We have some tools to use in answering our big questions about how much land needs protection and which lands are the priorities.

One important tool is the Biogeoclimatic Ecological Classification system or BEC system. It uses flora, climate and geography to define broad ecological zones.

We also have extensive data about forest cover, age classes, wildlife ranges and a variety of special resources, not to mention Google Earth!

Let's start by looking at a map of Biogeoclimatic Zones of British Columbia.