Northern Continental Divide

The Northern Continental Divide straddles the major watershed drainage to the Pacific and Atlantic (Hudson Bay). This ecoregion is characterized by high mountains intermixed with lowlands along rivers, and there is a wide diversity of different forest types.

The largest communities include Banff, Canmore, Elkfore, Fernie and Sparwood.

The Northern Continental Divide ranked high for biodiversity and threat in the conservation assessment. This is because it has a wide diversity of species, including species of global conservation concern, and large expanses of natural cover. However, because of natural and human barriers, this ecoregion is also very fragmented. Climate change is likely to impact many species and ecosystems.

The Northern Continental Divide ecoregion is important for national and global biodiversity conservation. In addition to a very high richness of species, including many that are of global conservation concern, this ecoregion is a critical component of the  Yellowstone to Yukon  corridor.

There are important opportunities in this ecoregion to better connect the existing protected/conserved areas, and work to improve sustainable land use in the intervening private and Crown lands.

•  Learn more  about biodiversity in this region.
•  Learn more  about conservation in the Canadian Rockies, a BC/AB initiative
• Learn more about conservation projects that are protecting key areas in the ecoregion, including Southern Foothills and  Waterton .
•  Volunteer  to help manage conservation lands.