Boreal Shield Ecozone
The largest ecozone, the Boreal Shield, extends in a broad, U-shape from northern
Saskatchewan to Newfoundland. There are vast stretches of trees, lakes and rivers, and
bedrock exposures. This ecozone has been largely opened up by transportation systems,
but it still provides scenic wilderness sites.
The climate in this ecozone can be classified as continental with long cold
winters and short warm summers. It is modified by maritime conditions along the
coasts of Atlantic Canada. The mean annual temperature varies from -4°C in northern
Saskatchewan to 5.5°C in the Avalon Peninsula. Mean summer temperatures range between
11°C to 15°C but may vary from this in a few areas in Labrador and western
Newfoundland. Mean winter temperatures vary from -20.5°C in the west to -1°C in the
east. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 400 mm in northern Saskatchewan to 1000
mm in eastern Québec and Labrador. The maritime influence on Newfoundland produces
precipitation level ranging from 900 mm to 1600 mm.
Forest covers more than three-quarters of this ecozone. Conifers, including balsam
fir, white spruce, black spruce, and tamarack, are widely distributed. Broadleaf trees,
such as white birch, trembling aspen, and balsam poplar, and needle-leaf trees, such as
white, red, and jack pine, are found in the south. Lichens and shrubs are common on
areas of exposed bedrock.
The topography is comprised of broadly rolling uplands along with wetlands. Bedrock
outcrops are composed mainly of ancient granite. There are numerous landforms and
features associated with the last glaciation such as
eskers
and
moraines. The landscape
is dotted with many lakes of varying sizes. Peatlands are common type of wetland found
in this ecozone, being particularly extensive in Newfoundland, central Manitoba, and
northwest Ontario.
This ecozone is represented by various types of mammals including black bear, lynx, marten,
woodland caribou, moose, raccoon, eastern chipmunk, white-tailed deer, fisher, striped
skunk, and bobcat. Some common birds include blue jay, warbler, owl, and loon.
There are a wide variety of human activities in this ecozone, based mainly on the rich
natural resource base. The primary activities include mining, forestry, hydroelectricity,
hunting, trapping, fishing, water-oriented recreation and tourism. Agriculture is
important in areas where soil and climatic are suitable. The service sector, public
administration, and wholesale and retail sectors provide the majority of employment
opportunities.
©2002, Trevor Bell
