Photo: Tom Prior
The old-growth inland temperate rainforest of North America is unique in the world.
It extends from south of Prince George in BC into parts of Washington, Idaho and Montana.
Wet weather systems from the Pacific bring large amounts of rain in early summer and heavy snowfall in the winter.
This water forms crystal clear streams in the deep mountain valleys.
British Columbia's inland temperate rainforest has ancient cedars and hemlocks over 1000 years old.
These trees up to 60m of height and 3-4m in diameter grow through a mossy forest floor and are covered with lichens.
The dense forests are habitat for many rare plants.
Scientists are constantly discovering new kinds of plants like rare lichens.
They expect to find more unknown species in the future.
Photo: Tom Prior
BC's interior rainforest is also home to many rare species of animals like mountain caribou, grizzly bear, wolverine, fisher, bull trout and more.
It provides shelter, food and safe breeding and raising grounds for the species' offspring.
The dense forests are a quite safe habitat as they are not prime habitat for predators like wolves or cougars.
Photo: Tom Prior