Endangered and Threatened Ecosystems Regulation

Endangered and Threatened Ecosystems Regulation, M.R. 70/2015 The Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act , C.C.S.M. c. E111 Regulation 70/2015 Registered May 15, 2015 bilingual version (HTML) Definition 1 In this regulation, "Act" means The Endangered Species and Ecosystems Act . Endangered ecosystems 2 The following ecosystems are declared to be endangered ecosystems in accordance with subsection 12.1(1) of the Act: (a) alvar; (b) tall grass prairie. Alvar description 3 Alvar is an ecosystem characterized by a limestone or dolomite pavement with no soil cover or a thin layer of soil (10 cm or less). Alvars are subject to flooding due to poor drainage but also experience drought because of the lack of soil to hold water. Alvars support abundant lichens and mosses. Typical plant species in alvars include poverty oat grass ( Danthonia spicata ) and shrubby cinquefoil ( Dasiphora fruticosa ). If there are any trees in an alvar, they will be stunted and widely dispersed. Alvars often occur as openings within forested areas. Tall grass prairie description 4 Tall grass prairie is an ecosystem dominated by tall grasses, such as big bluestem ( Andropogon gerardii ), prairie dropseed ( Sporobolus heterolepis ) and Indian grass ( Sorghastrum nutans ). It may include patches of trees and shrubs. Soil in tall grass prairie is typically dark and organic-rich.