Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve is located in south central Canada, some 300 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is situated at the junction of the grassland and boreal forest biome. Most of the area is forested, and dominated by aspen. Although grasslands occupy only 7,400 of the total 1,331,800 hectares, they exist as discrete units, and as such are considered to be of national importance. The eastern extent of the rare climax rough fescue community (a type of grass) also occurs within the reserve. Once common throughout southern Manitoba, grasslands were significantly transformed during the European settlement in the late 19th century.

The reserve also includes agricultural areas (for cultivation of grain and forage crops and for livestock) which used to be forested or grasslands. The forest provides important habitat for many large mammals such as black bears, gray wolves and coyotes. The reserve is also rich in lakes and streams.

Descendants of the Ojibwa First Nations live in four relatively small Indian Reserves within the transition zone. Some 28,400 people live in the biosphere reserve on a permanent basis. However, peak weekends in summer can bring many thousands of visitors to the area. The region supports a rural, agricultural economy supplemented by tourism ventures that are mainly associated with the national park.

For more information, visit: www.rmbr.ca