SOME ASPECTS OF THE NORTHERN PLAINS FOREST 

 REGION OF CANADA 



By a. B. Connell, B.Sc.F. 



The following notes are presented as the results of two seasons' 

 exploration work in the forest region lying north of the prairies. 

 An endeavor is made to sketch in a few words the salient features 

 of the physiography and permanent types of the region. 



In new regions such as this, where the first attempts at 

 permanent forest management are just being inaugurated, it is 

 imperative that the natural conditions of the forest should be 

 studied before they are artificially tampered with by excessive 

 fires and cuttings. In this connection descriptive ecology is of 

 prime importance, even though from the standpoint of dynamic 

 ecology it merely scratches the surface. Wide generalized sur- 

 veys over large areas must form the basis for future work. Thus 

 a conception may be gained of the forest region and of the per- 

 manent types and associations within it. These are organic 

 structures and capable of exact study. Upon this foundation 

 detailed studies may be carried out within the various associa- 

 tions. In the results thus obtained will be found the key to the 

 successful management of this northern forest. 



The Forest Region — Based on species and physiography, the 

 boundaries of what may be termed the Northern Plains Forest 

 Region can be defined as conforming on the east and north with 

 the contact line of the Laurentian peneplain, on the south with 

 the northern limits of the prairies and on the west with the foot- 

 hills of the Rocky Mountains, On the northwest its boundaries 

 are indefinite. This region forms an integral organic whole with 

 uniform climatic and soil conditions. It also exhibits a marked 

 uniformity in the forest cover. 



The Laurentian peneplain, which lies to the north and east, 

 presents entirely different physical conditions and should be 

 regarded as a separate region. (See frontispiece.) 



Physiography — The Northern Plains Region is underlaid on the 

 west and south by cretaceous strata. To the north and east 

 the cretaceous gives place to Devonian limestones, which continue 



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