alder (n=8) (Populus tremuloides/Alnus crispa) This community type is generally found at low to mid slope elevations on sites with variable aspects. It tends to be dominated by green alder in the tall shrub layer and rose and low bush cranberry in the low shrub layer. Wild sarsaparilla can dominate the forb layer and hairy wild rye is common in the grass layer. This type is found on well drained Orthic Gray Luvisols and Eutric Brunisols (Balsam poplar can occur as a codominant in the overstory on imperfectly drained, luvisolic Gleysols). Wild Sarsaparilla is well adapted to undisturbed, moist to shaded forests with medium to rich nutrient regimes (MacKinnon et al 1992).


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e5 tall bilberry/arnica Aw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 39.3 0.0-55.0 88 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 6.6 0.0-15.0 75 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 20.6 0.0-60.0 75 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 1.7 0.0-5.0 63 WHITE MEADOWSWEET (Spiraea betulifolia) 3.8 0.0-10.0 75 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.1 0.0-15.0 75 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.2 2.0-10.0 100 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 6.0 0.0-25.0 88 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.1 0.0-15.0 88 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 20.0 0.0-80.0 50 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.2 0.0-20.0 63 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.8 0.0-5.0 63 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.0 0.0-10.0 75 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 8.6 0.0-40.0 63 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 10.1 2.0-50.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 1.2 0.0-3.0 88 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 3.7 1.0-10.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.0 0.0-15.0 88 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 13.8 0.0-70.0 63 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 5.6 0.0-10.0 75





Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 6 - 9.99 (3)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Southerly (2), Northerly (2), Easterly (3)

Topographic Position:


Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (4)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sand (1), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Rock (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Fine (3)

Humus Form


cm: 5.00 1.00 10.00 6

80

e6 intermediate oat-grass grassland (n=14) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 2.9 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL* Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 8.1 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum [ 5.2 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.6 ]GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL Potentilla gracilis [ 2.1 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 1.9 ]WILD VETCH Vicia americana [ 1.7 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 1.5 ]FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED Cerastium arvense [ 1.5 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale Graminoid [ 25.7 ]INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS* Danthonia intermedia [ 7.1 ]PRESL SEDGE* Carex preslii [ 5.9 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 4.4 ]KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis [ 3.3 ]COLUMBIA NEEDLE GRASS Stipa columbiana [ 2.3 ]REDTOP Agrostis stolonifera [ 2.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 2.2 ]FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE Festuca campestris [ 2.1 ]ROCKY MOUNTAIN FESCUE* Festuca saximontana [ 1.8 ]BLUNT SEDGE Carex obtusata [ 1.4 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4), Mesic (fresh) (5), Subhygric (moderately moist) (5)



Slope (%): very strong slope (2), strong slope (3), level (5), nearly level (5)

Aspect: Level (4), Easterly (5), Southerly (5)

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


Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

81

ufa8 Intermediate oat grass-Sedge-Rough fescue (n=13) (Danthonia intermedia-Carex spp.-Festuca scabrella) Dry, gravelly or stony soils support this moderately productive grassland that is dominated by Intermediate oatgrass. Small pockets of this community type occur throughout the Upper Foothills subregion. This community is located on steep, south facing slopes, small hillcrests and level areas with poorly developed soils. These sites are well-drained with subxeric to subhygric soils. The soils of this community type are not as well developed with poorer nutrients than the Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye reference community described within the rough fescue ecological site. In the Subalpine subregion, these Intermediate oatgrass dominated grasslands are often associated with bog sedge (Willoughby and Alexander 2006).


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e6 intermediate oat-grass grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2.9 0.0-15.8 39 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.7 0.0-7.8 46 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.9 0.0-5.2 85 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.1 0.0-10.0 46 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 2.6 0.0-7.4 85 Low Forb (< 30 cm) FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED (Cerastium arvense) 1.5 0.0-17.3 31 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.5 0.0-7.3 92 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.5 0.5-5.6 100 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.2 0.0-15.5 92 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 8.1 0.0-46.0 62 Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.4 0.0-6.7 31 BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 1.8 0.0-11.0 23 ROCKY MOUNTAIN FESCUE (Festuca saximontana) 2.1 0.0-15.5 31 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.2 0.0-14.6 46 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 2.2 0.0-13.5 54 REDTOP (Agrostis stolonifera) 2.3 0.0-28.0 15 COLUMBIA NEEDLE GRASS (Stipa columbiana) 3.3 0.0-21.0 23 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 4.4 0.0-26.4 62 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 5.9 0.0-36.5 77 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 7.1 0.0-37.9 31 INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS (Danthonia intermedia) 25.7 9.5-57.5 100


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (4), Mesic (fresh) (5)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (4), 0.5 - 2.49 (5)


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


Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

82

e9 tall bilberry industrial/tame (n=41) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Forb [ 14.0 ]WHITE CLOVER* Trifolium repens [ 6.0 ]COMMON DANDELION* Taraxacum officinale [ 4.9 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 4.1 ]ALSIKE CLOVER Trifolium hybridum [ 1.8 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 1.3 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.2 ]COMMON PLANTAIN Plantago major [ 1.1 ]COMMON CHICKWEED Stellaria media [ 1.1 ]RED CLOVER Trifolium pratense Graminoid [ 23.4 ]CREEPING RED FESCUE* Festuca rubra [ 13.4 ]KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS* Poa pratensis [ 4.2 ]TIMOTHY Phleum pratense [ 2.8 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa [ 2.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.6 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 1.2 ]CANADA BLUEGRASS Poa compressa

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (3), Xeric (dry) (3), Subhygric (moderately moist) (8), Submesic (moderately fresh) (12), Mesic (fresh) (29)



Slope (%): very strong slope (2), strong slope (3), nearly level (6), gentle slope (6), moderate slope (8), very gentle slope (12), level (17)

Aspect: Westerly (6), Easterly (7), Northerly (7), Level (11), Southerly (15)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Depression (2), Toe (4), Upper Slope (6), Lower Slope (8), Midslope (15), Level (21)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (6), Imperfectly drained (6), Moderately well drained (21), Well drained (24)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

83

ufc7 Creeping red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass/Clover (n=41) (Festuca rubra-Poa pratensis/Trifolium repens) This community represents native communities that have been disturbed and planted to creeping red fescue. These include pipelines, roadsides and cultivated pastures. Lane et al. (2000), felt this community type developed when a site which was seeded to creeping red fescue-timothy-clover and received low levels of use. Creeping red fescue spreads throughout the site by creeping rhizomes and chokes out the timothy by forming a dense matt of litter. This community type is normally considered to be in good or excellent condition for a tame pasture health assessment (Adams et al. 2010).


Ecosite: e tall bilberry/arnica (mesic/medium) Ecosite Phase: e9 tall bilberry industrial/tame

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense) 1.0 0.0-15.0 17 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.5 0.0-17.3 37 ALSIKE CLOVER (Trifolium hybridum) 3.4 0.0-22.0 49 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON PLANTAIN (Plantago major) 1.1 0.0-11.3 34 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.6 0.0-7.7 66 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.2 0.0-36.9 66 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 5.5 0.0-20.0 76 WHITE CLOVER (Trifolium repens) 11.9 0.0-42.3 66 Graminoid CANADA BLUEGRASS (Poa compressa) 1.0 0.0-30.0 5 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 1.4 0.0-35.3 34 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.1 0.0-17.7 32 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 3.5 0.0-48.2 24 TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 3.7 0.0-31.0 66 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 12.6 0.0-57.0 73 CREEPING RED FESCUE (Festuca rubra) 20.5 0.0-58.0 90


Moisture Regime: Subxeric (moderately dry) (3), Xeric (dry) (3), Subhygric (moderately moist) (8), Submesic (moderately fresh) (12), Mesic (fresh) (29)



Slope (%): 31 - 45.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (3), 6 - 9.99 (6), 0.5 - 2.49 (6), 10 - 15.99 (8), 2.5 - 5.99 (12), 0 - 0.49 (17)

Aspect: Westerly (6), Easterly (7), Northerly (7), Level (11), Southerly (15)

Topographic Position: Crest (1), Depression (2), Toe (4), Upper Slope (6), Lower Slope (8), Midslope (15), Level (21)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (6), Imperfectly drained (6), Moderately well drained (21), Well drained (24)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

84

f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) (n=103) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The bracted honeysuckle ecosite is moist and nutrient rich. These sites commonly receive nutrient-rich seepage waters for a portion of the growing season. Morainal parent materials and northern aspects are common and plant communities tend to be high in species richness, cover and diversity. Based on tree growth (site index) the bracted honeysuckle ecosite tends to be the most productive ecosite in the Upper Foothills natural subregion.

Successional Relationships Succession proceeds slowly after disturbance due to the proliferation of grass, forb and shrub cover. This profusion of vegetation cover can make tree establishment difficult and can reduce early growth rates. Tall willows may become established as a tree layer on some of these sites and a willow phase (f6) has been recognized. Once tree seedlings become established, high growth rates can be expected.

Indicator Species Tree BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera Shrub BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata WILD RED CURRANT Ribes triste WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia Forb WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 16.10 0.50 96 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 12.50 0.60 49 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 16.90 0.20 172 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 14.70 0.80 2 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 17.50 0.60 9 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 18.8 1.0 5 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (35), Mesic (fresh) (49)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (7), Mesotrophic (medium) (46), Permesotrophic (rich) (48)


Slope (%): steep slope (1), very strong slope (4), level (11), nearly level (12), very gentle slope (15), gentle slope (16), strong slope (20), moderate slope (21)

Aspect: Level (4), Westerly (19), Northerly (20), Easterly (21), Southerly (27)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Depression (1), Level (7), Lower Slope (9), Upper Slope (10), Midslope (16)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (2), Poorly drained (9), Imperfectly drained (14), Well drained (24), Moderately well drained (52)

Soil Subgroup: MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (4), LUVIC GLEYSOL (4), GLEYSOL (6), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (9), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (14), GRAY LUVISOL (49)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Silt (1), Clay (2), Sandy loam (3), Silty clay (4), Sandy clay loam (4), Clay loam (5), Loam (6), Silty clay loam (9), Silt loam (21)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Loam (2), Sandy loam (3), Sandy clay loam (5), Silty clay loam (7), Silty clay (12), Clay (12), Clay loam (15)



Parent Material: Residual (1), Glaciolacustrine (3), Glaciofluvial (5), Saprolite (6), Rock (8), Colluvial (9), Fluvial (12), Morainal (60)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Very Dry/Fine (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Wet/Peaty (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Coarse (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4), Wet/Mineral (5), Moist/Fine (38)

Humus Form HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), RHIZOMULL (1), TYPICAL MODER (2), RAW MODER (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), FIBRIMOR (5)


cm: 8.43 2.00 20.00 57

85

f1 bracted honeysuckle Pl (n=45) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 37.3 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta [ 1.7 ]SUBALPINE FIR Abies lasiocarpa Shrub [ 16.3 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 9.7 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 3.8 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.3 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE* Lonicera involucrata [ 2.1 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.8 ]WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus [ 1.3 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 1.3 ]BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT Ribes lacustre [ 1.0 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis Forb [ 7.5 ]OAK FERN* Gymnocarpium dryopteris [ 3.7 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 3.6 ]WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 3.4 ]STIFF CLUB-MOSS Lycopodium annotinum [ 1.4 ]COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN Pyrola asarifolia Moss and Liverwort [ 20.6 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 14.1 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis Graminoid [ 6.3 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (6), Subhygric (moderately moist) (10), Mesic (fresh) (25)



Slope (%): steep slope (1), nearly level (6), gentle slope (7), level (7), very gentle slope (7), strong slope (7), moderate slope (9)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (6), Southerly (7), Easterly (12), Northerly (12)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (2), Upper Slope (4), Lower Slope (4), Midslope (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (4), Imperfectly drained (5), Well drained (10), Moderately well drained (25)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (2), GLEYSOL (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (5), GRAY LUVISOL (25)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Clay loam (3), Loam (4), Silty clay loam (5), Silt loam (11)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (1), Loam (2), Silty clay loam (4), Clay (7), Clay loam (12)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Residual (1), Rock (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Saprolite (4), Fluvial (6), Morainal (31)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Very Dry/Sandy (1), Dry/Fine (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3), Wet/Mineral (4), Moist/Fine (16)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), RHIZOMULL (1), TYPICAL MODER (2), FIBRIMOR (2)


cm: 7.00 3.00 12.00 27

86

ufe26 Pl/Green alder/Fern (n=24) (Pinus contorta/Alnus crispa/Gymnocarpium dryopteris) A similar community type is described by Beckingham (1996) as a Pl/green alder-river alder/fern type. The presence of green alder, fern, cow parsnip and horsetails indicates a high moisture availability, likely found near natural drainages.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f1 bracted honeysuckle Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 32.0 0.0-65.0 96 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 1.1 0.0-8.0 29 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.5 0.0-29.0 54 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 9.5 0.0-50.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 1.8 0.0-8.0 79 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 2.6 0.0-20.0 58 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.6 0.0-20.0 54 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 3.5 0.0-15.0 50 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.6 0.0-15.0 92 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 7.5 0.0-52.0 96 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 18.6 0.0-90.0 83 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 3.5 0.0-20.0 79 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 1.2 0.0-8.0 38 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.9 1.0-15.0 100 OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 5.5 0.0-40.0 75 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 2.4 0.0-18.0 83 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 2.7 0.0-20.0 63 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 12.3 1.0-80.0 100 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.6 0.0-29.0 33 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 5.7 0.0-70.0 79 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 7.8 0.0-29.0 71 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 17.8 0.0-70.0 92


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (4), Subhygric (moderately moist) (6), Mesic (fresh) (12)



Slope (%): 46 - 70.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 0 - 0.49 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (3), 6 - 9.99 (4), 16 - 30.99 (5), 10 - 15.99 (5)

Aspect: Westerly (3), Southerly (4), Easterly (6), Northerly (8)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (3), Poorly drained (3), Well drained (6), Moderately well drained (12)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (8)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Loam (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silt loam (5)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (3), Clay loam (8)



Parent Material: Residual (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Rock (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Saprolite (4), Fluvial (4), Morainal (20)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Wet/Mineral (3), Moist/Fine (7)

Humus Form RHIZOMULL (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (2)


cm: 7.00 3.00 12.00 11

87

ufe3 Pl/Bracted honeysuckle/Fern/Feather moss (n=20) (Pinus contorta/Lonicera involcrata/Gymnocarpium dryopteris/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type combines the fern/feather moss (e1.2) from the Southwestern field guide (Archibald et al. 1996) and community types bracted honeysuckle (f1.2), fir/fern/feather moss (f1.3) and fern/feather moss (f1.4) from the West-Central ecosite guide (Beckingham et al. 1996). This community type can be dominated by willow, bracted honeysuckle or saskatoon in the understory. The moisture regime tends to be subhygric and the community tends to be richer than the modal ecological site. Herbaceous plants are scarce in the understory of this community type


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f1 bracted honeysuckle Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.1 0.0-30.0 25 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 36.2 0.0-63.0 95 Understory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 1.8 0.0-10.0 30 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 3.4 0.0-25.0 35 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 4.0 0.0-25.0 55 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.3 0.0-10.8 55 TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 1.5 0.0-18.0 30 DEVIL'S-CLUB (Oplopanax horridum) 1.8 0.0-35.0 10 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.0 0.0-12.0 70 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 2.7 0.0-18.0 35 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 2.7 0.0-15.0 35 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) BROAD SPINULOSE SHIELD FERN (Dryopteris assimilis) 1.6 0.0-30.0 15 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.9 0.0-32.0 25 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 3.4 0.0-35.0 35 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.5 0.0-25.0 80 OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 9.5 0.0-40.0 65 Low Forb (< 30 cm) STIFF CLUB-MOSS (Lycopodium annotinum) 3.9 0.0-18.0 55 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.9 0.0-25.0 90 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.7 0.0-90.0 80 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 11.3 0.0-35.0 75 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 22.7 0.0-70.0 80





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

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (3), Southerly (3), Northerly (4), Easterly (5)

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


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (5), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (5)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Loam (2), Clay loam (2), Silt loam (6)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay loam (2), Clay (4), Clay loam (4)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Rock (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Fluvial (2), Morainal (11)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Sandy (1), Dry/Fine (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Fine (9)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)


cm: 7.00 4.00 11.00 13

88

f2 bracted honeysuckle Pb (n=16) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 32.4 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 15.1 ]BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera Shrub [ 9.4 ]GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 5.6 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 2.6 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 2.1 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata Forb [ 9.1 ]WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 6.8 ]OAK FERN Gymnocarpium dryopteris [ 5.0 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 3.3 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 2.8 ]BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 2.6 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 1.5 ]RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra [ 1.4 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 1.2 ]LADY FERN* Athyrium filix-femina [ 1.1 ]SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus Graminoid [ 17.7 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 3.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.6 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum




Slope (%): very gentle slope (1), very strong slope (2), moderate slope (3), gentle slope (4), strong slope (5)


Topographic Position:Depression (1), Lower Slope (2), Midslope (3), Upper Slope (5)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (1), Well drained (5), Moderately well drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), GRAY LUVISOL (6)

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

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (9)

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (1), Moist/Fine (4)

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), FIBRIMOR (2)


cm: 9.50 5.00 20.00 7

89

ufd11 Pb-Aw/Green alder/Fern (n=3) (Populus balsamifera/Alnus crispa/Polypodiaceae) This community type is a transition between two community types described by Beckingham et al (1996), i.e. Aw-Pb/bracted honeysuckle/fern and Aw-Pb/green alder-river alder/fern. These community types are persistent on mid to low slopes and receive nutrient-rich seepage waters. Forage production on this type is only moderate. A large component of the total production is coming from shrubs, of which the largest component is alder. Since alder is unpalatable to livestock there is little remaining forage left.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f2 bracted honeysuckle Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 13.3 0.0-35.0 67 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 35.0 25.0-50.0 100 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 8.3 0.0-20.0 67 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 10.6 2.0-15.0 100 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY (Ribes oxyacanthoides) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 2.3 2.0-3.0 100 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.6 2.0-10.0 100 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 8.0 2.0-15.0 100 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 8.3 0.0-20.0 67 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 5.0 5.0-5.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.6 1.0-5.0 100 RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 3.0 1.0-7.0 100 OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 13.6 0.0-40.0 67 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 18.3 0.0-35.0 67 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD LILY-OF-THE-VALLEY (Maianthemum canadense) 2.0 0.0-5.0 67 HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 2.6 0.0-7.0 67 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.3 2.0-7.0 100 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 5.6 0.0-15.0 67 COMMON PINK WINTERGREEN (Pyrola asarifolia) 5.6 0.0-15.0 67 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 25.0 5.0-60.0 100


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



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


Topographic Position: Upper Slope (2)

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

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

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

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



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

Soil Type: Very Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Fine (2)

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


cm: 9.00 6.00 13.00 3

Comment:

90

ufd5 Pb-Aw/Rose/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (n=13) (Populus balsamifera-Populus tremuloides/Rosa acicularis/Calamagrostis canadensis) This community type was described on a south facing slope in the Solomon valley west of Hinton and observed near Fall Creek and Upper James west of Rocky Mountain House. This community type is scattered throughout the valleys in small isolated areas. It appears to have a slightly higher moisture regime than the bearberry, hairy wildrye and buffaloberry dominated community types previously described. The dominance of marsh reedgrass, lady fern, cow parsnip and balsam poplar indicates that some nutrient rich seepage occurs at some point in the growing season. Often this community type was located adjacent to Kentucky bluegrass-timothy dominated meadows (UFC8).


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f2 bracted honeysuckle Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 14.2 0.0-80.0 54 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 24.1 0.0-70.0 85 Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 4.6 0.0-30.0 54 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 3.0 0.0-10.0 69 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 3.0 0.0-25.0 23 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 2.1 0.0-10.0 54 LADY FERN (Athyrium filix-femina) 2.3 0.0-20.0 23 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 2.8 0.0-10.0 85 WILD WHITE GERANIUM (Geranium richardsonii) 2.9 0.0-8.0 69 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 3.1 0.0-12.5 77 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.5 0.0-20.0 46 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 3.6 0.0-20.0 77 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.8 0.0-10.0 92 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 6.3 0.0-25.0 69 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.9 0.0-30.0 85 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3.0 0.0-10.0 69 WESTERN CANADA VIOLET (Viola canadensis) 5.6 0.0-35.0 46 Graminoid SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 3.0 0.0-21.7 23 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 7.9 0.0-25.0 62 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 9.7 0.0-30.3 77


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Hygric (moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (8)



Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (2), 31 - 45.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (3), 16 - 30.99 (5)


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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Well drained (5), Moderately well drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL HUMIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (3)

Surface Texture: Clay (1), Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (1)

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (7)

Soil Type: Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (1), Moist/Fine (2)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)


cm: 10.00 5.00 20.00 4

91

f3 bracted honeysuckle Pb-Sw-Pl (n=15) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 18.7 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta [ 14.7 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides [ 4.8 ]BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera [ 4.1 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca Shrub [ 21.0 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 9.7 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 8.7 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 8.3 ]DEWBERRY Rubus pubescens [ 5.7 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 3.7 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata Forb [ 7.0 ]OAK FERN Gymnocarpium dryopteris [ 6.2 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 5.5 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 3.2 ]WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis [ 2.7 ]HEART-LEAVED ARNICA Arnica cordifolia [ 2.4 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 2.1 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.6 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 1.1 ]RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY Actaea rubra Moss and Liverwort [ 6.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 6.7 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 5.5 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis




Slope (%): gentle slope (1), level (1), very strong slope (1), very gentle slope (2), nearly level (3), strong slope (4), moderate slope (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (2), Westerly (3), Southerly (4), Easterly (5)

Topographic Position:Level (1), Midslope (2)


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (10)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Colluvial (3), Rock (3), Morainal (10)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (8)

Humus Form


cm: 8.00 4.00 12.00 9

92

ufd12 Pb-Aw-Sw-Pl/Green alder/Fern (n=14) (Populus balsamifera-P. tremuloides-Picea glauca-Pinus Contorta/Alnus crispa/Gymnocarpium dryopteris) This community type is similar to Aw-Sw-Pl/bracted honeysuckle/fern type described by Beckingham et al (1996). It is characterized by a higher moisture-nutrient relative to the modal type for the Upper Foothills, as indicated by the predominance of Pb, fern, and bracted honeysuckle. With succession this community may progress to a Sw/bracted honeysuckle/fern and eventually to a Sw/moss type.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f3 bracted honeysuckle Pb-Sw-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 4.1 0.0-25.0 36 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 4.8 0.0-18.0 43 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 10.0 0.0-30.0 64 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 18.7 0.0-48.0 79 Understory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 4.7 0.0-45.0 50 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 10.8 0.0-60.0 64 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 3.7 0.0-10.0 93 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 5.7 0.0-30.0 93 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 8.7 1.0-18.0 100 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 10.2 0.0-60.0 57 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DEWBERRY (Rubus pubescens) 8.3 1.0-25.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.6 0.0-6.0 43 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 2.4 0.0-10.0 43 WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 3.2 0.0-10.0 64 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.5 0.0-12.0 93 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.2 1.0-20.0 100 OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 7.0 0.0-50.0 64 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 2.7 0.0-12.0 71 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 9.7 0.0-40.0 86 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 5.5 0.0-30.0 86 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 6.7 0.0-42.0 29





Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 16 - 30.99 (4), 10 - 15.99 (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (2), Westerly (3), Southerly (3), Easterly (4)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (2), Moderately well drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (5)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy clay (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Saprolite (1), Fluvial (1), Rock (3), Colluvial (3), Morainal (10)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (8)

Humus Form


cm: 8.00 4.00 12.00 9

93

f4 bracted honeysuckle Sw (n=15) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 27.5 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 7.9 ]SUBALPINE FIR Abies lasiocarpa [ 3.4 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub [ 13.1 ]SILVERBERRY Elaeagnus commutata [ 6.5 ]GREEN ALDER Alnus crispa [ 6.1 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 4.0 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata [ 3.4 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa [ 2.9 ]COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 2.4 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis Forb [ 9.1 ]UNDIFFERENTIATED LOCOWEED Oxytropis [ 7.4 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 5.8 ]ALPINE HEDYSARUM Hedysarum alpinum [ 4.4 ]COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum [ 4.1 ]MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD Solidago spathulata Moss and Liverwort [ 11.1 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 10.1 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 9.3 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 13.5 ]BEAUTIFUL SEDGE Carex concinna [ 7.7 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 3.3 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (4), Subhygric (moderately moist) (9)



Slope (%): moderate slope (1), nearly level (1), strong slope (1), very strong slope (1), gentle slope (3), level (3), very gentle slope (3)

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

Topographic Position:Midslope (2), Level (3)

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

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), GLEYSOL (3), GRAY LUVISOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (4)

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

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Fluvial (3), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Moist/Fine (6)

Humus Form


cm: 9.00 2.00 20.00 9

94

ufe27 Sw/Green alder/Fern/Feather moss (n=12) (Picea glauca/Gymnocarpium dryopteris/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type maybe dominated by alder or fern/feather moss in the understory. This community type is a combination of Beckingham et al. (1996) (f4.1) green alder/fern, (f4.2) bracted honeysuckle/fern, (f4.3) fir/fern/feather moss and (f4.4) fern/feather moss community types in the West-Central ecosite guide. This community type seems to form on level to sloping sites that have some underground seepage. The underground seepage makes this community type fairly moist and nutrient rich. The high amount of moisture allows green alder and fern to proliferate.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f4 bracted honeysuckle Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ENGELMANN X WHITE SPRUCE (Picea engelmannii x glauca) 3.7 0.0-30.0 17 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 6.9 0.0-25.0 75 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 8.2 0.0-63.0 33 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 24.5 0.0-60.0 83 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.1 0.0-10.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 2.8 0.0-12.0 75 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 5.5 0.0-22.0 75 BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT (Ribes lacustre) 5.8 0.0-22.0 75 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 7.6 0.0-22.0 67 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 8.0 0.0-22.0 83 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 8.1 0.0-32.0 75 BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 8.7 0.0-52.0 25 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 13.1 0.0-52.0 91 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 1.8 0.0-15.0 50 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 8.8 0.0-52.0 67 Low Forb (< 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 1.8 0.0-6.0 75 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 4.9 1.0-18.0 100 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.6 0.0-40.0 67 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 18.7 0.0-42.0 92 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 18.9 0.0-75.0 92 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 20.3 0.0-42.0 92


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (4), Subhygric (moderately moist) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Permesotrophic (rich) (7)


Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 31 - 45.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (3), 6 - 9.99 (3)

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


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

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (2), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (3)

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

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



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Moist/Fine (6)

Humus Form


cm: 9.00 2.00 20.00 9

95

ufe28 Sw/Silverberry (fluvial) (n=3) (Picea glauca/Elaeagnus commutata) This community type is found on fluvial sites with gravelly soils and shallow slopes and is similar to the silver-berry ecosite described by Archibald et al. (1996) in the Southwestern field guide. Sub-surface flow through coarse substrate provides habitat suitable for species whose roots can reach groundwater (spruce, silverberry). However, the surface is subxeric characterized by yellow mountain avens. In the absence of disturbance the yellow mountain avens dominated community types will succeed to this community type.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f4 bracted honeysuckle Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.6 0.0-15.0 67 Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.3 0.0-7.0 33 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.0 0.0-30.0 67 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 6.0 5.0-10.0 100 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) GROUND JUNIPER (Juniperus communis) 3.3 0.0-5.0 67 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 4.2 0.0-12.7 33 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 4.9 2.0-10.0 100 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 5.9 1.0-10.0 100 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 6.8 0.6-10.0 100 SILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 26.2 23.7-30.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 LEAFY-BRACTED ASTER (Aster subspicatus) 3.3 0.0-10.0 33 ALSIKE CLOVER (Trifolium hybridum) 4.5 0.0-13.6 33 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 11.6 0.0-30.0 67 Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.0 0.0-2.0 67 MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD (Solidago spathulata) 8.3 0.0-15.0 67 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 14.9 7.0-20.0 100 UNDIFFERENTIATED LOCOWEED (Oxytropis) 18.3 0.0-30.0 67 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 15.5 6.7-30.0 100 BEAUTIFUL SEDGE (Carex concinna) 27.0 0.0-56.0 67 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 3.3 0.0-10.0 33


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



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1)

Aspect: Easterly (1)



Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material: Fluvial (2)

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

96

f5 bracted honeysuckle Fa (n=9) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 18.4 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 28.0 ]SUBALPINE FIR* Abies lasiocarpa [ 7.0 ]BALSAM FIR* Abies balsamea Shrub [ 8.2 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 8.0 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 6.6 ]DWARF BRAMBLE Rubus pedatus [ 2.1 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 1.8 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.6 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata [ 1.5 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule Forb [ 4.8 ]WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 2.4 ]MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense [ 1.8 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata Moss and Liverwort [ 31.0 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 19.6 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi Graminoid [ 4.7 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (7)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), nearly level (1), very gentle slope (2), strong slope (2), moderate slope (3)

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

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

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

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

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silt (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (2)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (3)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Rock (1), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Fine (4)

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


cm: 9.00 4.00 14.00 5

97

ufe29 Fa/Fern/Feather moss (n=9) (Abies lasiocarpa/Gymnocarpium dryopteris/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type is dominated by fern and feather moss in the understory and is successionally more advanced than the Sw/Green alder/Fern/Feather moss (UFE27) community type. This community type is similar to Beckingham et al. (1996) (f5.1) fir/fern/feather moss community type, in the West-Central ecosite guide. This community type seems to form on level to sloping sites that have some underground seepage. The underground seepage makes this community type fairly moist and nutrient rich.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f5 bracted honeysuckle Fa

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 3.6 0.0-25.0 22 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 15.7 0.0-45.0 56 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 18.4 0.0-63.0 78 Understory Tree BALSAM FIR (Abies balsamea) 3.4 0.0-18.0 22 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 1.5 0.0-8.0 56 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 1.6 0.0-7.0 44 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.8 0.0-8.0 89 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.1 0.0-15.0 56 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 8.2 1.0-30.0 100 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 12.3 0.0-46.0 56 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DWARF BRAMBLE (Rubus pedatus) 6.6 0.0-30.0 78 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.8 0.0-5.0 89 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 2.4 0.0-20.0 22 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 4.8 0.0-22.0 89 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 8.0 2.0-18.0 100 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 4.7 0.0-20.0 67 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 19.6 1.0-50.0 100 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 31.0 1.0-63.0 100





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

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

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

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

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL FERA (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silt (1), Silt loam (1), Silty clay (2)

Effective Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silty clay (3)



Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Rock (1), Colluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Fine (4)

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


cm: 9.00 4.00 14.00 4

98

f6 bracted honeysuckle-willow (n=3) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 33.3 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 29.8 ]SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 7.6 ]GREEN ALDER* Alnus crispa [ 6.0 ]LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY Viburnum edule [ 5.0 ]RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia [ 2.8 ]WILD RED RASPBERRY Rubus idaeus [ 2.3 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata [ 1.6 ]BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT Ribes lacustre Forb [ 10.0 ]OAK FERN* Gymnocarpium dryopteris [ 5.9 ]COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum [ 4.8 ]COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 2.3 ]WILD WHITE GERANIUM Geranium richardsonii [ 2.3 ]CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING Lathyrus ochroleucus [ 2.3 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.0 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 1.8 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.5 ]BISHOP'S-CAP Mitella nuda [ 1.3 ]WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 1.3 ]FALSE SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina racemosa [ 1.3 ]CLASPING-LEAVED TWISTED-STALK Streptopus amplexifolius [ 1.1 ]WILD SARSAPARILLA Aralia nudicaulis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (3)


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


Topographic Position:Upper Slope (1), Lower Slope (2)


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

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material: Rock (2), Colluvial (2)

Soil Type:

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


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

99

ufb12 Willow-Green alder/Fern-Cow parsnip (n=3) (Salix spp.-Alnus crispa/Gynocarpium dryopteris-Hercleum lanatum) This community type was described on the boundary between the Upper and Lower foothills subregions in the Solomon valley northwest of Hinton. It is very similar to the to the willow-alder/ shield fern-wild sarsaparilla community described by Lane et al (2000) in the Saddle Hills north of Grande Prairie. This community tends to occupy moist nutrient rich seepage areas which favour the growth of willow, cow parsnip, horsetail and fern species. The high cover of willow and alder limits productivity of forbs and grass.


Ecosite: f bracted honeysuckle (subhygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: f6 bracted honeysuckle-willow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 33.3 0.0-60.0 67 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 2.3 0.0-4.0 67 RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 5.0 0.0-15.0 33 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 29.8 0.5-85.0 100 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT (Ribes lacustre) 1.6 0.0-3.0 67 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 2.3 0.0-5.0 67 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 2.8 0.0-8.0 67 GREEN ALDER (Alnus crispa) 5.3 0.0-9.0 67 LOW-BUSH CRANBERRY (Viburnum edule) 6.0 0.0-12.0 67 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD SARSAPARILLA (Aralia nudicaulis) 1.1 0.0-3.0 67 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 1.3 0.0-4.0 33 FALSE SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina racemosa) 1.3 0.0-3.0 67 CLASPING-LEAVED TWISTED-STALK (Streptopus amplexifolius) 1.3 0.0-4.0 33 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.8 0.6-4.0 100 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 2.0 0.0-6.0 33 WILD WHITE GERANIUM (Geranium richardsonii) 2.3 1.0-5.0 100 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 2.3 0.0-5.0 67 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.3 1.0-3.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 4.8 0.0-14.0 67 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 5.9 1.0-15.0 100 OAK FERN (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) 10.0 0.0-30.0 33 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 1.5 0.5-3.0 100


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (3)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (1)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Northerly (1), Easterly (1)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Lower Slope (2)


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

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material: Rock (2), Colluvial (2)

Soil Type:

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


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

100

ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) (n=92) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This ecosite consists of open grasslands and shrublands found in valley bottoms, adjacent to rivers and streams, and on south facing slopes throughout the subregion. The ecosite tends to be mesic to submesic and occurs on loamy, gravelly, fluvial parent materials or colluvial south and west facing shallow slopes. On fluvial floodplains the water table is slightly lower on this ecological site compared to the meadow ecological site, which favours the growth of rough fescue, hairy wildrye and intermediate oatgrass over tufted hairgrass. The soils on these sites tend to have thick Ah horizons.

Successional Relationships Due to the nature of the site grasslands often remain the climax vegetation. In the moister lower slope positions shrubs often dominate the site with succession to aspen and spruce. Disturbance regime, cold air drainage, and competition from a diverse cover of shrubs, forbs and grasses slow or inhibit the establishment of trees. If trees do become established, the rich loamy soils usually result in rapid growth.

Indicator Species Shrub SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa BARCLAY'S WILLOW Salix barclayi BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila COMMON BEARBERRY Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus BOG-SEDGE Kobresia myosuroides FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE Festuca campestris ROUGH FESCUE Festuca scabrella PRESL SEDGE Carex preslii PARRY OAT GRASS Danthonia parryi TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Xeric (dry) (2), Subxeric (moderately dry) (9), Subhygric (moderately moist) (20), Submesic (moderately fresh) (31), Mesic (fresh) (49)



Slope (%): steep slope (1), very steep slope (1), moderate slope (3), gentle slope (6), very strong slope (9), strong slope (9), very gentle slope (13), nearly level (13), level (32)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (6), Westerly (12), Level (18), Southerly (32)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Upper Slope (4), Lower Slope (8), Toe (9), Midslope (15), Level (47)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (8), Rapidly drained (20), Moderately well drained (38), Well drained (50)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), REGOSOL (5), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (10)

Surface Texture: Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (2), Loam (3), Clay loam (4)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (2), Clay loam (3), Loam (3)



Parent Material: Fluvioeolian (1), Lacustrine (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Colluvial (2), Glaciofluvial (4), Fluvial (12)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Dry/Sandy (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4)

Humus Form MULL (1), RHIZOMULL (1)


cm: 3.75 2.00 5.00 8

101

ff1 grassland (n=52) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub [ 5.0 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL* Potentilla fruticosa [ 5.0 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Forb [ 9.2 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum [ 3.4 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 2.2 ]LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED Oxytropis monticola [ 2.2 ]UNDIFFERENTIATED ANEMONE Anemone [ 1.5 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.3 ]EARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED Oxytropis sericea [ 1.1 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.0 ]GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL Potentilla gracilis [ 1.0 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale Graminoid [ 22.9 ]ROUGH FESCUE* Festuca scabrella [ 6.2 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 4.2 ]PRESL SEDGE* Carex preslii [ 3.8 ]PARRY OAT GRASS* Danthonia parryi [ 3.7 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 3.7 ]BOG-SEDGE* Kobresia myosuroides [ 3.4 ]FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE* Festuca campestris [ 2.4 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS* Deschampsia cespitosa [ 1.8 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex [ 1.1 ]BLUNT SEDGE Carex obtusata [ 1.1 ]FRINGED BROME Bromus ciliatus [ 1.0 ]JUNE GRASS Koeleria macrantha

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Xeric (dry) (2), Hygric (moist) (2), Subhygric (moderately moist) (4), Subxeric (moderately dry) (9), Submesic (moderately fresh) (21), Mesic (fresh) (22)



Slope (%): steep slope (1), very steep slope (1), moderate slope (2), gentle slope (3), very gentle slope (4), nearly level (6), strong slope (9), very strong slope (9), level (12)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (3), Level (6), Westerly (7), Southerly (23)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Upper Slope (3), Lower Slope (5), Toe (5), Midslope (13), Level (19)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (2), Moderately well drained (14), Rapidly drained (14), Well drained (32)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (5)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Silt loam (2), Clay loam (3)

Effective Texture: Sand (1), Loam (2), Clay loam (3)



Parent Material: Fluvioeolian (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Colluvial (2), Fluvial (5)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Dry/Fine (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2)

Humus Form MULL (1)


cm: 4.50 4.00 5.00 4

102

ufa12 Rough fescue-Bog sedge (n=3) (Festuca scabrella-Kobresia myosuroides) This community is very similar to the Bog birch/Rough fescue-Bog sedge community type described by Willoughby and Alexander (2006) in the Foothills ecodistrict of the Subalpine subregion. Bog sedge is well adapted to growing on dry alpine slopes and rocky ridges in the mountains. Corns and Achuff (1982), described bog sedge dominated community types on windswept ridges in the alpine subregion of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Two sites described in this community type were described at Forty Mile Flats in the Upper Clearwater Forest Land Use zone. They appear to represent the transition from the Upper Foothills to the Subalpine subregion.


Ecosite: ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) Ecosite Phase: ff1 grassland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.4 0.0-3.7 67 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3.7 0.0-11.3 33 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.6 0.0-5.0 33 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 1.8 0.0-5.3 67 Low Forb (< 30 cm) YELLOW FALSE DANDELION (Agoseris glauca) 2.3 0.2-6.3 100 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 2.5 0.0-7.5 33 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.7 0.0-6.3 67 EARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericea) 4.5 0.0-11.0 67 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 15.5 9.7-21.7 100 Graminoid FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 1.2 0.0-2.7 67 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 1.7 0.0-5.1 33 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 4.3 0.0-13.1 33 PRESL SEDGE (Carex preslii) 5.5 0.0-13.7 67 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 6.7 0.0-17.7 67 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 12.2 1.6-22.7 100 BOG-SEDGE (Kobresia myosuroides) 18.9 7.0-37.2 100 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 25.4 0.0-43.5 67


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (3)



Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1)

Aspect:



Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

103

ufa18 Rough fescue-Parry oatgrass-Sedge (n=2) (Festuca scabrella-Danthonia parryi-Carex obtusata) These grasslands are located on lower, south facing slopes. This community represents the transition zone from the lower Montane subregion to the higher Upper Foothills subregion in the Ghost area west of Calgary. The reference grassland plant community in the Montane subregion on deep black soils is a rough fescue, Parry oatgrass dominated community type. Grazing pressure will cause a shift away from a rough fescue, parry oatgrass dominated community to a sedge, Kentucky bluegrass dominated community (Willoughby 1992). These grasslands are fairly moist and have well developed soils which makes them very productive.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 11.5 8.0-15.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 SPREADING DOGBANE (Apocynum androsaemifolium) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED (Cerastium arvense) 1.0 1.0-1.1 100 MOUNTAIN SHOOTING STAR (Dodecatheon conjugens) 1.1 0.0-2.3 50 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.4 1.0-1.8 100 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.5 1.0-2.1 100 HAREBELL (Campanula rotundifolia) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 6.8 1.0-12.7 100 Graminoid JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 BLUEBUNCH WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron spicatum) 3.1 0.0-6.2 50 BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 3.5 0.0-7.1 50 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 4.1 0.0-8.3 50 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 12.5 0.0-25.0 50 PARRY OAT GRASS (Danthonia parryi) 19.2 8.5-30.0 100





Slope (%): 71 - 100.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (1)




Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM REGO (1)





Parent Material: Colluvial (1)

Soil Type: Dry/Fine (1)

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

104

ufa5 Rough fescue-Tufted hair grass (n=8) (Festuca scabrella-Deschampsia cespitosa) This community type is located up slope from the Tufted hairgrass-Sedge community type on drier, better drained soils. The drier soil conditions limit the amount of forage being produced. There was 300 kg/ha less forage produced in the Rough fescue-Tufted hairgrass community type compared to the Tufted hairgrass-Sedge dominated community type. In the absence of fire and grazing this community type will become dominated by willow and bog birch (Willow/Rough fescue c.t.). Heavy grazing pressure also decreases the cover of rough fescue and tufted hairgrass and allows Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion to increase (Willoughby 1992). The dominant plant species on this community are highly palatable and the sites are easily accessible to livestock.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2.4 0.0-15.0 25 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 3.1 0.0-24.3 25 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.2 0.0-4.0 38 YELLOW BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon confertus) 1.2 0.0-10.2 13 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 2.2 0.0-6.0 63 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 2.7 0.0-10.0 50 MOUNTAIN CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla diversifolia) 4.1 0.0-25.0 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) SHOWY LOCOWEED (Oxytropis splendens) 1.2 0.0-10.0 13 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.5 0.0-5.0 88 ALPINE LUPINE (Lupinus lepidus) 1.8 0.0-15.0 13 SLENDER BLUE BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon procerus) 3.0 0.0-9.0 75 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 3.4 0.0-11.0 88 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.5 0.0-25.3 75 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 5.2 0.0-25.3 38 Graminoid PRAIRIE SEDGE (Carex prairea) 1.0 0.0-8.0 13 SPRENGEL'S SEDGE (Carex sprengelii) 1.1 0.0-8.9 13 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.1 0.0-11.7 38 CALIFORNIA OAT GRASS (Danthonia californica) 2.3 0.0-8.0 38 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.5 0.0-6.4 75 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 3.2 0.0-25.0 25 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 9.0 0.0-50.0 50 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 12.3 2.6-29.0 100 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 24.6 2.7-57.0 100


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3)



Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (1), Easterly (2)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (3)

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

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)







Humus Form


cm: 5.00 5.00 5.00 1

105

ufa6 Rough fescue-Hairy wild rye (n=13) (Festuca scabrella-Elymus innovatus) These grasslands are located on mid to lower, south facing slopes with well developed soils. They represent the transition zone from the dry Junegrass/Sage dominated south facing slopes to the moist Rough fescue and Tufted hairgrass dominated community types. Grazing pressure causes a shift away from a rough fescue, hairy wildrye dominated community to a sedge, Kentucky bluegrass dominated community (Willoughby 1992). These grasslands are fairly moist and have well developed soils which makes them very productive. This community type is very similar to the rough fescue dominated communities described in the Ya Ha Tinda, west of Sundre (Willoughby et al. 2003).



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 4.8 0.0-16.7 85 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.1 0.0-7.8 46 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.3 0.0-6.6 77 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1.5 0.0-4.9 77 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 2.0 0.0-5.0 85 STAR-FLOWERED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina stellata) 2.8 0.0-27.7 31 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 5.8 0.0-30.0 46 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 1.4 0.0-5.0 54 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 2.4 0.0-5.6 92 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 2.9 0.0-26.3 31 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3.2 0.0-10.0 62 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 3.4 0.0-10.3 85 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 7.4 0.0-35.0 69 Graminoid KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 1.1 0.0-5.3 46 JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 1.7 0.0-18.0 46 PRAIRIE SEDGE (Carex prairea) 1.9 0.0-24.6 15 FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 2.0 0.0-19.3 46 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 3.0 0.0-19.4 23 PRESL SEDGE (Carex preslii) 5.0 0.0-42.2 31 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 5.6 0.0-18.3 69 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.0 0.0-28.0 77 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 23.8 0.0-58.3 77





Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 46 - 70.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2), 31 - 45.99 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (4), 16 - 30.99 (4)

Aspect: Level (1), Westerly (4), Southerly (11)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Toe (3), Lower Slope (3), Midslope (5), Level (6)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (3)


Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Sand (1), Loam (2)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Fluvioeolian (1), Fluvial (2)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2)

Humus Form MULL (1)


cm: 4.00 4.00 5.00 4

106

ufa7 Rough fescue/Bearberry (fluvial) (n=7) (Festuca scabrella/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community type was described in the Upper Clearwater Forest Land Use Zone and is similar to the Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry community type but lacks the cover of bog birch. Willoughby (2001) felt that bog birch indicated sites with deeper snow accumulations. This community occupies sites that have shallow, well-drained, gravelly fluvial soils. In the absence of disturbance bog birch cover will likely increase to form the Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry dominated community type.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 5.0 0.0-18.7 86 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 18.6 0.0-31.0 86 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1.4 0.0-10.0 29 HIRSUTE FLEABANE (Erigeron lonchophyllus) 1.6 0.0-11.7 14 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 2.0 0.0-7.2 71 Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN FAIRY CANDELABRA (Androsace septentrionalis) 0.6 0.0-4.1 29 TUFTED FLEABANE (Erigeron caespitosus) 1.2 0.0-8.5 29 BROWN-BRACTED MOUNTAIN EVERLASTING (Antennaria umbrinella) 1.4 0.0-10.3 14 CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 1.8 0.0-7.7 71 EARLY YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis sericea) 2.1 0.0-7.1 43 ALPINE GOLDENROD (Solidago multiradiata) 2.7 0.0-16.7 57 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 6.0 0.0-13.7 57 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 6.2 0.0-38.3 57 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 11.2 0.0-26.5 86 Graminoid CALIFORNIA OAT GRASS (Danthonia californica) 1.0 0.0-5.3 29 JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 1.0 0.0-4.0 43 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 1.8 0.0-6.5 43 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.1 0.0-9.0 43 FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 2.4 0.0-7.5 43 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 6.0 0.9-19.0 100 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 8.2 0.0-45.7 43 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 28.2 0.0-56.8 57


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (1), Xeric (dry) (1), Subxeric (moderately dry) (5)



Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Level (1)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (1), Well drained (6)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

107

ff2 shrubland (n=40) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub [ 15.1 ]BEAKED WILLOW* Salix bebbiana [ 12.8 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 4.9 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 4.5 ]COMMON BEARBERRY* Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [ 4.5 ]DWARF BIRCH* Betula pumila [ 4.0 ]BARCLAY'S WILLOW* Salix barclayi [ 2.9 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 9.5 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum [ 6.6 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.6 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum [ 2.5 ]SHOWY ASTER Aster conspicuus [ 2.2 ]WILD VETCH Vicia americana [ 2.2 ]LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED Oxytropis monticola [ 1.8 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus Graminoid [ 12.1 ]HAIRY WILD RYE* Elymus innovatus [ 9.2 ]ROUGH FESCUE* Festuca scabrella [ 4.8 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex [ 4.1 ]INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS Danthonia intermedia [ 3.6 ]PRESL SEDGE Carex preslii [ 1.2 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa [ 1.2 ]JUNE GRASS Koeleria macrantha [ 1.1 ]BLUEBUNCH FESCUE Festuca idahoensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (10), Subhygric (moderately moist) (16), Mesic (fresh) (27)



Slope (%): moderate slope (1), gentle slope (3), nearly level (7), very gentle slope (9), level (20)

Aspect: Easterly (3), Westerly (5), Southerly (9), Level (12)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Lower Slope (3), Toe (4), Level (28)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (5)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Loam (2)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1)



Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Fluvial (7)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (0), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Dry/Sandy (2)



cm: 3.00 2.00 4.00 4

108

ufb4 Willow-Bog birch/Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye (n=2) (Salix bebbiana-Betula glandulosa/Festuca scabrella-Elymus innovatus) This community type was described by Bork (1994) in Willmore Wilderness Park. Bork felt this community type originated from recent shrub encroachment onto rough fescue-hairy wildrye dominated grasslands. Continued shrub expansion will result in decreasing forage productivity. Bork also felt that fescue will be replaced by wheatgrass and sedge plant species that are better adapted to shading and competition from adjacent shrubs.


Ecosite: ff rough fescue-hairy wildrye (mesic/rich) Ecosite Phase: ff2 shrubland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SILVERBERRY (Elaeagnus commutata) 5.1 0.0-10.3 50 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 15.0 0.0-30.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SANDBAR WILLOW (Salix exigua) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2.6 0.3-5.0 100 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 30.3 20.0-40.7 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 2.6 0.3-5.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 3.5 0.0-7.1 50 MOUNTAIN CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla diversifolia) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 SHOWY ASTER (Aster conspicuus) 7.5 0.0-15.0 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) CUT-LEAVED ANEMONE (Anemone multifida) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 MOUNTAIN GOLDENROD (Solidago spathulata) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.7 0.4-5.0 100 LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 17.5 0.0-35.0 50 Graminoid TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 1.9 0.0-3.8 50 UNDIFFERENTIATED RUSH (Juncus) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 N/A (Festuca altaica) 3.0 0.0-6.0 50 NORTHERN REED GRASS (Calamagrostis inexpansa) 3.7 0.0-7.5 50 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 WHEAT GRASS SPECIES (Agropyron) 5.0 0.0-10.0 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 15.0 0.0-30.0 50





Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2)

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

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

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

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



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


Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

109

ufb5 Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry (n=27) (Betula glandulosa/Festuca scabrella/Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) This community type is very similar to the rough fescue-bearberry (UFA7) type previously described, but it is successionally more advanced. The soils on this community type are fluvial, gravelly, drier and have a poorer nutrient regime than the other rough fescue and tufted hairgrass dominated community types. The lack of fire on this community type has allowed the shrub cover to expand, reducing forage productivity for wildlife and domestic livestock. In one study, burning a bog birch/ rough fescue/ bearberry community type twice in 3 year intervals controlled birch growth and increased total forage production by over 40% compared to the unburned control (Bork, 1990).



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 3.1 0.0-24.0 41 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 3.5 0.0-15.5 78 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 11.1 0.0-40.0 78 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 13.7 0.0-71.1 33 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 19.4 0.0-64.7 56 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.2 0.0-6.8 63 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1.3 0.0-6.3 52 ALPINE HEDYSARUM (Hedysarum alpinum) 1.8 0.0-38.3 19 SMOOTH ASTER (Aster laevis) 2.3 0.0-13.0 41 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.4 0.0-15.0 59 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 3.3 0.0-25.8 70 Low Forb (< 30 cm) LATE YELLOW LOCOWEED (Oxytropis monticola) 1.6 0.0-25.0 11 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.6 0.0-10.0 96 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.6 0.0-24.4 82 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 6.5 0.0-50.0 89 Graminoid JUNE GRASS (Koeleria macrantha) 1.1 0.0-12.9 30 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 1.6 0.0-16.3 22 FOOTHILLS ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca campestris) 2.1 0.0-22.3 15 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.4 0.0-20.5 33 BLUEBUNCH FESCUE (Festuca idahoensis) 3.5 0.0-23.6 33 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 4.8 0.0-20.3 74 INTERMEDIATE OAT GRASS (Danthonia intermedia) 5.6 0.0-44.7 56 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 12.4 0.0-48.5 63 ROUGH FESCUE (Festuca scabrella) 19.8 0.0-81.5 78


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (5), Subhygric (moderately moist) (6), Mesic (fresh) (19)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (6), 2.5 - 5.99 (6), 0 - 0.49 (9)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Westerly (3), Level (7), Southerly (8)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Midslope (1), Lower Slope (2), Toe (2), Level (19)


Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2)


Effective Texture: Clay (1)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Fluvial (2)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1)

Humus Form


cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

110

ufb8 Willow-Bog birch/Hairy wild rye-Sedge (n=11) (Salix barclayi-Betula glandulosa/Elymus innovatus-Carex spp.) This plant community similar to the Bog birch/Rough fescue/Bearberry community type (UFB5) but the water table is at a lower depth where the rough fescue roots cannot reach. This community type has been described along the edges of incised creeks where the banks are 3-4 feet above the creek. Continued protection from disturbance will allow succession to shrub and eventually white spruce tree species. The understorey vegetation will be increasingly shaded and forage production will continue to decrease.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 2.8 0.0-10.0 55 COMMON BEARBERRY (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) 5.0 0.0-30.0 46 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 10.9 0.0-60.0 27 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 10.9 0.0-40.0 54 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 22.7 0.0-60.0 82 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.4 0.0-5.0 55 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 2.6 0.0-15.5 55 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.5 0.0-9.1 82 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 4.5 0.0-14.0 82 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 5.0 0.0-13.0 73 Low Forb (< 30 cm) THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 7.7 0.0-40.0 55 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 12.8 0.0-44.3 91 Graminoid TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 1.6 0.0-11.6 36 ROCKY MOUNTAIN FESCUE (Festuca saximontana) 3.4 0.0-22.4 46 CALIFORNIA OAT GRASS (Danthonia californica) 5.4 0.0-36.5 46 PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) 5.9 0.0-35.6 46 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 10.1 0.0-26.7 82 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 10.4 0.0-44.0 54 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 17.3 0.5-50.0 100


Moisture Regime: Submesic (moderately fresh) (5), Mesic (fresh) (7), Subhygric (moderately moist) (7)



Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (10)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Easterly (1), Level (4)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Toe (2), Level (8)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), REGOSOL CUMULIC (2)

Surface Texture: Sandy loam (1), Loam (2)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sand (1)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Fluvial (4)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Dry/Sandy (2)



cm: 2.00 2.00 2.00 1

111

g meadow (subhygric/very rich) (n=248) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The meadow ecosite is mesic to hygric and occurs on fluvial or lacustrine parent materials where flooding and/or high water tables increase soil water content and replenish nutrients. This ecological site is found throughout the valley bottoms in the Upper Foothills subregion and consists of a mixture of bog birch and willow shrublands with open grasslands dominated by tufted hairgrass. The soils on these sites have thick Ah horizons and loamy to clay textures.

Successional Relationships The meadow ecosite is successionally stable. Disturbance regime, cold air drainage and competition from a diverse cover of shrubs, forbs and graminoids slow or inhibit the establishment of trees. If trees do become established, the rich, moist, loamy soils are conducive to rapid growth

Indicator Species Shrub SNOWBERRY (BUCKBRUSH) Symphoricarpos occidentalis SALIX SPECIES Salix BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa Forb COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum Graminoid SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum FRINGED BROME Bromus ciliatus BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis PRESL SEDGE Carex preslii TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (14), Submesic (moderately fresh) (28), Hygric (moist) (36), Mesic (fresh) (94), Subhygric (moderately moist) (144)

Nutrient Regime: Submesotrophic (poor) (3), Eutrophic (very rich) (14), Mesotrophic (medium) (110), Permesotrophic (rich) (208)


Slope (%): strong slope (2), gentle slope (10), moderate slope (21), very gentle slope (54), nearly level (67), level (110)

Aspect: Northerly (15), Westerly (23), Easterly (46), Southerly (53), Level (77)

Topographic Position:Crest (2), Upper Slope (2), Lower Slope (12), Depression (20), Midslope (23), Toe (28), Level (143)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (4), Poorly drained (27), Imperfectly drained (60), Well drained (61), Moderately well drained (179)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), GLEYSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), HUMIC REGOSOL (8), REGOSOL (13)

Surface Texture: Loamy fine sand (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sand (1), Clay loam (1), Silt (1), Silty clay loam (1), Loam (2), Sandy loam (2), Silt loam (3)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy loam (2), Loam (2), Clay (3), Silt loam (5)



Parent Material: Fluvioeolian (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (2), Fluviolacustrine (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (5), Fluvial (25)

Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3), Moist/Coarse (5)

Humus Form HUMIMOR (1), MULL-LIKE MODER (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3), FIBRIMOR (3), RHIZOMULL (3), ZOOMULL (4), RAW MODER (5)


cm: 6.00 2.00 40.00 12

112

g1 shrubby meadow (n=99) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich)

Characteristic Species Shrub [ 13.6 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 10.9 ]BARCLAY'S WILLOW Salix barclayi [ 6.8 ]SNOWBERRY (BUCKBRUSH)* Symphoricarpos occidentalis [ 4.5 ]BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana [ 2.3 ]SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 1.4 ]DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila [ 1.1 ]SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla fruticosa Forb [ 8.7 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 3.4 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE* Thalictrum venulosum [ 3.2 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.7 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 1.8 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 1.7 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.2 ]COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale [ 1.0 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium Graminoid [ 5.3 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS* Deschampsia cespitosa [ 4.7 ]PRESL SEDGE* Carex preslii [ 2.4 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 1.4 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex [ 1.3 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 1.2 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.2 ]WIRE RUSH Juncus balticus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (4), Subhydric (moderately wet) (11), Hygric (moist) (22), Mesic (fresh) (25), Subhygric (moderately moist) (46)



Slope (%): gentle slope (4), moderate slope (7), nearly level (22), very gentle slope (26), level (34)

Aspect: Northerly (5), Westerly (11), Southerly (13), Easterly (15), Level (33)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Lower Slope (3), Toe (6), Midslope (8), Depression (10), Level (42)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (3), Poorly drained (18), Well drained (20), Imperfectly drained (32), Moderately well drained (45)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GLEYSOL (2), HUMIC REGOSOL (3), REGOSOL (8)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silt loam (1)

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



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (3), Fluvial (16)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Coarse (2)

Humus Form RHIZOMULL (1), FIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), RAW MODER (3), ZOOMULL (3)


cm: 4.67 2.00 7.00 5

113

ufb16 Snowberry/Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue (n=2) (Symphoricarpos occidentalis/Heracleum lanatum-Thalictrum venulosum) This community type is transitional between the Lower Foothills and Upper Foothills subregions and represent the succession of snowberry onto the cow parsnip-veiny meadow rue/fringed brome dominated community type. It was described on fine textured, silty soils on fluvial areas west of Hinton. Grazed stands of this community type were also described in the Solomon valley, west of Hinton. Increased grazing pressure generally allows timothy, Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion to increase with a corresponding drop in the cover of cow parsnip, meadow rue and the native grasses and sedges. The high moisture and nutrient regime of this site makes it extremely productive, and once it has been invaded by agronomic species it is highly palatable for domestic livestock. It is difficult to find representative stands of this community type that have not been grazed.


Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich) Ecosite Phase: g1 shrubby meadow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD GOOSEBERRY (Ribes hirtellum) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 2.5 0.0-5.0 50 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50 SNOWBERRY (BUCKBRUSH) (Symphoricarpos occidentalis) 27.5 15.0-40.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LARGE NORTHERN ASTER (Aster modestus) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.0 1.0-1.0 100 WILD WHITE GERANIUM (Geranium richardsonii) 1.5 1.0-2.0 100 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 2.0 2.0-2.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.0 1.0-3.0 100 PURPLE AVENS (Geum rivale) 2.5 1.0-4.0 100 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 6.0 5.0-7.0 100 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 35.0 30.0-40.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 3.5 1.0-6.0 100 Graminoid KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 1.2 0.5-2.0 100 TIMOTHY (Phleum pratense) 2.5 2.0-3.0 100


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (1)



Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (2)

Aspect: Westerly (2)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:




Soil Type:



cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

114

ufb10 Willow-Bog birch/Graceful sedge (n=27) (Salix spp.-Betula glandulosa/Carex praegracilis) This type is very similar to the willow-bog birch/ water sedge community type (UFB1), but the soils are drier and better drained. The drier soil conditions favour the growth of graceful sedge over water sedge.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 5.1 0.0-34.3 22 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 5.9 0.0-35.0 37 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 1.2 0.0-20.0 15 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.7 0.0-10.0 59 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 8.5 0.0-46.1 33 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 21.8 0.0-55.0 90 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1.2 0.0-6.1 56 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.5 0.0-8.5 44 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.3 0.0-11.9 67 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.2 0.0-14.7 59 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.2 0.0-13.0 30 WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 1.3 0.0-6.5 52 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 2.7 0.0-27.4 67 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 2.9 0.0-10.2 82 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 4.3 0.0-30.0 30 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 9.4 0.0-53.3 30


Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Mesic (fresh) (5), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6), Hygric (moist) (9), Subhygric (moderately moist) (23)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (4), 10 - 15.99 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (7), 0 - 0.49 (8)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Easterly (3), Southerly (4), Westerly (6), Level (9)

Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Toe (2), Midslope (3), Depression (4), Level (12)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (2), Very poorly drained (2), Poorly drained (8), Imperfectly drained (9), Moderately well drained (25)

Soil Subgroup: GLEYSOL REGO (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



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

Soil Type:



cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

115

ufb11 Willow-Bog birch (n=23) (Salix spp.-Betula glandulosa) This community type is very similar to the willow-bog birch/ sedge c.t. (UFB10), but is successionally more advanced. The lack of fire has allowed continued expansion of the shrub cover. This has restricted access to livestock and lowered forage productivity.



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 1.5 0.0-35.0 17 SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.6 0.0-8.1 52 FLAT-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix planifolia) 2.3 0.0-20.0 22 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 4.2 0.0-40.0 14 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 4.7 0.0-70.0 13 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 18.6 0.0-85.0 46 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 21.3 0.0-75.0 81 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.4 0.0-7.5 65 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.6 0.0-9.1 61 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.9 0.0-5.7 78 LARGE-LEAVED YELLOW AVENS (Geum macrophyllum) 2.1 0.0-25.3 30 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.7 0.0-16.5 44 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 1.7 0.0-8.0 91 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 3.3 0.0-14.2 65 Graminoid GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 1.0 0.0-5.8 22 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.4 0.0-30.0 30 WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 1.4 0.0-10.6 61 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 2.7 0.0-14.9 61


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (4), Submesic (moderately fresh) (4), Hygric (moist) (5), Subhygric (moderately moist) (7)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (2), Mesotrophic (medium) (6), Permesotrophic (rich) (13)


Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (4), 0 - 0.49 (6), 0.5 - 2.49 (7)

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

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Lower Slope (2), Midslope (2), Level (10)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Well drained (4), Moderately well drained (4), Poorly drained (6), Imperfectly drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL GLEYED (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (2), REGOSOL ORTHIC (2)

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

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



Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2), Fluvial (8)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Coarse (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), RAW MODER (2)


cm: 6.00 5.00 7.00 2

116

ufb3 Willow-Bog birch/Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (n=41) (Salix spp.-Betula glandulosa/Deschampsia cespitosa-Carex praegracilis) This community type is found in association with the tufted hairgrass-sedge c.t. (UFA3). Willow and bog birch encroachment into a tufted hairgrass meadow eventually results in this community type. Historically, fire has played an important role in the maintenance of the grassland community types in this subregion. Continued fire suppression will eventually allow willow and bog birch to invade many of these grassy meadows. The encroachment of willow onto the tufted hairgrass-sedge c.t. causes a decline in forage production from 2200 kg/ha to 1200 kg/ha for grass and forb production. Continued protection of this community type from disturbance will most likely lead to the development of a community type similar to the willow-bog birch/ graceful sedge (UFB10) and then to the willow-bog birch shrubland (UF11).



Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 2.6 0.0-58.3 15 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 6.3 0.0-76.7 17 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 9.4 0.0-75.0 70 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 14.2 0.0-85.0 42 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.1 0.0-7.8 66 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.3 0.0-16.5 46 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.4 0.0-15.0 73 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.6 0.0-11.7 63 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 3.1 0.0-19.1 71 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 4.1 0.0-21.5 66 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 6.4 0.0-26.6 63 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.0 0.0-30.2 71 Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.4 0.0-29.0 20 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 1.8 0.0-37.9 20 WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 2.0 0.0-37.2 68 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.5 0.0-33.7 32 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 3.9 0.0-23.1 46 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 6.6 0.0-25.2 71 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 7.2 0.0-37.9 37 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 16.5 0.0-45.3 93


Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (6), Subhygric (moderately moist) (15), Mesic (fresh) (15)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (9), 2.5 - 5.99 (14), 0 - 0.49 (17)

Aspect: Westerly (1), Northerly (2), Southerly (5), Easterly (7), Level (16)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Crest (1), Toe (4), Depression (5), Level (15)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (4), Well drained (9), Imperfectly drained (14), Moderately well drained (16)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (1)

Surface Texture: Loamy very fine sand (1), Silt loam (1)

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




Soil Type: Dry/Silty-Loamy (1), Moist/Fine (1)

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


cm: 6.00 6.00 7.00 2

117

g2 forb meadow (n=19) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 2.9 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 1.0 ]DWARF RASPBERRY Rubus arcticus Forb [ 10.2 ]COMMON FIREWEED* Epilobium angustifolium [ 8.7 ]LONG-STALKED CHICKWEED Stellaria longipes [ 7.2 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 6.6 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 4.7 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 4.3 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 3.2 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE* Thalictrum venulosum [ 2.7 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.0 ]COMMON NETTLE Urtica dioica [ 1.7 ]WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 1.1 ]COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale Graminoid [ 7.8 ]BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis [ 5.4 ]FRINGED BROME* Bromus ciliatus [ 4.9 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 3.7 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 2.2 ]PURPLE OAT GRASS Schizachne purpurascens [ 1.4 ]SILVERY-FLOWERED SEDGE Carex aenea [ 1.2 ]HAY SEDGE Carex siccata [ 1.0 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa [ 1.0 ]KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Submesic (moderately fresh) (3), Mesic (fresh) (8), Subhygric (moderately moist) (10)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), moderate slope (1), very gentle slope (1), strong slope (2), nearly level (7), level (8)

Aspect: Westerly (2), Easterly (3), Level (3), Southerly (7)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Toe (1), Midslope (2), Lower Slope (2), Level (14)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (2), REGOSOL (3)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:




Soil Type:

Humus Form FIBRIHUMIMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), ZOOMULL (1)


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

118

ufa11 Fireweed/Hairy wild rye (Forb meadow) (n=4) (Epilobium angustifolium/Elymus innovatus) This community type is found on moist, lowland sites adjacent to the lodgepole pine and white spruce dominated forests. It represents the transition from the willow and grass dominated riparian areas to the conifer dominated forests. In the absence of disturbance (fire) it appears that succession of conifers into the grassy meadows shifts the species dominance away from a predominant graminoid cover to one dominated by forbs such as fireweed, Lindleys aster and palmate leaved coltsfoot. There is also a shift in grass cover away from tufted hairgrass, rough fescue and sedge species to more shade tolerant grass species, purple oatgrass and hairy wildrye. Periodic burning of this site is required to limit tree and shrub expansion.


Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich) Ecosite Phase: g2 forb meadow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.5 0.0-8.0 50 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 4.2 0.0-10.0 50 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 5.9 0.0-23.6 25 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF RASPBERRY (Rubus arcticus) 2.1 0.0-4.5 75 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.3 0.0-5.5 25 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 1.3 0.0-4.3 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.8 0.0-11.4 75 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 12.2 0.0-26.3 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 19.1 0.0-47.9 75 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 5.4 0.0-13.4 75 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 5.7 0.5-11.1 100 Graminoid BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.1 0.0-4.4 25 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.2 0.0-2.7 50 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 2.0 0.0-4.0 50 HAY SEDGE (Carex siccata) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) 4.5 0.0-15.4 50 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 7.5 0.0-30.0 25 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 8.0 0.7-20.7 100





Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2)




Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:



Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

119

ufa14 Cow parsnip-Veiny meadow rue/Fringed brome (n=7) (Heracleum lanatum-Thalictrum venulosum/Bromus ciliatus) This community type is transitional between the Lower Foothills and Upper Foothills subregions. It was described on fine textured, silty soils adjacent to the Baptiste River west of Rocky Mountain House. Grazed stands of this community type were also described in the Solomon valley, west of Hinton. Increased grazing pressure generally allows timothy, Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion to increase with a corresponding drop in the cover of cow parsnip, meadow rue and the native grasses and sedges. The high moisture and nutrient regime of this site makes it extremely productive, and once it has been invaded by agronomic species it is highly palatable for domestic livestock. It is difficult to find representative stands of this community type that have not been grazed.


Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich) Ecosite Phase: g2 forb meadow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) WESTERN MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum occidentale) 0.2 0.0-2.0 14 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.3 0.0-3.0 71 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.4 0.0-5.1 43 LARGE-LEAVED YELLOW AVENS (Geum macrophyllum) 1.4 0.0-10.0 14 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.6 0.0-7.7 43 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.2 0.0-14.5 43 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 3.5 0.0-25.0 14 COMMON NETTLE (Urtica dioica) 4.1 0.0-20.0 43 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 5.1 0.0-15.0 85 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 5.6 0.5-15.0 100 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 13.3 0.0-25.0 86 Low Forb (< 30 cm) COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 2.2 0.0-14.0 57 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 2.9 0.4-10.0 100 LONG-STALKED CHICKWEED (Stellaria longipes) 17.5 0.0-80.0 43 Graminoid AWNED SEDGE (Carex atherodes) 1.7 0.0-7.3 29 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.8 0.0-8.9 29 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 2.1 0.0-15.3 14 SILVERY-FLOWERED SEDGE (Carex aenea) 2.8 0.0-10.0 29 FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 10.9 0.0-40.0 71 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 14.6 0.0-70.0 43


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (3), Mesic (fresh) (4)



Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (3), 0.5 - 2.49 (3)


Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Level (6)


Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (2)

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:




Soil Type:

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


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

120

g3 grass meadow (n=130) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 1.5 ]VELVET-FRUITED WILLOW Salix maccalliana Forb [ 14.3 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE* Thalictrum venulosum [ 7.1 ]COMMON YARROW Achillea millefolium [ 5.4 ]THREE-FLOWERED AVENS Geum triflorum [ 4.3 ]SLENDER BLUE BEARDTONGUE Penstemon procerus [ 3.7 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.9 ]GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL Potentilla gracilis [ 2.5 ]SILVERY CINQUEFOIL Potentilla argentea [ 2.4 ]NORTHERN BEDSTRAW Galium boreale [ 2.3 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.0 ]COMMON DANDELION Taraxacum officinale [ 0.8 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata Graminoid [ 16.0 ]GRACEFUL SEDGE* Carex praegracilis [ 13.9 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS* Deschampsia cespitosa [ 10.0 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS* Agropyron trachycaulum [ 8.0 ]MEADOW SEDGE Carex praticola [ 2.2 ]KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis [ 1.6 ]BLUNT SEDGE Carex obtusata [ 1.1 ]ROCKY MOUNTAIN FESCUE Festuca saximontana [ 1.1 ]PURPLE OAT GRASS Schizachne purpurascens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hygric (moist) (14), Submesic (moderately fresh) (21), Mesic (fresh) (61), Subhygric (moderately moist) (88)



Slope (%): gentle slope (5), moderate slope (13), very gentle slope (27), nearly level (38), level (68)

Aspect: Westerly (10), Northerly (10), Easterly (28), Southerly (33), Level (41)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Upper Slope (2), Lower Slope (7), Depression (9), Midslope (13), Toe (21), Level (87)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Poorly drained (8), Imperfectly drained (25), Well drained (36), Moderately well drained (121)

Soil Subgroup: DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1), MELANIC BRUNISOL (1), REGOSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (2), HUMIC REGOSOL (3)

Surface Texture: Clay loam (1), Loam (1), Loamy fine sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Silt (1), Silty clay loam (1), Silt loam (2)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Loam (2), Clay (2), Silt loam (3)



Parent Material: Fluvioeolian (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2), Fluvial (4)

Soil Type: Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Fine (2), Moist/Coarse (3)

Humus Form MULL-LIKE MODER (1), RAW MODER (1), RHIZOMULL (2)


cm: 8.00 2.00 40.00 7

121

ufa2 Sedge-Slender wheat grass/Veiny meadow rue (n=3) (Carex spp.-Agropyron trachycaulum/Thalictrum venulosum) This community type is represented by the Cutoff Creek rangeland reference area (Willoughby 1992). The site is dominated by 3 sedge species: C. praticola, C. praegracilis and C. prairea, that are adapted to moist conditions. The presence of small amounts of tufted hairgrass and rough fescue indicates that this site may represent a phase of the Rough fescue-Tufted hairgrass plant community. Past heavy grazing pressure may have shifted the plant community to one dominated by sedge species or this site could be too wet for tufted hairgrass and rough fescue growth. The forage productivity on this community type is good. The drier site conditions compared to the water sedge meadows throughout the growing season allow for easy access by livestock.


Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich) Ecosite Phase: g3 grass meadow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) VELVET-FRUITED WILLOW (Salix maccalliana) 3.1 0.0-9.5 33 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SHRUBBY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla fruticosa) 1.8 0.9-2.7 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LOW GOLDENROD (Solidago missouriensis) 1.2 0.0-3.6 33 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 1.7 0.6-3.0 100 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 2.3 0.0-5.7 67 SILVERY CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla argentea) 5.0 0.0-8.2 67 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 22.3 3.5-36.5 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) FIELD MOUSE-EAR CHICKWEED (Cerastium arvense) 1.1 0.3-2.5 100 YELLOW FALSE DANDELION (Agoseris glauca) 1.7 0.1-4.0 100 ALPINE BISTORT (Polygonum viviparum) 1.7 1.1-2.9 100 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 1.7 0.5-4.0 100 NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 3.6 3.1-4.5 100 SLENDER BLUE BEARDTONGUE (Penstemon procerus) 7.4 6.9-8.3 100 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 7.5 2.6-14.7 100 THREE-FLOWERED AVENS (Geum triflorum) 9.8 3.8-14.3 100 Graminoid FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 1.2 0.0-2.9 67 BLUNT SEDGE (Carex obtusata) 3.2 0.0-9.8 33 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 3.3 1.5-6.6 100 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 12.2 11.9-12.5 100 MEADOW SEDGE (Carex praticola) 16.1 0.0-26.3 67 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 20.3 0.0-32.9 67





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

Aspect: Easterly (3)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1)

Surface Texture: Loamy fine sand (1)

Effective Texture: Silt loam (1)


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material: Glaciolacustrine (1)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1)

Humus Form


cm: 4.00 4.00 4.00 1

122

ufa3 Tufted hair grass-Graceful sedge (n=54) (Deschampsia cespitosa-Carex praegracilis) This community is located on moist sites that are better drained and slightly drier than the pure sedge meadows. Willoughby (1992) found that tufted hairgrass is a common plant species on these lowland sites throughout the Upper Foothills and lower Subalpine subregions. At lower elevations, this species appears to be replaced by Marsh reedgrass. When this community type is protected from grazing for 25-30 years, willow and bog birch expand (Willow/Tufted hairgrass-sedge c.t.) and tufted hairgrass and sedge decline (Willoughby 1992). The decline in graminoid cover also results in a decline in available forage production (2200 to 1800 kg/ha). Continuous heavy grazing pressure causes hairgrass to decline and the site will often be invaded by Kentucky bluegrass and dandelion. Bork (1994), found this c.t. to be the most productive type described in Willmore Wilderness Park. Forage production averages over 2000 kg/ha and can vary from 800-3300 kg/ha.


Ecosite: g meadow (subhygric/very rich) Ecosite Phase: g3 grass meadow

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.0 0.0-13.3 41 WILD VETCH (Vicia americana) 1.3 0.0-18.3 69 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.6 0.0-32.1 46 GRACEFUL CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla gracilis) 4.1 0.0-14.3 80 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 6.2 0.0-31.2 72 Low Forb (< 30 cm) NORTHERN BEDSTRAW (Galium boreale) 1.3 0.0-6.3 82 COMMON DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) 2.3 0.0-25.9 67 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.4 0.0-27.7 63 COMMON YARROW (Achillea millefolium) 6.4 0.0-41.4 96 Graminoid WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 1.0 0.0-28.0 9 KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 1.1 0.0-10.5 41 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 1.3 0.0-30.0 26 WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 1.3 0.0-15.0 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.5 0.0-25.9 30 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 1.7 0.0-23.8 19 CALIFORNIA OAT GRASS (Danthonia californica) 1.8 0.0-25.3 37 PURPLE OAT GRASS (Schizachne purpurascens) 2.2 0.0-30.0 26 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 7.6 0.0-28.6 76 GRACEFUL SEDGE (Carex praegracilis) 7.6 0.0-43.5 46 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 27.9 1.6-78.7 100


Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (13), Mesic (fresh) (22), Subhygric (moderately moist) (32)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (13), 0.5 - 2.49 (16), 0 - 0.49 (25)

Aspect: Westerly (5), Northerly (6), Easterly (6), Southerly (14), Level (18)

Topographic Position: Depression (7), Toe (10), Level (30)


Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1)

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

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silt loam (2), Clay (2)



Parent Material: Lacustrine (1), Fluvioeolian (1), Morainal (2), Fluvial (4)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2)

Humus Form MULL-LIKE MODER (1), RAW MODER (1), RHIZOMULL (2)


cm: 12.00 2.00 40.00 6

123

h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor) (n=60) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description This ecosite has a nutrient-poor substrate with imperfectly to poorly drained soils. Labrador tea, bog cranberry and blueberry are indicative of the relatively acidic surface soil conditions. It usually occurs on fine-textured morainal parent materials where wet soil conditions promote the development of Gleysolic soils. While the Labrador tea-subhygric ecosite has plant community types similar to the Labrador tea-mesic ecosite (d) the subhygric 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 forestry operations occur in months when the soil is not frozen.

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 small component of old residual pine.

Indicator Species Tree BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi


SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 12.20 0.40 10 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.70 0.30 138 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 10.30 0.40 38 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hygric (moist) (13), Mesic (fresh) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (31)



Slope (%): strong slope (4), moderate slope (6), gentle slope (9), nearly level (10), level (12), very gentle slope (18)

Aspect: Level (5), Easterly (8), Westerly (8), Southerly (13), Northerly (15)

Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (3), Lower Slope (3), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (10)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (6), Moderately well drained (7), Poorly drained (17), Imperfectly drained (29)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), HUMISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (6), LUVIC GLEYSOL (16), GRAY LUVISOL (21)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (4), Silt loam (4), Clay loam (4), Sandy clay loam (7), Silty clay loam (8), Loam (14)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay (2), Sandy loam (2), Silt loam (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Sandy clay loam (5), Clay (8), Clay loam (16)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Residual (2), Glaciolacustrine (3), Lacustrine (3), Saprolite (3), Rock (4), Glaciofluvial (6), Fluvial (6), Morainal (30)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Wet/Peaty (2), Wet/Mineral (6), Moist/Fine (24)

Humus Form MOR (1), RAW MODER (1), RHIZOMULL (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (6)


cm: 9.00 1.00 20.00 42

124

h1 Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pl (n=60) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 24.4 ]BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 14.7 ]LODGEPOLE PINE* Pinus contorta Shrub [ 13.8 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 8.0 ]BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.0 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.9 ]COMMON BLUEBERRY Vaccinium myrtilloides [ 2.0 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 1.2 ]DWARF BILBERRY Vaccinium caespitosum Forb [ 1.2 ]PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus Moss and Liverwort [ 36.0 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 22.2 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 17.5 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS* Ptilium crista-castrensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Hygric (moist) (13), Mesic (fresh) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (31)



Slope (%): strong slope (4), moderate slope (6), gentle slope (9), nearly level (10), level (12), very gentle slope (18)


Topographic Position:Depression (1), Level (3), Lower Slope (3), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (10)


Soil Subgroup: HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), HUMISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), GLEYSOL (3), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (6), LUVIC GLEYSOL (16), GRAY LUVISOL (21)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silt loam (4), Sandy loam (4), Clay loam (4), Sandy clay loam (7), Silty clay loam (8), Loam (14)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Silt loam (2), Sandy loam (2), Sandy clay (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Sandy clay loam (5), Clay (8), Clay loam (16)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Residual (2), Fluviolacustrine (2), Glaciolacustrine (3), Lacustrine (3), Saprolite (3), Rock (4), Glaciofluvial (6), Fluvial (6), Morainal (30)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Wet/Peaty (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Wet/Mineral (6), Moist/Fine (24)

Humus Form MOR (1), RAW MODER (1), RHIZOMULL (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (6)


cm: 9.00 1.00 20.00 42

125

ufe30 Sb-Pl/Labrador tea-Bog cranberry/Feather moss (n=60) (Picea mariana-Pinus contorta/Ledum groenlandicum-Vaccinium vitis-idaea/Pleurozium scherberi) This community is similar to the Pl-Sb/Labrador tea community, but is found on more subhygric sites. This community can be dominated by Labrador tea, Tall bilberry or feather moss in the understory. It includes the tall bilberry/feather moss (h1.1), Labrador tea/feather moss (h1.2) and feather moss (h1.3) described by Beckingham et al. (1996) in the West-Central ecosite guide and the bog cranberry/Schreber's moss (f1.1), Labrador tea/Schreber's moss (f1.2) and Schreber's moss (f1.3) community types described by Archibald et al. (1996) in the Southwestern ecosite guide. Succession in the absence of disturbance will be to black spruce.


Ecosite: h Labrador tea-subhygric (subhygric/poor) Ecosite Phase: h1 Labrador tea-subhygric Sb-Pl

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.7 0.0-50.0 88 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 15.6 0.0-63.0 73 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.9 0.0-40.0 77 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) DWARF BILBERRY (Vaccinium caespitosum) 1.2 0.0-10.0 42 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.0 0.0-15.0 67 COMMON BLUEBERRY (Vaccinium myrtilloides) 4.9 0.0-30.0 55 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 8.0 0.0-35.0 83 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 13.8 0.0-60.0 95 Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.2 0.0-15.0 62 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 5.0 0.0-35.0 92 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 17.5 0.0-85.0 82 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 22.2 0.0-90.0 88 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 36.0 0.0-85.0 95


Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (2), Mesic (fresh) (13), Hygric (moist) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (31)



Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (4), 10 - 15.99 (6), 6 - 9.99 (9), 0.5 - 2.49 (10), 0 - 0.49 (12), 2.5 - 5.99 (18)


Topographic Position: Depression (1), Lower Slope (3), Level (3), Upper Slope (4), Midslope (10)


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED DARK (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED (1), GRAY LUVISOL DARK (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL HUMIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMISOL TERRIC MESIC (1), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (2), DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL GLEYED ELUVIATED (3), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED BRUNISOLIC (4), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (4), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (4), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (7), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (15)

Surface Texture: Fine sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (4), Silt loam (4), Clay loam (4), Sandy clay loam (7), Silty clay loam (8), Loam (14)

Effective Texture: Loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Silt loam (2), Sandy clay (2), Silty clay loam (3), Silty clay (4), Sandy clay loam (5), Clay (8), Clay loam (16)



Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Residual (2), Fluviolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (3), Glaciolacustrine (3), Saprolite (3), Rock (4), Fluvial (6), Glaciofluvial (6), Morainal (30)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Wet/Peaty (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Wet/Mineral (6), Moist/Fine (24)

Humus Form RHIZOMULL (1), RAW MODER (1), MOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4), FIBRIMOR (6)


cm: 9.00 1.00 20.00 42

126

i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) (n=35) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The Labrador tea/horsetail ecosite is wet and commonly has a medium to rich nutrient regime. These sites are commonly found on relatively level till. With wet substrate conditions, Gleysolic soils are common and organic matter tends to accumulate. The Labrador tea/horsetail ecosite, as the name suggests, is intermediate in species composition and nutrient regime between the relatively poor Labrador tea-subhygric ecosite (h) and the nutrient-rich horsetail ecosite (j). Along with Labrador tea, horsetails commonly form a blanket over the forest floor.

Successional Relationships This ecosite has only one phase and community that represent an edaphic climax for the Labrador tea/horsetail ecosite. These sites are wet and can become difficult to manage once the tree canopy is removed and the water table rises. After disturbance, they are commonly colonized by hygrophytic species such as willows, marsh reedgrass and sedges.

Indicator Species Tree WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana Forb COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 11.10 0.50 26 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 12.30 0.30 22 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.90 0.50 25 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Hydric (wet) (5), Hygric (moist) (8), Subhygric (moderately moist) (15)



Slope (%): nearly level (2), strong slope (3), moderate slope (4), gentle slope (5), very gentle slope (14)

Aspect: Easterly (5), Southerly (6), Westerly (8), Northerly (10)

Topographic Position:Upper Slope (1), Depression (2), Toe (3), Lower Slope (5), Level (9), Midslope (11)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (4), Imperfectly drained (5), Very poorly drained (6), Moderately well drained (9), Poorly drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (8), GLEYSOL (14)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Mesic (2), Clay loam (2), Loam (2), Silt loam (7)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Mesic (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Silty clay loam (3), Loam (6)


Organic Thickness: >= 80 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (33)

Parent Material: Fen (1), Lacustrine (1), Saprolite (1), Colluvial (2), Fluvial (2), Rock (3), Glaciofluvial (4), Glaciolacustrine (5), Eolian (8), Morainal (19)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Fine (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4), Wet/Peaty (5)

Humus Form HUMIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), MOR (2), FIBRIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4)


cm: 13.50 5.00 30.00 15

127

i1 Labrador tea/horsetail Sb-Sw (n=35) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 34.1 ]BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana [ 14.0 ]WHITE SPRUCE* Picea glauca [ 2.6 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub [ 4.6 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 4.2 ]TWINFLOWER Linnaea borealis [ 3.4 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 2.5 ]BARRATT'S WILLOW Salix barrattiana [ 2.0 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis [ 1.7 ]BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE Lonicera involucrata Forb [ 8.1 ]COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 6.4 ]WOODLAND HORSETAIL* Equisetum sylvaticum [ 3.7 ]MEADOW HORSETAIL* Equisetum pratense [ 1.9 ]PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT Petasites palmatus [ 1.6 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata Moss and Liverwort [ 56.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS* Hylocomium splendens [ 12.7 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 11.0 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS* Pleurozium schreberi [ 2.6 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre Graminoid [ 1.4 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.3 ]SHEATHED SEDGE Carex vaginata

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (2), Hydric (wet) (5), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Hygric (moist) (8), Subhygric (moderately moist) (15)



Slope (%): nearly level (2), strong slope (3), moderate slope (4), gentle slope (5), very gentle slope (14)

Aspect: Easterly (5), Southerly (6), Westerly (8), Northerly (10)

Topographic Position:Upper Slope (1), Depression (2), Toe (3), Lower Slope (5), Level (9), Midslope (11)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well drained (4), Imperfectly drained (5), Very poorly drained (6), Moderately well drained (9), Poorly drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (6), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (8), GLEYSOL (14)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Mesic (2), Loam (2), Clay loam (2), Silt loam (7)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Mesic (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (2), Sandy clay loam (2), Silty clay loam (3), Loam (6)


Organic Thickness: >= 80 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (33)

Parent Material: Fen (1), Lacustrine (1), Saprolite (1), Fluvial (2), Colluvial (2), Rock (3), Glaciofluvial (4), Glaciolacustrine (5), Eolian (8), Morainal (19)

Soil Type: Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Fine (3), Moist/Silty-Loamy (4), Wet/Peaty (5)

Humus Form HUMIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), MOR (2), FIBRIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (4), FIBRIHUMIMOR (4)


cm: 13.50 5.00 30.00 15

128

ufe31 Sb-Sw/Labrador tea/Horsetail (n=18) (Picea mariana-Picea glauca/Ledum groenlandicum/Equisetum arvense) This community type occurs adjacent to lowland boggy areas and is dominated by horsetail in the understory. This community type is wet, with Gleysolic soils and an accumulation of organic matter at the surface. After disturbance this community often succeeds to willow, marsh reedgrass and sedge species. This community type is considered to be successionally mature.


Ecosite: i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i1 Labrador tea/horsetail Sb-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 10.5 0.0-37.0 61 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 23.1 0.0-63.0 72 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 19.5 1.0-42.0 100 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 1.6 0.0-9.0 78 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.5 0.0-18.0 78 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 3.5 0.0-18.0 67 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 3.8 0.0-18.0 72 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 4.4 0.0-29.0 78 BARRATT'S WILLOW (Salix barrattiana) 5.0 0.0-29.0 28 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.9 0.0-8.0 94 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 7.5 0.0-63.0 44 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 12.9 0.0-63.0 67 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 16.3 0.0-63.0 89 Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.5 0.0-8.0 83 BISHOP'S-CAP (Mitella nuda) 2.0 0.0-8.0 94 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.1 0.5-8.0 100 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 6.9 0.0-29.0 78 Graminoid SHEATHED SEDGE (Carex vaginata) 2.7 0.0-18.0 44 Moss PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 1.9 0.0-18.0 28 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 13.3 0.0-45.0 78 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 18.2 0.0-63.0 94 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 46.3 5.0-96.0 100


Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (4), Subhygric (moderately moist) (4), Hydric (wet) (5), Hygric (moist) (5)



Slope (%): 16 - 30.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (2), 6 - 9.99 (2), 2.5 - 5.99 (9)

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

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Depression (2), Lower Slope (3), Midslope (3), Level (6)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well drained (2), Imperfectly drained (4), Very poorly drained (6), Poorly drained (6)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL GLEYED (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (5), GLEYSOL REGO (6)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silt loam (1), Mesic (1)

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



Parent Material: Saprolite (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Rock (1), Eolian (1), Fluvial (1), Colluvial (2), Glaciolacustrine (4), Morainal (9)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (3)

Humus Form MOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (1)


cm: 13.00 10.00 15.00 3

129

ufe32 Sb-Sw/Feather moss (n=17) (Picea mariana-Picea glauca/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type occurs adjacent to lowland boggy areas. 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 but is inhibited due to poor drainage, acidic soils, and oligotrophic conditions (Beckingham 1993). Therefore, this community type is considered to be successionally mature.


Ecosite: i Labrador tea/horsetail (hygric/medium) Ecosite Phase: i1 Labrador tea/horsetail Sb-Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 5.2 0.0-20.0 77 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 13.5 0.0-55.0 82 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.6 0.0-37.0 88 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.3 0.0-15.0 71 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.2 0.0-45.0 77 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 1.6 0.0-15.0 88 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 1.8 0.0-10.0 71 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 2.4 0.0-15.0 41 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 4.6 0.5-15.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.4 0.0-5.0 77 Low Forb (< 30 cm) PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 1.7 0.0-6.0 59 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.4 0.0-20.0 41 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.9 0.0-12.0 94 Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 1.5 0.0-20.0 24 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 7.2 0.0-63.0 59 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 8.7 0.0-50.0 59 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 66.5 25.0-90.0 100 Lichen STUDDED LEATHER LICHEN (Peltigera aphthosa) 1.2 0.0-8.0 77





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

Aspect: Southerly (1), Easterly (2), Westerly (3), Northerly (9)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Well drained (4), Poorly drained (4), Moderately well drained (7)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), GRAY LUVISOL ORTHIC (2), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (3), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (5)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (1), Mesic (1), Clay loam (2), Silt loam (6)

Effective Texture: Clay loam (1), Loamy sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Mesic (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silty clay (2), Loam (4)


Organic Thickness: >= 80 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (16)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fen (1), Lacustrine (1), Rock (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Eolian (7), Morainal (10)

Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1), Moist/Peaty (1), Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Fine (2), Wet/Peaty (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (3)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), MOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (3), FIBRIHUMIMOR (3)


cm: 14.00 5.00 30.00 12

130

j horsetail (hygric/rich) (n=50) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The horsetail ecosite is generally wet and nutrient rich. These sites are commonly found on fluvial parent materials where flooding or seepage periodically replenishes the substrate moisture and nutrient availability. With wet soil conditions, Gleysolic soils are common and organic matter tends to accumulate. The feather moss community type (UFE6) of this ecosite is similar in vegetation composition to the mesic feather moss type. Examination of soils is required for proper classification. Horsetails frequently form a blanket over the forest floor.

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. When the trees are removed, the water table may rise making tree establishment difficult. Shrub, forb and grass species cover often increase dramatically after disturbance and impede tree establishment. White spruce and subalpine fir form the canopy in the climax community.

Indicator Species Tree WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca BALSAM POPLAR Populus balsamifera Shrub BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana SANDBAR WILLOW Salix exigua SALIX SPECIES Salix Forb COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum Moss and Liverwort STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 15.00 0.50 44 SUBALPINE FIR (Abies lasiocarpa) 10.00 0.90 2 LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 14.20 1.00 8 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 12.10 0.80 2 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Mesic (fresh) (8), Hygric (moist) (13), Subhygric (moderately moist) (24)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), very steep slope (1), strong slope (3), moderate slope (4), nearly level (4), very gentle slope (10), level (26)

Aspect: Easterly (3), Westerly (5), Southerly (7), Level (8), Northerly (10)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Depression (2), Midslope (4), Lower Slope (6), Toe (7), Level (17)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (3), Very poorly drained (3), Poorly drained (5), Well drained (6), Imperfectly drained (12), Moderately well drained (18)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (3), GLEYSOL (4), REGOSOL (14)

Surface Texture: Sand (1), Very fine sand (1), Silty clay loam (2), Loam (2), Loamy sand (2), Mesic (2), Sandy loam (3), Fibric (3), Silt loam (5)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Humic (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Mesic (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay (1), Undifferentiated Mineral (1), Silt loam (2), Silty clay loam (2), Sand (2), Loam (2), Loamy sand (3), Sandy loam (3)


Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (2), 0 - 5 cm (31)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Marsh (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Fen (2), Rock (4), Morainal (7), Fluvial (24)

Soil Type: Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Coarse (2), Moist/Fine (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Wet/Mineral (4), Moist/Sandy (4), Wet/Peaty (5)

Humus Form RAW MODER (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), HUMIMOR (2), MOR (2), FIBRIMOR (3)


cm: 10.33 2.00 48.00 17

131

j1 horsetail Sw (n=35) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 25.6 ]WHITE SPRUCE Picea glauca [ 3.0 ]LODGEPOLE PINE Pinus contorta Shrub [ 13.8 ]SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 5.0 ]BARCLAY'S WILLOW Salix barclayi [ 1.9 ]MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia [ 1.4 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis [ 1.3 ]PRICKLY ROSE Rosa acicularis Forb [ 11.2 ]COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 5.5 ]MEADOW HORSETAIL* Equisetum pratense [ 2.8 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.3 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.7 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium Moss and Liverwort [ 7.9 ]GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens [ 3.5 ]KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS Ptilium crista-castrensis [ 2.5 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum angustifolium [ 1.4 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 3.0 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 1.2 ]WIRE RUSH Juncus balticus [ 1.0 ]WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis [ 1.0 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Mesic (fresh) (7), Hygric (moist) (12), Subhygric (moderately moist) (14)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), strong slope (1), nearly level (3), moderate slope (4), very gentle slope (8), level (20)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Westerly (4), Southerly (4), Level (5), Northerly (8)

Topographic Position:Depression (2), Midslope (3), Lower Slope (5), Toe (7), Level (10)


Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), GRAY LUVISOL (2), GLEYSOL (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL (2), REGOSOL (9)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sand (1), Silty clay loam (2), Mesic (2), Loam (2), Fibric (2), Silt loam (4)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Humic (1), Loamy sand (1), Mesic (1), Sand (1), Sandy clay (1), Silty clay (1), Undifferentiated Mineral (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silt loam (2), Sandy loam (2), Loam (2)


Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1), 60 - 79 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (22)

Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Fen (2), Rock (3), Morainal (5), Fluvial (17)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Fine (2), Moist/Sandy (2), Wet/Mineral (3), Wet/Peaty (4)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), TYPICAL MODER (1), MOR (2), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2)


cm: 16.00 2.00 48.00 13

132

ufe6 Sw/Horsetail/Feather moss (n=27) (Picea glauca/Equisetum arvense/Pleurozium schreberi) This community type is generally located next to streams and rivers and generally escape fire disturbance. The lack of fire disturbance has allowed white spruce to succeed and dominate the site. As these stands mature, their canopies close, shading the understory vegetation and allowing moss cover to increase.


Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j1 horsetail Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 3.7 0.0-35.0 22 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 30.3 0.0-63.0 93 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 5.7 0.0-20.0 59 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 1.1 0.0-10.0 37 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 1.7 0.0-18.0 33 PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.7 0.0-25.0 70 TWINFLOWER (Linnaea borealis) 2.9 0.0-30.0 59 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.5 0.0-20.0 74 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 3.4 0.0-20.0 82 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 11.1 0.0-55.0 56 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 17.1 0.0-64.1 78 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 1.2 0.0-5.0 67 PALMATE-LEAVED COLTSFOOT (Petasites palmatus) 2.1 0.0-22.2 63 BUNCHBERRY (Cornus canadensis) 2.9 0.0-30.0 44 Graminoid SHEATHED SEDGE (Carex vaginata) 1.2 0.0-20.0 22 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 1.6 0.0-15.0 59 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.0 0.0-30.0 37 Moss KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 7.1 0.0-63.0 56





Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (3), 10 - 15.99 (3), 2.5 - 5.99 (6), 0 - 0.49 (13)

Aspect: Easterly (2), Westerly (2), Level (3), Southerly (4), Northerly (5)

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Midslope (3), Toe (4), Lower Slope (5), Level (8)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Well drained (3), Poorly drained (4), Imperfectly drained (7), Moderately well drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: DARK BROWN CHERNOZEM REGO (1), GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), GRAY LUVISOL GLEYED (1), REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), GLEYSOL REGO (2), REGOSOL CUMULIC (3), REGOSOL ORTHIC (3)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1), Very fine sand (1), Mesic (2), Silty clay loam (2), Loam (2), Silt loam (4)

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



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Colluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Rock (2), Morainal (4), Fluvial (13)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Dry/Sandy (1), Moist/Sandy (2), Moist/Silty-Loamy (2), Moist/Fine (2), Wet/Mineral (2), Wet/Peaty (3)

Humus Form TYPICAL MODER (1), RAW MODER (1), FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIFIBRIMOR (2), FIBRIHUMIMOR (2), MOR (2)


cm: 16.00 2.00 48.00 10

133

ufe7 Sw/Willow (n=6) (Picea glauca/Salix spp.) This community type is similar to the Sw/ bunchberry/ moss community type, but is found on wetter sites, with poorer drainage. The wetter sites favour the growth of willow in the understory. The high cover of willow and spruce limits the amount of light reaching the understory.


Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j1 horsetail Sw

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree LODGEPOLE PINE (Pinus contorta) 2.3 0.0-10.0 33 WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 17.3 1.0-45.0 100 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 14.0 0.0-50.0 83 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 27.6 0.0-65.0 88 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 1.7 0.0-8.0 50 CANADA BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia canadensis) 1.7 0.0-7.0 50 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 3.8 0.0-23.0 17 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 10.1 0.0-60.6 17 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 1.0 0.0-3.2 50 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 1.2 0.0-4.0 67 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 3.2 0.0-9.1 50 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 5.4 0.0-20.0 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 4.4 0.0-11.6 83 Graminoid NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 1.3 0.0-7.0 33 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 2.0 0.0-10.0 33 WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 2.5 0.0-15.0 17 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 4.4 0.0-10.2 83 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 2.8 0.0-15.0 33 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 5.0 0.0-30.0 17 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 15.8 0.0-60.0 33


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Mesic (fresh) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3)



Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 0 - 0.49 (5)

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

Topographic Position: Depression (1), Level (2), Toe (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (1), Very poorly drained (2), Well drained (2)


Surface Texture: Fibric (2)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Undifferentiated Mineral (1)


Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (1), 0 - 5 cm (2)

Parent Material: Rock (1), Morainal (1), Lacustrine (1), Fen (2), Fluvial (4)

Soil Type: Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (1)

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

134

j2 horsetail Pb (n=11) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 19.9 ]BALSAM POPLAR* Populus balsamifera [ 12.6 ]ASPEN Populus tremuloides Shrub [ 8.3 ]SALIX SPECIES* Salix [ 6.2 ]BEAKED WILLOW* Salix bebbiana [ 1.9 ]RIVER ALDER Alnus tenuifolia Forb [ 19.1 ]COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 10.0 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 5.4 ]WESTERN CANADA VIOLET Viola canadensis [ 4.9 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 3.1 ]WILD WHITE GERANIUM Geranium richardsonii [ 3.0 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 2.4 ]LINDLEY'S ASTER Aster ciliolatus [ 2.1 ]WILD STRAWBERRY Fragaria virginiana [ 2.0 ]MEADOW HORSETAIL Equisetum pratense [ 1.7 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum [ 1.1 ]DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides [ 1.1 ]VEINY MEADOW RUE Thalictrum venulosum Graminoid [ 10.5 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 5.1 ]WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis [ 3.7 ]SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE Carex utriculata

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (6)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (3), Permesotrophic (rich) (6)


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

Aspect: Easterly (1), Westerly (1), Northerly (2), Southerly (3)

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

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

Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), GLEYSOL (2)

Surface Texture: Fibric (1), Silt loam (1), Sandy loam (2)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sand (1), Sandy loam (1)



Parent Material: Marsh (1), Rock (1), Morainal (2), Fluviolacustrine (2), Fluvial (3)

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1), Moist/Sandy (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (1)



cm: 7.50 6.00 8.00 4

135

ufd6 Pb/Willow/Horsetail (n=5) (Populus balsamifera/Salix spp./Equisetum arvense) This community type was described on the flood plains of the Wildhay River northwest of Hinton. This community is not common in the Upper Foothills subregion and likely represents the continued succession of a willow/ horsetail dominated community type (UFB12). Continued succession in the absence of disturbance will likely lead to the development of a Sw/ horsetail dominated community type (UFE6).


Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j2 horsetail Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 1.0 0.0-5.0 20 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 16.0 0.0-35.0 80 Understory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 2.0 0.0-10.0 20 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 2.2 0.0-10.0 40 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) RIVER ALDER (Alnus tenuifolia) 3.0 0.0-15.0 20 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 16.0 0.0-50.0 60 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 13.3 0.0-50.0 60 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 1.2 0.0-4.2 40 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 1.2 0.0-6.3 20 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 3.3 0.0-15.0 60 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 17.6 0.0-70.0 60 Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.8 0.0-9.1 20 WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.1 0.0-6.8 80 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 5.2 0.0-25.0 40 SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 6.0 0.0-30.0 20 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 8.2 0.0-40.0 40 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 11.4 0.0-56.7 40 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 2.0 0.0-10.0 20


Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (1), Hygric (moist) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (2)



Slope (%): 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 71 - 100.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

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

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Crest (1), Level (2)

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

Soil Subgroup: HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (2)

Surface Texture: Silt loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Fibric (1)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sand (1)



Parent Material: Marsh (1), Fluviolacustrine (2), Fluvial (3)

Soil Type: Wet/Peaty (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Sandy (1)



cm: 7.00 6.00 7.00 3

136

ufd8 Pb-Aw/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (n=6) (Populus balsamifera-Populus tremuloides/Heracleum lanatum-Equisetum arvense) This community type is found on moist- rich Gleysolic soils in level and lower slope positions. These sites are characterized by high water tables and will likely succeed to white spruce.


Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j2 horsetail Pb

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 3.3 0.0-10.0 50 BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 12.5 0.0-40.0 50 ASPEN (Populus tremuloides) 24.1 0.0-60.0 67 Understory Tree BALSAM POPLAR (Populus balsamifera) 7.5 0.0-40.0 33 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.3 0.0-10.0 67 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) RED AND WHITE BANEBERRY (Actaea rubra) 2.0 0.0-8.0 67 VEINY MEADOW RUE (Thalictrum venulosum) 2.2 0.0-5.0 83 TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 3.4 0.5-6.5 100 MEADOW HORSETAIL (Equisetum pratense) 4.1 0.0-14.7 33 LINDLEY'S ASTER (Aster ciliolatus) 4.8 0.0-12.7 83 CREAM-COLORED VETCHLING (Lathyrus ochroleucus) 5.2 0.5-10.5 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 6.1 1.0-12.0 100 WILD WHITE GERANIUM (Geranium richardsonii) 6.2 0.0-22.3 67 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 9.9 0.5-25.0 100 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 16.2 0.0-57.5 67 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 20.1 1.0-37.7 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) WILD STRAWBERRY (Fragaria virginiana) 2.1 0.0-7.5 83 WESTERN CANADA VIOLET (Viola canadensis) 10.8 0.0-30.0 67 Graminoid HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 2.0 0.0-5.0 50 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 6.7 0.0-20.0 50





Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 16 - 30.99 (2)


Topographic Position: Lower Slope (1), Level (2)


Soil Subgroup: GRAY LUVISOL BRUNISOLIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy loam (1)



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

Soil Type: Moist/Coarse (1)

Humus Form


cm: 8.00 8.00 8.00 1

137

j3 horsetail Pb-Sw (n=0) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


General Description Currently there are no plots described in this ecological site phase, but it is expected. It was added to the subregion guide because the derived ecosite phase (DEP) dataset identified a number of polygons as mixedwood stands within the horsetail ecological site.

Characteristic Species

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime:

Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:


Soil Variables Soil Drainage:

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

138

j4 horsetail shrubland (n=4) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 27.5 ]SANDBAR WILLOW* Salix exigua [ 8.7 ]BEAKED WILLOW* Salix bebbiana [ 3.7 ]VELVET-FRUITED WILLOW Salix maccalliana [ 2.5 ]DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila [ 1.5 ]NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY Ribes oxyacanthoides [ 1.2 ]BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT Ribes lacustre Forb [ 20.0 ]COW PARSNIP* Heracleum lanatum [ 10.0 ]COMMON HORSETAIL* Equisetum arvense [ 5.0 ]VARIEGATED HORSETAIL Equisetum variegatum [ 2.7 ]TALL LUNGWORT Mertensia paniculata [ 1.7 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum Moss and Liverwort [ 5.0 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre Graminoid [ 32.5 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 3.7 ]HAIRY WILD RYE Elymus innovatus [ 3.2 ]FRINGED BROME Bromus ciliatus [ 1.7 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 1.3 ]AWNED SEDGE Carex atherodes [ 1.2 ]ROUGH HAIR GRASS Agrostis scabra [ 1.2 ]WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (4)



Slope (%): level (4)

Aspect: Level (3)

Topographic Position:Level (3)

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

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL (4)

Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1)




Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIMOR (2)


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

139

ufb17 Willow/Cow parsnip-Horsetail (n=4) (Salix bebbiana/Heracleum lanatum-Equisetum arvense, E. scirpoides) This community type was described at numerous sites near Hinton. It is very similar to the willow-alder//fern-cow parsnip community described outlined in the honeysuckle ecological site. However, this site is slightly moister and is transitional to a fen ecological site. This community tends to occupy moist nutrient rich seepage areas which favour the growth of willow, cow parsnip, and horsetail species.


Ecosite: j horsetail (hygric/rich) Ecosite Phase: j4 horsetail shrubland

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SANDBAR WILLOW (Salix exigua) 27.5 0.0-60.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) BRISTLY BLACK CURRANT (Ribes lacustre) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 NORTHERN GOOSEBERRY (Ribes oxyacanthoides) 1.5 0.0-5.0 50 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 2.5 0.0-10.0 25 VELVET-FRUITED WILLOW (Salix maccalliana) 3.7 0.0-10.0 50 BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 8.7 0.0-30.0 50 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 1.7 1.0-3.0 100 TALL LUNGWORT (Mertensia paniculata) 2.7 1.0-4.0 100 VARIEGATED HORSETAIL (Equisetum variegatum) 5.0 0.0-20.0 25 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 10.0 0.0-40.0 25 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 20.0 0.0-50.0 75 Graminoid ROUGH HAIR GRASS (Agrostis scabra) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 AWNED SEDGE (Carex atherodes) 1.3 0.0-5.0 50 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 1.7 0.0-5.0 50 FRINGED BROME (Bromus ciliatus) 3.2 0.0-10.0 50 HAIRY WILD RYE (Elymus innovatus) 3.7 0.0-15.0 25 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 32.5 0.0-70.0 50 Moss PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum) 1.2 0.0-5.0 25 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 5.0 0.0-20.0 25





Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (4)

Aspect: Level (3)


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


Surface Texture: Loamy sand (1)

Effective Texture: Loamy sand (1)




Soil Type: Moist/Sandy (1)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIMOR (2)


cm: 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

140

k bog (subhydric/poor) (n=14) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The bog ecosite commonly has Organic soils consisting of slowly decomposing peat moss. They are poor to very poorly drained and have a poor nutrient regime. 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 form a sparse canopy on the treed phase (k1) of the bog ecosite. The bog ecosite of the Upper Foothills subregion tends to be more nutrient rich than the corresponding ecosite of the Lower Foothills subregion in part due to more water movement resulting from higher relief in the Upper Foothills.

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 Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea Moss and Liverwort PEAT MOSS Sphagnum Graminoid SEDGE SPECIES Carex


BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.20 0.40 11 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hydric (wet) (6)



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

Aspect: Level (1), Northerly (4)

Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (2), Depression (4)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Poorly drained (4), Very poorly drained (8)

Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), MESISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Mesic (1), Silty clay (1), Fibric (2), Loam (2)

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


Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), >= 80 cm (2)

Parent Material: Bog (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (4), Morainal (6)

Soil Type: Organic (1), Wet/Peaty (2)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (3)

141

k1 treed bog (n=12) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: k bog (subhydric/poor)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 29.0 ]BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana Shrub [ 13.0 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 6.0 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 5.0 ]BOG CRANBERRY* Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 5.0 ]CLOUDBERRY* Rubus chamaemorus [ 3.0 ]DWARF BILBERRY Vaccinium caespitosum [ 2.0 ]BUNCHBERRY Cornus canadensis Forb [ 12.0 ]WOODLAND HORSETAIL Equisetum sylvaticum [ 3.0 ]COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense Moss and Liverwort [ 26.0 ]PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum [ 21.0 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 20.0 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Hygric (moist) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hydric (wet) (4)



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


Topographic Position:Crest (1), Level (2), Depression (4)


Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), MESISOL (3)

Surface Texture: Mesic (1), Silty clay (1), Loam (2), Fibric (2)

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



Parent Material: Bog (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Undifferentiated Organic (4), Morainal (6)


Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (3)

142

ufe5 Sb/Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (n=12) (Picea mariana/Ledum groenlandicum/Rubus chamaemorus/Sphagnum spp.) This community type is characterized by a dominant cover of black spruce and a sparse understory cover. The sites are moist in the spring and dry out later in the growing season. Corns and Annas (1986), found that these forests have a fire origin and can persist for more than 150 years.


Ecosite: k bog (subhydric/poor) Ecosite Phase: k1 treed bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 16.1 0.0-40.0 92 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 9.9 0.0-30.0 83 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 3.9 0.0-18.0 75 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) TALL BILBERRY (Vaccinium membranaceum) 2.0 0.0-15.0 17 BARRATT'S WILLOW (Salix barrattiana) 2.4 0.0-29.0 8 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 3.8 0.0-18.0 92 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 3.8 0.0-32.6 42 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 12.3 0.0-60.0 83 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 4.6 0.0-18.0 67 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 2.0 0.0-15.0 42 WOODLAND HORSETAIL (Equisetum sylvaticum) 8.0 0.0-60.0 58 Graminoid SHEATHED SEDGE (Carex vaginata) 1.0 0.0-8.0 17 Epiphyte OLD MAN'S BEARD (Usnea alpina) 2.5 0.0-25.0 25 Moss PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 1.0 0.0-7.0 17 N/A (Sphagnum nemoreum) 1.6 0.0-20.0 8 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 4.0 0.0-29.0 25 GIRGENSOHN'S MOSS (Sphagnum girgensohnii) 6.2 0.0-70.0 17 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum) 10.0 0.0-85.0 17 KNIGHT'S PLUME MOSS (Ptilium crista-castrensis) 11.2 0.0-43.0 75 SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 17.7 0.0-55.0 83 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 18.2 0.0-70.0 58


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3), Hygric (moist) (3), Hydric (wet) (4)



Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (2)


Topographic Position: Crest (1), Level (2), Depression (4)


Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL TERRIC MESIC (1), MESISOL HUMIC (1), MESISOL TYPIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), REGOSOL GLEYED (1), ORGANIC CRYOSOL FIBRIC (1), MESISOL TERRIC HUMIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2)

Surface Texture: Silty clay (1), Mesic (1), Fibric (2), Loam (2)

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



Parent Material: Bog (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Undifferentiated Organic (4), Morainal (6)


Humus Form HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (3)

143

k2 shrubby bog (n=2) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 10.0 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 8.0 ]BOG ROSEMARY Andromeda polifolia [ 4.0 ]CLOUDBERRY Rubus chamaemorus [ 3.0 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 2.0 ]SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 1.0 ]LEATHERLEAF Chamaedaphne calyculata Forb [ 10.0 ]THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia Moss and Liverwort [ 93.0 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum [ 3.0 ]COMMON HAIR-CAP Polytrichum commune [ 3.0 ]BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus uncinatus Graminoid [ 5.0 ]SEDGE SPECIES* Carex

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (2)

Nutrient Regime:


Slope (%):

Aspect:


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (2)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

144

ufb15 Labrador tea/Cloudberry/Peat moss (n=2) (Ledum groenlandicum/Rubus chamaemorus/Sphagnum spp.) UFB15 is a shrubby phase of a bog, because it has plants plants associated with bog communities (e.g. peat moss species, cloud berry and small bog cranberry). If conditions are favorable for tree growth, black spruce will become prominent changing the plant community to a treed bog (e.g. UFE5).


Ecosite: k bog (subhydric/poor) Ecosite Phase: k2 shrubby bog

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 2.0 1.0-3.0 100 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 3.0 0.0-6.0 50 BOG ROSEMARY (Andromeda polifolia) 7.5 2.0-13.0 100 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50 Low Shrub (< 0.5m) CLOUDBERRY (Rubus chamaemorus) 3.5 0.0-7.0 50 Low Forb (< 30 cm) THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 10.0 0.0-20.0 50 Graminoid NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 1.5 0.0-3.0 50 MUD SEDGE (Carex limosa) 3.0 2.0-4.0 100 RUSSETT COTTON GRASS (Eriophorum chamissonis) 3.5 2.0-5.0 100 Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 1.0 0.0-2.0 50 SLENDER HAIR-CAP (Polytrichum strictum) 3.0 0.0-6.0 50 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 20.0 0.0-40.0 50 MIDWAY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum magellanicum) 25.0 0.0-50.0 50 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum majus) 47.5 0.0-95.0 50


Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (2)

Nutrient Regime:


Slope (%):

Aspect:



Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

145

k3 graminoid bog (n=0) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


General Description Currently there are no plots described in this ecological site phase, but it maybe expected. It was added to the subregion guide because the derived ecosite phase (DEP) dataset identified a number of polygons as graminoid bogs.



Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:



Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

146

l poor fen (subhydric/medium) (n=64) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The poor fen ecosite is intermediate in nutrient regime between the bog and the rich fen ecosites and as such has species characteristic of both. Drainage is poor to very poor, there is some lateral movement of water through the substratum, which brings with it an increased supply of nutrients and oxygen. 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 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 of the poor fen ecosite are stunted and generally considered un-merchantable.

Successional Relationships The hydrarch succession characteristic of this ecosite occurs over a period of hundreds to thousands of years. Thus recovery from disturbance is extremely slow. Changing hydrologic regimes that can result from disturbances 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 through flooding and changes in shrub, forb and grass layers.

Indicator Species Tree BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana TAMARACK Larix laricina Shrub COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila Moss and Liverwort GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens PEAT MOSS Sphagnum angustifolium RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum Graminoid WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis MUD SEDGE Carex limosa TUFTED BULRUSH Scirpus cespitosus


WHITE SPRUCE (Picea glauca) 0.00 0.00 0 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 0.00 0.00 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (11), Subhydric (moderately wet) (16), Hydric (wet) (36)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Eutrophic (very rich) (6), Submesotrophic (poor) (7), Mesotrophic (medium) (11), Permesotrophic (rich) (29)


Slope (%): moderate slope (1), gentle slope (2), very gentle slope (7), nearly level (15), level (28)

Aspect: Southerly (4), Westerly (6), Level (6), Easterly (7), Northerly (8)

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Toe (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Depression (7), Level (15)


Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (4), HUMISOL (4), GLEYSOL (6), FIBRISOL (7), MESISOL (19)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Mesic (10), Fibric (17)

Effective Texture: Coarse sand (1), Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Humic (2), Silty clay loam (4), Fibric (5), Mesic (15)


Organic Thickness: 26 - 39 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (5), 60 - 79 cm (6), >= 80 cm (13), 0 - 5 cm (38)

Parent Material: Saprolite (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Glaciolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (4), Fluvial (5), Morainal (6), Fen (8), Undifferentiated Organic (26)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Wet/Mineral (2), Wet/Peaty (6), Organic (21)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), RAW MODER (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIC PEATYMOR (3)

147

l1 treed poor fen (n=21) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: l poor fen (subhydric/medium)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 21.9 ]BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana [ 7.1]TAMARACK Larix laricina Shrub [ 12.8 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA* Ledum groenlandicum [ 5.9 ]MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix myrtillifolia [ 4.6 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 3.5 ]BOG CRANBERRY Vaccinium vitis-idaea [ 3.0 ]BOG WILLOW Salix pedicellaris [ 2.7 ]DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila [ 1.2 ]SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus Forb [ 4.6 ]COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 1.8 ]THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia [ 1.2 ]DWARF SCOURING-RUSH Equisetum scirpoides Moss and Liverwort [ 17.6 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens [ 15.9 ]RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 10.7 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum angustifolium [ 8.3 ]GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 7.8 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii [ 7.4 ]SCHREBER'S MOSS Pleurozium schreberi [ 2.4 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre Graminoid [ 4.2 ]WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (5), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6), Hydric (wet) (10)




Aspect: Southerly (1), Level (2), Easterly (2), Westerly (3), Northerly (5)

Topographic Position:Toe (1), Depression (3), Level (3)


Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), GLEYSOL (2), HUMISOL (3), HUMIC GLEYSOL (4), MESISOL (8)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Mesic (2), Fibric (7)

Effective Texture: Coarse sand (1), Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Humic (2), Fibric (2), Mesic (4)


Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (1), 40 - 59 cm (4), >= 80 cm (4), 0 - 5 cm (12)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (3), Morainal (4), Fen (5), Undifferentiated Organic (9)

Soil Type: Moist/Fine (1), Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (4), Organic (6)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2)

148

ufe33 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Peat moss (n=21) (Picea mariana-Larix laricina/Betula pumila/Carex spp./Sphagnum spp.) This community type represents a treed poor fen. Labrador tea and peat moss is indicative of poor nutrient status and willow and larch are indicative of slightly richer sites which represents the transitional nature of this community type between and bog and rich fen.


Ecosite: l poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: l1 treed poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 1.1 0.0-15.0 24 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 10.0 0.0-35.0 86 Understory Tree BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 6.5 0.0-30.0 52 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 3.0 0.0-35.0 29 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 1.2 0.0-5.0 62 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 2.7 0.0-10.0 48 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 3.0 0.0-25.0 38 BOG WILLOW (Salix pedicellaris) 3.0 0.0-30.0 19 BOG CRANBERRY (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) 3.5 0.0-25.0 62 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 4.6 0.0-35.0 43 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.4 0.0-40.0 91 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 5.9 0.0-30.0 62 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 12.8 0.0-50.0 91 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 4.6 0.0-40.0 48 Low Forb (< 30 cm) DWARF SCOURING-RUSH (Equisetum scirpoides) 1.2 0.0-5.0 62 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 1.8 0.0-12.0 57 Graminoid WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 4.2 0.0-20.0 62 Moss SCHREBER'S MOSS (Pleurozium schreberi) 7.4 0.0-35.0 57 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 7.8 0.0-60.0 43 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 8.3 0.0-50.0 76 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 10.7 0.0-85.0 38 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 15.9 0.0-85.0 43 STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 17.6 0.0-85.0 57


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (5), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6), Hydric (wet) (10)



Slope (%): 10 - 15.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (4), 2.5 - 5.99 (5), 0 - 0.49 (9)

Aspect: Southerly (1), Level (2), Easterly (2), Westerly (3), Northerly (5)

Topographic Position: Toe (1), Level (3), Depression (3)


Soil Subgroup: MESISOL HUMIC (1), REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMISOL MESIC (1), LUVIC GLEYSOL HUMIC (1), MESISOL FIBRIC (1), MESISOL TYPIC (1), MESISOL CUMULIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (2), HUMISOL TYPIC (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (2), MESISOL TERRIC (4)

Surface Texture: Loam (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Humic (1), Mesic (2), Fibric (7)

Effective Texture: Coarse sand (1), Heavy clay (1), Loam (1), Silty clay loam (1), Humic (2), Fibric (2), Mesic (4)


Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (1), >= 80 cm (4), 40 - 59 cm (4), 0 - 5 cm (12)

Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Fluvial (1), Saprolite (1), Glaciolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (3), Morainal (4), Fen (5), Undifferentiated Organic (9)

Soil Type: Wet/Mineral (1), Moist/Fine (1), Wet/Peaty (4), Organic (6)

Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2)

149

l2 shrubby poor fen (n=35) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Tree [ 3.1 ]TAMARACK Larix laricina [ 2.6 ]BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana Shrub [ 10.6 ]DWARF BIRCH* Betula pumila [ 10.2 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 4.4 ]COMMON LABRADOR TEA Ledum groenlandicum [ 3.7 ]MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix myrtillifolia [ 1.9 ]ATHABASCA WILLOW Salix athabascensis [ 1.5 ]SMALL BOG CRANBERRY Oxycoccus microcarpus [ 1.4 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix Forb [ 1.7 ]COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 1.6 ]BUCK-BEAN Menyanthes trifoliata Moss and Liverwort [ 22.3 ]PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum warnstorfii [ 15.9 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum angustifolium [ 15.5 ]RUSTY PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum fuscum [ 11.9 ]GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 7.6 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre Graminoid [ 5.7 ]WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 2.2 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa [ 1.2 ]NORTHERN BOG SEDGE Carex gynocrates

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (6), Subhydric (moderately wet) (10), Hydric (wet) (18)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), very gentle slope (2), nearly level (11), level (17)

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

Topographic Position:Lower Slope (1), Upper Slope (1), Midslope (2), Depression (3), Level (11)


Soil Subgroup: HUMISOL (1), GLEYSOL (4), FIBRISOL (7), MESISOL (9)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Mesic (8), Fibric (8)

Effective Texture: Fibric (3), Silty clay loam (3), Mesic (9)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2), Fen (3), Fluvial (4), Undifferentiated Organic (15)

Soil Type: Wet/Mineral (1), Wet/Peaty (2), Organic (13)

Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), RAW MODER (1)

150

ufb13 Bog birch-Willow/Sedge/Peat moss (n=35) (Betula glandulosa-Salix spp./Carex spp./Sphagnum spp.) This community type was described on the boundary between the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions in Williams Creek west of Sundre.


Ecosite: l poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: l2 shrubby poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 1.4 0.0-50.0 6 SMALL BOG CRANBERRY (Oxycoccus microcarpus) 1.5 0.0-29.0 57 ATHABASCA WILLOW (Salix athabascensis) 1.9 0.0-30.0 14 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 2.6 0.0-30.0 66 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 3.1 0.0-22.0 43 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 3.7 0.0-20.0 43 COMMON LABRADOR TEA (Ledum groenlandicum) 4.4 0.0-60.0 46 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 10.2 0.0-80.0 43 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 10.6 0.0-80.0 57 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 1.7 0.0-29.0 26 Low Forb (< 30 cm) BUCK-BEAN (Menyanthes trifoliata) 1.6 0.0-15.0 20 Graminoid NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 1.2 0.0-15.0 34 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 2.2 0.0-65.0 29 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 5.7 0.0-30.0 74 Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 7.6 0.0-45.0 89 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 11.9 0.0-45.0 80 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 15.5 0.0-90.0 37 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 15.9 0.0-95.0 43 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 22.3 0.0-88.0 66


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (6), Subhydric (moderately wet) (10), Hydric (wet) (18)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 2.5 - 5.99 (2), 0.5 - 2.49 (11), 0 - 0.49 (17)

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

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Lower Slope (1), Midslope (2), Depression (3), Level (11)


Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL MESIC (1), MESISOL HYDRIC (1), HUMISOL MESIC (1), FIBRISOL TERRIC MESIC (1), FIBRISOL TERRIC (2), MESISOL TERRIC (3), FIBRISOL TYPIC (3), GLEYSOL REGO (4), MESISOL TYPIC (5)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Fibric (8), Mesic (8)

Effective Texture: Silty clay loam (3), Fibric (3), Mesic (9)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Morainal (2), Fen (3), Fluvial (4), Undifferentiated Organic (15)


Humus Form RAW MODER (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1)

151

l3 graminoid poor fen (n=8) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 1.6 ]DWARF RASPBERRY Rubus arcticus Forb [ 2.1 ]BUCK-BEAN Menyanthes trifoliata [ 2.0 ]THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL Smilacina trifolia [ 1.8 ]FLAT-LEAVED BLADDERWORT Utricularia intermedia Moss and Liverwort [ 27.3 ]PENDANT BRANCH PEAT MOSS Sphagnum jensenii [ 10.0 ]N/A Scorpidium scorpioides [ 7.0 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii [ 5.7 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum angustifolium [ 3.1 ]RUSTY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum fuscum [ 3.1 ]MIDWAY PEAT MOSS Sphagnum magellanicum [ 1.9 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre [ 1.7 ]BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus revolvens [ 1.5 ]GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens Graminoid [ 10.3 ]MUD SEDGE* Carex limosa [ 9.3 ]TUFTED BULRUSH* Scirpus cespitosus [ 5.5 ]WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis [ 3.1 ]SEDGE SPECIES Carex [ 1.8 ]NORTHERN BOG SEDGE Carex gynocrates [ 1.6 ]LIVID SEDGE Carex livida [ 1.3 ]HUDSON BAY BULRUSH Scirpus hudsonianus

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (8)



Slope (%): level (2)

Aspect: Level (1)

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


Soil Subgroup: MESISOL (2)


Effective Texture: Mesic (2)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (2)

Soil Type: Organic (2)

Humus Form

152

ufa20 Sedge/Peat moss (n=8) (Carex spp./Sphagnum spp.) This community type occupies level to depressional areas with medium nutrient regimes where high water tables enhance the accumulation of organic matter. Species characteristic of this community type are a cross between the bog and rich fen.


Ecosite: l poor fen (subhydric/medium) Ecosite Phase: l3 graminoid poor fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Low Shrub (< 0.5m) DWARF RASPBERRY (Rubus arcticus) 1.6 0.0-5.0 38 Low Forb (< 30 cm) FLAT-LEAVED BLADDERWORT (Utricularia intermedia) 1.8 0.0-15.0 13 THREE-LEAVED SOLOMON'S-SEAL (Smilacina trifolia) 2.0 0.0-7.0 50 BUCK-BEAN (Menyanthes trifoliata) 2.1 0.0-4.0 88 Graminoid HUDSON BAY BULRUSH (Scirpus hudsonianus) 1.3 0.0-10.0 25 LIVID SEDGE (Carex livida) 1.6 0.0-13.0 13 NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 1.8 0.0-15.0 13 SEDGE SPECIES (Carex) 3.1 0.0-25.0 13 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 5.5 0.0-30.0 63 TUFTED BULRUSH (Scirpus cespitosus) 9.3 0.0-50.0 25 MUD SEDGE (Carex limosa) 10.3 0.0-25.0 75 Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 1.5 0.0-10.0 25 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus revolvens) 1.7 0.0-10.0 50 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 1.9 0.0-7.0 50 RUSTY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum fuscum) 3.1 0.0-25.0 25 MIDWAY PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum magellanicum) 3.1 0.0-25.0 13 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 5.7 0.0-25.0 38 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 7.0 0.0-30.0 38 N/A (Scorpidium scorpioides) 10.0 0.0-60.0 25 PENDANT BRANCH PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum jensenii) 27.3 0.0-99.0 38


Moisture Regime: Hydric (wet) (8)



Slope (%): 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Level (1)

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


Soil Subgroup: MESISOL TYPIC (2)


Effective Texture: Mesic (2)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (2)


Humus Form

153

m rich fen (subhydric/rich) (n=71) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The rich fen ecosite is characterized by flowing oxygenated water and alkaline, nutrient-rich conditions. The soils are composed of organic matter from decomposing sedges, golden, tufted and brown mosses. This ecosite occupies level and depressional areas where moving water is at or near the surface for a portion of the growing season. Black spruce and/or tamarack dominate the canopy of 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 changing hydrologic regime. As with other wetlands, rich fens have slow successional rates so recovery from disturbance may also be slow.

Indicator Species Tree BLACK SPRUCE Picea mariana TAMARACK Larix laricina Shrub BEAKED WILLOW Salix bebbiana MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia BOG BIRCH Betula glandulosa DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila Moss and Liverwort GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii Graminoid BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis WATER SEDGE Carex aquatilis INLAND SEDGE Carex interior SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE Carex utriculata


TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 0.00 0.00 0 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 8.40 0.80 0 Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (8), Hygric (moist) (16), Hydric (wet) (24), Subhydric (moderately wet) (58)



Slope (%): very steep slope (1), gentle slope (3), moderate slope (4), very gentle slope (19), nearly level (20), level (53)

Aspect: Northerly (6), Westerly (9), Easterly (11), Level (14), Southerly (17)

Topographic Position:Midslope (1), Upper Slope (1), Toe (3), Lower Slope (6), Level (31), Depression (48)


Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (4), FIBRISOL (6), GLEYSOL (6), HUMISOL (8), MESISOL (11)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Silt loam (3), Humic (4), Mesic (8), Fibric (14)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silt loam (2), Fibric (6), Humic (7), Mesic (10)


Organic Thickness: 16 - 25 cm (1), 26 - 39 cm (2), 40 - 59 cm (3), 60 - 79 cm (4), >= 80 cm (17), 0 - 5 cm (23)

Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (2), Lacustrine (2), Marsh (2), Morainal (2), Glaciofluvial (4), Glaciolacustrine (6), Fluvial (12), Undifferentiated Organic (12), Fen (27)


Humus Form ANMOOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (3), MESIC PEATYMOR (3), HUMIC PEATYMOR (5)

154

m1 treed rich fen (n=10) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich)

Characteristic Species Tree [ 16.3 ]TAMARACK* Larix laricina [ 12.5 ]BLACK SPRUCE* Picea mariana Shrub [ 14.2 ]DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila [ 11.0 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 2.0 ]SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca [ 2.0 ]MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW* Salix myrtillifolia Forb [ 1.8 ]SWAMP HORSETAIL Equisetum fluviatile Moss and Liverwort [ 18.7 ]GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 16.1 ]PEAT MOSS* Sphagnum angustifolium [ 11.4 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre [ 9.0 ]PEAT MOSS Sphagnum warnstorfii [ 3.8 ]STAIR-STEP MOSS Hylocomium splendens Graminoid [ 13.4 ]WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 4.0 ]TWO-STAMENED SEDGE Carex diandra [ 2.2 ]NORTHERN BOG SEDGE Carex gynocrates [ 1.5 ]SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE Carex utriculata

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Hydric (wet) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (4)



Slope (%): nearly level (1), very steep slope (1), level (7)


Topographic Position:Depression (2), Level (4)


Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (1), MESISOL (6)

Surface Texture: Mesic (3), Fibric (4)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Humic (1), Mesic (5)


Organic Thickness: 60 - 79 cm (2), 0 - 5 cm (2), >= 80 cm (5)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Undifferentiated Organic (3), Fen (5)


Humus Form MESIC PEATYMOR (1)

155

ufe34 Sb-Lt/Bog birch/Sedge/Golden moss (n=10) (Picea mariana-Larix laricina/Betula pumila/Carex spp./Tomenthypnum nitens) This community type is found on topographic low positions within minerotrophic peatlands. The water table is near the soil surface, although the flowing water creates a rich nutrient regime. The decomposition of the sedges and mosses creates a thick organic soil.


Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: m1 treed rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Overstory Tree TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 2.3 0.0-5.0 60 BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 5.2 0.0-45.0 60 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BLACK SPRUCE (Picea mariana) 7.3 0.0-50.0 60 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 7.7 0.0-20.0 70 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.0 0.0-10.0 20 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 2.0 0.0-15.0 40 TAMARACK (Larix laricina) 6.3 0.0-18.0 80 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 11.0 0.0-45.0 30 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 14.2 0.0-40.0 70 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) SWAMP HORSETAIL (Equisetum fluviatile) 1.8 0.0-15.0 20 Low Forb (< 30 cm) MARSH-MARIGOLD (Caltha palustris) 2.0 0.0-20.0 10 Graminoid SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 1.5 0.0-10.0 20 NORTHERN BOG SEDGE (Carex gynocrates) 2.2 0.0-5.0 70 TWO-STAMENED SEDGE (Carex diandra) 4.0 0.0-40.0 10 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 13.4 0.0-40.0 90 Moss STAIR-STEP MOSS (Hylocomium splendens) 3.8 0.0-20.0 30 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum warnstorfii) 9.0 0.0-45.0 40 TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 11.4 0.0-45.0 70 PEAT MOSS (Sphagnum angustifolium) 16.1 0.0-78.0 30 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 18.7 0.0-40.0 90


Moisture Regime: Hygric (moist) (2), Hydric (wet) (3), Subhydric (moderately wet) (4)



Slope (%): 71 - 100.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 0 - 0.49 (7)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Level (1)

Topographic Position: Depression (2), Level (4)


Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TYPIC (1), MESISOL TERRIC (2), MESISOL TYPIC (4)

Surface Texture: Mesic (3), Fibric (4)

Effective Texture: Fibric (1), Humic (1), Mesic (5)


Organic Thickness: 0 - 5 cm (2), 60 - 79 cm (2), >= 80 cm (5)

Parent Material: Fluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (2), Undifferentiated Organic (3), Fen (5)


Humus Form MESIC PEATYMOR (1)

156

m2 shrubby rich fen (n=45) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 20.7 ]BOG BIRCH* Betula glandulosa [ 17.5 ]BEAKED WILLOW* Salix bebbiana [ 4.2 ]SALIX SPECIES Salix [ 3.1 ]DWARF BIRCH Betula pumila [ 2.9 ]SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca [ 1.7 ]ATHABASCA WILLOW Salix athabascensis [ 1.6 ]MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW Salix myrtillifolia [ 1.2 ]BOG WILLOW Salix pedicellaris [ 1.2 ]BARCLAY'S WILLOW Salix barclayi Forb [ 1.7 ]COMMON HORSETAIL Equisetum arvense [ 1.3 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium Moss and Liverwort [ 8.9 ]GOLDEN MOSS* Tomenthypnum nitens [ 5.9 ]TUFTED MOSS Aulacomnium palustre Graminoid [ 12.6 ]WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 8.1 ]BLUEJOINT Calamagrostis canadensis [ 2.2 ]TUFTED HAIR GRASS Deschampsia cespitosa [ 1.4 ]SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE Carex utriculata [ 1.4 ]BROWNISH SEDGE Carex brunnescens

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Subhygric (moderately moist) (6), Hydric (wet) (13), Hygric (moist) (14), Subhydric (moderately wet) (48)




Aspect: Northerly (4), Level (8), Westerly (9), Easterly (11), Southerly (15)

Topographic Position:Midslope (1), Toe (3), Lower Slope (6), Level (21), Depression (39)


Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), HUMIC REGOSOL (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL (3), MESISOL (3), HUMISOL (4), FIBRISOL (4), GLEYSOL (5)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Humic (3), Silt loam (3), Mesic (5), Fibric (6)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Sandy loam (1), Silty clay (1), Silty clay loam (2), Silt loam (2), Fibric (3), Mesic (4), Humic (4)



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Morainal (1), Glaciolacustrine (5), Undifferentiated Organic (8), Fluvial (8), Fen (11)

Soil Type: Wet/Peaty (5), Wet/Mineral (5), Organic (11)

Humus Form ANMOOR (1), FIBRIMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIC PEATYMOR (3)

157

ufb1 Willow-Bog birch/Water sedge/Golden moss (n=39) (Salix spp.- Betula glandulosa/Carex aquatilis/Tomenthypnum nitens) This shrub community appears in areas with very poor drainage. It is found in association with the wetter water sedge meadows (UFA1). Increased flooding and prolonged water logging may result in the disappearance of willow and a transition to a water sedge meadow.


Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: m2 shrubby rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 8.4 0.0-60.0 36 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.1 0.0-60.0 10 BARCLAY'S WILLOW (Salix barclayi) 2.5 0.0-48.5 8 BOG WILLOW (Salix pedicellaris) 2.5 0.0-60.0 26 MYRTLE-LEAVED WILLOW (Salix myrtillifolia) 3.3 0.0-35.0 26 ATHABASCA WILLOW (Salix athabascensis) 3.4 0.0-55.0 10 DWARF BIRCH (Betula pumila) 6.3 0.0-50.0 28 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 11.9 0.0-75.0 54 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 3.4 0.0-70.0 18 Graminoid WIRE RUSH (Juncus balticus) 1.1 0.0-18.0 23 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.6 0.0-28.3 31 SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 2.9 0.0-56.7 21 TUFTED HAIR GRASS (Deschampsia cespitosa) 3.3 0.0-23.3 51 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 17.7 0.0-64.3 82 Moss TUFTED MOSS (Aulacomnium palustre) 11.8 0.0-85.0 51 GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 14.1 0.0-70.0 49


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (6), Hygric (moist) (12), Hydric (wet) (13), Subhydric (moderately wet) (45)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 10 - 15.99 (4), 0.5 - 2.49 (16), 2.5 - 5.99 (18), 0 - 0.49 (35)

Aspect: Northerly (3), Level (8), Westerly (8), Easterly (10), Southerly (14)

Topographic Position: Midslope (1), Toe (3), Lower Slope (6), Level (20), Depression (37)


Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL TERRIC (1), HUMISOL TERRIC (1), GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL GLEYED CUMULIC (1), HUMIC REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), FIBRISOL TYPIC (1), MESISOL TERRIC (1), HUMISOL MESIC (1), FIBRISOL HUMIC (1), HUMISOL TYPIC (2), MESISOL TYPIC (2), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (2), GLEYSOL REGO (4)

Surface Texture: Silty clay loam (1), Sandy loam (2), Silt loam (3), Humic (3), Mesic (5), Fibric (5)

Effective Texture: Clay (1), Loamy very fine sand (1), Sandy clay loam (1), Silty clay (1), Sandy loam (1), Fibric (2), Silt loam (2), Silty clay loam (2), Humic (4), Mesic (4)



Parent Material: Fluviolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Lacustrine (1), Glaciolacustrine (3), Undifferentiated Organic (6), Fluvial (8), Fen (11)


Humus Form FIBRIMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), ANMOOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (2), HUMIC PEATYMOR (3)

158

ufb18 Willow-Bog birch/Marsh reed grass (Bluejoint) (n=6) (Salix bebbiana-Betula glandulosa/Calamagrostis canadensis) This community type occupies valley drainages on soils that are saturated with water for part of the growing season. The presence of marsh reedgrass may indicate the transition from the Lower Foothills to Upper Foothills subregion. Willoughby (1992), observed that marsh reedgrass was more abundant on these lowland sites at lower elevations. The thick cover of willow and bog birch and very wet conditions restrict access to domestic livestock.


Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: m2 shrubby rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Understory Tree WHITE BIRCH (Betula papyrifera) 2.5 0.0-10.0 33 SALIX SPECIES (Salix) 12.1 0.0-30.0 83 Tall Shrub (2 to 5m) BEAKED WILLOW (Salix bebbiana) 23.3 0.0-60.0 50 Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) PRICKLY ROSE (Rosa acicularis) 2.1 0.0-5.0 50 BRACTED HONEYSUCKLE (Lonicera involucrata) 2.5 0.0-10.0 33 SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.5 0.0-15.0 17 BOG BIRCH (Betula glandulosa) 19.7 0.0-40.0 50 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) LARGE-LEAVED YELLOW AVENS (Geum macrophyllum) 1.2 0.0-5.7 33 COMMON HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense) 2.2 0.0-8.0 50 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 2.4 0.0-10.2 50 Graminoid BROWNISH SEDGE (Carex brunnescens) 1.8 0.0-11.3 17 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 5.0 0.0-30.0 17 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 19.6 1.0-51.0 100 Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 2.5 0.0-15.0 17


Moisture Regime: Mesic (fresh) (1), Hygric (moist) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (3)



Slope (%): 2.5 - 5.99 (1), 6 - 9.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (1), 0 - 0.49 (2)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (1), Easterly (1), Westerly (1)

Topographic Position: Level (1), Depression (2)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poorly drained (1), Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (4)

Soil Subgroup: LUVIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL ORTHIC (1), FIBRISOL TYPIC (1)


Effective Texture: Fibric (1)



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

Soil Type: Organic (1), Wet/Mineral (2)

Humus Form

159

m3 graminoid rich fen (n=16) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills


Characteristic Species Shrub [ 1.2 ]SMOOTH WILLOW Salix glauca Forb [ 4.5 ]COW PARSNIP Heracleum lanatum [ 3.0 ]COMMON FIREWEED Epilobium angustifolium [ 1.0 ]TALL LARKSPUR Delphinium glaucum Moss and Liverwort [ 4.6 ]BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus vernicosus [ 2.4 ]BROWN MOSS Drepanocladus revolvens [ 1.9 ]N/A Campylium stellatum [ 1.1 ]GOLDEN MOSS Tomenthypnum nitens Graminoid [ 20.5 ]BLUEJOINT* Calamagrostis canadensis [ 8.4 ]SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE* Carex utriculata [ 8.0 ]WATER SEDGE* Carex aquatilis [ 1.5 ]SLENDER WHEAT GRASS Agropyron trachycaulum [ 1.1 ]INLAND SEDGE* Carex interior [ 1.0 ]KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS Poa pratensis

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (2), Subhydric (moderately wet) (6), Hydric (wet) (8)



Slope (%): gentle slope (1), nearly level (2), level (9)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (2), Level (5)

Topographic Position:Upper Slope (1), Level (6), Depression (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (5), Very poorly drained (10)

Soil Subgroup: FIBRISOL (1), GLEYSOL (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), REGOSOL (1), MESISOL (2), HUMISOL (4)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Fibric (4)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Humic (2), Fibric (2)



Parent Material: Glaciofluvial (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Morainal (1), Undifferentiated Organic (1), Marsh (2), Fluvial (3), Fen (11)


Humus Form FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), MESIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2)

160

ufa1 Water sedge-Beaked (small bottle sedge) sedge meadow (n=15) (Carex aquatilis-Carex utriculata) Wet conditions and periodic flooding result in the formation of water sedge meadows. Bog birch and willow will invade into the drier edges of these meadows to form the Willow-bog birch/ Water sedge community type. These community types are quite productive, producing nearly 2000 kg/ ha of forage, but the high water table in the spring and summer when these meadows are most palatable limits livestock use. A study in the Yukon found that crude protein on these meadows declined from a high of 10% in May to less than 5% in September (Bailey et al. 1992).


Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: m3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) SMOOTH WILLOW (Salix glauca) 2.4 0.0-25.0 27 Low Forb (< 30 cm) SMALL BEDSTRAW (Galium trifidum) 1.1 0.0-16.0 13 Graminoid MUD SEDGE (Carex limosa) 1.3 0.0-17.0 20 TWO-STAMENED SEDGE (Carex diandra) 1.7 0.0-20.0 27 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 2.1 0.0-25.0 27 INLAND SEDGE (Carex interior) 2.3 0.0-30.0 13 WATER SEDGE (Carex aquatilis) 16.1 0.0-45.0 93 SMALL BOTTLE SEDGE (Carex utriculata) 16.8 0.0-65.0 67 Moss GOLDEN MOSS (Tomenthypnum nitens) 2.3 0.0-35.0 13 N/A (Campylium stellatum) 3.9 0.0-35.0 40 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus revolvens) 4.8 0.0-40.0 20 BROWN MOSS (Drepanocladus vernicosus) 9.3 0.0-90.0 13


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (5), Hydric (wet) (8)



Slope (%): 6 - 9.99 (1), 0.5 - 2.49 (2), 0 - 0.49 (9)

Aspect: Northerly (1), Southerly (2), Level (5)

Topographic Position: Upper Slope (1), Level (6), Depression (7)


Soil Subgroup: MESISOL TERRIC (1), FIBRISOL TYPIC (1), MESISOL TERRIC FIBRIC (1), REGOSOL CUMULIC (1), HUMISOL FIBRIC (1), HUMISOL TERRIC MESIC (1), GLEYSOL REGO (1), HUMIC GLEYSOL REGO (1), HUMISOL TYPIC (2)

Surface Texture: Humic (1), Fibric (4)

Effective Texture: Mesic (1), Humic (2), Fibric (2)



Parent Material: Undifferentiated Organic (1), Glaciolacustrine (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (1), Marsh (2), Fluvial (3), Fen (11)


Humus Form MESIC PEATYMOR (1), FIBRIC PEATYMOR (1), HUMIC PEATYMOR (2)

161

ufa19 Marsh reedgrass (Bluejoint) (n=1) (Calamagrostis canadensis) This community type represents the transition to the Lower Foothills subregion and occurs on very moist, depressional areas. It will occur on the fringes around marshes or sedge meadows and in the center of willow rings on upland sites. Unlike sedge meadows, these areas are only flooded in the spring and early summer; which allows marsh reed grass to dominate instead of sedges.


Ecosite: m rich fen (subhydric/rich) Ecosite Phase: m3 graminoid rich fen

Plant Composition Canopy Cover (%) Mean Range Const. Medium Shrub (0.5 to 2 m) WILD RED RASPBERRY (Rubus idaeus) 1.0 0.0-0.0 100 Tall Forb (>= 30 cm) HEART-LEAVED ARNICA (Arnica cordifolia) 0.0 0.0-0.0 0 COMMON FIREWEED (Epilobium angustifolium) 6.0 0.0-0.0 100 Low Forb (< 30 cm) TALL LARKSPUR (Delphinium glaucum) 2.0 0.0-0.0 100 COW PARSNIP (Heracleum lanatum) 9.0 0.0-0.0 100 Graminoid KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS (Poa pratensis) 2.0 0.0-0.0 100 SLENDER WHEAT GRASS (Agropyron trachycaulum) 3.0 0.0-0.0 100 BLUEJOINT (Calamagrostis canadensis) 39.0 0.0-0.0 100


Moisture Regime: Subhygric (moderately moist) (1), Subhydric (moderately wet) (1)

Nutrient Regime: Permesotrophic (rich) (1), Eutrophic (very rich) (1)


Slope (%):

Aspect:


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Imperfectly drained (1), Poorly drained (1)

Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

162

n marsh (n=0) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

General Description The marsh ecosite is found in level and depressional areas along shorelines of water bodies and in riparian zones. The water is above the rooting zone for at least part of the growing season. These ecosites are dominated by a wide variety of emergent sedges, cattail and rushes. Currently there are no plots described in this ecological site, but it is expected. It was added to the subregion guide because the derived ecosite phase (DEP) dataset identified a number of polygons with aquatic moisture regimes.

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


Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:



Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

163

n1 marsh (n=0) Natural Subregion: Upper Foothills Ecosection: UF Upper Foothills

Ecosite: n marsh

General Description Currently there are no plots described in this ecological site, but it is expected. It was added to the subregion guide because the derived ecosite phase (DEP) dataset identified a number of polygons with aquatic moisture regimes and a marsh ecosite phase.



Nutrient Regime:

Elevation (range):

Slope (%):

Aspect:



Soil Subgroup:

Surface Texture:

Effective Texture:


Organic Thickness:

Parent Material:

Soil Type:

Humus Form

164

Literature Cited Adams, B.W., G. Ehlert, C. Stone, D. Lawrence, M. Alexander, M. Willoughby, C. Hincz, D. Moisey, and A.Bogen. 2005. Rangeland Health Assessment for Grassland, Forest and Tame Pasute. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Public Lands Division. Edmonton. AB. Pub. No. T/044. 104pp. AGRASID. Version 4.0. http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$Department/deptdocs.nsf/All/sag14653 Alberta Wetland Classification System. 2015. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD), Water Policy Branch, Policy and Planning Division. Edmonton, AB. 66pp. Archibald, J.H., G.D. Klappstein and I.G.W. Corns. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of Southwestern Alberta. Nat. Resour.Can., Can. For. Serv., Northwestern Reg., North. For. Cent., Edmonton, Alta. Spec. Rep. 8. Bailey, A.W., M.G. Willoughby, R. Johansen and S. Smith. Management of Yukon Rangelands. Renewable Resources, Yukon Territorial Government, Whitehorse, Yukon. 55pp. ISBN-1- 55018-138-6. Bork, E. 1990. Clearwater allotment: Prescribed burn vegetation survey, evaluation, and discussion. Range Management Section, Alberta Forest Service, Edmonton, Alta. 29pp. Bork, E. 1994. Ecological classification and management of native ranges in Willmore Wilderness Park. Alberta Environmental Protection. Forest Management Division. Edmonton, Alta. Pub. no. T/282. 65pp. Beckingham, J. 1994. Field guide to the ecosystems of Northern Alberta. Environmental Protection, Land and Forest Services, Edmonton, Alta. 352pp. Beckingham, J.D., I.G.W. Corns and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of West- Central Alberta. Nat. Resour. Can., Can. For. Serv., Northwest Reg., North. For. Cent., Edmonton, Alberta. Spec. Rep. 9. Corns, I.G.W. and P.L. Achuff. 1982. Vegetation type descriptions. In Holland, W.D. and G.M. Coen. Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Vol II. Soil and Vegetation Resources. Environment Canada and Alberta Institute of Pedology, University of Alberta. Pub. no. SS-82-44. 540pp. Corns, I.G.W. and R.M. Annas. 1986. Field guide to forest ecosystems of West-Central Alberta. Northern Forestry Center, Canadian Forestry Service, Edmonton, Alta. 251pp. Daubenmire, R. 1952. Forest vegetation of Northern Idaho and adjacent Washington and its bearing on concepts of vegetation classification. Ecol. Mongr. 22: 301-330. Daubenmire, R. 1978. Plant Geography. Academic Press. New York. 338pp. Ecological Land Survey Site Description Manual (2nd).2003. Resource Data Branch, Strategic Corporate Services Division. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, AB. Pub. no. T/036. 112 pp. Gauch, H.G. 1982. Multivariate analysis in community ecology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 298pp. Holechek, J.L., R.D. Pieper and C.H.Herbel. 1995. Range management principles and practices. 2ed. Prentice-Hall Inc. Engewood Cliff. New Jersey. Chapter 8. Holland W.D. and G.M. Coen. 1982. Ecological (Biophysical) Land Classification of Banff and Jasper National Parks. Vol II: Soils and Vegetation Resources. Environment Canada. Alberta Institute of Pedology. Pub. no. SS-82-44.

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Lane, C. T., M.G. Willoughby and M.J. Alexander. 2000. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the Lower Foothills subregion of Alberta. Alberta Environment and Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development. Edmonton. AB. Pub. no. T/532. 232pp. Mackinnon, A., J. Pojar, and R. Coupe. 1992. Plants of Northern British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, Alta. 345pp. Marshall, I.B., Smith, C.A.S., Selby, C.J. 1996. A national framework for monitoring and reporting on environmental sustainability in Canada. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 39: 25-38. Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar (compilers and editors). 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. BC Min. For. Special Report Series 6. Victoria, BC. 330 pp. Mueggler, W.F. 1988. Aspen community types of the Intermountain Region. U.S.D.A. Intermoutain Research Station. INT-250. 133pp. Natural Region Committee. 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by D.J. Downing and W.W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. Pub. No. I/005. Range Survey Manual. 1992. Range Management Section, Alberta Forest Service. Edmonton, Alta. 39pp. Still, G. and G. Utzig. 1982. Factors affecting the quality of interpretations. Pages 63-73 in Soil interpretations for forestry. B.C. Minist. For. Victoria, British Columbia. Land Manage. Rep. 10. Strong, W.L. and H.G. Anderson. 1980. Ecological land classification and evaluation reference manual. Resource Evaluation reference manual. Resource Evaluation Branch, Energy and Natural Resources. Edmonton, Alta. 160pp. Strong, W.L. and K.R. Leggat. 1992. Ecoregions of Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Resource Information Branch, Edmonton, Alta. T/245. 77pp. Strong, W.L. 1992. Ecoregions and Ecodistricts of Alberta. Alberta Forestry, Lands and Wildlife. Edmonton, Alta. Pub. no. T/244. 77pp. 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. Westoby, M., B. Walker and I. Noy-Meir. 1989. Opportunistic management for rangelands not at equilibrium. J. of Range Manage. 42:266-274. Willoughby, M.G. 1992. Rangeland Reference Areas, Plant communities, ecology and response to grazing in Division 3. Forestry, Lands and Wildlife, Alberta Forest Service, Edmonton, Alta. T/269, 36pp. Willoughby, M.G. 1995. The effect of grazing on deciduous plant communities in the Boreal Ecoprovince of Alberta. Fifth International Rangeland Congress. Salt Lake City Utah. pg. 608- 609. Willoughby, M.G. and M.J. Alexander.2003. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the Subalpine and Alpine subregions of Alberta, 2nd Approximation. Environmental Protection. Land and Forest Services. Edmonton, Alta. Pub. no. T/034. 175pp. Willoughby, M.G. 2000. Guide to range plant communities and carrying capacity for the Dry and Central Mixedwood subregions of Alberta. Alberta Environment and Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development. Edmonton. AB. Pub. no. T/526. 187pp.

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Willoughby, M.G. 2000. Rangeland Reference Areas: Species composition changes in the presence and absence of grazing and fire on the Rough fescue-Hairy wildrye dominated community types of the Upper Foothills subregion. Alberta Environment. Edmonton. AB. Pub. no. T/572. 30pp. Willoughby, M.G. 2001. The Rough Fescue dominated community types in the Foothills of North-Central Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Public Lands Division. Edmonton. AB. Pub. No. T/017. 28pp. Willoughby, M.G., M.J. Alexander and B. Adams. 2003. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the Montane subregion, 5th Approximation. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Public Lands Division. Edmonton. AB. Pub. No. T/033. 234pp. Willoughby, M.G. 2007. Range plant community types and carrying capacity for the Montane subregion, 6th Approximation. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Public Lands Division. Edmonton. AB. Pub. No. T/138. Youngblood, A. 1993. Community type classification of forest vegetation in young, mixed stands, Interior Alaska. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. PNW-RP-458. 42pp.

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Appendix 1. Forest Management Interpretations1 Forest Management Interpretations are derived from the limitations of the ecological units in the classification system. These have been developed through literature review and expert opinion from public workshops. They present the user with a general outline of limitations that together with the user’s knowledge and experience should be applied in a creative manner. Some management interpretations will change dramatically with time, season of year, economic conditions, existing technology, scale of application, and program objectives (Still and Utzig 1982). Under no circumstances should the information in the dataset be construed as a formal recommendation or guideline for resource management, or as a prescription for specific sites. Six levels were used to rate the ecosites and soil types: low (L), low to medium (L-M), low to high (L-H), medium (M), medium to high (M-H) and high (H). Table 2. Forest management interpretations for Ecological sites in the Upper Foothills Subregion. ECOSITE_CODE ECOSECTION DROUGHT EXCESS_MOIST RUTTING COMPACTION SOIL_TEMP COMPETITION WINDTHROW

a UF H L L L L L NA

b UF H L L L L L L

c UF M-H L L L L M L-M

d UF L-H L L-M L-M L L-M L

e UF L-M L-H M M L-H M-H L-M

f UF L M-H H H M H M

ff UF M L H H L H NA

g UF L M-H H H M H M

h UF L M-H H H H M M-H

I UF L H H H H M-H H

j UF L H H H H M-H H

k UF L H H L H L H

l UF L H H L H L H

m UF L H H L H L H

n UF L H H L NA NA NA

The relative meaning of a limitation rating and the variables that were used in the rating process are described below. All limiting factors were rated through an assessment of the variability of important site and soil characteristics associated with each ecosite and soil type.

Drought Limitations Droughty conditions are associated with rapidly drained soils that draw water away from the rooting zone for a significant portion of the growing season. Typically, sites that are limited by drought are associated with coarse-textured soils or are situated on steep south-facing slopes where insolation and surface runoff are high. Remedial silviculture efforts such as drought-tolerant species, using stock with small tops and large root 1 Beckingham, J., I.G.W. Corns and J.H. Archibald. 1996. Field guide to ecosites of West-Central Alberta. Special report 9. Canadian Forest Service. Northwest Region. Edmonton, AB

168

systems, and using micro-shelter planting sites can all help alleviate the effects of drought (Strong and Carnell 1995). Ratings are based on the moisture regime of the ecosites and soil types. A high drought limitation rating indicates severe limitations while low ratings indicate little or no limitations.

Excess Moisture Excess soil moisture is a concern because serious site degradation can occur if sites are not properly managed. Operating heavy equipment on wet sites can cause serious rutting, compaction and puddling damage and therefore should be avoided. Winter months are suitable for operating on wet sites as the ground is frozen and snow cover acts as a disturbance buffer. From a silvicultural perspective, excess moisture is a concern because wet soils require more heat to raise rooting zone temperatures and rooting zone aeration is reduced by saturation. Ratings are based on the moisture regime of the ecosites and soil types. A high excess moisture rating indicates severe limitations while low ratings indicate little or no limitations.

Soil Rutting and Compaction Hazard Machine traffic most often modifies soil quality through compaction, remoulding, puddling and/or soil displacement, which in turn affects several interrelated soil physical properties. The modification that predominates depends on soil wetness, applied stress and number of passes. Soil texture may also be important, especially when soils are at moisture levels close to field capacity. The risk of causing soil compaction or rutting by forestry operations should be evaluated before beginning operations as both risks are greatly influenced by the amount of water in the soil at the time of disturbance. Risk assessments are based on soil water content and on estimates of the time it takes a wet soil to drain. The rating system included in this database does not replace the operational assessment but is designed as a planning tool. It can be used as part of the decision proves when evaluating whether an area has the potential for supporting operations in the summer months. Soil modifications affect four physical processes important to an organism’s health: water supply and flux, heat flux, soil strength, and gas diffusion. Simply stated, the effects of compaction and rutting are manifested in changed in water infiltration rates, soil heat flux, root penetration, and oxygen supply in the soil. All of these conditions may influence soil quality and ultimately soil productivity. The rating system is based primarily on moisture regime and related soil drainage with soil texture considered for coarse-textured soils (less than 20% silt and clay). High risk ratings indicate that it is unlikely that summer operations would be possible, medium ratings indicate that operations may be possible in dry periods, while those with low risk ratings are good candidates for summer operations. Current moisture conditions should always be evaluated before initiating operations.

Soil Temperature Limitations Soil temperature is an important characteristic as it relates to seedling growth and survival. In cold soils, the rate of root development and the ability of plants to uptake water is considerably less than in warm soils. Thus seedlings planted in cold soils are disadvantaged during the critical establishment period. Areas where cold soils are prevalent include depressions, north-facing slopes (300 to 60 degree aspect) greater than 30%, sites located at the base of major slopes and in valleys. Opportunities exist to increase soil temperatures to more than favourable levels using various site preparation methods that create raised microsites and/or exposed mineral soils. Educating tree planters to plant in idealized microsite locations will also help increase the survival rates of seedlings situated in areas where cold soils exist. Ratings were based on moisture regime, topographic position and surface texture of the ecosites and soil types and on the assumption that organic layers are disturbed during operations. Increase the rating by one level (e.g., medium to high) if organic layers are not disturbed.

169

Vegetation Competition Assessing the degree of vegetation competition associated with each ecosite is important as it relates to forestry planning and operations such as choosing an appropriate planting stock, site preparation methods and projected management costs. Research and experience has shown that competition is related to the height and percent cover of shrubs, forbs and grasses and whether a seedling is overtopped by a competitor. Some of the more competitive species include shrubs such as green alder, river alder, willow and bracted honeysuckle, tall prolific forbs such as fireweed and wild sarsaparilla and grasses such as hairy wild rye and most particularly marsh reed grass. Ratings were based on the moisture regime, nutrient regime, and surface texture of the ecosites and on the assumption that organic layers are disturbed during operations. In general, high ratings were assigned to those ecosites that are moist and rich. Low ratings were assigned to ecosites that are very dry, rapidly drained and/or nutrient poor where dense understorey vegetation is uncommon.

Windthrow Hazard Several environmental and man-made factors, not particular to an ecosite or soil type, influence the susceptibility of a site to windthrow hazard. These factors include exposure, cutblock layout and topography and should always be considered when assessing the windthrow hazard of a particular site. Shallow root systems evident on sites with thick organic layers or high water tables increases the chance of windthrow while coarse-textured soils can reduce the ability of a root system to anchor trees firmly. Windthrow hazard ratings for ecosites and soil types were based on organic thickness, presence of water table, tree rooting habit and effective soil texture.

Soil Erosion Hazard Soil types were rated for surface water erosion hazard. Infiltration capacity and structural stability are regarded as the most important factors in controlling water erosion; therefore, they were central to the evaluation. Numerous soil and site variable affect infiltration capacity and structural stability including the extent and type of vegetation cover, the thickness of the LFH layer, the type of humus form, texture of the surface and C horizons, degree of carbonate cementing, coarse fragment content, slope angle, and length of slope. Climatic factors such as rainfall intensity, duration and seasonal distribution and the rapidity of snow melt affect erosion, but are difficult to relate to a particular ecosite or soil type. Soil erosion hazard decreases as clay or sand content increase, and increases as percent silt increases. As organic matter depth and vegetation increase erosion hazard decreases. Ratings were based on the moisture regime and surface texture of the soil types and on the assumption that organic layers are disturbed during operations. Reduce the soil hazard rating by one level (e.g. high to medium) if organic layers and/or vegetation are not disturbed.

170

Appendix 2. Soil Types

Soil types are taxonomic units used to group soils based on soil moisture regime, effective soil texture, organic matter thickness and solum depth. Soil types can be used independently, in association with the hierarchical classification system (ecosite, ecosite phase and plant community type) or to classify disturbed sites. Along with moisture regime, organic matter thickness, and solum depth, effective texture is central to the soil type classification system. Effective texture for mineral soils is generally defined as the textural class of the finest-textured horizon that occurs 20 to 60 cm below the mineral soil surface and that is at least 10cm thick. The 10-cm minimum thickness stipulation avoids misclassifying soils as fine textured when they are predominantly coarse, but have thin, finer-textured depositional bands. There are 5 major soil types defined by their soil moisture: very dry (SV) (very xeric-xeric-subxeric); dry (SD) (submesic); moist (SM) (mesic-subhygric); wet (SW) (hygric-subhydric-hydric); organic (SR); and shallow (SS). The soil types are further broken down by their texture class, for a total of 17 classes. For this guide we have combined the soil type definitions from the field Ecosite guides of West-Central and Southwestern Alberta (Beckingham et al. 1996, Archibald et al. 1996). If there was differences in the soil type descriptions we included them in comments section and described the difference as north (West-Central) and south (Southwestern). The numbers in brackets (8) indicate a rough percentage of all plots representing a particular attribute.

171

SV1 Very Dry/Sandy (n=32)

General Description Very dry coarse sandy, sandy and loamy sand soil. As sampled they were found on glaciofluvial, eolian and fluvial deposits

Comments SV1 soils are rare in southwestern Alberta. As sampled they were on level glaciofluvial and fluvial deposits, however they could be expected on eolian deposits on a range of slope positions. These soils have rapid internal drainage and low moisture and nutrient holding capacity.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Very Xeric (very dry) (5), Subxeric (4), Xeric (1)

Nutrient Regime: Eutrophic (very rich) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (7)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (5), Rapid (2), Well (2), Very Rapid (1)

Soil Subgroup: REGOSOL ORTHIC (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4) DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4) EUTRIC BRUNISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (2), Loamy sand (8)

Effective Texture: Sand (2), Loamy sand (8)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: None (10)

Parent Material: Fluvial (3), Eolian (2), Glaciofluvial (5)

Interpretations __________________________________________

Drought Limitations H

Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L

Soil Erosion Hazard L

Frost Heave Hazard L

Soil Temperature Limitations

L

Windthrow Hazard L-M

172

SV2 Very Dry/Coarse Loamy (n=26)

General Description Very dry coarse loamy materials that develop in a variety of parent materials and slope positions. Samples were found on level fluvial sites and steep coarse-textured moraines or colluvial veneers.

Comments SV2 are found on any slope position from level to crest. As sampled they were not found on northerly aspects in southern Alberta. These soils are only weakly layered with similar textures throughout the profile. SV2 soils were not extensively sampled in West-Central Alberta. In West-Central Alberta SV2 soils are most commonly associated with grassland Ecosite (aa) in the Montane, the bearberry and hairy wildrye ecosites in the Upper and Lower Foothills and Subalpine subregions.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Subxeric (7), Xeric (3)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4), Submesotrophic (poor) (5), Oligotrophic (very poor) (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (4), Well (6)

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

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (6) Silty Loam (1), Loamy sand (2), Clay Loam (1)

Effective Texture: Sandy Loam (10)


Parent Material: Fluvial (3), Morainal (4), Glaciofluvial (2), Colluvial (1)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L




L

Windthrow Hazard L

173

SV3 Very Dry/Silty Loamy (n=32)

General Description Very dry silty or loamy materials that develop in a variety of parent materials including colluvial, morainal, fluvial and glaciofluvial.

Comments The sampled SV3 soils in the south were found on level fluvial sites to steep upper slopes with colluvial veneers. These soils are only weakly layered with similar textures throughout the profile. In the north SV3 soils were not extensively sampled, but were found on level to extremely sloped (46-70%) surfaces, with predominantly southern exposures. The soil type is droughty and is most commonly associated with the grassland (aa) and the bearberry (b) ecosites of the Montane, the bearberry ecosites of the Subalpine, Upper Foothills, and Lower Foothills and the hairy wildrye ecosites in the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions.


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


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

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (1) Silty Loam (3), Loam (6)

Effective Texture: Silty Loam (3), Loam (7)


Parent Material: Fluvial (4), Morainal (1), Glaciofluvial (3), Colluvial (2)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L-M

Puddling Hazard M

Soil Erosion Hazard H

Frost Heave Hazard H


L

Windthrow Hazard L

174

SV4 Very Dry/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=80)

General Description Very dry, fine loamy or clays soils that were found developed in all parent materials. In the north these soils developed in morainal and colluvial parent materials.

Comments The SV4 soils were found primarily on south, west and east aspects on upper and midslopes greater than 10%. These soils tend to have strong layering in profile, with coarser-textured horizons overlaying a fine-textured B horizon. Sites that were strongly to extremely sloped surfaces are highly susceptible to water erosion.


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

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

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

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (1) Silty Loam (1), Loam (4), Clay Loam (2), Sandy Clay Loam (2), Silty Clay Loam (1)

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


Parent Material: Morainal (6), Glaciofluvial (1), Colluvial (3)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L


Puddling Hazard M




L

Windthrow Hazard L

175

SD1 Dry/Sandy (n=23)

General Description Dry, sandy soils that were found on fluvial and glaciofluvial deposits in the south and on glaciofluvial and eolian parent materials in the north.

Comments This type is rare in the south. The two samples described were found on level fluvial or glaciofluvial deposits. In the north these soils are well drained and occur on crest and level upland positions. In both the south and north the dry nature of this soil type is strongly influenced by its coarse texture. Droughty conditions may persist for part of the growing season.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Submesic (10)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (4), Submesotrophic (poor) (6)


Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (5) ORTHIC REGOSOL (2), ELUVIATED DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (1) Loamy Sand (6), Sand (3)

Effective Texture: Loamy Sand (6), Sand (4)


Parent Material: Eolian (2), Glaciofluvial (6), Fluvial (1), Fluvialeolian (1)


Drought Limitations M

Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L




L


176

SD2 Dry/Coarse Loamy (n=33)

General Description Dry, coarse loamy soils that most commonly develop in colluvial or level fluvial or glaciofluvial deposits.

Comments The SD2 soil type is found on all slope positions and aspects. These soils are weakly layered in profile, with similar textures throughout. SD2 soils in the north are not common.


Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (2), Submesotrophic (poor) (7), Permesotrohic (rich)(1)


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

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (6) Loam (2), Silty Loam (2)

Effective Texture: Sandy Loam (6) Loam (2), Silty Loam (2)


Parent Material:Colluvial (4), Glaciofluvial (4), Fluvial (1), Morainal (1)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L




L


177

SD3 Dry/Silty-Loamy (n=73)

General Description Dry, silty loamy soils that most commonly develop in colluvial or level fluvial or glaciofluvial deposits.

Comments The SD3 soil type is found on all slope positions and aspects. These soils are weakly layered in profile, with similar textures throughout. If slopes are long and straight, the susceptibility of the soils to water erosion is high.




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

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (5) Loam (2), Silty Loam (3)

Effective Texture: Loam (6), Silty Loam (4)


Parent Material: Residual (2), Colluvial (2), Glaciofluvial (3), Fluvial (2), Eolian/Morainal (1)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard L-M

Compaction Hazard M

Puddling Hazard M

Soil Erosion Hazard M-H

Frost Heave Hazard M


L

Windthrow Hazard L

178

SD4 Dry/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=263)

General Description Dry, fine loamy to clayey soils that were found developed in all parent materials.

Comments The SD4 soil type is a common soil type in the south. They are found in all slope positions, parent materials and aspects. These soils tend to be strongly layered in profile, with coarser surface horizons overlaying a fine textured B-horizon. In the north this soil type are generally characterized by moderately coarse to medium textured surface surface layers overlying a moderate fine to fine-textured Bt horizon.



Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well (7), Moderately well (3)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (2), ORTHIC GRAY LUVISOL (1), BRUNISOLIC GRAY LUVISOL (5)

Surface Texture: Sandy Loam (2) Loam (2), Silty Loam (4), Sandy Clay Loam (1), Clay Loam (1)

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


Parent Material: Colluvial (1), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (8)



Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard M

Compaction Hazard M

Puddling Hazard H


Frost Heave Hazard M


L

Windthrow Hazard L

179

SM1 Moist/Sandy (n=35)

General Description Moist sandy and loamy sand soils that develop on a variety of parent materials.

Comments The SM1 soils are rare in southern Alberta. As described they were found on level to depressional areas in fluvial parent materials. In the north this soil type tends to be located on level to gently sloping topography. The moisture regimes are mesic to subhygric and maybe positively influenced by the presence of fine textured materials at depths of 60cm or more. Faint distinct mottles maybe present in the northern soil type.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (7), Subhygric (3)

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

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well (3), Moderately well (5), Rapid (2)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (6), ORTHIC HUMIC REGOSOL (1), BRUNISOLIC GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Sand (5), Sandy Loam (1), Silty Loam (1), Sandy Loam (1), Loamy Sand (2)

Effective Texture: Loamy Sand (4), Sand (6)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: None (9), (26-50)(1)

Parent Material: Fluvial (4) Eolian (2), Glaciofluvial (2), Morainal (2)


Drought Limitations L

Excess Moisture L-M

Rutting Hazard L

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L




M


180

SM2 Moist/Coarse Loamy (n=55)

General Description Moist coarse loamy soils that have developed on a variety of parent materials.

Comments The SM2 soils typically occur on level to very gently sloping topography. The soils that occur in water-receiving topographic positions and have a subhygric moisture regime typically have higher hazard ratings than those soils in better-drained locations.



Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well (4), Moderately well (3), Rapid (2), Imperfectly (1)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (4), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (5), ELUVIATED DYSTRIC BRUNISOL (1),

Surface Texture: Loam (2), Sandy Loam (5), Silty Loam (2), Silt (1)

Effective Texture Sandy Loam (10)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: None (8), (26-50)(1), (25-100)(1)

Parent Material: Fluvial (4), Glaciofluvial (1), Morainal (2), Colluvial (3)



Excess Moisture L-M

Rutting Hazard L-M


Puddling Hazard L


Frost Heave Hazard L-M


L-M

Windthrow Hazard L

181

SM3 Moist/Silty Loamy (n=298)

General Description Moist silty loamy soils that can develop on a variety of parent materials, but are most common on morainal and fluvial parent materials.

Comments The SM3 soils has a trend toward occurrence on northerly and easterly aspects with moderate slopes in the south. In the north this soil type occurs on gently sloped to level topography. Till was the most common parent material but this soil type was prevalent in fluvial deposits on river terraces and floodplain landscapes.



Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well (5), Moderately well (3), Rapid (1), Imperfectly (1)

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

Surface Texture: Loam (5), Sandy Loam (1), Silty Loam (3), Silt (1)

Effective Texture Loam (6), Silt (1), Silty Loam (3)


Parent Material: Fluvial (3), Morainal (6), Colluvial (1)



Excess Moisture L-M

Rutting Hazard M-H

Compaction Hazard M-H

Puddling Hazard M-H

Soil Erosion Hazard M

Frost Heave Hazard M-H


L-M

Windthrow Hazard L

182

SM4 Moist/Fine Loamy-Clayey (n=1518)

General Description Moist silty loamy soils that can develop on a variety of parent materials, but are most common on morainal and fluvial parent materials.

Comments The SM3 soils has a trend toward occurrence on northerly and easterly aspects with moderate slopes in the south. In the north this soil type occurs on gently sloped to level topography. Till was the most common parent material but this soil type was prevalent in fluvial deposits on river terraces and floodplain landscapes.



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

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

Surface Texture: Loam (3), Sandy Loam (1), Silty Loam (3), Silty Clay Loam (1), Sandy Loam (1), Clay Loam (1)

Effective Texture Silty Loam (1), Silty Clay Loam (2), Sandy Clay Loam (1), Clay Loam (6)


Parent Material: Fluvial (4), Morainal (6)



Excess Moisture L-M

Rutting Hazard M-H

Compaction Hazard H

Puddling Hazard M-H

Soil Erosion Hazard M



L-M

Windthrow Hazard L

183

SMp Moist/Peaty (n=51)

General Description SMp are moist soils with a duff layer thicker than 20cm. They are found most commonly on fluvial and morainal parent materials.

Comments With a thick organic layer and a higher mean moisture regime rating that other moist soil types (SM1-SM4). SMp is considered transitional to the wet peaty soil type SWp. Faint to distinct mottles may be encountered throughout the soil profile. The effects of forestry operations on soil erosion, rutting, compaction and puddling can be minimized if the thick organic layer of the SMp soil type is not excessively disturbed.


Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (5), Eutrophic (very rich) (1), Permesotrohic (rich)(4)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Well (1), Moderately well (6), Imperfectly (2), Poor (1)

Soil Subgroup: EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (3), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ORTHIC (1), ORTHIC GRAY LUVISOL (1), BRUNISOLIC GRAY LUVISOL (1), ORTHIC LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), ORTHIC GLEYSOL (1), ORTHIC HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), GLEYED GRAY LUVISOL (1)

Surface Texture: Loam (2), Silty Loam (2), Silty Clay Loam (1), Sandy Loam (1), Clay Loam (4)

Effective Texture Silty Clay (1), Silty Loam (1), Silty Clay Loam (2), Sandy Clay Loam (1), Clay Loam (5)


Parent Material: Fluvial (3), Morainal (5), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1)



Excess Moisture M

Rutting Hazard H

Compaction Hazard H

Puddling Hazard H

Soil Erosion Hazard L-M

Frost Heave Hazard M-H


H

Windthrow Hazard M-H

184

SWm Wet/Mineral (n=174)

General Description SWm soils are wet soils with an organic layer thickness of less than 20cm. They are found primarily on fluvial and morainal parent materials

Comments SWm are commonly associated with the Labrador tea-subhygric Ecosite in the Upper and Lower Foothills subregions and the horsetail ecosite in all subregions The non-forested meadow and marsh ecological sites also tend to have SWm soils. Level landscapes influenced by fluctuating or permanently high water tables, prominent mottles and/or strong gleying.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (6), Subhydric (4)

Nutrient Regime: Mesotrophic (medium) (3), Eutrophic (very rich) (2), Permesotrohic (rich)(4), Submestrophic (1)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Moderately well (1), Imperfectly (5), Poor (4)

Soil Subgroup: ORTHIC LUVIC GLEYSOL (5), ORTHIC GLEYSOL (2), ORTHIC HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), GLEYED GRAY LUVISOL (1), REGO HUMIC GLEYSOL (1), REGO GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Loam (3), Silty Loam (3), Silty Clay Loam (2), Clay Loam (1), Silty Clay (1)

Effective Texture : Silty Loam (1), Silty Clay Loam (1), Clay Loam (5), Silty Clay (1), Clay (1), Sandy Clay Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25)(8), (26-50)(2)

Parent Material: Fluvial (3), Morainal (5), Glaciolacustrine (1), Lacustrine (1)



Excess Moisture H

Rutting Hazard H

Compaction Hazard H

Puddling Hazard H




H

Windthrow Hazard H

185

SWp Wet/Peaty (n=75)

General Description SWp soils are wet soils with an organic layer thickness of greater than 20cm. They are found primarily on fluvial and lacustrine parent materials

Comments SWp soils are predominantly poor to very poorly drained and are found in level, lower slope, depressional, and toe slope positions. Prominent mottles or strong gley are typically encountered in all soil horizons. A water table may be present within the upper 100 cm. Most of the tree roots occur in the thick peaty layers of this soil type, increasing the risk of blowdown.

. Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (6), Subhydric (3), Hydric (1)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poor (3), Imperfectly (1), Poor (6)

Soil Subgroup: ORTHIC LUVIC GLEYSOL (1), ORTHIC GLEYSOL (2), ORTHIC HUMIC GLEYSOL (2), REGO HUMIC GLEYSOL (4), REGO GLEYSOL (1)

Surface Texture: Loam (3), Silty Loam (2), Silty Clay Loam (2), Clay Loam (1), Silty Clay (2)

Effective Texture : Silty Loam (1), Silty Clay Loam (1), Clay Loam (4), Silty Clay (2), Clay (1), Sandy Clay Loam (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: (0-25)(8), (26-50)(2)

Parent Material: Fluvial (2), Morainal (2), Glaciolacustrine (4), Lacustrine (1), Colluvial (1)



Excess Moisture H

Rutting Hazard H

Compaction Hazard H

Puddling Hazard H




H

Windthrow Hazard H

186

SR Organic (n=188)

General Description Organic soils are wet with an organic thickness greater than 60cm if the material is fibric or > 40cm if the material is mesic or humic. On sites with mosses covering the surface substrate, microtopography tends to be hummocky.

Comments SR soils are typically located on flat or depressional areas in the landscape where regional or local drainage waters accumulate. They exhibit a diverse range of profiles based on organic matter thickness and on the degree of organic matter decomposition. SR soils are strongly associated with unmerchantable lowland ecosites.

. Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Hygric (2), Subhydric (4), Hydric (4)


Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Very poor (7), Poor (3)

Soil Subgroup: T.M (4), TY.M (2), FI.M (1), TY.F (2), T.H (1)

Surface Texture: mesic (4), fibric (5), humic (1)

Effective Texture: mesic (4), fibric (5), humic (1)

Depth to Mottles/Gley: not applicable

Parent Material: Organic (3), Glaciolacustrine (5), Organic/Morainal (1), Fen (1)



Excess Moisture H

Rutting Hazard H

Compaction Hazard L

Puddling Hazard L




H

Windthrow Hazard H

187

SS Shallow (n=17)

General Description Shallow soils with less than or equal to 30 cm of mineral material overlying bedrock. This soil type includes exposed bedrock surfaces.

Comments SS soils are usually associated with crests and upper slope positions with dry moisture regimes. Although they may occur on mesic sites on midslope positions where seepage may have some influence. This soil type is most frequent in the Subalpine and Upper Foothills subregions.

Environmental Variables Moisture Regime: Mesic (4), Subxeric (3), Xeric (2), Submesic (1)

Nutrient Regime: Oligotrophic (very poor) (1), Mesotrophic (medium) (6), Submesotrophic (poor) (3)

Soil Variables Soil Drainage: Rapidly drained (3), Rapid (1), Well (6), Very Rapid (1)

Soil Subgroup: BRUNISOLIC GRAY LUVISOL (1), EUTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2) DYSTRIC BRUNISOL ELUVIATED (2) ORTHIC EUTRIC BRUNISOL (5)

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

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


Parent Material: Morainal/Rock (4), Colluvial/Rock (3), Morainal (3)


Drought Limitations M-H

Excess Moisture L

Rutting Hazard M

Compaction Hazard M

Puddling Hazard M

Soil Erosion Hazard L-M



L

Windthrow Hazard H

ecological sites of the upper foothills subregion · for copies of this report contact: michael g....

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