Gene conservation plan for native trees of Alberta

Genes represent the potential of any organism to adapt to its environment, whether that environment is stable or rapidly changing. For Alberta, the genes of native trees are a heritage resource reflecting evolution in changing environments. Because there is no possibility of maintaining stable environments on a large scale, climate change in Alberta in any direction will have an impact on the survival of species. Conservation of genetic variation thus is the principal means of fostering the long-term survival of species.