DOCSLIB.ORG

A Broad Scale Cumulative Impact Assessment Framework for the Cariboo-Chilcotin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Broad Scale Cumulative Impact Assessment Framework for the Cariboo-Chilcotin FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS A Broad Scale Cumulative Impact Assessment Framework for the Cariboo-Chilcotin Rick Dawson, Robin Hoffos, Mark McGirr 7/31/2015 This draft report from the Cumulative Effects Framework Project summarizes work that has been completed to date. It is intended to facilitate discussion and solicit feedback, and does not represent a formal position or commitment of the Government of British Columbia. Acknowledgements Work and inputs from numerous people were incorporated into this assessment. Mark McGirr did the GIS work for the analyses, provided excellent maps and designed a system for replicating the analysis across the region. Crispin Guppy’s literature surveys for the wildlife species and early assessment approach were a starting point for development of assessment methodology for moose, marten and grizzly bear. Robin Hoffos and Clinton Webb further developed the wildlife assessments and initiated assessments for forest biodiversity and hydrology. Cris, Robin and Clinton’s work provided a sound starting point for this project. Clinton Webb’s ongoing work on the Cariboo-Chilcotin Land Use Plan spatial and numerical databases ensured access to accurate, well organized data for biodiversity seral stage assessments and “no-harvest areas”. Discussion with local wildlife staff Pat Dielman and John Youds helped with development of grizzly bear and moose assessments. Input from species experts helped to refine the models. Tony Hamilton provided the approach for hazard assessment for grizzly bears. Doug Jury, John Youds, Ray Coupe and Mike Ryan provided input on components of the moose model. Larry Davis and Richard Weir provided input on the marten habitat model. Larry Davis completed a detailed peer review of the moose and marten assessments in January 2014. The 2012 marten capability mapping done by Madrone Environmental Services Limited and overseen by Tony Button was incorporated into the marten analysis. The hydrology section is based on work done by Doug Lewis, Michael Milne and B. Grainger. Ecological importance ratings for fish in the hydrology risk analysis were done by Tom Wilkinson and Rob Dolighan. Salmon information for the grizzly bear account came from the following Department of Fisheries and Oceans staff: Don Lawrence, Keri Benner, Tim Pankratz, Paul Welsh and Shane Kalyn. Cover Photo of Chilko River by Leo Rankin 2 Preface to July 2015 Report Edition The Cumulative Environmental Effects assessment for the Cariboo Region is a work in progress. While the previous edition provided ecologically meaningful assessments for six values, it also identified limitations to the assessment methodologies and input data. Since the last edition of this report (February 2014), significant improvements to the analysis methodology for moose winter habitat have been implemented based on additional thought by the authors, input from a local working group and a peer review. This edition incorporates and explains these improvements. Over the next 6 to 12 months, provincial groups of value and assessment specialists will be working to develop provincial cumulative effects assessment standards for a number of key values to ensure provincial consistency while allowing a degree of flexibility for special considerations within regions around the province. While the assessment methodology described in this report is a major input into the provincial process, users of this information in the Cariboo must anticipate some changes in the substance and formatting of the assessment results in the future. We expect that the basic results from any new assessment methodologies will not dramatically change from the results presented here, but will potentially clarify, standardize and improve the meaningfulness of the results. 3 Table of Contents Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 7 Valued ecosystem components ................................................................................................... 8 Study area .................................................................................................................................... 8 Selection of indicators ............................................................................................................... 14 Underlying concepts .................................................................................................................. 14 User’s guide............................................................................................................................... 19 Regional cumulative effects assessment ................................................................................... 21 Risk summaries ............................................................................................................................. 24 Forest biodiversity risk summary .............................................................................................. 24 Hydrological stability risk summary ......................................................................................... 35 Moose risk summary ................................................................................................................. 52 Mule deer risk summary ............................................................................................................ 65 Grizzly bear risk summary ........................................................................................................ 74 Marten risk summary ................................................................................................................ 85 References ..................................................................................................................................... 95 Appendix 1: Forest biodiversity.................................................................................................... 99 Appendix 2: Hydrology .............................................................................................................. 105 Appendix 3: Moose ..................................................................................................................... 122 Appendix 4: Mule Deer .............................................................................................................. 132 Appendix 5: Grizzly Bear ........................................................................................................... 136 Appendix 6: Marten .................................................................................................................... 141 4 Introduction This report describes a decision support tool designed to assess relative environmental risks to large areas of land and water. It offers a systematic approach for assessing a cumulative view of landscape condition in support of First Nations consultation in British Columbia. The decision support framework described here is intended to provide an initial assessment that informs the selection of engagement level and assists in the determination of impacts and mitigation. This is part of the provincial obligation under the Tsilhqot’in Framework Agreement implementation plan and the Updated Procedures for Consultation with First Nations. The tool will also have broader applicability for assessment of environmental impacts of development in the Cariboo-Chilcotin in general. This project has built on the work of Guppy (2010) and Hoffos (2011) by refining their assessment models and providing a systematic and comprehensive approach to describing risk. The tool is applied to a study area consisting of seven landscape units in the West Chilcotin for this report, and results for the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin are available online. This project focused on development of sound assessment methodology and standardized descriptions of risk factors for broad-scale assessments. The risk description approach was designed to be efficiently applied to multiple areas, and to be easily understood by decision-makers and other resource professionals. The overall environmental condition within defined assessment units is described relative to identified valued ecosystem components (VECs), and will be updated as required to reflect landscape changes and new knowledge. Using this information, technical staff should be better able to assess current and future risk to wildlife species based on landscape changes. Activities and areas where risk is greatest can be identified and used to guide the development of mitigation and accommodation measures. Clients can also be advised early in their application process of the potential risks which may affect their investment choices. The application of this initial assessment tool will also provide First Nations and other users with more consistent and comprehensive information with which to categorize and respond to referrals. This could lead to greater efficiency by providing a common information base to all parties involved in consideration of development proposals, and helping to focus on the most relevant issues. The chosen VECs include the coarse-level environmental filters of forest biodiversity and hydrological
Load more

Recommended publications
  • A Conservation Strategy Maintaining Ecological Systems And
    A CONSERVATION STRATEGY MAINTAINING ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND COMMUNITIES IN THE FACE OF CHANGE NOVEMBER 26, 2007 For The Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition By Richard L. Case MSc RPBio R.L Case & Associates and Barbara J. Coupé RPF Arboreal Communication Services September 2007 CCBAC Interim EDWG Sector Strategies CCBAC is very pleased to make the Economic Development Working Group interim sector strategies available for use by the sector participants and stakeholders, the CCBAC working groups, the various ministries within the provincial and federal governments, and most importantly the citizens of the Cariboo-Chilcotin. CCBAC is compelled to make this information available as quickly as is possible in order to meet its objective of developing and growing the overall economic activity within the Cariboo-Chilcotin. CCBAC will identify each completed sector strategy as an ‘interim’ document through the use of this cover letter. To CCBAC this means that the interim strategy is a ‘stand alone’ document at the time of its release, and that the interim sector strategy has not been ‘integrated’ with other interim sector strategies in any manner or form. The use of the information contained within the interim sector strategy is the responsibility of the user. CCBAC does not endorse or support any specific use or proposal that uses the interim sector strategy material. CCBAC supports all interim sector strategies in principle only at this time. CCBAC intends to begin the sector strategy integration process immediately. At the conclusion of the integration process CCBAC intends to have completed a community diversification plan for the entire CCBAC area. The interim sector strategies will be an integral part of this plan.
    [Show full text]
  • Potential Pacific Coast Oil Ports: a Comparative
    POTENTIAL PACIFIC COAST OIL PORTS: A COMPARATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ANALYSIS VOLUME II SUPPLEMENTARY APPENDICES Although pub l ished under the authority of Fisheries and Envir onment Canada , this document is not a statement of government policy, nor should it be assumed that the government endors es any o r all aspect s of the as s essment which reflects only the judgements of the i ndividuals who prepared it. POTENTIAL PACIFIC COAST OIL PORTS: A COMPARATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RISK ANALYSIS VOLUME II - SUPPLEMENTARY APPENDICES A Report By Fisheries and Environment Canada Working Group on West Coast Deepwater Oil Ports Principal Working Group Members C. McAllister (Chairman) P. Meyer M. "Romaine Fisheries and Environment Canada G. Schaefer Vancouver, B.C. B. Schouwenberg February, 1978 R. Sherwood (Chief Editor) M. Waldichuk (Assistant Editor) PREFACE The appendices which appear herein are intended as technical and methodological supplements to a previous volume entitled "Potential Pacific Coast Oil Ports: A Comparative Environmental Risk Analysis". While that first volume was heavily edited for conciseness and comprehensiveness, this one underwent very little editing. Consequently, some of the appendices are lengthy and detailed. ~owever, they could be of benefit to those who wish to appreciate more of the background to the overall study methodology and data sources. Bibliographic references appearing in the text of this appendices volume can be found in the Selected Bibliography located at the end of Volume I and Volume II. Should further technical detail or clarification be sought for specific portions of Volume II, authors identified following each appendix or libraries of the following agencies can be contacted: Atmospheric Environment Service Canadian Wildlife Service Environmental Management Service Environmental Protection Service Fisheries and Marine Service Institute of Ocean Sciences Pacific Biological Station Pacific Environment Institute TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PREFACE APPENDIX I SOME MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OIL POLLUTION I-I I.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grasslands of British Columbia
    The Grasslands of British Columbia The Grasslands of British Columbia Brian Wikeem Sandra Wikeem April 2004 COVER PHOTO Brian Wikeem, Solterra Resources Inc. GRAPHICS, MAPS, FIGURES Donna Falat, formerly Grasslands Conservation Council of B.C., Kamloops, B.C. Ryan Holmes, Grasslands Conservation Council of B.C., Kamloops, B.C. Glenda Mathew, Left Bank Design, Kamloops, B.C. PHOTOS Personal Photos: A. Batke, Andy Bezener, Don Blumenauer, Bruno Delesalle, Craig Delong, Bob Drinkwater, Wayne Erickson, Marylin Fuchs, Perry Grilz, Jared Hobbs, Ryan Holmes, Kristi Iverson, C. Junck, Bob Lincoln, Bob Needham, Paul Sandborn, Jim White, Brian Wikeem. Institutional Photos: Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, BC Archives, BC Ministry of Forests, BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, and BC Parks. All photographs are the property of the original contributor and can not be reproduced without prior written permission of the owner. All photographs by J. Hobbs are © Jared Hobbs. © Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia 954A Laval Crescent Kamloops, B.C. V2C 5P5 http://www.bcgrasslands.org/ All rights reserved. No part of this document or publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia. ii Dedication This book is dedicated to the Dr. Vernon pathfinders of our ecological Brink knowledge and understanding of Dr. Alastair grassland ecosystems in British McLean Columbia. Their vision looked Dr. Edward beyond the dust, cheatgrass and Tisdale grasshoppers, and set the course to Dr. Albert van restoring the biodiversity and beauty Ryswyk of our grasslands to pristine times. Their research, extension and teaching provided the foundation for scientific management of our grasslands.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards Sector Strategies to Address the Impact of Mountain Pine Beetle
    Tsilhqot’in Nation Strategy: Towards Sector Strategies to address the Impact of Mountain Pine Beetle Working Document – November 2007 Prepared for: Cariboo Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition Email: [email protected] Phone: (250) 392-9747 Fax: (250) 398-5941 Box 4883 Station Main Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V8 Prepared by: Read and Associates Victoria, BC Stonefield Consulting Williams Lake, BC and the Tsilhqot’in Stewardship Department - Tsilhqot’in National Government Williams Lake, BC • V2G 1M4 Phone: (250) 392-3918 • Fax: (250) 398-5798 © Tsilhqot’in National Government 2007 Table of Contents Table of Contents List of Acronyms ......................................................................................................................... i Executive Summary.................................................................................................................... ii 1.0 Background.......................................................................................................................... 1 1.1.0 The Tsilhqot’in Communities............................................................................ 1 1.2.0 Objectives of the Tsilhqot’in Mountain Pine Beetle Economic Response Strategy ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.3.0 Aboriginal People and the Economy ................................................................. 2 1.4.0 The Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic and the Tsilhqot’in............................... 5 1.5.0 Constitutional
    [Show full text]
  • Uvic Thesis Template
    The nutritious springtime candy of people and animals in British Columbia: Lodgepole pine cambium (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) by Megan Dilbone Bachelors of Science, Ohio Northern University, 2009 A Master‟s Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER‟S OF SCIENCE in the School of Environmental Studies Megan Dilbone, 2011 University of Victoria All rights reserved. This thesis may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by photocopy or other means, without the permission of the author. ii Supervisory Committee The nutritious springtime candy of people and animals in British Columbia: Lodgepole pine cambium (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) by Megan Dilbone Bachelors of Science, Ohio Northern University, 2009 Supervisory Committee Dr. Nancy Turner (School of Environmental Studies) Supervisor Dr. Peter Stephenson (School of Environmental Studies) Departmental Member Dr. Patrick von Aderkas (Department of Biology) Outside Member iii Supervisory Committee Dr. Nancy Turner (School of Environmental Studies) Supervisor Dr. Peter Stephenson (School of Environmental Studies) Departmental Member Dr. Patrick von Aderkas (Department of Biology) Outside Member Abstract This thesis examines the ethnobotany, physiology, anatomy, and nutritional value of edible lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson ) cambium. Many First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest historically used lodgepole pine cambium. It was so popular among interior First Peoples of British Columbia that it was considered a universal food. Even though harvesting and consumption of pine cambium is diminishing in popularity today, I was able to learn from some Tsilhqot‟in First Peoples on Redstone Reserve who had prior experience with pine cambium.
    [Show full text]