Climate
Landscape
Vegetation
Wildlife
Human Use

Climate: Total annual precipitation (mm) 452 Annual snowfall (cm) 170 Water deficit (mm) 169 Mean July temperature (C) +17.7 Mean January temperature (C) -21.4 The climate is subhumid and cool. The region is subject to late spring and late fall frosts. The summers are short and cool, the winters are long and cold. In the Cumberland Delta, hills to the south, expanses of water, increased precipitation and lower elevation create a microclimate different than the climate of the surrounding provincial forest. The moderating effect of this area supports tree species that are more similar to a southern Manitoba ecosystem. Landscape: The Saskatchewan River in the Cumberland lowlands has formed an extensive delta. The Pasquia Hills Uplands to the south are high and rolling, dissected by the streams carrying water off the plateau. GPS: 53d 55.16m N, 102d 17.67m W, 705 feet 12 July 96, 12:30 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F8 1/100s This bridge under construction will provide all-season, all-weather access to the community of Cumberland House for the first time. GPS: 53d 38.91m N, 101d 59.91m W, 1053 feet 16 July 96, 11:50 am, Fuji Velvia 50, F11 1/60s This timberjack is used to haul the logs out of the bush. GPS: 54d 29.92m N, 104d 09.73m W, 1422 feet 14 August 96, 5:30 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F11 1/60s Jayjay Creek is 2 kms east of the junction of #165 and #106. GPS: 53d 39.65m N, 102d 00.51m W, 1024 feet 16 July 96, 12:50 pm, Fuji Velvia 50, F11 1/60s Lobstick Tower is 21 kms west of Saskatchewan/Manitoba border on #9. Vegetation: This ecoregion is characterized by medium-tall closed stands of trembling aspen and balsam poplar, with white spruce, balsam fir, and black spruce occurring in late successional stages. Poorly drained depressions are dominated by stunted dwarf birch and black spruce with peat moss Labrador tea and sedges. The rich deciduous forests on river deposited soil, support luxuriant stands of ostrich fern and horsetail. This ecoregion has the most diverse flora in the province. In the Cumberland Delta, white elm, green ash and Manitoba maple can be found. Wildlife: The moose population is the highest in Saskatchewan. Black bear (shown left) are also common. Low populations of white-tailed deer and elk are present. The Cumberland marshes are important as waterfowl habitat and for muskrat production. Bird diversity is high. There are a large number of barred owls, associated with the mature balsam poplar forests. Black-throated and blue warblers found here are rarely seen elsewhere in the province. Human Use: Forestry is the most important land use. White spruce and balsam poplar stands generate the highest timber yields in the province. Fishing, trapping, seasonal hunting are other resource uses. Some ranching occurs along with the growing of forage crops and vegetables.