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The boreal forest is wet and wild, and stores more freshwater in wetlands and lakes than anywhere else on the globe. (D.W. Schindler 1998 – Conserving Ecology)
Western Boreal Forest 
Ducks Unlimited Canada designs and delivers watershed-based conservation programs in the Western Boreal Forest, an area that stretches from northern Ontario to Alaska. This ecosystem contains a wetland-rich landscape that provides breeding habitat for 12 to 14 million ducks annually.
The Western Boreal Forest is an important economic, environmental and intrinsic part of Alberta, covering more than 48 percent of the province. The northern portion of Alberta is blanketed in lush bogs and fens, endless stands of spruce and rich wetlands of all sizes. This region is rich in oil and gas, forestry and other natural resources. It is also important to our First Nations’ traditional values and subsistence, and provides critical habitat to many species of flora and fauna, including the threatened Mountain Caribou and the declining Lesser Scaup.
DUC is striving to protect the western boreal forest wetlands systems while they are still intact. To do so, DUC must first understand the effects of industrial activities, such as oil and gas exploration and extraction, forestry, agriculture and hydro-electric development on boreal wetlands and surrounding habitat. DUC scientists are currently conducting watershed-based research on selected project areas within Alberta’s boreal forest, and working with industry partners to develop best management practices to produce sustainable economic and ecological returns.
For more information, download the DUC Alberta Boreal Forest information sheet (PDF, 608 KB).
Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis)
The Lesser Scaup is the oreo cookie of the Alberta duck clan – black at both ends and light in the middle. The majority of Lesser Scaup breed in the boreal forest. Loss of its breeding grounds could drastically affect this species future. Currently, it is listed as a species of special concern.
