The presence of old growth forests is primarily attributed to:
Climate
Soil components
Land use by early settlers

By the turn of the century Revelstoke was attracting:
Railway surveyors looking for a passage through the Selkirks
Mountaineers seeking the opportunity to make first ascents
Alpine skiers keen to test the slopes

Animals considered vulnerable are:
Elk, moose and wolves
Long-eared bat, caribou and grizzly
Bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer and elk