Forests

Did you know...

  • The provincial tree of Alberta is the lodgepole pine.
  • Alberta’s forests provide approximately 52,000 jobs a year.
  • Roughly 82 million trees are planted in Alberta each year.
  • Forests cover nearly 60% of Alberta’s land mass.
  • The average 1,700 square foot home uses approximately 157 trees.

The Story of the Lodgepole Pine: Alberta’s Provincial Tree

Pine

The Alberta Legislative Assembly designated the lodgepole pine as the province’s official tree in 1984.

Why the lodgepole pine? Because the tree occurs only in western Canada, is very prevalent in Alberta, and plays an important role in the development of the province.

Early explorers named the tree the “lodgepole pine” because its long, straight trunk was used widely in the construction of teepees and cabins. Settlers then used it for railway ties, telegraph poles, fence posts and mining timber.

Today, it is one of the most important and widely used trees in Alberta’s forest industry. It also provides homes to many wildlife species and protective cover for the vital watersheds.

Forest Regions

Forest Regions of Alberta

Alberta has four forest regions, each with its own variety of trees and unique climate. The regions are the Boreal, Aspen Parkland, Subalpine and Montane. Refer to the map below to see the different qualities of each region.

The Boreal Region

The Boreal is the largest forest region in Canada. It makes up 35% of Canada’s total land area and 77% of Canada’s total forest land. Extending across Canada’s north from Newfoundland to the Yukon, it forms a band almost 1,000 kilometres wide.

Tree species:

  • Aspen Poplar
  • Balsam Fir
  • Balsam Poplar
  • Black Spruce
  • Jack Pine
  • Lodegepole Pine
  • Tamarack Larch
  • White Birch
  • White Spruce

Climate:

  • Long, cold winters; short, mild summers.

The Subalpine Region

The Subalpine region runs along the bottom half of Alberta’s western border, from the United States border to Grande Cache, and covers much of the Rocky Mountains.

Tree species:

  • Alpine Fir
  • Alpine Larch
  • Engelmann Spruce
  • Lodgepole Pine
  • White Spruce
  • Whitebark Pine

Climate:

  • Very warm in the summer; very cold in the winter.

The Aspen Parkland Region

The Aspen Parkland region is situated between the northern Boreal forest and the southeastern grasslands. It is the most densely populated forest region in Alberta; its numerous wetlands make it a popular breeding area for ducks.

Tree species:

  • Balsam Poplar
  • Black Spruce
  • Jack Pine
  • Tamarack
  • Aspen Poplar
  • White Birch (in small numbers)
  • White Spruce

Climate:

  • Very warm in summer; very cold in winter.

The Montane Region

The Montane region is mostly located in the east-west mountain valleys that extend out from the foothills. These valleys channel warm Pacific air, called chinook (“snow-eater”) winds, into Alberta during winter.

Tree species:

  • Aspen Poplar
  • Douglas Fir
  • Limber Pine
  • Lodgepole Pine
  • White Spruce

Climate:

  • Cool summers; moderate winters.

Mountain Pine Beetle: Big Challenge, Little Package

MPB Size Comparison

This little beetle, which is about the size of a grain of rice, has done a lot of damage to Alberta’s pine forests. Mountain pine beetles usually attack mature trees aged 80-120 years, crawling under the bark and spreading a disease that stains the trees blue.

All species of pine, including lodgepole, jack, scots and ponderosa are vulnerable. At risk are forest biodiversity, wildlife habitat, water resources, aesthetic values and recreational opportunities. The mountain pine beetle also threatens commercial timber supplies, the sustainability of many communities and the livelihoods of thousands of Albertans.

The Alberta Government has implemented an aggressive long-term strategy to combat the mountain pine beetle and protect the health of our forests. Help control the spread of mountain pine beetle and report pine trees that have turned red or yellow:

  • Call 310-BUGS

Learn more about the Mountain Pine Beetle:

Read about other pests and invasive plants that threaten Alberta’s forests:

Wildfires

Wildfires or forest fires are actually part of healthy forest life cycle.

Wildfires release important nutrients that help forests grow and change over time. In fact, some trees, like the pine tree, need the intense heat of wildfire to open their cones and release the seeds inside.

Wildfires, however, can threaten communities and can put people and wildlife in danger.

If you see a forest fire, report it. Call 310-FIRE.

Learn more about Wildfires: