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Ecosystem Classification

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Biogeoclimatic Zones

The classification system was developed by Pojar and used by the BC Minsistry of Forests. System Features: The biogeoclimatic zone system is based on combinations of climatic, physiographic and vegetation factors found in British Columbia. The biogeoclimatic zone system was developed to help predict key factors - the availablity of nutrients and moisture that affect forest growth. Unlike other ecosystem classificaton systems, the system of biogeoclimatic zones was designed to take into account how forest ecosystems respond to changes in elevation. British Columbia has 14 biogeoclimatic zones with 79 subzones and 141 site variants. Organization of Biogeoclimatic Zones inThree levels. Zone Subzone Site Zones names are based on the dominant vegetation of late successional stages . In other words if a landscape is left undisturbed for a long period of time, the dominant member of the stable or climax plant community that develops; typically a conifer forest in our part of the world, provides the zone with its name. Four biogeoclimatic zones are found within the South Coast Region. Coastal Douglas Fir Coastal Western Hemlock Mountain Hemlock Alpine Tundra Stanley Park lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone. Web Links BC Ministry of Forests and Range Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification Program BCE Web   Stanley Park Explorer   TOP Stanley Park Explorer Copyright © 2003 All Rights Reserved http://www.stanleyparkexplorer.ca Produced by Peter Woods Interpretive Programs and Design Services Vancouver BC [604] 644-0110 naturalist@stanleyparkexplorer.ca         Revised: Jan 19 2007