Utilization of the Major Plant Communities in the Similkameen Valley, British Columbia

Abstract

The plant communities of the ponderosa pine zone in southern British Columbia offer best returns from grazing by domestic and wild ungulates. The communities of the douglasfir zone should usually be considered integrated-use areas, having significant values for both grazing and timber production. The subalpine fir zone has its main value for timber production although grazing values usually persist for many years in the lower part of the zone after logging or burning. However, the upper part of the above zone is suited mainly for grazing. Although the alpine tundra has very limited forage production it sometimes provides summer range for bighorn sheep. Since the climate is usually favorable below 3000 feet elevation, arable agriculture should be considered where soils are not restrictive.