NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
APPENDIX 1
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY BY TERA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
Page A1-1
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION)
August 2010 6922
Prepared for: Prepared by:
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of TERA Environmental Consultants TransCanada PipeLines Limited Suite 1100, 815 - 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P2 Calgary, Alberta Ph: 403-265-2885
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Project Description...... 1 1.2 Ecosystem Classification ...... 1 1.3 Objectives ...... 2 2.0 METHODS ...... 4 2.1 Pre-Field Assessment...... 4 2.2 Study Area Boundaries ...... 4 2.3 Rare Plant Surveys ...... 6 2.4 Non-Native and Invasive Species...... 6 3.0 KNOWN SPECIES OF CONCERN ...... 7 3.1 Federal Species of Concern ...... 7 3.2 Provincial Species of Concern...... 7 4.0 RESULTS...... 8 4.1 Survey Limitations...... 8 4.2 Rare Plants ...... 8 4.2.1 Ascending grape fern (S2) ...... 8 4.2.2 Conic liverwort (S2)...... 9 4.2.3 Dainty moonwort (S1) ...... 9 4.2.4 Golden saxifrage (S3?) ...... 9 4.2.5 Lance-leaved grape fern (S2) ...... 9 4.2.6 Macloskey's violet (S2S3)...... 10 4.2.7 Northern moonwort (S3) ...... 10 4.3 Rare Ecological Communities...... 10 4.4 Traditional Ecological Knowledge...... 10 4.5 Forest Pests ...... 11 4.6 Non-Native and Invasive Species...... 11 5.0 SUMMARY AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 16 5.1 Recommended Supplemental Surveys...... 16 5.2 General Vegetation Recommendations...... 16 5.3 Rare Plant and Rare Ecological Community Recommendations ...... 18 6.0 REFERENCES...... 22 6.1 Personal Communications ...... 22 6.2 Literature Cited...... 22
LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Potential Rare Vascular Plant Species in the Central Mixedwood, Upper Foothills and Lower Foothills Natural Subregions ...... 24 Appendix B Potential Rare Ecological Communities in the Central Mixedwood, Upper Foothills and Lower Foothills Subregions ...... 31 Appendix C Observed Plant Species – By Type and Common Name...... 34 Appendix D Photoplates ...... 39
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location and Known Rare Plant and Community Locations ...... 3 Figure 2 Rare Plant Locations...... 12
LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Early-Season Rare Plant Survey Locations...... 5 Table 2 Previously Recorded Rare Plant Occurrences in Proximity (<5 km) to the Proposed Pipeline Route ...... 7 Table 3 General Vegetation Mitigation Measures...... 17 Table 4 Mitigative Measures for Occurrences of Rare Plants and Rare Ecological Communities Observed along the Project ...... 19
LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Close up of ascending grape fern at 5-11-65-7 W6M (June 18, 2010)...... 40 Plate 2 Close up of conic liverwort at 3-4-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 40 Plate 3 Habitat of conic liverwort at 3-4-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 41 Plate 4 Close up of dainty moonwort observed at 12-11-65-7 W6M (June 18, 2010)...... 41 Plate 5 Close up of golden saxifrage at 3-4-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 42 Plate 6 Habitat of golden saxifrage and conic liverwort at 3-4-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 42 Plate 7 Lance-leaved grape fern at 3-33-65-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 43 Plate 8 Macloskey's violet at 12-15-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 44 Plate 9 Habitat of Macloskey's violet at 12-15-66-7 W6M (June 20, 2010)...... 44 Plate 10 Close up of northern moonwort at 12-11-65-7 W6M (June 18, 2010)...... 45 Plate 11 Habitat of northern moonwort at 12-11-65-7 W6M (June 18, 2010)...... 45 Plate 12 View west along the right-of-way (previous route) within the trembling aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla community at 5-22-65-7 W6M (June 19, 2010)...... 46
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NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Project Description NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) is applying to the National Energy Board (NEB) under Section 58 of the NEB Act for authorization to construct and operate the proposed Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) (the Project). The proposed 38 km long, 610 O.D. (NPS 24) Project will generally be constructed parallel to the existing Cutbank Lateral on the Alberta system located south of Grande Prairie, Alberta.
As part of the NEB Section 58 Application, an Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) has been prepared by TERA Environmental Consultants (TERA) (2010). To support the application, TERA was commissioned by TransCanada to conduct a rare plant survey along the proposed Project route. A field survey of the proposed right-of-way was conducted from June 13 to 25, 2010. The rare plant survey was conducted based on the proposed route as of June 8, 2010, for the most part. However, some segments of the route which were realigned during the during the early summer rare plant survey were surveyed. The remainder of the realigned segments of the route will be surveyed during the late summer rare plant survey.
The Project parallels the existing Cutbank Lateral right-of-way and Bald Mountain Road for approximately 88% of its length (33 km). The Project will require a 25 m wide construction right-of-way as well as temporary workspace at road, foreign pipeline, utility and drainage feature crossings, as well as at sharp sidebends and tie-ins. Temporary workspace to be taken within adjacent pipeline rights-of-way where feasible. Design, construction and operation of the pipeline will be in compliance with all applicable codes, standards and regulations. Pending regulatory approval, construction is scheduled to commence in November 2010.
This report describes the methods and results of the rare plant survey, as well as suitable mitigation recommendations for the proposed Project's construction. For ease of description, the proposed pipeline route is described using Kilometre Posts (KPs). The proposed pipeline route begins at 12-24-68-7 W6M (KP 0) and terminates at 6-2-65-7 W6M (KP 38) (see Figure 1).
In alignment with the objectives of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) study program for the Project, shared traditional knowledge was documented during the rare plant survey to provide input to the design and execution of biophysical and socio-economic discipline programs. The proposed rare plant survey schedule, field methods and work plans were shared with the participating communities prior to field work. The rare plant survey field work was conducted with the assistance of participants from Kelly Lake Cree Nation (KLCN) and Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada (AWN). Aboriginal participants shared their traditional knowledge of plant species in the Project area, especially medicinal plants, and aided in their location.
1.2 Ecosystem Classification The Project occurs in the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion of the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Upper Foothills and Lower Foothills Natural Subregions of the Foothills Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006) (Figure 1).
The Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion is the largest Natural Subregion in Alberta and is characterized by upland forests and wetlands on level to gently undulating plains. Upland forests are a mosaic of aspen, mixedwood and white spruce. Common understory species include: low-bush cranberry, prickly rose, green alder, Canada buffaloberry, hairy wild rye, bunchberry, wild sarsaparilla, and dewberry. Jack pine stands occur on coarser materials. Wetlands are often extensive and are dominated by black spruce fens and bogs (Natural Regions Committee 2006).
The Upper Foothills Natural Subregion is characterized by closed, conifer dominated, forests occurring on rolling to steeply sloping terrain. Forests in this Subregion are often dominated by lodgepole pine with black spruce and white spruce as minor components. Deciduous and mixedwood forests occur on southerly and westerly slopes often at lower elevations. The Upper Foothills subregion has a shorter
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NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922 cooler growing season than the adjacent Lower Foothills Subregion. As a result the communities in this subregion are generally less diverse (Natural Regions Committee 2006).
Natural landscapes in the Lower Foothills Natural Subregion are characterized by rolling, till-covered plateaus forested by mesic, closed canopy mixed stands of aspen, lodgepole pine, white spruce and balsam poplar. Common understory species on mesic sites include: green alder, low-bush cranberry, prickly rose, wild sarsaparilla, dewberry, fireweed and bluejoint (Natural Regions Committee 2006).
1.3 Objectives The main objectives of the survey were to:
• identify any rare plant species and rare ecological communities along the proposed route as defined by the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), the Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS, formerly Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre [ANHIC]);
• identify any unique sites or habitat features along the proposed route with high potential to support rare plant species;
• establish baseline conditions, determine and evaluate effects on traditional land use, identify mitigation opportunities, and contribute to final routing, siting and Project design;
• record the abundance and distribution of non-native, invasive species; and
• provide mitigation recommendations in the event that rare plants, rare ecological communities or invasive species infestations are observed.
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RGE. 8 W6M RGE. 7 RGE. 6 RGE. 5 W6M
Wi ls o n La k e Dry Ca m Mixedwood I p b r oq 12-24-68-7 W6M e ll uo i C s C r r e !. e e k [ e W KP 0 k 68 TWP. i l s o n C 40 r e ST e k a B l d M o u n ta in C re e k
leafy pondweed
!.KP 5
Central Mixedwood
!. KP 10 TWP. 67 TWP.
aspen / thimbleberry S / wild sarsaparilla t o n y C r e e k
!. KP 15
k e e r C k n e i e a r t C n u d l o
o
M G
d l
a
B !. KP 20 TWP. 66 TWP.
Lower Foothills
B
i g
M
o !. u P KP 25 n i n t t o a i C n r e C ek k r e e e C r e k ee p S t
!. KP 30
Upper Foothills 65 TWP.
bloody-heart lichen !. KP 35
r e
v KP 38 i !. R [ k n 6-2-65-7 W6M a t b Cu TWP. 64 TWP.
FIGURE 1 SCALE: 1: 100,000 Fort REGIONAL LOCATION AND KNOWN RARE km St. John J J Peace River PLANT AND COMMUNITY LOCATIONS 0 1 2 3 J Dawson Fairview Creek (All Locations Approximate) J High EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY Slave Prairie J Lake J FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. Grande J Prairie CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION) August 2010 6922 Mapped J Valleyview Area DATA SOURCES: Fox Tie-In Location 40 [ ST Highway Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery © 2010 CNES, J Creek Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp; Grande Road Prince George Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2010; J J Cache Existing Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2010; Edson Proposed Pipeline Route Stream/River Road: GeoBase® 2008; J J Hinton Hydrography: IHS Inc. 2004, Natural Resources Canada 2007, B R I T I S H Lake Rare Plant Location: Alberta Conservation Information Management System 2010; ALBERTA Natural Subregion: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2005. COLUMBIA Existing Pipeline ACIMS - Rare Plant Location Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. 6922_Veg_Figure1_Regional_Location_Rev0_EarlySummer.mxd NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
2.0 METHODS
2.1 Pre-Field Assessment A literature review was conducted prior to the field survey to identify rare vascular plant species and rare ecological communities with potential to occur in the Project area. Satellite images were reviewed in order to identify areas with high potential to support rare plant species (e.g., seepage areas, riparian areas, under-represented ecosystems).
Using data available from ACIMS, COSEWIC and Environment Canada, tables of potential rare vascular plant species (Appendix A) and rare ecological communities (Appendix B) were compiled.
The ACIMS vascular plant tracking list and watch list (Kemper 2009) is made available by Natural Subregion and the latest edition was provided in 2009 (ANHIC 2009). Habitats were added using Kershaw et al. (2001) and Moss (1983). SARA, COSEWIC, and provincial Wildlife Act designations are included. For Alberta, General Status ranks (determined every 5 years by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development [ASRD]) are reviewed, but they are not included in the tables as the ranks do not provide additional information beyond the ACIMS and Wildlife Act ranks. The tables were modified to include whether the known range and habitat of each plant occurs in the vicinity of the Project. The ranges are based on the distribution maps in Kershaw et al. (2001) and Moss (1983). Whether the individual species' habitats were present along the route was determined based on habitat types expected to occur in the Project area, and were later confirmed based on habitat types observed during the rare plant surveys.
ACIMS rare ecological community data are available by Natural Subregion (Allen 2009). The Appendix B table was modified to include whether the known range of the community occurs in the vicinity of the Project. This was accomplished using distribution maps of the component species and, if necessary, through personal communication with ACIMS.
Information regarding records of known rare plant or rare ecological community occurrences within the study area and within proximity (<5 km) to the proposed pipeline route were reviewed based on data available from ACIMS. The study area boundaries are defined in Section 3.0.
Weeds of management concern identified in the Alberta Weed Regulation were also reviewed prior to the commencement of the field survey.
Rare plant field surveys were subsequently conducted during the period from June 13 to 25, 2010.
2.2 Study Area Boundaries The study area boundaries for rare plant surveys are comprised of the land area to be directly disturbed by construction and clean-up activities, including associated physical works and activities such as the permanent right-of-way, temporary construction workspace, temporary access, temporary stockpile sites and staging areas and log decks, where known at the time of the survey.
The study area boundaries for this Project encompassed the width of the proposed pipeline right-of-way, oriented on the centreline of the proposed route that had been programmed into a handheld GPS unit. Additional areas where the need for temporary workspace could be inferred (e.g., sidebends, water crossings) were also included in the survey. Detailed information was collected for the directly surveyed area, and additional more generalized knowledge of the broader area extending up to 50 m on either side of the GPS track (100 m corridor) was also obtained, based on the field surveys. Because the communities traversed by the proposed route also extend off of the proposed right-of-way, information on the community composition and its general rare plant potential can be inferred during field surveys. In addition, where rare plants are observed on the right-of-way the survey area is extended up to 50 m from the centerline.
Satellite imagery was reviewed to select areas for the rare plant survey. Rare plant surveys were conducted along the majority of the route with an emphasis on riparian areas and any other areas identified as having high potential to support rare plants (e.g., seepage areas, under-represented
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NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922 ecosystems). Table 1 identifies the areas surveyed for rare plants during the early-season rare plant survey in 2010 listed by legal location.
TABLE 1
EARLY-SEASON RARE PLANT SURVEY LOCATIONS
Legal Location (W6M) Length1 Main Habitat Types NW 24-68-7; 2.0 Mature, moist deciduous NE, SE-23-68-7; woodland NE 14-68-7 SE 14-68-7; 2.3 Regenerating, moist NE, SE 11-68-7; mixedwood woodland; SW 12-68-7; Wetlands (shrub swamp and NW 1-68-7; treed bog); NE 2-68-7 Mature, moist mixedwood woodland; Riparian mixedwood woodland; Wetlands (Oxbow marsh); Watercourse (Bald Mountain Creek) NE, SE 22-67-7 1.4 Mature, moist mixedwood woodland; Regenerating, moist mixedwood woodland SW 11-67-7; 1.9 Watercourse (tributary to Bald NW, SW 2-67-7; Mountain Creek), riparian mixedwood, dry mixedwood NE 27-66-7 0.8 Dry mixedwood SW, NW 15-66-7; 2.7 Aspen - lodgepole pine, recent SW, SE 22-66-7 cutblock, white spruce, mixedwood SW 4-66-7 0.3 Aspen forest, regenerating moist mixedwood NE 33-65-7 1.0 Lodgepole pine NW 28-65-7; 1.1 Lodgepole pine - aspen, SW 33-65-7 regenerating moist mixedwood NW 14-67-7; 4.7 Recent cutblock, regenerating SW 23-67-7; moist mixedwood, mature SE, SW 22-65-7; white spruce - lodgepole pine NE, SE 21-65-7; SE, SW 28-65-7 SW, NW 11-65-7; 2.4 Regenerating moist SW 14-65-7 mixedwood, willow swamp, drainage, recent cutblock NW 2-65-7 0.5 Dry pine forest Notes: 1 All distances are approximate and do not represent total area surveyed due to realignments.
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2.3 Rare Plant Surveys Information collected during the desktop review identified areas of high rare plant potential, potential rare plant species and potential rare ecological communities.
In accordance with established rare plant survey guidelines, TERA recommended conducting both an early summer and a late summer survey (Alberta Native Plant Council [ANPC] 2000), between June 1 and August 31. The rare plant survey was conducted during the period from June 13 to 25, 2010. Late- season rare plant surveys will be conducted in August 2010 (Section 5.1).
One member from the KLCN and one member from the AWN participated in this survey. TEK was collected in partnership between TERA and members of KLCN and AWN. Members of each community participated in the rare plant survey. In addition, open ended interviews were conducted at stop locations along the proposed pipeline route to discuss the role of the local plants for local peoples and cultures, and to document traditional values and observations regarding vegetation aspects of the local and regional landscape.
The rare plant survey methods were based on survey guidelines developed by the ANPC (2000). Rare plant specialists, including First Nation participants, traversed each selected portion of the route, noted the dominant plant communities, recorded all identifiable species and searched for rare plants and unique habitat. A purposeful meander technique was used to survey the proposed right-of-way. At locations where potentially important microsites were observed, more detailed searches were performed.
Where rare plant species were observed, thorough searches were conducted to determine the extent of the populations. The populations were mapped and photographed, UTM co-ordinates were recorded and detailed reporting forms were completed for future submission to ACIMS. Voucher specimens of rare plant species were generally collected. Species identification was confirmed by other established botanists, and/or by comparison with specimens at an appropriate herbarium.
Where rare ecological communities were observed, the communities were mapped and photographed and their locations were recorded. Full species lists were recorded and percent cover for each species was estimated. Descriptions of the sites and vegetation were documented on detailed reporting forms for future submission to ACIMS.
This survey did not address all rare nonvascular species (e.g., mosses, liverworts, lichens). However, where identifiable rare nonvascular species were observed, the populations were assessed and reported in the same manner as vascular species.
2.4 Non-Native and Invasive Species Weed control is of concern to stakeholders and local government agencies. The Alberta Weed Control Act was recently updated. Prohibited Noxious weeds are those that must be eliminated, and Noxious weeds are those that must be controlled. Nuisance weeds are no longer listed in Alberta or regulated by the Weed Control Act. There are many additional, non-listed species that are introduced to Alberta (i.e., non-native), including seeded agronomic species and horticulturally-used species, that can be invasive in certain land uses. The status of species as native or not is according to ACIMS (ANHIC 2006). All listed weeds and non-listed, introduced species were recorded in all locations where they were observed during the survey.
The weed species observed during this survey are listed in Appendix C. A summary of the distribution and density of weed species observed along the proposed route is provided in Section 4.6.
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3.0 KNOWN SPECIES OF CONCERN
3.1 Federal Species of Concern There are no potential species listed for the Central Mixedwood, Upper Foothills and Lower Foothills Subregions that have a SARA or COSEWIC designation. No previously recorded occurrences of rare plants or rare ecological communities with a SARA or COSEWIC designation are known in the study area (ACIMS 2010a).
3.2 Provincial Species of Concern There are no potential species listed for the Central Mixedwood, Upper Foothills and Lower Foothills Subregions that are designated under the Alberta Wildlife Act. No previously recorded occurrences of rare plants or rare ecological communities with a designation under the Alberta Wildlife Act are known in the study area (ACIMS 2010a).
ACIMS provided records of rare plant and rare ecological community occurrences known in proximity (<5 km) to the proposed pipeline route, which included one rare vascular plant, one rare nonvascular plant and one rare ecological community (ACIMS 2010a). Details of the previously recorded occurrences are summarized in Table 2 and are shown on Figure 1. Definitions of rarity ranks and classes are included in the footnotes of the Appendices.
TABLE 2
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED RARE PLANT OCCURRENCES IN PROXIMITY (<5 km) TO THE PROPOSED PIPELINE ROUTE
Approximate Distance to Provincial Location (W6M) Proposed Route1 Type Scientific Name Common Name Rank 12-2-68-7 1.1 km vascular Potamogeton leafy pondweed S2 plant foliosus 8-12-67-7 2.1 km ecological Populus aspen / S2S3 community tremuloides / thimbleberry / wild Rubus parviflorus / sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis 9-6-65-7 3.9 km nonvascular Mycoblastus bloody-heart lichen S2 plant sanguinarius Source: ACIMS 2010a Notes: 1 ACIMS may buffer the location of an occurrence when mapping precision is low due to the age of the data, or the detail submitted; or the desire by a landowner to withhold the specific location from the public. The occurrence may be located anywhere within the buffer. Distances in this Table were measured from the route to the nearest edge of each buffer. When the route intersects a buffer, distances are noted as "within buffer".
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4.0 RESULTS A list of all species observed at the time of survey is provided in Appendix C. Species nomenclature is according to ACIMS (ANHIC 2006) with more current taxonomic information drawn from NatureServe (2010a), when necessary.
The rare plant survey encountered a number of different vegetation communities, primarily mixedwood forests, cutblocks and regenerating forests. The rare plant survey focused on mature forests and older regenerating forests.
The moist and dry mixedwood forests were dominated by trembling aspen with subdominant species comprising white spruce, balsam poplar and lodgepole pine. Riparian areas were dominated by willow or alder species and were associated with seasonal drainages and Bald Mountain Creek. The proposed route traverses two treed bogs.
4.1 Survey Limitations This survey does not address all nonvascular species (mosses, liverworts, lichens). However, all identifiable nonvascular species have been reported in the same manner as vascular species.
Due to their site-specific nature, rare plant surveys can only be conducted on the known Project footprint (i.e., the study area) and their results cannot always be extrapolated to route realignments and additions made after surveys have been conducted. Recommendations for further studies are presented in Section 5.1.
Although rare plant surveys can confirm the presence of rare plants, they cannot definitively determine that rare plants are not present at a site.
4.2 Rare Plants No COSEWIC or SARA-listed species were found during the survey. No species designated under the Alberta Wildlife Act were found during the survey. Six ACIMS-listed rare vascular plant species and one rare nonvascular plant species were observed during the rare plant survey along the proposed pipeline. These are summarized in Table 3 and shown on Figure 2. The rare plants observed were:
• ascending grape fern (Botrychium ascendens);
• conic liverwort (Conocephalum conicum);
• dainty moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum);
• golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense);
• lance-leaved grape fern (Botrychium lanceolatum);
• Macloskey's violet (Viola pallens); and
• northern moonwort (Botrychium pinnatum).
Definitions of rarity ranks and classes are included in the footnotes of the Appendices.
4.2.1 Ascending grape fern (S2) Ascending grape fern (Botrychium ascendens W. H. Wagner) grows 5-15 cm tall. It has a bright yellow-green leafy, sterile blade with up to five pairs of well-separated leaf lobes with toothed margins. The fertile blade is equal to twice the height of the leafy blade. This species occurs in grassy fields, roadside clearings and wetland meadows from low elevation to the subalpine (Kershaw et al. 2001,
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Williston 2001). Ascending grape fern is ranked S2 in Alberta, S2 in British Columbia (BC) and G2G3 globally.
Details regarding the location and abundance of ascending grape fern populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.2.2 Conic liverwort (S2) Conic liverwort (Conocephalum salebrosum) is a nonvascular, yellow-green plant that grows flat on a rock, wood or soil substrate and has a main body called a thallus that grows up to 2 cm wide and 9-10 cm long, with conic fruiting structures. Conic liverwort has a well marked hexagonal pattern on the upper thallus surface with a pore in the center of each hexagon (Vitt et al. 1988). In Alberta, this liverwort is ranked S2. This liverwort is ranked S5 in Ontario, occurs in Manitoba but is unranked there, and is ranked G5 globally (NatureServe 2010b).
Details regarding the location and abundance of conic liverwort populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.2.3 Dainty moonwort (S1) Dainty moonwort (Botrychium crenulatum W. H. Wagner), is a small fleshy perennial herb that grows in wet areas in the mountains. It has a thin yellow-greenish sterile blade that has up to 5 pairs of spreading, well-separated segments (Kershaw et al. 2001). Its fertile blade is once or twice-divided, appears in mid to late spring and dies in late summer. In Alberta it is ranked S1, in BC it is ranked S2S3 and it does not occur elsewhere in Canada. Its national rank is N1N3, and it is globally ranked G3.
Details regarding the location and abundance of scalloped moonwort populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.2.4 Golden saxifrage (S3?) Golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense Rydb.) is a perennial herb which grows to 15 cm tall in moist to marshy ground in shade (Moss 1983). It has round to kidney-shaped leaves and branches near the top of the plants producing flowers in early to mid-summer that have lobed, greenish-yellow sepals, and no petals. Unlike the similar green saxifrage, golden saxifrage has central flowers that are 3-5 mm broad (rather than 2-3 mm wide), and the outer pair of sepals is wider than the inner pair. The capsules split to reveal numerous, light chestnut-brown, smooth seeds (Moss 1983). In Alberta, it is ranked S3? (Kemper 2009). Due to a globally rare ranking (G3?), ANHIC placed this species on the Alberta Tracking List in 2006, in order that data could be compiled to confirm that it is not rare in Alberta (Kemper pers. comm.). In BC, it is ranked S2S3 and in Saskatchewan it is ranked S1? (NatureServe 2010b).
Details regarding the location and abundance of golden saxifrage populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.2.5 Lance-leaved grape fern (S2) Lance-leaved grape fern (Botrychium lanceolatum (Gmel.) Angstr.) is a 5-25 cm tall, fleshy perennial. The leafy blade is green to pale yellow-green, somewhat shiny, stalkless, triangular-shaped and up to 6 cm long and 10 cm wide. The fertile blade, taller than the sterile blade, has crowded spore clusters on ascending branches. This species occurs on mountain slopes (Kershaw et al. 2001, Moss 1983). It is ranked S2 in Alberta. It is ranked S1 in Saskatchewan, S3 in Ontario and its rank is under review in BC (NatureServe 2010a).
Details regarding the location and abundance of lance-leaved grape fern populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
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4.2.6 Macloskey's violet (S2S3) Macloskey's violet (Viola pallens Brainerd) is a small perennial herb, 3-6 cm tall. It has no stems so all the leaves and flower stalks grow from the base of the plant. Leaves are broadly heart-shaped and hairless. Flowers are pansy-like, 5-14 mm long, white with purple lines on the lower petals. Fruit is a hairless capsule which splits into three parts to release numerous seeds. An important identifying feature of this violet is its above-ground, thread-like runners (stolons). Macloskey's violet grows on wet ground in moist woods (Moss 1983). It is ranked S2 in Alberta. In SK, it is ranked S1, in BC, the synonym Viola macloskeyi is ranked S4 and its global rank is G5T5 (NatureServe 2010a).
Details regarding the location and abundance of Macloskey's violet populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.2.7 Northern moonwort (S3) Northwestern grape fern (Botrychium pinnatum St. John) is an 8-15 cm tall, fleshy perennial. The sterile blade is shiny bright green, stalkless, oblong, and up to 8 cm long and 5 cm wide. The fertile blade is twice-divided and 1-2 times as long as the sterile blade. This species occurs in open, moist to mesic sites in montane, subalpine and alpine zones (Kershaw et al. 2001). It is ranked S1 in Alberta. It is ranked S3 in BC and Saskatchewan, and S2 in the Yukon.
Details regarding the location and abundance of northern moonwort populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures and goals, are summarized in Table 4.
4.3 Rare Ecological Communities During the rare plant survey, one potential ACIMS-listed rare ecological community, an aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla community, was observed in SW 22-65-7 W6M. Further information will be collected from the area during the summer survey to confirm the occurrence. If needed, details of the community will be sent to the ACIMS Senior Community Ecologist to confirm that the occurrence fits within the range of variation for the community type as described within the ecological community tracking list (Allen 2009).
The aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla community (Populus tremuloides / Rubus parviflorus / Aralia nudicaulis community) is ranked S2S3 in Alberta. This community is found primarily in the western part of the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion. It is often associated with seepage areas related to a layer of reduced permeability in the soil profile that restricts drainage and channels seepage (Allen 2009). Short duration seepage likely occurs during heavy rainfall. This community is defined by an open to closed deciduous canopy clearly dominated by trembling aspen (15-40% cover), a well-developed low shrub layer with thimbleberry dominating (20-80% cover), and a high cover of wild sarsaparilla in the forb layer. Other species such as balsam poplar (up to 5% cover), or more infrequently, white birch may be present in the tree layer. There is a high forb cover of species indicating nutrient-rich conditions, but low cover of grasses or mosses. Low-bush cranberry (up to 20% cover), prickly rose, white meadowsweet, showy aster and cream-colored vetchling are also usually present (Allen 2009).
4.4 Traditional Ecological Knowledge At the time of survey, members of KLCN and AWN had not recommended any mitigation strategies related to potentially impacted vegetation to be implemented along the proposed pipeline route.
Drainage features and slopes dominated by moist mixedwood forest frequently exhibited an understorey with moderate to high densities of devil's-club (Oplopanax horridus), a species identified by the KLCN as having medicinal properties and still used by elders in the community.
The member from AWN identified cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) as an important vegetable food source. Preparation of the plant's stem was shown and a sample was shared with the crew.
Searches for diamond willow (mature Salix spp. in a moist forest or swamp context) and the associated bracket fungus known generically as "smudge" were conducted when suitable habitat was observed.
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4.5 Forest Pests The pipeline route is located in the Mountain Pine Beetle Management Zones designated as the Holding Zone and the Leading Edge (ASRD 2009). ASRD defines the Holding Zone as an area with significantly more infested trees and with larger infested patches (ASRD 2007). The primary objective for the Holding Zone is to ensure that the mountain pine beetle (MPB) population remains constant from year to year. The Leading Edge is the highest priority zone and includes areas where beetle populations are threatening to spread east into the boreal forest and along the eastern slopes (ASRD 2007). The primary objective is to maintain or reduce mountain pine beetle populations and spread to an endemic level by treating 80% or more of the priority sites identified with a surviving beetle brood.
Trees infested with mountain pine beetle were flagged for harvest in a cutblock located in SE 21-65-7 W6M at approximately KP 31.85.
4.6 Non-Native and Invasive Species No prohibited noxious weeds were observed along the proposed route. One noxious weed occurrence, tall buttercup, was observed along the proposed route. Non-listed weeds and seeded reclamation species observed included: common dandelion, Kentucky bluegrass and rough cinquefoil.
Tall buttercup was observed as a few scattered individuals in SW 23-67-7 W4M. Weedy species were observed primarily on the existing right-of-way and low-grade gravel roads adjacent to and intersected by the proposed route. The abundance of weedy species along the proposed pipeline route is currently very low.
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RGE. 8 RGE. 7 RGE. 6 RGE. 5 TWP. 69 TWP. 68 ST40 TWP. 67 21 22 66-7-6 66-7-6 TWP. 66
!. KP 21 TWP. 65 TWP. 64
!. KP 22
Mackloskey's violet
# #
16 15 66-7-6 conic liverwort 66-7-6
!. KP 23
FIGURE 2A
RARE PLANT LOCATIONS
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION) !. KP 24 !. Kilometre Post
# conic liverwort
# Mackloskey's violet
Proposed Pipeline Route
Existing Pipeline 9 10 66-7-6 66-7-6 Road
SCALE: 1:10,000 m 0 100 200 400 (All Locations Approximate)
August 2010 6922 Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery © 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Rare Plant Location: TERA Environmental Consultants 2010; Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2010; Existing Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2010; Road: GeoBase® 2008; Hydrography: IHS Inc. 2004, Natural Resources Canada 2007. Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. 6922_Veg_Figure2A_Rare_Plant_Rev0.mxd RGE. 8 RGE. 7 RGE. 6 RGE. 5 TWP. 69 TWP. 68 ST40 TWP. 67 TWP. 66 TWP. 65
!. KP 26
TWP. 64 4 3 66-7-6 66-7-6
golden saxifrage
# # ###
conic liverwort
!. KP 27
33 34 65-7-6 65-7-6
!. KP 28
lance-leaved grape fern
## northern moonwort
FIGURE 2B
dainty moonwort RARE PLANT LOCATIONS
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION)
!. Kilometre Post # conic liverwort # dainty moonwort # golden saxifrage !. KP 29 # lance-leaved grape fern # northern moonwort Proposed Pipeline Route Existing Pipeline Road
SCALE: 1:10,000 m 0 100 200 400 (All Locations Approximate)
August 2010 6922 Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery © 28 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; 27 Rare Plant Location: TERA Environmental Consultants 2010; 65-7-6 Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2010; 65-7-6 Existing Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2010; Road: GeoBase® 2008; Hydrography: IHS Inc. 2004, Natural Resources Canada 2007. Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. 6922_Veg_Figure2B_Rare_Plant_Rev0_EarlySummer.mxd # # RGE. 8 RGE. 7 RGE. 6 RGE. 5 TWP. 69 TWP. 68 ST40 TWP. 67 TWP. 66 !.
KP 29 TWP. 65 TWP. 64
28 27 65-7-6 65-7-6
!. KP 30
!.KP 31
21 KP 32 22 65-7-6 !. 65-7-6 # # trembling aspen / thimbleberry conic liverwort / wild sarsaparilla
northern moonwort !. KP 33
FIGURE 2C
RARE PLANT LOCATIONS
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION)
!. Kilometre Post
# conic liverwort
# northern moonwort
trembling aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla
Proposed Pipeline Route
Existing Pipeline
Road
SCALE: 1:10,000 m 0 100 200 400 (All Locations Approximate)
August 2010 6922 Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery © 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Rare Plant Location: TERA Environmental Consultants 2010; Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2010; Existing Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2010; Road: GeoBase® 2008; Hydrography: IHS Inc. 2004, Natural Resources Canada 2007. Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. 6922_Veg_Figure2C_Rare_Plant_Rev0_EarlySummer.mxd RGE. 8 RGE. 7 RGE. 6 RGE. 5 TWP. 69
15 TWP. 68 14 65-7-6 ST40 65-7-6 TWP. 67 TWP. 66
TWP. 65 # #!. KP 35
TWP. 64 # # # northern moonwort # # ## #
Mackloskey's violet
northern moonwort # dainty moonwort # #!. KP 36 Mackloskey's violet # ascending grape fern # 10 11 65-7-6 ## 65-7-6
dainty moonwort
northern moonwort
!. KP 37
Mackloskey's violet #
conic liverwort conic liverwort
FIGURE 2D
Mackloskey's violet RARE PLANT LOCATIONS
EARLY SUMMER RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. CUTBANK RIVER LATERAL LOOP (BALD MOUNTAIN SECTION)
!. Kilometre Post # ascending grape fern # conic liverwort # Mackloskey's violet 3 2 # northern moonwort 65-7-6 65-7-6 conic liverwort Mackloskey's violet northern moonwort Proposed Pipeline Route !.KP 38 Existing Pipeline Road
SCALE: 1:10,000 m 0 100 200 400 (All Locations Approximate)
August 2010 6922 Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery © 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Rare Plant Location: TERA Environmental Consultants 2010; Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2010; Existing Pipeline: IHS Inc. 2010; Road: GeoBase® 2008; Hydrography: IHS Inc. 2004, Natural Resources Canada 2007. Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. 6922_Veg_Figure2D_Rare_Plant_Rev0_EarlySummer.mxd NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
5.0 SUMMARY AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Recommended Supplemental Surveys Since the rare plant study was conducted, the proposed Project route has had refinements. Due to their site-specific nature, rare plant surveys can only be conducted on the known Project footprint and their results cannot always be extrapolated to route realignments and additions made after the surveys have been conducted. Therefore, the following actions are recommended for the proposed Project:
• conduct a desktop review to determine which segments of the revised route are representative of the different vegetation types in the area and/or have high potential to support rare plants or rare ecological communities (the desktop review process is detailed in Section 2.1);
• conduct a supplemental rare plant survey during the late summer of 2010 (August) along route segments selected during the desktop review, and along segments of the route that were revised since completion of the early summer 2010 survey and are in close proximity to rare plant populations observed (see Table 4), and
• in the event route changes occur after supplemental studies have been conducted, conduct further review to determine whether additional rare plant surveys are warranted prior to construction.
5.2 General Vegetation Recommendations Although the Project has been aligned to minimize environmental impacts, some impacts will inevitably occur during the construction phase and throughout the operational life of the pipeline.
General mitigative measures to reduce potential environmental impacts to vegetation and rare plants during construction and/or operation of the pipeline are summarized in Table 3. Members of the KLCN and AWN have not recommended any mitigation strategies related to vegetation to be implemented on the Project.
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TABLE 3
GENERAL VEGETATION MITIGATION MEASURES
Concern Mitigation Measures Loss or Alteration of • The pipeline has been aligned to follow existing linear disturbances as much as Native Vegetation practical and the proposed construction right-of-way width kept to a minimum to minimize loss of native vegetation to the maximum reasonable extent. • Schedule construction during frozen ground conditions. • Do not clear timber, stumps, brush and other vegetation beyond marked proposed construction right-of-way boundaries. • Ensure lands with native vegetation are seeded with an appropriate native seed mix or left to naturally regenerate. Ensure seed mixes are free of noxious weed seeds. • To facilitate rapid regeneration, it is preferred that shrubs be mowed, rather than grubbed or wholly removed, if feasible. • To the extent possible and where appropriate, use matting or minimal stripping to avoid disturbance to ground layer vegetation. • Clean-up and reclamation should be completed following construction as soon as weather conditions permit. Revegetation of • Small trees and shrubs will be cut at ground level and the vegetative mat left intact, Disturbed Footprint whenever practical, to limit disturbance to the low vegetation root systems, and promote rapid shrub regeneration. • Restore native vegetation along disturbed areas of the proposed pipeline right-of-way by seeding disturbed non-wetland areas with native species, planting live shrub (e.g., willow) cuttings salvaged from the proposed construction right-of-way or adjacent areas where warranted (e.g., at riparian areas), and planting native tree species where appropriate, and in consultation with appropriate regulatory authorities (i.e., Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO], ASRD). Allow natural regeneration were no erosion potential exists. • Restrict vehicle access over newly seeded areas. • Monitor the effectiveness of revegetation efforts during post-construction monitoring (PCM) of the proposed construction right-of-way. Inspect moderate and steep slopes during regular aerial patrols. Undertake additional remedial work, where warranted. Weed Introduction • The during the rare plant survey very few weedy species were observed. Where weedy species were noted, they were at very low density. • Clean all construction equipment prior to its arrival onsite in order to minimize the spread of weeds. • Ensure seed mixes used to revegetate disturbed areas are free of noxious weed seed. Use best available seed and retain the analysis certificate. • Weed growth on topsoil/strippings piles will be monitored during the course of construction and corrective measures (e.g., spraying, mowing, hand-pulling) will be implemented when warranted. • If weed infestations are noted during supplemental surveys they will be flagged prior to commencement of site preparation (i.e., clearing, stripping, grading) activities. • Monitor the proposed construction right-of-way during PCM and operation for areas of prolific weed growth. Undertake measures to control weeds at identified locations. • Implement applicable mitigative measures listed above during maintenance activities (e.g., integrity digs). Mountain Pine Beetle • If feasible, schedule clearing activities outside of the flight period (May to September). • An appropriate strategy for handling and disposing of woody material infested with bark beetles should be developed in consultation with the appropriate regulatory agency and following methods outlined in the ASRD Directive 2010-01 Mountain Pine Beetle Log management (ASRD 2010).
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5.3 Rare Plant and Rare Ecological Community Recommendations In accordance with the spirit and intent of the Environmental Assessment Best Practice Guide for Wildlife at Risk in Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service 2004), TERA has developed site-specific mitigative measures for all occurrences of rare plant species and rare ecological communities observed along the proposed pipeline route. Recommended mitigative measures are intended to eliminate or minimize potential construction-related impacts to occurrences of rare plants and rare ecological communities observed along the proposed pipeline route. TERA recommends that post-construction monitoring be conducted following construction and clean-up activities. Recommended site-specific mitigative measures and goals are summarized in Table 4.
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TABLE 4
MITIGATIVE MEASURES FOR OCCURRENCES OF RARE PLANTS AND RARE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES OBSERVED ALONG THE PROJECT
Legal Location Abundance Relation to Species (rank)1 (W6M) KP2,3 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures Macloskey's violet 12-15-66-7 22.35 hundreds of plants in a 2 m Off the right-of-way to the west • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2S3) by 30 m area (downslope). route due to realignments occurring partway through the field survey. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right- of-way will be surveyed in order to determine if the population is present along the proposed right-of- way. conic liverwort 12-15-66-7 22.43 several thalii along a Off right-of-way, west of the existing • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2) drainage pipeline along a drainage. route due to realignments occurring partway through the field survey. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right- of-way will be surveyed in order to determine if the population is present along the proposed right-of- way. golden saxifrage 3-4-66-7 26.6 Three sub-populations Off right-of-way, the eastern extent of • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2S3) to distributed along a 130 m the known population is approximately route due to realignments occurring partway 26.7 long section of a small 100 m east of the proposed route. through the field survey. During the late summer
Page 19 Page 19 drainage. rare plant survey the area east of the road way will Subpopulation 1: be surveyed in order to determine if the population 20-30 plants in a 0.5 m by is present along the proposed right-of-way. 0.5 m area. Subpopulation 2: Approximately 30 plants in a 1 m by 2 m area. Subpopulation 3: 3 plants conic liverwort 3-4-66-7 26.7 Two sub-populations Off right-of-way, the eastern extent of • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2) located 36 m apart along a the known population is approximately route due to realignments occurring partway small drainage. The first 150 m east of the proposed route. through the field survey. During the late summer sub-population consists of rare plant survey the area east of the roadway will 10 thalii in a 30 cm by be surveyed in order to determine if the population 30 cm area. is present along the proposed right-of-way. dainty moonwort 3-33-65-7 N/A 2 plants Off right-of-way, approximately 300 m • The currently proposed route avoids this population --- (S1) west of the proposed route. therefore no mitigation is warranted. northern moonwort 3-33-65-7 N/A 2 plants Off right-of-way, approximately 300 m • The currently proposed route avoids this population --- (S3) west of the proposed route. therefore no mitigation is warranted. lance-leaved grape 3-33-65-7 N/A 2 plants Off right-of-way, approximately 300 m • The currently proposed route avoids this population --- fern west of the proposed route. therefore no mitigation is warranted. (S2) conic liverwort 5-22-65-7 31.5 20-30 thalii in a 2 m by 40 m Off right-of-way, to the south of the • The currently proposed route avoids this population --- (S2) area along a drainage existing rights-of-way. therefore no mitigation is warranted.
TABLE 4 Cont'd
Legal Location Abundance Relation to Species (rank)1 (W6M) KP2,3 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures trembling aspen / 5-22-65-7 31.5 15 m long in an east/ west Off right-of-way, to the south of the • The currently proposed route avoids this population --- thimbleberry / wild direction existing rights-of-way. therefore no mitigation is warranted. sarsaparilla community (S2S3) northern moonwort 7-22-65-7 32.23 5 plants Off right-of-way, to the south of the • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S3) existing rights-of-way. encompass the southernmost edge of the existing right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area south of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. northern moonwort 13-11-65-7 34.8 37 plants spread along a Off right-of-way, mainly along the west • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S3) and to 610 m long area edge of the existing right-of-way, one encompass the westernmost edge of the existing SW 14-65-7 35.37 plant is located along a drainage west right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant of the existing right-of-way. survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by
Page 20 Page 20 Botrychium expert. Macloskey's violet 12-11-65-7 35.63 several hundred to a Off right-of-way, to the west of the • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2S3) thousand plants in a 17 m existing right-of-way. route due to realignments occurring partway by 14 m area through the field survey. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right- of-way will be surveyed in order to determine if the population is present along the proposed right-of- way. northern moonwort 12-11-65-7 35.7 7 plants distributed along a Off right-of-way, along the west edge • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S3) to 62 m long area of the existing right-of-way. encompass the westernmost edge of the existing 35.75 right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. dainty moonwort 12-11-65-7 35.8 a single plant Off right-of-way, along the west edge • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S1) of the existing right-of-way. encompass the westernmost edge of the existing right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. Macloskey's violet 12-11-65-7 35.95 100-200 plants in two Off right-of-way, to the west of the • This location is no longer on the currently proposed --- (S2S3) patches approximately 15 m existing right-of-way. route due to realignments occurring partway apart through the field survey. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right- of-way will be surveyed in order to determine if the population is present along the proposed right-of- way.
TABLE 4 Cont'd
Legal Location Abundance Relation to Species (rank)1 (W6M) KP2,3 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures northern moonwort 5-11-65-7 36.04 20-30 plants spread over a Off right-of-way, along the west edge • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S3) to 40 m long area of the existing right-of-way. encompass the westernmost edge of the existing 36.08 right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. ascending grape 5-11-65-7 36.05 a single plant Off right-of-way, along the west edge • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- fern of the existing right-of-way. encompass the westernmost edge of the existing (S2) right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. dainty moonwort 5-11-65-7 36.05 3-5 plants in a single patch Off right-of-way, along the west edge • It is expected that the temporary workspace will not --- (S1) of the existing right-of-way. encompass the westernmost edge of the existing right-of-way. During the late summer rare plant survey the area east of the existing right-of-way will
Page 21 Page 21 be surveyed. • Species identification to be confirmed by Botrychium expert. conic liverwort 14-2-65-7 37.05 less than five thalii One thalii on the right-of-way. The • This species preferentially inhabits exposed mineral • During the late summer survey the (S2) remainder are off right-of-way on both soils associated with drainages and other wet areas further east will be searched to the east and west side. areas. By maintaining the drainage contours, and ensure that full population numbers are therefore the hydrology, it is expected that known and that all plants on the disturbance to the occurrence will be localized, and proposed right-of-way are identified. ephemeral. • If only one thalii is present on the proposed right-of-way it will be transplanted off right-of-way to a location adjacent to an existing patch of conic liverwort. • Recontour drainage bed and banks to preconstruction conditions. Macloskey's violet 14-2-65-7 37.05 70-100 plants in a 2 m wide On right-of-way and off right-of-way. • As additional plants may occur further east along • Narrow the right-of-way to the extent (S2S3) by 75 m long area along a On the east and west sides of the the drainage, the area of survey will be extended possible within the 2 m wide zone drainage existing right-of-way and continuing off further east during the late summer rare plant adjacent to the small drainage. right-of-way to the east along a survey, to ensure the full population extent is • Avoid taking extra temporary drainage. known. workspace in the vicinity of this population. Notes: 1 See the footnotes of the Appendices for definitions of rarity ranks. 2 All distances are approximate. 3 KPs are based on Revision 6 of the route
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
6.0 REFERENCES
6.1 Personal Communications Kemper, J.T. Senior Botanist. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. Edmonton, Alberta.
6.2 Literature Cited Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2010a. ACIMS Data File Download - Non- Sensitive Element Occurrences and Sensitive Element Occurrences. May 2010. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/datarequests/dataDownloads.aspx. Accessed: June 14, 2010.
Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2010b. Current element occurrence data emails. Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. Edmonton, Alberta. Various Dates.
Alberta Native Plant Council. 2000. ANPC Guidelines for Rare Plant Surveys in Alberta. Website: http://www.anpc.ab.ca/assets/rareplant.pdf.
Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. 2006. List of all Vascular Plants Elements. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. 2009. Tracked Elements Listed by Natural Subregion. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/datarequests/dataDownloads.aspx.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2007. Mountain Pine Beetle Management Strategy. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.mpb.alberta.ca/Files/MPB_man_strategy.pdf.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009. Mountain Pine Beetle Management Zones 2009. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.mpb.alberta.ca/Files/pdf/MountainPineBeetle-ManagementZones2009.pdf.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2010. Mountain Pine Beetle Log Management Directive 2010-01. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.mpb.alberta.ca/Files/Directive-MPBLogManagement-Feb2010.pdf.
Allen, L. 2009. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Preliminary Ecological Community Tracking List. Government of Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/ecocommunities/ctl2009.pdf.
Argus, G.W. and K.M. Pryer. 1990. Rare Vascular Plants in Canada. Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa.
Canada Gazette. 2009. Canada Gazette Part II. Ottawa, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. Statutory Instruments 2009. SOR/2009-72 to 87 and SI/2009-17 to 21. pp. 354 to 451.
Canadian Wildlife Service. 2004. Environmental Assessment Best Practice Guide for Wildlife at Risk in Canada. Environment Canada, Gatineau, QC. Website: http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/publications/AbstractTemplate.cfm?lang=e&id=1059. Accessed: February 2010.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2010. Canadian species at risk. Website: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm.
Douglas, G.W., D. Meidinger and J.L. Penny. 2002. Rare Native Vascular Plants of British Columbia. 2nd Edition. Province of British Columbia.
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Environment Canada. 2010. Species at Risk. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm.
Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. 12+ vols.
Kemper, J.T. 2009. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Vascular and Non-vascular Plant Tracking and Watch Lists. Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Parks Division, Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/docs/2009_ANHIC_TL_Sept2009.pdf.
Kershaw, L., J. Gould, D. Johnson and J. Lancaster. 2001. Rare Vascular Plants of Alberta. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta. 484 pp.
Moss, E.H. 1983. Flora of Alberta. Second Edition. Revised by J.G. Packer. University of Toronto Press. Toronto, Ontario. 687 pp.
Natural Regions Committee. 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Compiled by D.J. Downing and W.W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. Pub. No. T/852. 254 pages, 1 map. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/naturalregions/default.aspx.
NatureServe. 2010a. NatureServe Explorer - An Online Encyclopedia of Life. Website: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/index.htm.
NatureServe. 2010b. Heritage Status: Global, National and Subnational Conservation Status Ranks. Website: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/ranking.htm.
Porsild, A. and W. Cody. 1980. Vascular Plants of Continental Northwest Territories, Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, National Museum of Canada. Ottawa, Ontario. 667 pp.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2010. Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment for the Proposed Cutbank River Lateral Loop Pipeline Project. Calgary, AB.
Vitt, D., J. Marsh and R. Bovey. 1988. Mosses, Lichens and Ferns of Northwest North America. Lone Pine Publishing. Edmonton, Alberta. 296 pp.
Williston, P. 2001. The Botrychiaceae of Alberta. Mnium Ecological Research and the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. Edmonton, Alberta.
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APPENDIX A
POTENTIAL RARE VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD, UPPER FOOTHILLS AND LOWER FOOTHILLS NATURAL SUBREGIONS
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Agrostis exarata spike redtop Moist slopes, open areas; --- yes S2 --- usually areas that hold snow late in the growing season. Anemone quinquefolia wood anemone Moist woods. yes yes S1 --- Arabidopsis salsuginea mouse-ear cress Moist, saline shores and flats by ------S1 --- springs and lakes. Arctagrostis polar grass Marshy ground and moist yes --- S2S3 --- arundinacea meadows. Artemisia tilesii Herriot's sagewort Open woods and river flats. yes yes S3 (W) --- Aster umbellatus flat-topped white aster Moist woods, thickets, meadows --- yes S2 --- and swampy sites. Aster x maccallae aster hybrid Moist woods, river flats. N/A2 yes S1S2 --- Astragalus bodinii Bodin's milk vetch Gravelly banks and moist, sandy --- yes S1 --- Page 24 Page 24 meadows. Blysmus rufus red bulrush Saline fens and poorly drained ------S1 --- iron-rich ponds. Botrychium ascendens ascending grape fern Stream floodplain habitats yes yes S2 G2G34 dominated by deciduous shrubs. Botrychium boreale northern grape fern Open, grassy subalpine areas. ------SU GNR4 Botrychium crenulatum scalloped grape fern Dry, open areas. --- yes S1 G34 Botrychium lance-leaved grape fern Wet rocky slopes, meadows and --- yes S2 --- lanceolatum woods. Botrychium multifidum leather grape fern Moist sandy areas, fields. yes1 yes S3 (W) --- var. intermedium Botrychium oneidense blunt-lobed grape fern Moist, shady, acidic woods and --- yes S1 --- swamps. Botrychium pinnatum northwestern grape Moist or wet, open places. yes yes S3 --- fern Botrychium spatulate grape fern Meadows and open forests. yes yes S2 G34 spathulatum Boykinia telesonix Rocky outcrops and talus slopes ------S2 --- heucheriformis at alpine/subalpine elevations. Calamagrostis Lapland reed grass Moist to dry gravelly slopes at yes --- S1 --- lapponica high elevations. Calochortus apiculatus mariposa lily Dry slopes. ------S3 (W) --- Campanula aparinoides marsh bellflower Wet meadows and marshes. N/A2 yes S1 ---
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Cardamine pratensis meadow bitter cress Bogs and swamps. yes yes S3 (W) --- Carex adusta browned sedge Dry acid soil; moist sandy yes yes S1 --- ground under pine; stony ground. Carex arcta narrow sedge Moist woods. yes yes S1 --- Carex capitata capitate sedge Boggy and often calcareous yes --- S3 (W) --- areas. Carex heleonastes Hudson Bay sedge Often calcareous bogs and yes --- S2 --- marshes. Carex hystericina porcupine sedge Shady marshes. ------S1 --- Carex incurviformis var. seaside sedge Gravelly, alpine/subalpine areas; ------S2 --- incurviformis salt marshes, tundra, sand dunes, river flats. Carex lacustris lakeshore sedge Marshes and swampy woods. yes yes S2 --- Carex mertensii purple sedge Moist montane woods and yes yes S2 --- streambanks. Carex oligosperma few-fruited sedge Wet meadows and bogs. --- yes S3? ---
Page 25 Page 25 Carex parryana var. Parry's sedge Moist open meadows and low yes --- S3 (W) --- parryana ground near water; alkaline flats. Carex pedunculata stalked sedge Forest edges. --- yes S1 --- Carex podocarpa alpine sedge Alpine/subalpine meadows. yes yes S2 --- Carex scoparia broom sedge Moist open woodlands, --- yes S1 --- moderate elevations. Carex umbellata umbellate sedge Dry open areas, often sandy. yes yes S2 --- Carex vulpinoidea fox sedge Swampy ground. --- yes S2 --- Chenopodium narrow-leaved Open sandy areas. ------SU --- leptophyllum goosefoot Chrysosplenium golden saxifrage Streambanks and marshy yes yes S3? G3?4 iowense ground in shade. Coptis trifolia goldthread Damp, mossy woods, muskeg, yes yes S3 (W) --- willow scrub and tundra. Cypripedium acaule stemless lady's-slipper Wetlands, woods, sand dunes, --- yes S3 --- sphagnum bogs. Cystopteris montana mountain bladder fern Springy or damp calcareous yes --- S2 --- places. Danthonia spicata poverty oat grass Dry to moist open areas and --- yes S2 --- open woodland. Deschampsia elongata slender hair grass Meadows and open slopes. yes --- S1 --- Diphasiastrum ground-fir Open woods and barrens. yes --- S2 --- sitchense
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Disporum hookeri var. Oregon fairybells Moist woods. N/A2 yes S3 (W) --- oreganum Draba paysonii var. trelease's draba Dry meadows, cliffs, rocky N/A2 --- S2? --- treleasii slopes, fellfields and scree slopes. Draba porsildii Porsild's whitlow-grass Moist banks and turfy slopes. --- yes S1S2 G3G44 Drosera linearis slenderleaf sundew Marly bogs, wet calcareous yes --- S3 (W) --- shores. Dryopteris filix-mas male fern Wooded slopes. --- yes S1 --- Dryopteris fragrans fragrant shield fern Siliceous rocks. ------S3 (W) --- Elatine triandra waterwort Muddy shores and shallow ------S1 --- water. Eleocharis elliptica slender spikerush Neutral to calcareous wet ------S2? --- places. Elodea bifoliata two-leaved waterweed Slow moving water with sandy --- yes S2 --- bottoms. Epilobium clavatum club willowherb Moist alpine/subalpine slopes. ------S2 ---
Page 26 Page 26 Epilobium halleanum Hall's willowherb Moist ground. yes yes S1 --- Epilobium lactiflorum white willowherb Moist streambanks and moist yes yes S2 --- slopes to alpine elevations. Epilobium leptocarpum slender-fruited Moist, open stony slopes. yes --- S1 --- willowherb Epilobium Rocky Mountain Moist meadows and yes yes S1 --- saximontanum willowherb streambanks. Erigeron trifidus trifid-leaved fleabane High alpine/subalpine talus and yes --- S3? G2G3Q4 scree slopes. Eupatorium maculatum spotted joe-pye weed Marshy ground and moist open --- yes S1S2 --- woods. Gentianopsis detonsa northern fringed Moist banks and meadows. --- yes S1 G3G5T3T54 ssp. raupii gentian Geranium carolinianum Carolina wild geranium Dry rocky woods, disturbed sites. yes yes S1 --- Glyceria elata tufted tall manna grass Streamsides, wet meadows. yes yes S2 --- Gymnocarpium western oak fern Moist forests, glades, rocky --- yes S1 --- disjunctum slopes and streambanks. Hedyotis longifolia long-leaved bluets Open sandy woods and montane --- yes S2 --- slopes. Hypericum majus large Canada St. Moist depressions in sand ------S2 --- John's-wort dunes, sandy shores. Juncus brevicaudatus short-tail rush Shores and marshes; pioneer on yes yes S2 --- wet ground. Juncus nevadensis Nevada rush Wet areas. --- yes S1 ---
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Juncus stygius var. marsh rush Fens, mossy areas around yes --- S2 --- americanus springs and seepages. Koenigia islandica koenigia Silty banks and mud flats at high ------S1 --- elevations. Lactuca biennis tall blue lettuce Moist open woods. yes yes S2 --- Liparis loeselii loesel's twayblade Cool, moist ravines, bogs, or ------S1 --- fens; wet, peaty or sandy meadows; exposed sand along edges of lakes; colonizes previously open and disturbed habitats during early and middle stages of reforestation. Listera convallarioides broad-lipped twayblade Boggy woods and meadows. --- yes S2 --- Lomatogonium rotatum marsh felwort Wet meadows and saline flats. ------S2S3 --- Luzula acuminata sharp-pointed wood- Moist woodland, clearings. yes yes S1 --- rush Luzula rufescens reddish wood-rush Mixedwood forest. yes yes S1 --- Malaxis paludosa bog adder's-mouth Black spruce bogs, in sphagnum --- yes S1 --- Page 27 Page 27 moss. Mimulus guttatus yellow monkeyflower Stream margins, meadows, --- yes S2S3? --- springs. Monotropa hypopithys pinesap Moist woods; saprophytic in yes yes S2 --- coniferous woods. Muhlenbergia marsh muhly Sandhills and dry slopes. ------S2 --- racemosa Najas flexilis slender naiad Ponds and streams. --- yes S2 --- Nymphaea leibergii pygmy water-lily Ponds and quiet waters. ------S1S2 --- Nymphaea tetragona white water-lily Lakes, ponds and slow-moving ------S1 --- streams; likes deep and acidic water. Oxytropis campestris purple mountain Alpine/subalpine and subalpine yes --- S2? G5T34 var. davisii locoweed meadows and dry ridges. Parnassia parviflora small northern grass-of- Bogs and stream banks; wet --- yes S3 (W) --- Parnassus areas. Pedicularis capitata large-flowered Calcareous alpine/subalpine ------S3 (W) --- lousewort slopes. Pellaea glabella smooth cliff-brake Dry limestone rocks. yes --- S2 --- Pellaea glabella ssp. smooth cliff-brake Calcareous cliffs and ledges. ------S2 --- simplex Penstemon eriantherus crested beardtongue Dry open slopes. ------S3 (W) --- Phacelia hastata silver-leaved Dry slopes and valleys. ------S3 (W) --- scorpionweed
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Phegopteris connectilis northern beech fern Moist woodlands. yes yes S2 --- Physostegia false dragonhead Moist woods and streambanks. --- yes S3 (W) G3?4 ledinghamii Pinus albicaulis whitebark pine Timber-line belt of the Rocky yes --- S2 --- Mountains. Pinus flexilis limber pine Exposed rocky slopes and ------S2 --- hilltops to subalpine elevations. Plantago maritima seaside plantain Saline marshes. ------S1 --- Polygala paucifolia fringed milkwort Marshy coniferous woods. --- yes S1 --- Polypodium sibiricum Siberian polypody Shaded, sheltered slopes. --- yes S3 (W) --- Potamogeton foliosus leafy pondweed Shallow standing water. yes --- S2 --- Potamogeton blunt-leaved pondweed Lakes and ponds; cold springs, --- yes S2 --- obtusifolius streams. Potamogeton robbinsii Robbins' pondweed Shallow water. --- yes S1 --- Potamogeton linear-leaved Wet places, submerged in water. yes yes S2 --- strictifolius pondweed Potentilla multifida branched cinquefoil Gravel bars and open slopes. --- yes S1 --- 4 Page 28 Page 28 Potentilla multisecta smooth-leaved Dry alpine/subalpine slopes. yes --- S2 GNR cinquefoil Prenanthes alata white lettuce Moist woods, stream banks. yes yes S1 --- Primula egaliksensis Greenland primrose Wet meadows and shores. ------S2 --- Pyrola grandiflora arctic wintergreen Alpine/subalpine slopes and ------S3 (W) --- tundra. Ranunculus uncinatus hairy buttercup Moist shaded woodland. yes yes S3 (W) --- Rhododendron Lapland rose-bay Moist alpine/subalpine slopes. ------S2 --- lapponicum Rhynchospora slender beak-rush Calcareous bogs. ------S1 --- capillacea Sagittaria latifolia broad-leaved Ponds and lakes. ------S2 --- arrowhead Salix alaxensis var. Alaska willow Slopes, gravel bars, river yes yes S2S3 --- alaxensis terraces, glacial moraines in young forest. Salix commutata changeable willow Forms subalpine thickets. yes --- S2 --- Salix raupii Raup's willow Thickets in moist open forests --- yes S1 G24 and on gravel floodplains. Salix sitchensis Sitka willow Alluvial soil (Athabasca River). yes --- S1 --- Saxifraga odontoloma stream saxifrage Moist meadows and woods. --- yes S1S2 --- Schizachyrium little bluestem Prairie grassland, foothills; ------S3 (W) --- scoparium var. calcareous soil. scoparium
Project Area Preferred within Known Habitat within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Project Area Designations3 Designations Sisyrinchium pale blue-eyed grass Moist grassy areas. yes yes S3 G3G44 septentrionale Sparganium northern bur-reed Aquatic plants in shallow yes --- S1 --- hyperboreum alpine/subalpine lakes. Spartina pectinata prairie cord grass Saline shores and marshes. ------S1 --- Spergularia salina salt-marsh sand spurry Brackish or saline muds and ------S2S3 --- sands. Sphenopholis obtusata prairie wedge grass Moist meadows, open woods. yes yes S2 --- Spiranthes lacera northern slender Small disturbed areas within --- yes S1 --- ladies'-tresses moist mixedwood forests. Stellaria crispa wavy-leaved chickweed Moist woods, moderate yes yes S2 --- elevations. Streptopus roseus rose mandarin Moist coniferous forests. yes yes S1 --- Streptopus twisted-stalk Coniferous woods, small yes yes S1 --- streptopoides depression in spruce-fir-pine woods. Trichophorum clintonii Clinton's bulrush Open woodland and turfy yes --- S1 --- shores. Page 29 Page 29 Trichophorum pumilum dwarf bulrush Calcareous bogs. ------S3 (W) --- Trisetum montanum mountain trisetum Mountain slopes and ledges. ------S1 --- Viola pallens Macloskey's violet Boggy or wet ground and wet yes yes S2S3 --- thickets. Wolffia columbiana watermeal Floating or just beneath surface ------S2 --- in beaver ponds. Sources: ACIMS 2010b, Argus and Pryer 1990, Canada Gazette 2009, COSEWIC 2010, Douglas et al. 2002, Environment Canada 2010, Flora of North America North of Mexico 1993+, Kemper 2009, Kershaw et al. 2001, Moss 1983, NatureServe 2010a, Porsild and Cody 1980, Williston 2001 Notes: 1. Distribution information is not available for the variety or sub-species therefore the range determination is based on the species in the broad sense. 2. N/A - Indicates that range information for this species is not available. 3. Provincial (S) ranks are assigned by the provincial and federal Conservation Data Centre(s); in cases of conflict or missing data, the provincial CDC will have preference. Ranks range from 1 (five or fewer occurrences) to 5 (demonstrably secure under present conditions); all definitions below are from NatureServe 2010b. S1 = Critically Imperilled: because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s) making it especially vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals (<1,000). S2 = Imperilled: because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 6-20 occurrences or few remaining individuals (1,000-3,000). S3 = Vulnerable: because rare and uncommon, or found in a restricted range (even if abundant at some locations), or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extirpation. Typically 21-100 occurrences or between 3,000 and 10,000 individuals. S4 = Apparently Secure: uncommon but not rare, and usually widespread in the province. Possible cause of long-term concern. Usually more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals.
S5 = Secure: common, widespread, and abundant in the province. Essentially ineradicable under present conditions. Typically with considerably more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals. S#S# = Range Rank: a numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate the range of uncertainty about the exact status of the element. SU = Unrankable: currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. ? = Inexact numeric rank: denotes inexact numeric rank. Q = Questionable taxonomy: taxonomic status is questionable; numeric rank may change with taxonomy. T = Designates a rank associated with a subspecies. (W) = Watch List: biodiversity elements that are not of immediate conservation concern, but for which ACIMS wants to collect more information (Kemper 2009). NR = Unranked: rank not yet assessed. 4. Global (G) ranks are based on species status world-wide and follow a system parallel to that for Provincial Ranks (Note 1), ranging from 1 (5 or fewer occurrences) to 5 (demonstrably secure under present conditions). Only Global Ranks of concern (G1 to G3) or questionable ranks are displayed (NatureServe 2010b).
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APPENDIX B
POTENTIAL RARE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES IN THE CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD, UPPER FOOTHILLS AND LOWER FOOTHILLS SUBREGIONS
Right-of-way within Known Provincial and Community Scientific Names Common Names Global Ranks Range Forest / Woodland Betula neoalaskana / Ledum groenlandicum Alaska birch / common Labrador tea S1S2 yes Larix laricina - Picea mariana / Cornus tamarack - black spruce / red-osier dogwood S1S2 yes stolonifera - Rubus idaeus - wild red raspberry Larix laricina / Carex prairea tamarack / prairie sedge S1 yes Picea glauca / Alnus tenuifolia - Betula white spruce / river alder - Alaska birch / S3 yes neoalaskana / Equisetum pratense / meadow horsetail / stair-step moss Hylocomium splendens Picea glauca / Cetraria islandica white spruce / lichen S1? yes Picea mariana / Cornus stolonifera / black spruce / red-osier dogwood / S1S2 yes feathermoss feathermoss Picea mariana southernmost population black spruce southernmost population SU (W) yes Populus balsamifera / Alnus tenuifolia -Cornus balsam poplar / river alder - red-osier S3 yes Page 31 Page 31 stolonifera / Equisetum pratense dogwood / meadow horsetail Populus balsamifera / Rhamnus alnifolia / balsam poplar / alder-leaved buckthorn / S1 --- Equisetum arvense common horsetail Populus balsamifera / Viburnum opulus / balsam poplar / high-bush cranberry / ostrich S1S2 --- Matteuccia struthiopteris fern Populus tremuloides - P. balsamifera / Alnus aspen - balsam poplar / green alder / S3? (W) yes viridis / Calamagrostis canadensis bluejoint Populus tremuloides / Rosa acicularis / aspen / prickly rose / spreading dogbane S1S2 yes Apocynum androsaemifolium Populus tremuloides / Rubus parviflorus / Aralia aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla S2S3 yes nudicaulis Populus tremuloides / Salix bebbiana - Corylus aspen / beaked willow - beaked hazelnut / S1 --- cornuta / Calamagrostis canadensis - bluejoint - ostrich fern Matteuccia struthiopteris Populus tremuloides / Vaccinium myrtilloides aspen / common blueberry woodland S2? yes woodland Shrubland Alnus tenuifolia / Matteuccia struthiopteris river alder / ostrich fern shrubland S2? --- shrubland Amelanchier alnifolia / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi / saskatoon / common bearberry / northern S2S3 y Oryzopsis pungens rice grass Andromeda polifolia / Sarracenia purpurea / bog rosemary / pitcherplant / peat moss S1S2 --- Sphagnum angustifolium Betula glandulosa / Festuca campestris bog birch / mountain rough fescue S2S3 yes
Right-of-way within Known Provincial and Community Scientific Names Common Names Global Ranks Range Betula pumila - Ledum groenlandicum / Juncus dwarf birch – common Labrador tea / wire S1? yes balticus / Tomenthypnum nitens - Hylocomium rush / golden moss – stair-step moss slope splendens slope fen fen Chamaedaphne calyculata - Kalmia polifolia / leatherleaf - northern laurel / green reindeer S1S2 --- Cladina mitis lichen Elaeagnus commutata riparian shrubland silverberry riparian shrubland SU, G2Q yes Salix drummondiana / Scirpus microcarpus - Drummond's willow / small-fruited bulrush - S1 yes Calamagrostis canadensis bluejoint Herbaceous Atriplex subspicata - Puccinellia nuttalliana - spearscale saltbrush - Nuttall’s salt-meadow S1S3 --- Triglochin palustris string fen grass - slender arrow grass Calamagrostis stricta - Triglochin maritima narrow reed grass - seaside arrowgrass S1S3 yes string fen string fen Carex limosa - Menyanthes trifoliata - mud sedge - buck-bean - meadow bitter S1S2 --- Cardamine pratensis cress Carex limosa - Scheuchzeria palustris / mud sedge - scheuchzeria / peat moss S1 --- Sphagnum teres - S. subsecundum Page 32 Page 32 Carex limosa / Sphagnum jensenii mud sedge / pendant branch peat moss S1 yes Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum subsecundum few-fruited sedge / twisted bog moss S1S2 --- Carex pseudocyperus - Calla palustris cyperus-like sedge - water arum S2 --- Carex retrorsa marsh turned sedge marsh S1S2 --- Carex rostrata marsh beaked sedge marsh S2 yes Elymus trachycaulus - Distichlis stricta slender wheat grass - salt grass S1 yes Elymus trachycaulus - Hierochloe hirta ssp slender wheat grass - sweet grass SU yes arctica Festuca altaica - Deschampsia caespitosa northern rough fescue - tufted hair grass S1 yes Festuca campestris - Deschampsia caespitosa mountain rough fescue - tufted hair grass S1 yes Festuca campestris - Leymus innovatus mountain rough fescue - hairy wild rye S2S3 yes Juncus filiformis / Sphagnum spp. thread rush / peat moss S1S2 --- Triglochin maritima - Carex praegracilis spring seaside arrow-grass - graceful sedge spring S1S2 yes fen fen Sparsely Vegetated Puccinellia nuttalliana - Suaeda calceoliformis - Nuttall's salt-meadow grass - western sea- S2 --- Spergularia marina barren blite - salt-marsh sand spurry barren Salicornia rubra emergent marsh samphire emergent marsh S2, G2G3 --- Aquatic Cymbella pusilla - Mastogloia smithii - Nitzschia diatom ponds S1S3 N/A palea Isoetes echinospora aquatic community northern quillwort aquatic community S1 ---
Source: Allen 2009 Notes: 1. Provincial ratings range from S1 (5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining hectares) to S5 (demonstrably secure, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery). Ranks may be combined (e.g., S1S2). This indicates a larger margin of error than ranks assigned a "?" qualifier. ? = Element is not yet ranked (i.e., S?), or has an inexact numerical rank (e.g., S1?). U = Unrankable: currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting information about status or trends. (W) = on Watch list, not Tracking List N/A information not available
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APPENDIX C
OBSERVED PLANT SPECIES – BY TYPE AND COMMON NAME Common Name Scientific Name TREES aspen Populus tremuloides balsam fir Abies balsamea balsam poplar Populus balsamifera black spruce Picea mariana lodgepole pine Pinus contorta tamarack Larix laricina white birch Betula papyrifera white spruce Picea glauca SHRUBS balsam willow Salix pyrifolia beaked willow Salix bebbiana bog birch Betula glandulosa bracted honeysuckle Lonicera involucrata bristly black currant Ribes lacustre Canada buffaloberry Shepherdia canadensis choke cherry Prunus virginiana common Labrador tea Ledum groenlandicum Drummond's willow Salix drummondiana dwarf birch Betula pumila false mountain willow Salix pseudomonticola flat-leaved willow Salix planifolia green alder Alnus viridis ssp. crispa low-bush cranberry Viburnum edule myrtle-leaved willow Salix myrtillifolia northern black currant Ribes hudsonianum prickly rose Rosa acicularis pussy willow Salix discolor red-osier dogwood Cornus stolonifera river alder Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia Scouler's willow Salix scouleriana shrubby willow Salix arbusculoides silverberry Elaeagnus commutata skunk currant Ribes glandulosum snowberry Symphoricarpos albus thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus velvet-fruited willow Salix maccalliana water birch Betula occidentalis western mountain-ash Sorbus scopulina white meadowsweet Spiraea betulifolia wild red currant Ribes triste wild red raspberry Rubus idaeus willow species Salix spp. FORBS, DWARF SHRUBS alpine hedysarum Hedysarum alpinum American brooklime Veronica americana Arctic starflower Trientalis europaea arnica species Arnica sp.
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Common Name Scientific Name arrow-leaved coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var. sagittatus aster species Aster spp. ascending grape fern Botrychium ascendens balsam groundsel Senecio pauperculus bishop's-cap Mitella nuda bitter cress Cardamine pensylvanica blue columbine Aquilegia brevistyla blunt-leaved bog orchid Platanthera obtusata blunt-leaved sandwort Moehringia lateriflora bog cranberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea bog violet Viola nephrophylla bracted bog orchid Coeloglossum viride bristly buttercup Ranunculus pensylvanicus broad spinulose shield fern Dryopteris assimilis broad-leaved arnica Arnica latifolia broad-leaved everlasting Antennaria neglecta brook ragwort Senecio triangularis bunchberry Cornus canadensis cicer milk vetch Astragalus cicer clasping-leaved twisted-stalk Streptopus amplexifolius cloudberry Rubus chamaemorus common bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi common blueberry Vaccinium myrtilloides common cattail Typha latifolia common fireweed Epilobium angustifolium common horsetail Equisetum arvense common pink wintergreen Pyrola asarifolia common red paintbrush Castilleja miniata common scouring-rush Equisetum hyemale cow parsnip Heracleum lanatum cream-colored vetchling Lathyrus ochroleucus creeping snowberry Gaultheria hispidula cut-leaved anemone Anemone multifida dainty moonwort Botrychium crenulatum devil's-club Oplopanax horridus dewberry Rubus pubescens Drummond's thistle Cirsium drummondii dwarf bilberry Vaccinium caespitosum dwarf bramble Rubus pedatus dwarf raspberry Rubus arcticus dwarf scouring-rush Equisetum scirpoides early blue violet Viola adunca everlasting species Antennaria sp. fairybells Disporum trachycarpum false Solomon's-seal Smilacina racemosa felwort Gentianella amarella fleabane species Erigeron sp. goat's-beard Aruncus dioicus golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium iowense green saxifrage Chrysosplenium tetrandrum greenish-flowered wintergreen Pyrola chlorantha ground-cedar Diphasiastrum complanatum
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Common Name Scientific Name ground-pine Lycopodium obscurum hairy rock cress Arabis hirsuta hairy speedwell Veronica peregrina heart-leaved arnica Arnica cordifolia heart-leaved twayblade Listera cordata kidney-leaved violet Viola renifolia kneeling angelica Angelica genuflexa Labrador bedstraw Galium labradoricum laceflower Tiarella trifoliata lady fern Athyrium filix-femina lance-leaved grape fern Botrychium lanceolatum Lapland buttercup Ranunculus lapponicus large-leaved yellow avens Geum macrophyllum Lindley's aster Aster ciliolatus long-stalked chickweed Stellaria longipes Macloskey's violet Viola pallens Macoun's buttercup Ranunculus macounii many-flowered yarrow Achillea sibirica marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre marsh skullcap Scutellaria galericulata marsh violet Viola palustris meadow horsetail Equisetum pratense mealy primrose Primula incana moonwort Botrychium lunaria moschatel Adoxa moschatellina narrow-leaved hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum northern bastard toadflax Geocaulon lividum northern bedstraw Galium boreale northern grass-of-parnassus Parnassia palustris northern green bog orchid Platanthera hyperborea northern moonwort Botrychium pinnatum northern twayblade Listera borealis northern valerian Valeriana dioica oak fern Gymnocarpium dryopteris one-flowered wintergreen Moneses uniflora one-sided wintergreen Orthilia secunda pale coralroot Corallorhiza trifida palmate-leaved coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var. palmatus pearly everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea Philadelphia fleabane Erigeron philadelphicus purple avens Geum rivale purple clematis Clematis occidentalis purple-stemmed aster Aster puniceus rattlesnake plantain Goodyera oblongifolia red and white baneberry Actaea rubra round-leaved bog orchid Platanthera orbiculata running club-moss Lycopodium clavatum showy aster Eurybia conspicua showy locoweed Oxytropis splendens small bog cranberry Oxycoccus microcarpus small enchanter's nightshade Circaea alpina
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Common Name Scientific Name small-flowered buttercup Ranunculus abortivus smartweed species Polygonum sp. sparrow's-egg lady's-slipper Cypripedium passerinum spotted coralroot Corallorhiza maculata spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium spreading sweet cicely Osmorhiza depauperata star-flowered Solomon's-seal Smilacina stellata stiff club-moss Lycopodium annotinum striped coralroot Corallorhiza striata sugarscoop Tiarella unifoliata swamp horsetail Equisetum fluviatile sweet-scented bedstraw Galium triflorum tall larkspur Delphinium glaucum tall lungwort Mertensia paniculata three-leaved Solomon's-seal Smilacina trifolia twinflower Linnaea borealis twining honeysuckle Lonicera dioica variegated horsetail Equisetum variegatum veiny meadow rue Thalictrum venulosum Venus'-slipper Calypso bulbosa vine-leaved coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var. x vitifolius Virginia grape fern Botrychium virginianum water smartweed Polygonum amphibium western Canada violet Viola canadensis western jewelweed Impatiens noli-tangere western wood lily Lilium philadelphicum wild lily-of-the-valley Maianthemum canadense wild sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana wild vetch Vicia americana wild white geranium Geranium richardsonii woodland horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca wormseed mustard Erysimum cheiranthoides yellow avens Geum aleppicum yellow water crowfoot Ranunculus gmelinii GRASSES, SEDGES, RUSHES alpine bluegrass Poa alpina awnless brome Bromus inermis beautiful sedge Carex concinna Bebb's sedge Carex bebbii bluegrass species Poa sp. bluejoint Calamagrostis canadensis bog sedge Carex paupercula bristle-stalked sedge Carex leptalea close-sheathed cotton grass Eriophorum brachyantherum creeping spike-rush Eleocharis palustris Dewey's sedge Carex deweyana drooping wood-reed Cinna latifolia fowl manna grass Glyceria striata fringed brome Bromus ciliatus golden sedge Carex aurea
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NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Cutbank River Lateral Loop (Bald Mountain Section) August 2010 / 6922
Common Name Scientific Name hair-like sedge Carex capillaris hairy wild rye Leymus innovatus hay sedge Carex siccata Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis northern bog sedge Carex gynocrates northern rice grass Oryzopsis pungens purple oat grass Schizachne purpurascens red fescue Festuca rubra reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea rough hair grass Agrostis scabra sedge Carex canescens sedge species Carex sp. sheathed cotton grass Eriophorum vaginatum sheathed sedge Carex vaginata short-awned foxtail Alopecurus aequalis small bottle sedge Carex utriculata small-flowered wood-rush Luzula parviflora small-fruited bulrush Scirpus microcarpus sweet grass Hierochloe hirta two-seeded sedge Carex disperma two-stamened sedge Carex diandra water sedge Carex aquatilis white-grained mountain rice grass Oryzopsis asperifolia wire rush Juncus balticus WEEDS, AGRONOMICS common dandelion Taraxacum officinale rough cinquefoil Potentilla norvegica tall buttercup Ranunculus acris MOSSES, LICHENS, LIVERWORTS candy lichen Icmadophila ericetorum cladonia lichen Cladonia decorticata conic liverwort Conocephalum conicum cord moss Funaria hygrometrica hair-cap moss Polytrichum sp. juniper hair-cap Polytrichum juniperinum knight's plume moss Ptilium crista-castrensis liverwort Marchantia polymorpha moss species Plagiomnium sp. peat moss species Sphagnum sp. pixie-cup species Cladonia spp. reindeer lichen Cladina mitis reindeer lichen Cladina rangiferina Schreber's moss Pleurozium schreberi stair-step moss Hylocomium splendens star-tipped reindeer lichen Cladina stellaris studded leather lichen Peltigera aphthosa tree climacium moss Climacium dendroides tufted moss Aulacomnium palustre
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