The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Glacier
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 aluminum 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.
Last updated: 06/27/2005