Ecology

Situated in East-central British Columbia along the Continental Divide, the 20,000-km2 Fraser Headwaters bioregion comprises an incredible diversity of landscapes, ecosystems, and species. The region’s most notable geographical feature is the Rocky Mountain Trench, which bisects the region from northwest to southeast. One of the world’s longest valleys, the Trench is also a major migration corridor for wildlife. The Rocky Mountains and Cariboo (Columbia) Mountains loom large over the trench on opposing sides, and create major physical barriers with Alberta in the East and the remainder of BC in the west.

Here is found the birthplace of British Columbia’s most important river system: the Fraser. From its source in Mt. Robson Provincial Park, the great river flows north on its way to Prince George where it turns and heads south to the Pacific Ocean—a total distance of nearly 1,500 kilometers. Chinook salmon migrate to the Headwaters each year, thrashing their way upstream to spawn in tributary streams or in the gravels of the Fraser’s uppermost reaches. Other major rivers also originate here: the North Thompson, the Canoe- a major fork of the Columbia, the Kakwa.

Ecosystems of the bioregion span a wide range, from rich, valley-bottom wetlands and ancient inland rainforests, to high elevation subalpine forests and alpine tundra. With large, intact areas of pristine wilderness still remaining, the Headwaters region provides habitat for a wide range of species. Grizzly bears, black bears, mountain goats, caribou, wolverine and cougars are among the area’s most charismatic fauna.

 

 

 

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