Provincial Containment Strategy
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Provincial Containment Strategy Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush) Prepared by: B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations June 2015 BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS L. PROVINCIAL CONTAINMENT STRATEGY Acknowledgements The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations would like to acknowledge the following individuals and organizations for their valuable contributions to this project: Anna and Martin Eastman, Baker Creek Enhancement Society, Bruce Edwards, Cariboo Regional District, Fraser Valley Invasive Plant Council, K.C. Log Booming, and private landowners who provided access to survey sites. The original draft was completed by Crystal Klym, P.Ag. (June 2015). B.C. Invasive Plant Early Detection Rapid Response Program June 2015 B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Page | i BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS L. PROVINCIAL CONTAINMENT STRATEGY Table of Contents Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. i Background ......................................................................................................................... 1 Extent .................................................................................................................................. 1 Hatzic Lake Survey Results .............................................................................................. 1 Bouchie Lake Survey Results ........................................................................................... 2 Stakeholder Consultation and Extension ............................................................................ 2 Implementation Recommendations ................................................................................... 3 Physical Containment ..................................................................................................... 3 Public Education and Outreach ...................................................................................... 4 Targeted Surveys ............................................................................................................. 4 Exploring Treatment Options .......................................................................................... 5 Issues, Challenges and Opportunities ................................................................................. 5 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................... 6 Appendix I: Flowering Rush Provincial Extent Map ............................................................ 7 Appendix II: Flowering Rush Presence/Absence Survey Maps ........................................... 8 Appendix III: Proposed Physical Barrier Locations ........................................................... 12 Appendix IV: Company Contact Information (Physical Barriers) ...................................... 13 B.C. Invasive Plant Early Detection Rapid Response Program June 2015 B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Page | ii BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS L. PROVINCIAL CONTAINMENT STRATEGY Background Butomus umbellatus is known to occur in British Columbia (BC) in two locations, the first in Hatzic Lake near Mission and the second in Bouchie Lake near Quesnel. Both water- bodies drain into the Fraser River. These sites were confirmed in 2014 through the design and implementation of Flowering Rush Extent Survey Plans that were developed by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR). Results of these surveys contributed to the development of the BC Flowering Rush Containment Strategy, which proposes activities to contain current B. umbellatus infestations and prevent spread to neighbouring water-bodies. B. umbellatus is grown as an ornamental plant. Since the main pathway of introduction is horticulture, this is likely how B. umbellatus was introduced to both Bouchie Lake and Hatzic Lake. Once introduced to a water-body, B. umbellatus seeds, root fragments and bulbils can be easily dispersed by wind and water currents to downstream locations. B. umbellatus may be more widespread in BC than currently known. When not in flower it can be easily overlooked or confused with Sparganium spp. (bur-reed), native sedges (Cyperaceae spp.), bulrushes, and true rushes (Juncaceae spp.). Extent B. umbellatus presence has been confirmed at both Hatzic Lake and Bouchie Lake through presence/absence surveys that were completed as per Flowering Rush Extent Survey Plans that were developed for both water-bodies and in accordance with the BC Invasive Aquatic Plant Survey and Sample Collection Protocol. Surveys were led by the FLNR Invasive Plant Program. Presence/absence maps for surveys completed in 2014 are provided in Appendix II. Hatzic Lake Survey Results Hatzic Lake surveys were completed August 25-27 and September 21-23. Sample points were taken at key points along the Hatzic Lake littoral zone and mid-lake as well as Lower Hatzic Slough, and portions of Upper Hatzic Slough and Chilqua Slough. Where flowering rush infestations were extensive, protocol was modified to record presence start and end points. Additional surveys were completed by boat along the north and south shores of the Fraser River (from the mouth of Lower Hatzic Slough westward for approximately 2km), as well as shoreline surveys at high use access points (public boat launches) at Stave Lake, Cultus Lake and Hayward Lake. A survey was not completed at Ruskin Dam Recreation Site as it was closed to the public due to construction. The Fraser River was surveyed at high tide to permit boat access in the shallows. Poor visibility (0m) prevented observation of submerged plant material suspended in the water column or rooted to the substrate. Both emergent and submergent B. umbellatus were found to be extensive throughout Hatzic Lake and the Lower Hatzic Slough, excluding depths greater than 2.3 m. Both growth forms were found at the mouth of Chilqua Slough with submergent B. umbellatus continuing approximately 1.1 km up the slough. A continuous infestation of B.C. Invasive Plant Early Detection Rapid Response Program June 2015 B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations Page | 1 BUTOMUS UMBELLATUS L. PROVINCIAL CONTAINMENT STRATEGY both submergent and emergent B. umbellatus was observed about 0.7 km along Upper Hatzic Slough (from the mouth of Hatzic Lake to Farms Road crossing), and sporadic infestations of submergent B. umbellatus were recorded from Farms Road crossing northward approximately 0.8 km. Extent survey results indicate that B. umbellatus has not yet been introduced to the Fraser River. However, the risk of introduction remains high due to the extensive infestation in Lower Hatzic Slough (see Implementation Recommendations). Based on survey results, the pump station1 may be providing an obstacle to spread from Lower Hatzic Slough to the Fraser River. B. umbellatus was not observed to occur at Cultus Lake, Stave Lake or Hayward Lake. The risk of introduction of B. umbellatus and other invasive aquatic species to these lakes is high due to their close proximity to Hatzic Lake and extensive recreational use. Therefore, shoreline and boat surveys are recommended for these water-bodies in 2015 (see Implementation Recommendations). Harvester and floatplane activity was confirmed on Hatzic Lake. The harvester is hired by private residents and operates solely on Hatzic Lake. Floatplane activity requires further investigation (see Implementation Recommendations). Bouchie Lake Survey Results Bouchie Lake surveys were completed August 14, 15, 19, and 20. Sample points were taken along the Bouchie Lake littoral zone and mid-lake as well as Bouchie Creek (inflow and outflow), Purser Creek (inflow), and Milburn Lake (high risk sites). B. umbellatus was found to be concentrated along the southern and western shoreline of Bouchie Lake, including the Purser Creek inflow, with sporadic occurrences along the northern and eastern shoreline. B. umbellatus was not observed at either the Bouchie Creek inflow or outflow nor was it found to occur at mid-lake sample points, where water depths are greater than 3m. Surveys completed at Milburn Lake high-risk sites (public boat launches, public fishing/recreation access points, and private water frontages) found B. umbellatus to be absent at this time. Based on survey results, it appears that B. umbellatus is restricted to Bouchie Lake and has not yet spread to adjacent water-bodies. However, floatplane activity in the lake will require expansion of the targeted search area in future (see Implementation Recommendations). Due to the absence of B. umbellatus in the Bouchie Creek outflow, as well as the issue of inaccessibility and safety, surveys were not conducted along the Fraser River. Stakeholder Consultation and Extension B.umbellatus information bulletins were laminated and posted at high use areas around the communities of Mission and Hatzic Lake. In addition, flowering rush alerts and bulletins were provided to key stakeholders in Hatzic Lake and Bouchie Lake for local distribution. A public information session was held at the Hatzic Prairie Hall on November 26, and a public information package and questionnaire was circulated to Bouchie Lake residents in April 2015. 1 In 2014, pump station water height was recorded at 2.5m in August and 0.68m in September. B.C. Invasive Plant Early Detection Rapid Response Program June 2015 B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural