Additionally, the Middle Fork of the Flathead River is federally designated as a
Wild and Scenic River, which recognizes that it flows on an unmodified flood plain,
is ecologically unimpaired, and provides some protection from future development.
The floodplain and its function have been the topic of important ecological
research (Harner and Stanford 2003). This area is also home to a number of rare
species, including some listed as threatened under the U. S. Endangered Species
Act (ESA). These include the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), Canada lynx (Lynx
Canadensis), wolverine (Gulo gulo), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).
Other species of note are Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis), mountain goat
(Oreamnos americanus), Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), moose
(Alces alces), mountain lion (Puma concolor), black bear (Ursus americanus), wolf
(Canis lupus), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); in fact, the area retains its
entire complement of native fauna with the exception of American bison (Bison
bison). This diverse fauna is supported by high floral diversity that arises from the
areas location within the transition zone between the Pacific coastal and continental
climate regimes.
West of the continental divide, the climate is characterized by cold, wet winters,
and cool, moist summers, supporting extensive conifer forests, primarily of
Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa).
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contortus), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and
western larch (Larix occidentalis) are also well represented. East of the continental
Fig. 18.2 A westbound Burlington-Northern Santa Fe freight train crossing Marias Pass
296
J.S. Waller
Wild and Scenic River, which recognizes that it flows on an unmodified flood plain,
is ecologically unimpaired, and provides some protection from future development.
The floodplain and its function have been the topic of important ecological
research (Harner and Stanford 2003). This area is also home to a number of rare
species, including some listed as threatened under the U. S. Endangered Species
Act (ESA). These include the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), Canada lynx (Lynx
Canadensis), wolverine (Gulo gulo), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).
Other species of note are Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus canadensis), mountain goat
(Oreamnos americanus), Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), moose
(Alces alces), mountain lion (Puma concolor), black bear (Ursus americanus), wolf
(Canis lupus), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus); in fact, the area retains its
entire complement of native fauna with the exception of American bison (Bison
bison). This diverse fauna is supported by high floral diversity that arises from the
areas location within the transition zone between the Pacific coastal and continental
climate regimes.
West of the continental divide, the climate is characterized by cold, wet winters,
and cool, moist summers, supporting extensive conifer forests, primarily of
Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) and subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa).
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contortus), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and
western larch (Larix occidentalis) are also well represented. East of the continental
Fig. 18.2 A westbound Burlington-Northern Santa Fe freight train crossing Marias Pass
296
J.S. Waller