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DISTRIBUTION: The CWHwh1 is restricted
to the Queen Charlotte Islands where it
occurs at lower elevations on the leeward
side of the Queen Charlotte Ranges. The
elevational limits range from sea level
to approximately 350 m (250 m approaching
the CWHvh2 to the west).
CLIMATE: The CWHwh1 has mild, wet winters
with little snowfall, and cool moist summers.
Occasional warm dry periods during the summer
reflect the rainshadow effect of the Queen
Charlotte Ranges. The overall temperature
regime is mild due to the moderating effect
of the Pacific Ocean. Cloud and fog are
frequent throughout the year.
VEGETATION: Forests on zonal sites are
dominated by Hw, Cw, and Ss. Mosses dominate
the understorey with Hylocomium splendens,
Rhytidiadelphus loreus, and Rhizomnium glabrescens
occurring most commonly. The herb and shrub
layers are sparse, probably due to heavy
deer browsing. Very old successional stages
are increasingly dominated by Cw. Subdued
terrain on the Queen Charlotte Lowlands
and eastern Skidegate Plateau have extensive
bogs and nutrientvery poor to -poor, Cw,
Hw, salal-dominated stands.
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