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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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GLACIER |
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| General Description |
Glacier Biosphere Reserve and National Park is situated in northwestern Montana in the northern Rocky Mountains and adjacent to the Canadian Waterton Biosphere Reserve. In 1932, Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park were designated as Wateron-Glacier International Peace Park to celebrate the longstanding peace between the two nations. Glacier and Waterton have both been designated as biosphere reserves and as a single World Heritage Site. Pleistocene glaciation has resulted in a spectacular glaciated landscape with horn-shaped peaks, broad u-shaped valleys, hanging valleys, and glacial lakes. The last major glacial retreat was about 10,000 years ago, but some 50-60 small glaciers of more recent origin remain. The biosphere reserve comprises the watersheds of three ocean systems, Hudson Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. There are wide variations in elevation and climate, which lead to a wide diversity of vegetation types. Ecosystems range from the extensive boreal forests west of the divide, to the semi-arid foothills of the Rockies in the east. Airborne pollution from a nearby aluminium plant, logging, poaching, mineral and energy development as well as recreational activities affect natural ecosystems in the area. Research projects aim to establish criteria for conservation, management and restoration of natural ecosystems and threatened species. Current studies of both biosphere reserves focus on ecology of gray wolf, grizzly bear, mountain goats and wintering ungulates. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Mixed mountain and highland systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | ||||
| Location | 48°15' to 49°00'N; 113°15' to 114°30'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 410,056 | |||
| Core area(s) | 410,056 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | - | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | - | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +972 to +3,185 | |||
| Year designated | 1976 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Glacier National Park National Park Service | |||
| Last updated: 3/11/2005 |
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