Alpine and subalpine vegetation in the southern Chilcotin Mountain rangelands of British Columbia ...

• Main Author: Selby, Corinne Judy
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2010
• Subjects: Carex aquatilis
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0095024; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0095024

An ecological classification of high elevation range provides a framework for proper resource management. Alpine and subalpine vegetation in the Southern Chilcotin Mountains was studied to characterize the plant communities of the high elevation rangelands in the southern interior of British Columbia. The impacts of grazing on the structure and composition of the vegetation were evaluated. Two hundred and thirty-nine sites were sampled in a 10,000 ha area. Plots were selected randomly within homogeneous units delineated on 1:30,000 (40 chain) air photos prior to the field season. These were classified on the basis of physiognomy, dominant species and environmental conditions. The following nineteen community types were described: Picea engelmanii-Abies lasiocarpa forest, Pinus albicaulis-Juniperus communis forest, Salix bare layi-Carex aquatilis shrub wetland, Salix barrattiana alpine shrub wetland, Salix brachycarpa-Salix barclayi shrubland, Salix brachycarpa-Festuca spp. shrubfieId, Salix ...