Introduction

Flora and Fauna

Much of the map-area is forested and offers environment suited to the
perpetuation of the many varied animal species.

Lodgepole pine is by far the most abundant tree, occurring at all elevations
up to tree-line, 5,000 to 5,800 feet; black and white spruce, and aspen poplar are
next in abundance. These four varieties make up well over 80 per cent of the trees
in the area, and all other species are only locally abundant. Douglas fir occurs on
the moist south shore of Francois Lake and near Batnuni Valley. White birch is
restricted to the aspen poplar forests in the northern part; balsam occurs sparingly
with spruce in the wetter parts and near tree-line; alpine fir occasionally occurs
near tree-line. Stunted whitebark pine has been noted at several places, and
cottonwood, although rare, occurs along the major waterways. Larch was found
only in the swampy area north and east of Tatuk Lake.

Many open meadows and south-facing valley slopes produce a thick, luxu-
riant growth of several types of grasses mixed with pea vine, vetch, and other
broad leaf plants. Such meadows and sparsely timbered areas provide the hay
meadows and range land for ranching, and abundant feed for moose and deer.

Mammals noted during field work were: moose, deer, black and brown bear,
grizzly bear, wolf, coyote, porcupine, skunk, rabbit, beaver, mink, muskrat, mar-
mot, red squirrel, chipmunk, rock rabbit, and several types of mice. Other mam-
mals reported include cougar, wolverine, marten, fisher, weasel, otter, red, silver
and cross fox, and lynx. Goat and sheep are not known on any of the ranges;
caribou were once present in the Fawnie Range as indicated by many very old
antlers; wolves are not so abundant here as in other parts of British Columbia,
probably the result of persistent efforts to exterminate them.

Birds of many species are abundant. Game birds include Franklin’s grouse,
blue and ruffed grouse, ptarmigan, prairie chicken, many types of duck, and
Canada goose. A few Canada geese are known to nest within the area, particularly
along Coglistiko River in the southeast quarter of the area. Pelican were seen
on the lower Euchiniko River and on Entiako Lake. In 1949 one swan was seen
on Murray Lake. Bald eagle, loon, and many types of small birds are familiar
sights.

Rainbow trout are common to all major lakes and streams and attain their
greatest size and importance as a game fish in the lakes drained by Nechako
River. Char are present in all other lakes, some of the largest have been caught
in Uncha and Francois Lakes; none occurs upstream from Nechako Canyon.
Sockeye salmon ascend some streams but waterfalls prevent entrance to some
of the larger lakes particularly above Nechako Canyon, Cheslatta Lake, Tsacha
Lake, and Qualcho Lake (see Plate I). Salmon were noted in Francois Lake,
West Road River, and lower Nechako River. Other fish caught or reported include
kokanee, ling, suckers, squaw fish, and whitefish.

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