1. Squamish Forest Ecosystems Ecosystem (noun): a community of species interacting with themselves and the physical environment 1 Ecosystem Controls Squamish Forests Squamish forests are part of the only temperate rainforest biome in North America. 7 These ecosystems are rare because they require a moderate climate, seasonal variability, and high rates of precipitation. Squamish forests are home to both deciduous (broad-leafed) and coniferous (needle-leafed) trees. Some of the most common trees include Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Red Alder, and Douglas Fir. Forest Layers A temperate forest has three layers : The Future for Squamish Forests North America is currently divided into zones of average temperature, with the areas closest to the equator being the warmest, as shown in the map on the right. 6 As the Earth warms over the next few decades, the climate zones will move northward, and the average temperature in Squamish will increase. This will lead to changes like: So what will Squamish forests look like in 40 years? Some species may flourish in the expanded growing seasons and warmer temperatures. Species like Red Alder, however, are projected to see decreases in their growth and geographic distribution. This may mean that Squamish will see different trees dominating the forests in the future, and possibly less forested area in general. However, there are options for slowing this process. With everyone’s help, Squamish can continue to have beautiful forests for decades to come. 1. Perry, D. A., Oren, R., & Hart, S. C. (2008). Forest Ecosystems (2nd ed.). Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. 2. http://islandnature.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/western_hemlock2.jpg 3. http://supertrees.com/sites/default/files/ Alder,%20Red%20Leaves.jpg 4. http://www.carolscornwall.com/Plants%20Lichens% 20and%20Fungi/Fern- Polystichum%20munitum11-06-09.jpg 5. http://nature.ca/plnt/popups/photos/f1000099lg.jpg 6. http://www.cec.org/Atlas/Files/NA_Temperature/NA_AnnualMeanTemperature.JPG 7. http://www.animalcorner.co.uk/rainforests/graphics/tempforests.jpg Western Hemlock 2 Red Alder 3 Sword Fern 4 Skunk Cabbage 5 Sign made by Devon Francis, Quest University Canada, 2015 The Canopy This layer contains all the tops of the tallest trees, which absorb most of the sunlight that hits the forest. Temperate canopies usually include Douglas Fir, Western Hemlock, and Western Red Cedar. The Understory This layer contains some of the shorter trees and large bushes. Much less sunlight reaches this layer, which is why plants in this layer have larger leaves to absorb more light. Plant in this layer include Red Alder and Vine Maple. The Forest Floor This layer contains all of the plants covering the ground of the forest. Hardly any sunlight reaches the floor. Plants in this layer include Sword Ferns and Skunk cabbage, along with many species of grass and moss. More rainfall Less snowpack Increased flooding in the winter Decrease in water availability in the summer There are many factors that influence the type of vegetation that can grow in an area. Precipitation and temperature are two of the biggest controls. Big trees need large amounts of water to photosynthesize, and most plants can’t grow in places that are too hot or cold. Soil composition, landforms, and historical factors like human interference can also impact the vegetation growth. What makes an area good for forests? Why isn’t Squamish full of cacti? Reducing C0 2 emissions Not logging in vulnerable areas Planting vegetation that can grow in warmer temperatures