Canada, the second largest country in the world, is both culturally and ecologically diverse. Canada extends some 7700km east to west and 4600km north to south. The population density is among the lowest in the world. Approximately 85% of the population is concentrated within 300 km of the US border.
Canada contains a variety of ecosystems including boreal and temperate forest, mountainous, arctic, and prairie. Boreal forest covers 35% of Canada’s land mass and stretches across most of western Canada. The Great Plains, or prairies, cover Manitoba, Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta. Most of the northern part of the country is covered by the Canadian Shield, a rocky and glacially-sanded region that formed more than 2.5 billion years ago. In the far north is the Arctic region which is ice-bound for most of the year.
Threats to the Forest
In Canada, forests occupy 45% of the territory. The Canadian forest plays a primary role in the ecology, culture and economy of the country. Canada’s forests are being threatened by the collective weight of a variety of non-natural elements, such as an increase in population density, urbanization, development of the road networks, agriculture and intensive logging. The threats to the boreal forest are of particular global importance as this ecoregion plays a key role in moderating the climate, alleviating air pollution, regulating water systems, and providing wildlife habitat. It is also the breeding ground for over 200 species of migratory birds. Logging, mining, and hydroelectric development in the boreal region are placing increasing pressure on this important ecoregion.
Why Does the US Forest Service Work in Canada?
While the US Forest Service operates a large domestic program, International Programs provides synergy for cross cutting collaborative work among Canada, Mexico and the United States in a wide range of topics:
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Policy and Research to Improve Forest Management
We partner with Canada and Mexico on a host of multilateral efforts including CITES, Montreal Process, UN Forum on Forests. Visit the policy section of our website for more background on these issues.
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North American Forest Commission
The North American Forest Commission, under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, provides a policy and technical forum for Canada, Mexico and the United States-a forum to address current forest issues that affect the continent. By supporting research and natural resource management activities through the different working groups, the Commission can apply subsequent results to help other regions facing similar conditions. For more information on the Commission, the working groups, and their activities, click here.
For example, the US Forest Service International Programs works with the Insects and Diseases Working Group of this commission to look for ways to mitigate the spread or influx of invasive pests, like the Asian LongHorned Beetle and Sudden Oak Death.
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Migratory Birds Throughout the Americas
Through an innovative partnership with Ducks Unlimited (DU), International Programs works with DU chapters in both Canada and Mexico to develop migration strategies for habitat protection along migration routes. Click here to learn more about this program to save some of America's favorite species-including the monarch butterfly, the Swainson's Hawk and others. This section of the website also highlights current North American initiatives to help conserve wildlife habitats and migratory species.
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