Boreal Forest
The Northern Coniferous or boreal
forest is our largest forest zone. It covers
a broad swath across the northcentral and central part of
the province, dipping down to extend across our eastern
border into Ontario. You'll find black spruce in the lowland
bogs and fens, and jack pine, poplar and white spruce on
the uplands.
Manitoba's boreal forests support the majority of the province's
forest industry, providing resources for kraft paper, lumber
and newsprint. This region is important for mining and its
large rivers provide hydro electricity for domestic use
and export. First Nations' communities are found throughout
the boreal forest and the area is an important tourist destination.
Broadleaf/Mixed Wood Forest
The Broadleaf/Mixedwood Forest dominates
the south-central portion of the province. This forest type
is often referred to as the Aspen Parkland,
which consists predominantly of aspen, with smaller amounts
of white spruce, oak, maple and elm.
This forest region supports many small forest operations
and contains some of the most productive forest in the province.
A variety of wood products are produced from the broadleaf/mixedwood
forest, particularly oriented strand board (OSB) and lumber.
Small Broadleaf Forest Stands
The grasslands of southern Manitoba parallel the edge
of Manitoba's central forest zone. While often thought
as an endless expanse of grass, there are actually thousands
of small broadleaf forest stands dotting the prairie landscape. These mini oases of deciduous
trees and shrubs not only provide critical habitat for
wildlife, but a valuable source of income to farmers and
landowners through proper woodlot management. |
