Key Conservation Issues for the
Western Boreal Conservation Initiative

Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

The boreal forest is unique for its geographic diversity and extent, and the abundance of its wildlife. Much of it, particularly in the southern boreal forest, is allocated to large industry such as forestry.

A variety of approaches are needed to protect boreal habitat, including protected areas and precautionary, ecologically-sustainable land use practices developed in cooperation with interested parties.

The demands on boreal resources are likely to affect key ecological patterns and processes through loss of forested habitat and fragmentation of forest into smaller, more isolated patches. Habitat loss and fragmentation can be caused by individual resource sectors and the cumulative effect of activity by many sectors. Biotic impacts may be detected at multiple scales and include aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Further effort is required to understand the impact of these processes on ecological systems, and to develop and support policy and planning mechanisms to stem these negative effects.

Declines in biodiversity and species population trends

There are a number of gaps in our knowledge of boreal ecosystem management, including an accurate assessment of the status and trends of migratory bird populations. Some of these gaps include:

• an accurate assessment of the status of migratory bird populations
• baseline data on the biotic populations and communities in the boreal forest;
• an assessment of the direct and cumulative impacts of human activity at all geographic scales; and
• effects of climate change on biodiversity and the dynamics and health of the boreal ecosystem

Currently there is no comprehensive monitoring program for biodiversity across the boreal ecosystem.

Species At Risk

The number of species at risk of extinction within the boreal forest is small compared to other parts of the country. Nevertheless, attention must be paid to conserving species of concern such as the woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), and the whooping crane (Grus americana). An ecosystem approach that ensures that affected species do not become “at risk” must be a priority. This requires increased efforts to implement recovery plans for those at risk, as well as identification of critical habitats, and coordination of efforts across jurisdictions.

Risks to water

The boreal ecozone contains a large proportion of the freshwater in Canada. We do not adequately understand how the waters of boreal forests are affected by industrial activity and cumulative effects, nor how these relate to biodiversity.

Wetlands in the boreal forest may be at risk from acidifying emissions generated by the energy sector, particularly through flaring. They may also be threatened by loss due to large-scale industrial development, peat mining, agriculture, and urbanization.

Risks to biodiversity from climate change

Climate change is a factor that touches all aspects of natural resource management in the boreal forest. The effects of climate change on ecosystems are largely unknown; areas of concern include:

• effects on hydrological systems and water availability;
• fire and insect disturbance dynamics;
• impacts on habitat loss; and
• potential for shifting distributions and population levels of boreal species.

Further research on climate change will be crucial for effective management of human activity on the boreal landscape.

Risks to biodiversity from pollution

Current technologies in the energy and mining sector, particularly oilsands, are being challenged to mitigate the impact of soil contamination from processing. For example, reclamation of oilsands mines to forest lands are hampered by salinization of soils from ancient seabeds. Areas contaminated by heavy-metal coke or consolidated tailings, by-products from oilsands mining, cannot be effectively reclaimed with existing knowledge.

Long-term deposition of airborne contaminants including acidic and acid-forming substances from industrial activity can alter the structure and function of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. There is also potential for future habitat damage due to ground-level ozone in this region. Biodiversity may be affected through habitat degradation or loss from these activities.

Risks to biodiversity from institutions and policy

Decisions that affect economic and ecological interests in the boreal forest have often been made without adequate consultation with affected parties, or between the responsible government agencies. The need to have sufficient flexibility and knowledge to manage the boreal forest within this changing environment is emerging as a significant challenge for the future.