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Home , Cardamine pensylvanica, Cardamine pratensis, Chrysosplenium iowense, Equisetum scirpoides, Stellaria calycantha, Trichophorum clintonii

RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. KEARL EXTENSION PIPELINE PROJECT

August 2010 6426

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 Kearl Lake Pipeline Project August 2010 / 6426

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Ecosystem Classification ...... 1 1.2 Objectives ...... 2 2.0 METHODS ...... 4 2.1 Pre-Field Assessment...... 4 2.2 Study Area Boundaries ...... 4 2.3 Rare Plant Surveys ...... 4 2.4 Non-Native and Invasive Species...... 5 3.0 KNOWN SPECIES OF CONCERN ...... 6 3.1 Federal Species of Concern ...... 6 3.2 Provincial Species of Concern...... 6 4.0 RESULTS...... 8 4.1 Survey Limitations...... 8 4.2 Rare Plants ...... 8 4.2.1 Goldthread (S3 W) ...... 8 4.2.2 Conic liverwort (S2)...... 9 4.2.3 Meadow bitter cress (S3 W)...... 9 4.2.4 Saxifrage species (S3?)...... 9 4.3 Rare Ecological Communities...... 9 4.4 Aboriginal Field Participation ...... 10 4.5 Forest Pests ...... 10 4.6 Non-Native and Invasive Species...... 10 5.0 DISCUSSION AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 18 5.1 General Vegetation Recommendations...... 18 5.2 Rare Plant and Rare Ecological Community Recommendations ...... 19 6.0 REFERENCES...... 25 6.1 Personal Communications ...... 25 6.2 Literature Cited...... 25

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Potential Rare Vascular Plant Species in the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion...... 28 Appendix B Potential Rare Ecological Communities in the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion...... 33 Appendix C Observed Plant Species – by Type and Common Name ...... 35 Appendix D Photoplates ...... 41

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location and Known Rare Plant Occurrences...... 3 Figure 2 Rare Plant Locations, 2009 and 2010...... 11

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Previously Recorded Rare Plant Occurrences Within Close Proximity (<5 km) to the Proposed Pipeline...... 6

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Table 2 General Vegetation Mitigation Measures...... 18 Table 3 Mitigative Measures for Occurrences of Rare Plants Observed Along the Kearl Lake Pipeline Project...... 20

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 View south of black spruce bog community type, observed in SW 22-95-7 W4M (June 24, 2010)...... 42 Plate 2 View north of shrub-dominated swamp community type, observed in SW 16-96-7 W4M (June 27, 2010)...... 42 Plate 3 View northeast of aspen forest community type, observed in SW 22-95-7 W4M (June 25, 2010)...... 43 Plate 4 View east of wetland community type, observed in SW 22-95-7 W4M (June 24, 2010)...... 43 Plate 5 View west of fen-like marsh community type, observed adjacent to the Muskeg River in SW 16-96-7 W4M (June 27, 2010)...... 44 Plate 6 Close up of goldthread located in 5-3-97-7 W4M (June 23, 2010)...... 44 Plate 7 Habitat of goldthread population located in 13-33-96-7 W4M (June 24, 2010)...... 45 Plate 8 Close up of conic liverwort observed at 6-22-95-7 W4M (June 25, 2010)...... 45 Plate 9 Habitat of conic liverwort located at 11-9-96-7 W4M (June 26, 2010)...... 46 Plate 10 Close up of meadow bitter cress flower (June 24, 2010)...... 46 Plate 11 Habitat of meadow bitter cress, observed at 7-10-95-7 W4M (June 24, 2010)...... 47 Plate 12 Close up of saxifrage species observed at 7-10-95-7 W4M (June 23, 2010)...... 47 Plate 13 Close up of saxifrage species observed at 7-10-95-7 W4M (June 23, 2010)...... 48

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1.0 INTRODUCTION NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), has applied to the National Energy Board (NEB) under Section 58 of the NEB Act for authorization to construct and operate the proposed Kearl Extension Pipeline Project (the Project). The proposed pipeline is located approximately 35 km east of the community of Fort McKay and approximately 57 km north of the city of Fort McMurray in northeast Alberta (Figure 1). The proposed pipeline will transport sweet natural gas for approximately 23.3 km from the existing NGTL Kearl Extension Side Valve in 13-34-94-7 W4M (KP 0.0) to the proposed Kearl Sales Meter Station in 4-10-97-7 W4M (KP 23.3). From 13-34-94-7 W4M to a proposed block valve in 2-15-95-7 W4M, the proposed pipe size is 609.6 mm outside diameter (O.D.) (NPS 24-inch). For the remainder of the pipeline route, from 2-15-95-7 W4M to 4-10-97-7 W4M, the proposed pipe size is 508.0 mm O.D. (NPS 20-inch).

The Project has been aligned to parallel existing linear corridors (winter roads, gravel roads and existing pipeline rights-of-way) for approximately 4.6 km (20% of the route). As well, the pipeline route has been aligned to parallel the following proposed pipelines for approximately 14.5 km (62% of the route): the Inter Pipeline Fund (IPF) Diluent Pipeline Expansion Project, the Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) Kearl Pipeline Project and the Husky Energy pipeline. Of the total length, approximately 4.2 km (18%) of the proposed pipeline route will require new cut (i.e., does not follow an existing or proposed linear corridor). For ease of description, the proposed pipeline route is described using Kilometre Posts (KPs) beginning at the existing NGTL Kearl Extension Side Valve (KP 0.0) and terminating at the proposed Kearl Sales Meter Station (KP 23.3).

All of the proposed pipeline route is located within the Green Area of Alberta. The construction right-of- way width required to construct the pipeline ranges from 25 m to 27 m, including 14 m to 25 m of permanent right-of-way, as well as 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 of the proposed pipeline is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2010 with completion in the first quarter of 2011.

As part of the NEB Application, an Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) was prepared by TERA Environmental Consultants (TERA 2010a). To support the application, TERA was commissioned by NGTL to conduct a Rare Plant Habitat Assessment for the Kearl Extension Pipeline Project. TERA conducted a Rare Plant Habitat Assessment of the proposed pipeline route and proposed meter station from September 29 to October 1, 2009. Observations made during the Rare Plant Habitat Assessment and conclusions regarding habitat suitability for rare plants were provided (TERA 2010b). A mid-summer Rare Plant Survey was conducted from June 23 to 28, 2010. The following report provides the results of the survey and provides recommendations and mitigation measures to avoid or reduce the potential environmental effects on rare plants and rare ecological communities.

Aboriginal engagement and participation is an important component of the biophysical studies and their input informs the Environmental Impact Assessment since Aboriginal participants commonly have an intimate knowledge of the local landscape. TERA invited members from the following Aboriginal communities to participate in the 2010 field program: Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation; Mikisew Cree First Nation; Fort McMurray First Nation; Fort McKay First Nation; Chipewyan Prairie First Nation; Fort McKay Metis; and Fort McMurray Metis. As a result of this invitation, a representative from Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participated in the rare plant survey. The Aboriginal participant shared her traditional knowledge of plant species in the Project area, especially medicinal plants, and aided in locating plants of interest. Unfortunately, members from Mikisew Cree First Nation; Fort McMurray First Nation; Fort McKay First Nation, who expressed an interested in participating in the field study, were not able to participate because they were unable to meet certain Occupational Health and Safety criteria at the time of the survey.

1.1 Ecosystem Classification The project area occurs in the Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006). The Central Mixedwood Natural Subregion is the largest Natural

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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).

1.2 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 Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA), the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and the Alberta Conservation Information Management System (ACIMS);

 identify any unique sites or habitat features along the proposed route with high potential to support rare plant species;

 record the abundance and distribution of non-native, invasive species; and

 provide mitigation recommendations in the event that rare plants, rare ecological communities, forest health issues or invasive species infestations are observed.

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490000 495000 500000 505000

Proposed Kearl Sales Meter Station 10 11 12 7 8 KP 23.27 4-10-97-7 W4M 8 9 .)! TWP. 97 Cypripedium acaule RGE. 7 W4M .! TWP. 97 RGE. 8 W4M Splachnum sphaericum RGE. 6 W4M KP 22 3 2 1 6 5 .! 3 6 5 4 Splachnum luteum

KP 21 Spiranthes lacera 6360000 6360000 .!

34 35 36 31 32 KP 20 34 35 36 31 32 33 .! Cypripedium acaule KP 19 .! r e v 25 27 26 Hygroamblystegium noterophilum 29 28 27 i 26 30 29 28 R KP 18 Chiloscyphus pallescens g Anastrophyllum helleranum .! e k s Chrysosplenium iowense u Chiloscyphus pallescens M Blasia pusilla Chrysosplenium iowense KP 17 24 19 20 .!21 22 23 24 Conardia compacta KP 16 R.M. of Wood Buffalo TWP. 96

6355000 TWP. 96 .! Chiloscyphus pallescens 6355000

15 14 13 18 17 KP 15 16 15 14 13 18 17 16 .! Chiloscyphus pallescens KP 14 Chrysosplenium iowense .! 10 11 12 7 8 9 8 9 KP 13 .! Thuidium philibertii Nymphaea tetragona Chiloscyphus pallescens

KP 12 Anastrophyllum helleranum 1 6 5 .! 1 6 5 4 2 Conocephalum conicum

KP 11 Chrysosplenium iowense

6350000 Campylium radicale .! 6350000 33 Chiloscyphus pallescens 34 35 Scapania glaucocephala Cypripedium acaule 32 33 KP 10 Hypnum pallescens Chiloscyphus pallescens Spiranthes lacera Sphagnum fimbriatum .! Anastrophyllum helleranum Conocephalum conicum KP 9 Cystopteris montana Myurella tenerrima .! 25 KP 8 26 25 30 29 28 Blasia pusilla 28 .!

KP 7 Leptodictyum humile .!

Rhizomnium magnifolium 24 19 20 21 KP 6 23 24 19 20 21 .!

r KP 5 e TWP. 95 Botrychium pinnatum v TWP. 95 .! i R 6345000 Proposed Valve Site 6345000 Campanula aparinoides (off right-of-way) 15 14 13 18 15 2-15-95-7 W4M 13 18 k 17 16 n

.! b

KP 4 e

e KP 3 t S .! 10 11 12 7 8 9 10 11 12 h 8 9 t

r KP 2 o .! N

3 2 1 6 5 4 KP 1 2 1 6 5 4 Existing Kearl Extension Side Valve .! 13-34-94-7 W4M .!) TWP. 94 TWP. 94 6340000 RGE. 7 W4M RGE. 6 W4M 6340000 35 36 31 34 35 36 31 33 34 32 33 32

490000 495000 500000 505000 6426_Figure1_RarePlants_Rev1.mxd Pipeline UTM GRID: Zone 12, NAD 83. Road Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery REGIONAL LOCATION AND KNOWN RARE PLANT OCCURRENCES Existing Pipeline Copyright 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp. Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Date of Imagery: 2008 RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS Watercourse Green and White Areas: AltaLIS 2007. Hydrography: Geobase 2009; TRANSMISSION LTD. KEARL EXTENSION PIPELINE PROJECT Municipal Boundary, Rails: IHS Inc. 2004; SCALE: 1:100,000 Waterbody Roads: GeoBase® 2009; Although there is no reason to believe that there are any DATE PROJECT MAP ACIMS: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2010. errors associated with the data used to generate this km ACIMS Occurrence product or in the product itself, users of these data are 0 1 2 advised that errors in the data may be present. August 2010 6426 Figure 1 (All Locations Approximate) NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Kearl Lake Pipeline Project August 2010 / 6426

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 and 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 (Alberta Natural Heritage Information System [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 occur 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 was requested from ACIMS. Weeds of management concern identified in the Alberta Weed Regulation were also reviewed prior to the commencement of the field survey.

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, log decks and facility sites, where known at the time of the survey.

The field surveys conducted along the proposed right-of-way (includes temporary workspace) focus on an area approximately 15 m on both sides of the GPS track (30 m corridor) of the proposed route. A wider area was also surveyed where the location of extra temporary workspace was known at the time of the surveys. Detailed information is 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. Since 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 is known. Where rare plants are observed on the right-of-way, the survey area is extended off right-of-way. The desktop review conducted prior to field work addresses a wider corridor centred along the proposed route. The level of information for this area is much more general but includes known plant populations and general community types.

2.3 Rare Plant Surveys Information collected during the desktop review as well as the results of the rare plant habitat assessment (TERA 2010b) identified areas of high rare plant potential, potential rare plant species and potential rare ecological communities.

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The rare plant survey was conducted between June 23 and 28, 2010. One member from the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (FN) participated in this survey. Further details regarding this participation are provided in Section 4.3. The rare plant survey methods were based on survey guidelines developed by the Alberta Native Plant Council (ANPC) (2000). Rare plant specialists, including the First Nations participant, traversed the entire 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.

This survey did not address all rare nonvascular species (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. In June 2010, a new Weed Control Act was proclaimed. The new Weed Control Act regulation includes a new schedule of weed designations. Previously, there were the following three weed categories: restricted weeds', noxious weeds', and nuisance weeds. These categories were replaced with the new weed designations of prohibited noxious and noxious. Prohibited noxious weeds are either not currently found in Alberta or are found in few locations such that eradication could be possible. Under the Weed Control Act, landowners or occupants have a responsibility to eliminate or destroy a prohibited noxious weed species. Noxious weeds are considered too widely distributed to eradicate; therefore, weed species in this category must be controlled to prevent the spread to adjacent lands. Nuisance weeds are no longer listed in Alberta or regulated by the Weed Control Act. There are many additional, unlisted weed species that are not native (i.e., introduced) to Alberta, including seeded agronomic species and horticultural species, which can be invasive in certain land uses. The status of a species as native is determined according to ACIMS (ANHIC 2010). All weed species listed under the Alberta Weed Control Act, as well as species considered invasive were recorded at all locations where they were observed during the survey.

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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 Subregion that have a SARA or COSEWIC designation. No previously recorded occurrences of rare plants with a SARA or COSEWIC designation are known from the Study Area.

3.2 Provincial Species of Concern There are no potential species listed for the Central Mixedwood Subregion that are designated under the Alberta Wildlife Act.

ACIMS provided records of rare plant occurrences known from the local Project area, which included seven rare vascular plant species, seven moss species and five liverwort species (ACIMS 2010a). ACIMS did not have any occurrences of rare ecological communities in close proximity (within 5 km) of the Project. Details of the previously recorded occurrences are summarised in Table 1. Definitions of rarity ranks and classes are included in the footnotes of the Appendices.

TABLE 1

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED RARE PLANT OCCURRENCES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY (<5 km) TO THE PROPOSED PIPELINE

Approximate Distance to Proposed Provincial Location (W4M) Pipeline Route1 (km) Species Type Common Name Scientific Name Rank2 2-23-94-7 4.9 vascular plant ground-fir Diphasiastrum S2 sitchense 2-23-94-7 4.9 vascular plant bog adder's-mouth Malaxis paludosa S1 1-22-94-7 4.5 vascular plant bog adder's-mouth Malaxis paludosa S1 SW 15-95-7 0.7 vascular plant northern moonwort Botrychium pinnatum S3 SW 15-95-7 0.7 vascular plant marsh bellflower Campanula S1 aparinoides NE 29-95-7 1.35 liverwort --- Blasia pusilla S1 NE 29-95-7 1.35 moss --- Myurella tenerrima S2 NE 29-95-7 1.35 liverwort conic liverwort Conocephalum S2 conicum NE 29-95-7 1.35 liverwort --- Chiloscyphus S1 pallescens NE 29-95-7 1.35 liverwort --- Scapania S2 glaucocephala NE 29-95-7 1.35 moss campylium moss Campylium radicale S2 SE 33-95-7 0.4 vascular plant stemless lady's- Cypripedium acaule S3 slipper SE 33-95-7 0.4 vascular plant northern slender Spiranthes lacera S1 ladies'-tresses NW 35-95-7 2.8 liverwort --- Anastrophyllum S2 helleranum NW 35-96-7 2.8 moss --- Hypnum pallescens S2 NW 35-95-7 2.8 liverwort --- Chiloscyphus S1 pallescens NW 34-95-7 1.5 liverwort conic liverwort Conocephalum S2 conicum NW 34-95-7 1.5 vascular plant golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium S3?3 iowense SW 3-96-7 0.9 liverwort --- Anastrophyllum S2 helleranum SW 3-96-7 0.9 liverwort --- Chiloscyphus S1 pallescens

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TABLE 1 Cont'd

Approximate Distance to Proposed Provincial Location (W4M) Pipeline Route1 (km) Species Type Common Name Scientific Name Rank2 SW 3-96-7 0.9 moss --- Thuidium philibertii S1S2 SW 10-96-7 1.7 liverwort --- Chiloscyphus S1 pallescens SE 11-96-7 3.7 vascular plant golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium S3?3 iowense SW 24-96-8 4.8 vascular plant golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium S3?3 iowense 96-7 and 96-8 2.8 moss --- Hygroamblystegium SU noterophilum NE 1-97-7 4.3 vascular plant northern slender Spiranthes lacera S1 ladies'-tresses NE 1-97-7 4.3 moss yellow collar moss Splachnum luteum S3 NE 1-97-7 4.3 moss globe-fruited Splachnum S2 splachnum sphaericum NE 1-97-7 4.3 vascular plant stemless lady's- Cypripedium acaule S3 slipper 12-13-97-7 3.8 moss --- Hypnum pallescens S2 3-17-97-7 3.4 liverwort --- Chiloscyphus S1 pallescens 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". 2 Definitions of provincial ranks are summarized in Appendix A. 3 A ranking which includes "?" denotes an inexact numeric rank and is applied when a specific rank is most likely appropriate, but for which some conflicting information or unresolved questions remain (Kemper 2009).

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4.0 RESULTS Rare plant surveys were conducted from June 23 to June 28, 2010 along the entire proposed pipeline route. A list of all species observed during the rare plant survey is provided in Appendix C. Species nomenclature is according to ACIMS (ANHIC 2010) with more current taxonomic information drawn from NatureServe (2010a), when necessary.

The rare plant survey encountered several vegetation communities along the pipeline route, including black spruce bogs, shrub-dominated swamps, aspen forests, wet meadows / wetlands and marsh fens.

Bogs were the dominant vegetation community type encountered throughout the northern portion of the route. These bogs were dominated by black spruce, Labrador tea and sphagnum mosses (Plate 1). Shrub-dominated swamp communities, dominated by birch, willow, alder and bluejoint, occurred toward the south end of the route (Plate 2). Aspen forests were observed infrequently on uplands toward the north end of the route, and featured alder, rose and feather mosses in the understory (Plate 3). Wet meadows and wetlands were observed sporadically toward the south end of the proposed route (Plate 4), while the habitat in the vicinity of the Muskeg River was marshy and fen-like (Plate 5).

4.1 Survey Limitations Optimally, early and late summer surveys are recommended in order to assess the presence of rare plant species throughout the growing season (ANPC 2000). For this Project, an early season survey was completed in 2010 and a late season rare plant habitat assessment was conducted in 2009. Based on the results of these surveys an supplemental late season survey is not recommended and survey effort for the proposed project is considered to adequate.

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.

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. The following four ACIMS-listed rare plant species were observed during the rare plant survey along the proposed pipeline (Figure 2):

 goldthread;

 conic liverwort;

 meadow bitter cress; and

 saxifrage species.

4.2.1 Goldthread (S3 W) Goldthread (Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb.) is a 5-15 cm tall perennial herb with bright yellow or orange rhizomes (underground stems) that grows in damp mossy woods (Plates 6 and 7). It has shiny basal evergreen leaves, which are divided into three leaflets. The leaflets are wedge shaped, shallowly lobed and sharply toothed (Kershaw et. al. 2001). Each plant has one small flower composed of five to seven white petal-like sepals and five to seven inconspicuous, fleshy, club-shaped petals that are tipped with a nectary (Moss 1983). The small pod-like fruits are borne on long stalks, in a whorled cluster at the tip of the stem. Goldthread is ranked S3 and is on the Watch list.

Details regarding the location and abundance of goldthread populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures, are summarized in Table 3.

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4.2.2 Conic liverwort (S2) Conic liverwort (Conocephalum salebrosum) is a large (up to 12 mm wide and 20 cm long), leathery, bright green, irregularly branched thalloid liverwort (Plate 8). The upper surface of the thallus has 4-5 rows of deeply grooved hexagonal air chambers between the midrib and the thallus margin, each with a conspicuous white-ringed pore. The hyaline margins of the thallus consist of 1-2 elongated cells (Szweykowski 2005). Male receptacles are wine-purple pigmented and occur in late fall to early spring; female receptacles are conic and appear in early spring. Conic liverwort forms extensive mats on damp banks and shady rocks near watercourses, on wet cliffs and in wet depressions in open areas in woodlands (Plate 9) (Schuster 1992, Schofield 2002). North American material of this species was formerly known as Conocephalum conicum, which is now known only from Europe. Conocephalum salebrosum was described as a new species in 2005 and is found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere (Szweykowski 2005). In Alberta, this liverwort is ranked S2. Conic liverwort is ranked S5 in Ontario, occurs in Manitoba but is unranked there, and is ranked G5 globally (NatureServe 2010a).

Details regarding the location and abundance of conic liverwort populations, as well as recommended mitigation measures, are summarized in Table 3.

4.2.3 Meadow bitter cress (S3 W) Meadow bitter cress (Cardamine pratensis L.) is a 10-40 cm tall perennial herb. It has leaves that are divided into many segments (leaflets). The leaves at the base of the plant are long stalked with round to lance-shaped leaflets. The leaflets of the stem leaves are distinctly stalked (Moss 1983). Meadow bitter cress has flowers with four white to pinkish or purplish petals that are 8-13 mm long (Plate 10). The fruit is a linear pod that is 20-30 mm long. Meadow bitter cress is found in moist meadows, bogs and swamps (Plate 11). It is ranked S3 and is on the Watch list.

Details regarding the location and abundance of the meadow bitter cress population, as well as recommended mitigation measures, are summarized in Table 3.

4.2.4 Saxifrage species (S3?*) There are two saxifrage species found in Alberta green saxifrage (Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Lund) T. Fries) and golden saxifrage (Chrysosplenium iowense Rydb.). Both species are perennial herbs, less than 20 cm tall that grow on moist shady banks (Plates 12 and 13) (Moss 1983). The both have round to kidney-shaped leaves and branches below the middle of the plants producing flowers in early to mid- summer that have lobed, green sepals and no petals. The differences between the two species are the width of the central flowers (2-3 mm broad [rather than 3-5 mm broad]), the comparison of the outer and inner pairs of sepals, and the number of stamens (Moss 1983). Due to the timing of the survey and the early-flowering nature of these species, the identification of the populations observed could not be confidently determined.

In Alberta, golden saxifrage 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.). Green saxifrage is ranked S3S4 and is not on the tracking list. These occurrences have been included in this report due to the possibility that some or all of the populations of these saxifrage species may be golden saxifrage.

Details regarding the location and abundance of the observed population of saxifrage species, as well as recommended mitigation measures, are summarized in Table 3.

4.3 Rare Ecological Communities No rare ecological communities were observed along the route.

* A ranking which includes "?" denotes an inexact numeric rank and is applied when a specific rank is most likely appropriate, but for which some conflicting information or unresolved questions remain (Kemper 2009).

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4.4 Aboriginal Field Participation Aboriginal consultation and participation is an important component of the biophysical studies and their input informs the environmental studies as Aboriginal participants commonly have an intimate knowledge of the local landscape. One member of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation participated in the rare plant survey.

During the vegetation survey, the participant identified locations of medicinal plants that have been used by First Nation inhabitants for centuries. The identified plants included common yarrow and northern Labrador tea. Other medicinal plants were searched for but were not located in Project area. In addition, the participant helped in locating several plant species, identified by the vegetation experts as being on the rare plant list, along the pipeline route. The First Nation participant was very impressed at the quality of the vegetation crews’ work and their attention to detail. No issues or concerns were identified regarding the pipeline route, water crossings or any other aspect of construction of the Project. Moreover, the participant was impressed with the low ground disturbance that winter construction has on the landbase, using examples of winter seismic lines were in the area.

Four rare plant species were observed in the Project area, none of which were identified as being used for traditional purposes.

Members of Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation have not recommended any mitigation strategies related to vegetation to be implemented on the Project.

4.5 Forest Pests Forest pests are of great concern for the management of Alberta's forests and timber supply. Numerous species are monitored throughout the province (ASRD 2010).

The Project is not located in any of the Mountain Pine Beetle Management Zones (ASRD 2009a). However, areas considered to be susceptible to future mountain pine beetle infestation are located in the vicinity of the Project.

The defoliation caused by spruce budworm has been reported as moderate to severe in the vicinity of the Project (ASRD 2009b). Insect-related aspen defoliation in the vicinity of the Project was reported to have been moderate to severe in 2008 (ASRD 2008a). However, in 2009, the area in the vicinity of the Project was not mapped as an area where insect-caused aspen defoliation had occurred (ASRD 2009c).

One location of spruce budworm was noted during the 2010 survey in the north half of Section 33-95-7 W4M.

4.6 Non-Native and Invasive Species No prohibited noxious weeds were observed along the proposed route. Two noxious weeds, perennial sow-thistle and scentless chamomile, were observed along the proposed route. Perennial sow-thistle was observed in trace amounts (a few sporadically occurring individual plants) in SW 28-96-7 W4M, NW 9-96-7 W4M and N1/2 33-95-7 W4M. A trace amount of scentless chamomile was observed at a single location, in S1/2 33-95-7 W4M. Several additional non-native, invasive species were observed along the pipeline route, in generally trace to low densities (a few sporadically occurring individuals to several patches).

Weedy species were primarily observed on the existing right-of-way adjacent to the proposed route. The abundance of weedy species along the proposed pipeline route is currently low.

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4 3 2 1 4

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Existing Kearl Extension Side Valve 13-34-94-7 W4M 6340000 6340000

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6426_Figure2_RarePlants_Rev1.mxd Rare Plant (2010 Observation) Rare Plant (2009 Observation) UTM GRID: Zone 12, NAD 83. Pipeline Imagery: SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery Copyright 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp. RARE PLANT LOCATIONS 2009 AND 2010 Road Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Date of Imagery: August 2009. RARE PLANT SURVEY FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS Green and White Areas: AltaLIS 2007. TRANSMISSION LTD. KEARL EXTENSION PIPELINE PROJECT Existing Pipeline Hydrography: Geobase 2009; Municipal Boundary, Rails: IHS Inc. 2004; SCALE: 1:10,000 Watercourse Roads: GeoBase® 2009; Although there is no reason to believe that there are any DATE PROJECT MAP ACIMS: Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation 2010. errors associated with the data used to generate this m product or in the product itself, users of these data are 0 100 200 Waterbody advised that errors in the data may be present. August 2010 6426 Figure 2 - 1 (All Locations Approximate) 8 5 6 7 8 5

KP 4 1 2 !. 1 4 3 4 Proposed Valve Site saxifrage species (off right-of-way) 2-15-95-7 W4M

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conic liverwort saxifrage species !. meadow bitter cress

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6 7 8 5 6 7

5.0 DISCUSSION AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 General Vegetation Recommendations Although the pipeline route 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 2. Members of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation have not recommended any mitigation strategies related to vegetation to be implemented on the Project. Additional mitigative measures are provided in the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) prepared for this Project (TERA 2010c).

TABLE 2

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 left to naturally regenerate.  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  Cut small trees and shrubs at ground level and leave the vegetative mat intact, Disturbed Footprint whenever practical, to limit disturbance to the low vegetation root systems, and promote rapid shrub regeneration.  Allow natural regeneration where no erosion potential exists.  Monitor the effectiveness of revegetation efforts during post-construction monitoring of the proposed construction right-of-way. Inspect moderate and steep slopes during regular aerial patrols. Undertake additional remedial work, where warranted. Weed Introduction  Flag areas identified as having noxious weed infestations prior to commencement of site preparation (i.e., clearing, stripping, grading) activities.  Clean all construction equipment prior to its arrival onsite in order to minimize the spread of weeds.  Monitor weed growth on strippings piles during the course of construction and implement corrective measures (e.g., spraying, mowing, hand-pulling) when warranted.  Monitor the proposed construction right-of-way during post-construction monitoring 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).

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NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Kearl Lake Pipeline Project August 2010 / 6426

TABLE 2 Cont'd

Concern Mitigation Measures Forest Pests  Schedule clearing activities outside of the flight period for Mountain Pine Beetle (May to September).  If Mountain Pine Beetle infested trees are observed prior to construction, 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 2008-02 Mountain Pine Beetle Log management (ASRD 2008b).

5.2 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 observed along the proposed pipeline route. These recommended mitigative measures are intended to eliminate or minimize potential construction-related impacts to occurrences of rare plants 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 3.

Page 19

TABLE 3

MITIGATIVE MEASURES FOR OCCURRENCES OF RARE PLANTS OBSERVED ALONG THE KEARL LAKE PIPELINE PROJECT

Legal Species Location Abundance Relation to (rank)1 (W4M) KP2 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures saxifrage 14-34-97-7 to 0.2 to Hundreds of plants in four sub- On the proposed right-of-way. TERA has previously documented golden saxifrage  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species 2-3-95-7 0.5 populations distributed over a Some sub-populations extend colonizing a pipeline right-of-way following construction. (S3?) 330 m long area. Some of the sub- off the right-of-way. construction (Alliance Pipeline Limited Partnership populations were observed on the 2002). TERA has also observed golden saxifrage existing right-of-way. recolonizing disturbance at a variety of locations since this documented occurrence. It is anticipated that the species will recolonize the proposed construction right-of-way following construction, providing preconstruction contours at the site are restored. goldthread SE 3-95-7 0.7 to Two sub-populations spread over a Sub-population 1: on the Goldthread spreads by creeping underground  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) 1.05 200 m long area. proposed right-of-way stems (rhizomes) and produces seed. Due to the over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect Sub-population 1: 21 plants in a approximately 5 m east of the low ranking of this species and its abundance, it is populations, if feasible. 1 m square area. center line (GPS track). recommended that strippings from the areas of the  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage Sub-population 2: greater than Sub-population 2: on the populations be salvaged and stored separately. strippings from the location of the goldthread 100 leaves in a 0.5 m wide by 5 m proposed right-of-way By storing the strippings for the areas occupied by populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles long area. approximately 5 m east of the goldthread separately, the vegetative propagules and identify by labelled stakes or flags. center line (GPS track). Page 20 Page 20 (rhizome segments) and seeds will not be diluted  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way along the right-of-way. This technique should at the location from which it was stripped. promote rapid recolonization of the right-of-way.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during post-construction monitoring (PCM). goldthread 15-3-95-7 1.95 Thousands of plants in a 5 m wide The population extends from See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) by 20 m long area. the center line (GPS track) to KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect the east for 20 m. populations, if feasible.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage strippings from the location of the goldthread populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles and identify by labelled stakes or flags.  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during PCM. saxifrage 15-3-95-7 2.0 --- On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) saxifrage 7-10-95-7 2.9 Two sub populations On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species approximately 25 m apart. One KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) sub-population is located at the base of a fallen tree.

TABLE 3 Cont'd

Legal Species Location Abundance Relation to (rank)1 (W4M) KP2 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures conic 7-10-95-7 2.9 to Greater than 50 thalii in two sub- Sub-population 1: on right-of- This species preferentially inhabits exposed mineral  Recontour drainage banks to preconstruction liverwort 2.94 populations. The first population way located 5 m southeast of soils associated with small creeks, drainages and conditions. (S2) extends along a drainage for a 6 m the center line (GPS track). other wet areas. This habitat is subject to periodic  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures long stretch. The second sub- Sub-population 2: on right-of- disturbance due to erosion or flooding. By during PCM. population is located approximately way located 9 m west of centre maintaining the drainage contours and, therefore, 40 m north of the first sub line (GPS track). the hydrology, it is expected that disturbance to the population. occurrence will be acute and ephemeral. meadow 7-10-95-7 2.9 Five plants in a 0.5 m by 0.5 m On right-of-way 5 m southeast Due to the vicinity of this population to the centre of  Ramp over, this population using swamp mats, or bitter cress area in a wet, white birch of the centre line (GPS track). the right-of-way (as based on the GPS track), it is snow, if feasible. (S3 W) woodland. unlikely that ramping over this species will be  Transplant the population to a suitable habitat off possible. If ramping is not possible, due to the low right-of-way. ranking of this species and the limited area occupied by this population, it is recommended that  Conduct transplanting with a clean-up bucket (or this population be transplanted. To increase the similar equipment) to a minimum depth of 15 cm. likelihood of transplant success, it is recommended  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures that the transplant is as large as possible. during PCM. saxifrage 2-15-95-7 3.85 --- On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species east of the proposed valve KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) site. Page 21 Page 21 goldthread 7-15-95-7 4.55 to Six sub-populations spread over On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) 4.60 130 m long area. KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect Sub-population 1: approximately populations, if feasible. 100 plants in a 10 m by 5 m area.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage Sub-population 2: approximately strippings from the location of the goldthread 100 plants in a 10 m by 2 m area. populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles Sub-population 3: 10 vegetative and identify by labelled stakes or flags. plants in a 5 m by 2 m area.  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way Sub-populations 4-6: are located at the location from which it was stripped. 30 m, 50 m and 70 m to the north  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures of sub-population 3. during PCM. saxifrage 6-22-95-7 6.2 --- On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) conic 6-22-95-7 6.2 Approximately 100 thali in a 5 m On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 2.9 to  Recontour drainage banks to preconstruction liverwort wide by greater than 40 m long and extending off right-of-way KP 2.94. conditions. (S2) area along both banks of a in both directions along the  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures drainage. banks of the drainage. during PCM.

TABLE 3 Cont'd

Legal Species Location Abundance Relation to (rank)1 (W4M) KP2 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures goldthread 12-22-95-7 7.05 Twelve leaves in a 0.5 m by 0.5 m On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) area. approximately 5 m east of the KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect centerline (GPS track). populations, if feasible.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage strippings from the location of the goldthread populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles and identify by labelled stakes or flags.  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during PCM. saxifrage 13-22-95-7 7.15 --- On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) conic 13-22-95-7 7.15 Numerous thalii in a 5 m wide by On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 2.9 to  Recontour drainage banks to preconstruction liverwort greater than 40 m long area along and extending off right-of-way KP 2.94. conditions. (S2) the banks of a drainage. This in both directions along the  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures population was also observed banks of the drainage. during PCM.

Page 22 Page 22 during the 2009 rare plant habitat assessment. saxifrage 14 and 11.2 Greater than 50 plants on the east On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species 15-33-95-7 half and middle of the right-of-way. KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) conic 14 and 11.2 Approximately 50 thalii in a 5 m On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 2.9 to  Recontour drainage banks to preconstruction liverwort 15-33-95-7 wide by greater than 40 m long and extending off right-of-way KP 2.94. conditions. (S2) area along the banks of a in both directions along the  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures drainage. banks of the drainage. during PCM. saxifrage 6-4-96-7 11.9 Along a small drainage for greater On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species than 23 m. and extending off right-of-way KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) in both directions along the banks of the drainage. saxifrage 6 and 12.05 Along a small drainage for greater On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species 7-4-96-7 than 37 m. and extending off right-of-way KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) in both directions along the banks of the drainage. saxifrage 6-9-96-7 13.4 --- On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.2 to  Restore site to preconstruction contours following species KP 0.5. construction. (S3?) conic 11-9-96-7 14.05 Hundreds thalii of distributed along The population begins on right- See discussion for the population at KP 2.9 to  Recontour drainage banks to preconstruction liverwort a greater than 28 m long area of-way near the center line KP 2.94. conditions. (S2) along a drainage. This population (GPS track) and extends  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures was also observed during the 2009 greater than 28 m upstream off during PCM. rare plant habitat assessment. right-of-way.

TABLE 3 Cont'd

Legal Species Location Abundance Relation to (rank)1 (W4M) KP2 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures goldthread 10-28-96-7 18.85 Plants occurring intermittently over On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) a 20 m long area. KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect populations, if feasible.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage strippings from the location of the goldthread populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles and identify by labelled stakes or flags.  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during PCM. goldthread 2-33-96-7 19.55 More than 50 plants in a 5 m by On the proposed right-of-way. See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) 30 m area. KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect populations, if feasible.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage strippings from the location of the goldthread populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles and identify by labelled stakes or flags. Page 23 Page 23  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during PCM. goldthread 12-34-96-7 to 20.85 to Thousands of plants in two sub- On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) 13-34-96-7 21.3 populations. and extending off right-of-way KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect Sub-population 1: 65 m by greater in both directions. populations, if feasible. than 30 m area.  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage Sub-population 2: 95 m by greater strippings from the location of the goldthread than 30 m area. populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles and identify by labelled stakes or flags.  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way at the location from which it was stripped.  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures during PCM.

TABLE 3 Cont'd

Legal Species Location Abundance Relation to (rank)1 (W4M) KP2 Range Right-of-Way Discussion Mitigation Measures goldthread SW 3-97-7 21.5 to Thousands of plants in several On the proposed right-of-way See discussion for the population at KP 0.7 to  Where stripping is not required, utilize snow to mat (S3 W) 22.0 sub-populations. and extending off right-of-way KP 1.05. over the travel lane and/or spoil pile area to protect Sub-population 1: over a thousand in both directions. populations, if feasible. plants in a 55 m long and greater  Where stripping is required, strip and salvage than 30 m wide area. strippings from the location of the goldthread Sub-population 2: twenty plants in populations. Isolate strippings from other spoil piles a 10 m by 5 m area. and identify by labelled stakes or flags. Sub-population 3: 110 m long by  Redistribute salvaged strippings over the right-of-way 10 m wide area. at the location from which it was stripped. Plants then occur intermittently  Monitor the effectiveness of mitigation measures until the southern boundary of the during PCM. population at approximately KP 21.5. Notes: 1 See the footnotes of the appendices for definitions of rarity ranks. 2 All distances are approximate. Page 24 Page 24

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Rare Plant Survey Kearl Lake Pipeline Project August 2010 / 6426

6.0 REFERENCES

6.1 Personal Communications Kemper, J.T. Senior Botanist. Alberta Conservation Information Management System. Edmonton, AB.

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 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. 2009. Tracked Elements Listed by Natural Subregion. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/datarequests/dataDownloads.aspx.

Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. 2010. Species and Ecological Communities within the ANHIC Database. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2008a. Insect Caused Aspen Defoliation in Alberta, 2008. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/Forests/ForestHealth/CommonTreeInsectsAnd Diseases/images/asdef-2008.jpg.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2008b. Forest Management Branch Directive No. 2008-02 Mountain Pine Beetle Log Management. Website: http://www.mpb.alberta.ca/Files/MPB_log_management_2008_02.pdf.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009a. Mountain Pine Beetle Management Zones 2009 Base Map. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.mpb.alberta.ca/Files/pdf/MountainPineBeetle-ManagementZones2009.pdf.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009b. Spruce Budworm Defoliation in Alberta, 2009. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/Forests/ForestHealth/ConditionsMaps/images/ SpruceBudworm-2009.jpg.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009c. Insect Caused Aspen Defoliation in Alberta, 2009. Edmonton, Alberta. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/Forests/ForestHealth/ConditionsMaps/images/I nsectCausedAspenDefoliation-2009.jpg.

Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2010. Alberta SRD - Forest Pests. Edmonton, AB. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/ManagingPrograms/ForestPests/Default.aspx. July 27, 2010.

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

Alliance Pipeline Limited Partnership. 2002. Year 2001 Post-Construction Monitoring Report for the Alliance Pipeline Project. Prepared by TERA Environmental Consultants.

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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.

Environment Canada. 2010. Species at Risk. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm.

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.

Schofield, W.B. 2002. Field Guide to Liverwort Genera of Pacific North America. University of Washington Press, Seattle, Washington.

Schuster, R.M. 1992. The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America east of the Hundredth Meridian, Volume V. Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago.

Szweykowski, J., K. Buczkowska and I.J. Odrzkoski. 2005. Conocephalum salebrosum (Marchantiopsida, Conocephalaceae) – a new Holarctic liverwort species. Plant Systematics and Evolution 253: 133–158.

TERA Environmental Consultants. 2010a. Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment for the Proposed Kearl Lake Pipeline Project. Prepared for TransCanada PipeLines Limited. Calgary, AB.

TERA Environmental Consultants. 2010b. Rare Plant Habitat Assessment for the Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. Kearl Extension Pipeline Project. Calgary, Alberta.

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TERA Environmental Consultants. 2010c. Environmental Protection Plan for the Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. Kearl Extension Pipeline Project. Calgary, Alberta.

Williston, P. 2001. The Botrychiaceae of Alberta. Mnium Ecological Research and the Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. Edmonton, AB.

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APPENDIX A

POTENTIAL RARE VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES IN THE CENTRAL MIXEDWOOD NATURAL SUBREGION

Preferred Right-of-Way Habitat on within Known Proposed Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations1 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 S1 --- Arabidopsis salsuginea mouse-ear cress Moist, saline shores and flats by yes --- 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. yes yes S1S2 --- Astragalus bodinii Bodin's milk vetch Gravelly banks and moist, sandy yes --- S1 --- Page 28 Page 28 meadows. Blysmus rufus red bulrush Saline fens and poorly drained yes --- S1 --- iron-rich ponds. Botrychium crenulatum scalloped grape fern Dry, open areas. ------S1 G32 Botrychium lance-leaved grape fern Wet rocky slopes, meadows and --- yes S2 --- lanceolatum woods. Botrychium multifidum leather grape fern Moist sandy areas, fields. yes --- S3 (W) --- var. intermedium Botrychium oneidense blunt-lobed grape fern Moist, shady, acidic woods and yes yes S1 --- swamps. Botrychium pinnatum northwestern grape Moist or wet, open places. ------S3 --- fern Campanula aparinoides marsh bellflower Wet meadows and marshes. yes yes S1 --- Cardamine pratensis meadow bitter cress Bogs and swamps. yes yes S3 (W) --- Carex adusta browned sedge Dry acid soil; moist sandy --- yes S1 --- ground under pine; stony ground. Carex arcta narrow sedge Moist woods. --- yes S1 --- Carex capitata capitate sedge Boggy and often calcareous ------S3 (W) --- areas. Carex heleonastes Hudson Bay sedge Often calcareous bogs and yes --- S2 --- marshes. Carex hystericina porcupine sedge Shady marshes. --- yes S1 ---

Preferred Right-of-Way Habitat on within Known Proposed Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations1 Designations Carex lacustris lakeshore sedge Marshes and swampy woods. yes yes S2 --- Carex oligosperma few-fruited sedge Wet meadows and bogs. yes yes S3? --- Carex pedunculata stalked sedge Forest edges. --- yes S1 --- Carex scoparia broom sedge Moist open woodlands, --- yes S1 --- moderate elevations. Carex umbellata umbellate sedge Dry open areas, often sandy. --- yes S2 --- Carex vulpinoidea fox sedge Swampy ground. yes yes S2 --- Chenopodium narrow-leaved Open sandy areas. ------SU --- leptophyllum goosefoot Chrysosplenium golden saxifrage Streambanks and marshy yes yes S3? G3?2 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 yes S3 --- sphagnum bogs. Cystopteris montana mountain bladder fern Springy or damp calcareous ------S2 ---

Page 29 Page 29 places. Danthonia spicata poverty oat grass Dry to moist open areas and ------S2 --- open woodland. Diphasiastrum ground-fir Open woods and barrens. yes --- S2 --- sitchense Drosera linearis slenderleaf sundew Marly bogs, wet calcareous yes --- S3 (W) --- shores. Dryopteris filix-mas male fern Wooded slopes. --- yes S1 --- Elatine triandra waterwort Muddy shores and shallow --- yes S1 --- water. Eleocharis elliptica slender spikerush Neutral to calcareous wet --- yes S2? --- places. Elodea bifoliata two-leaved waterweed Slow moving water with sandy --- yes S2 --- bottoms. Epilobium halleanum Hall's willowherb Moist ground. --- yes S1 --- Epilobium lactiflorum white willowherb Moist streambanks and moist --- yes S2 --- slopes to alpine elevations. Eupatorium maculatum spotted joe-pye weed Marshy ground and moist open yes yes S1S2 --- woods. Gentianopsis detonsa northern fringed Moist banks and meadows. yes yes S1 G3G5T3T52 ssp. raupii gentian Geranium carolinianum Carolina wild geranium Dry rocky woods, disturbed sites. --- yes S1 --- Hedyotis longifolia long-leaved bluets Open sandy woods and montane --- yes S2 --- slopes.

Preferred Right-of-Way Habitat on within Known Proposed Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations1 Designations Hypericum majus large Canada St. Moist depressions in sand yes yes 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 --- Lactuca biennis tall blue lettuce Moist open woods. yes yes S2 --- Liparis loeselii loesel's twayblade Cool, moist ravines, bogs, or yes yes 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. Luzula acuminata sharp-pointed wood- Moist woodland, clearings. --- yes S1 --- rush Luzula rufescens reddish wood-rush Mixedwood forest. --- yes S1 --- Malaxis paludosa bog adder's-mouth Black spruce bogs, in sphagnum --- yes S1 ---

Page 30 Page 30 moss. Mimulus guttatus yellow monkeyflower Stream margins, meadows, --- yes S2S3? --- springs. Monotropa hypopithys pinesap Moist woods; saprophytic in --- 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. --- yes S1S2 --- Nymphaea tetragona white water-lily Lakes, ponds and slow-moving --- yes S1 --- streams; likes deep and acidic water. Pellaea glabella smooth cliff-brake Dry limestone rocks. ------S2 --- Pellaea glabella ssp. smooth cliff-brake Calcareous cliffs and ledges. ------S2 --- simplex Phegopteris connectilis northern beech fern Moist woodlands. --- yes S2 --- Physostegia false dragonhead Moist woods and streambanks. --- yes S3 (W) G3?2 ledinghamii Plantago maritima seaside plantain Saline marshes. yes --- S1 --- Polygala paucifolia fringed milkwort Marshy coniferous woods. yes yes S1 --- Polypodium sibiricum Siberian polypody Shaded, sheltered slopes. --- yes S3 (W) --- Potamogeton foliosus leafy pondweed Shallow standing water. yes yes S2 --- Potamogeton robbinsii Robbins' pondweed Shallow water. --- yes S1 ---

Preferred Right-of-Way Habitat on within Known Proposed Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations1 Designations Potamogeton linear-leaved Wet places, submerged in water. yes yes S2 --- strictifolius pondweed Potentilla multifida branched cinquefoil Gravel bars and open slopes. --- yes S1 --- Rhynchospora slender beak-rush Calcareous bogs. ------S1 --- capillacea Sagittaria latifolia broad-leaved Ponds and lakes. --- yes S2 --- arrowhead Salix sitchensis Sitka willow Alluvial soil (Athabasca River). ------S1 --- Sisyrinchium pale blue-eyed grass Moist grassy areas. ------S3 G3G42 septentrionale Sparganium northern bur-reed Aquatic plants in shallow ------S1 --- hyperboreum alpine/subalpine lakes. Spartina pectinata prairie cord grass Saline shores and marshes. yes --- S1 --- Spergularia salina salt-marsh sand spurry Brackish or saline muds and yes --- S2S3 --- sands. Spiranthes lacera northern slender Small disturbed areas within yes yes S1 --- ladies'-tresses moist mixedwood forests. Page 31 Page 31 Stellaria crispa wavy-leaved chickweed Moist woods, moderate --- yes S2 --- elevations. Streptopus roseus rose mandarin Moist coniferous forests. --- yes S1 --- Trichophorum clintonii Clinton's bulrush Open woodland and turfy --- yes S1 --- shores. Viola pallens Macloskey's violet Boggy or wet ground and wet --- 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, Kemper 2009, Kershaw et al. 2001, Moss 1983, NatureServe 2010a, Porsild and Cody 1980, Williston 2001 Notes: 1. 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. T = Designates a rank associated with a subspecies. (W) = Watch List: biodiversity elements that are not of immediate conservation concern, but for which ANHIC wants to collect more information (Kemper 2009). 2. 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 NATURAL SUBREGION

Right-of-Way within Known Community Provincial and Scientific Names Common Names Range Global Ranks 1 Forest / Woodland Betula neoalaskana / Ledum groenlandicum Alaska birch / common Labrador tea yes S1S2 Larix laricina - Picea mariana / Cornus tamarack - black spruce / red-osier dogwood yes S1S2 stolonifera - Rubus idaeus - wild red raspberry Larix laricina / Carex prairea tamarack / prairie sedge --- S1 Picea glauca / Alnus tenuifolia - Betula white spruce / river alder - Alaska birch / yes S3 neoalaskana / Equisetum pratense / meadow horsetail / stair-step moss Hylocomium splendens Picea glauca / Cetraria islandica white spruce / lichen yes S1? Picea mariana / Cornus stolonifera / black spruce / red-osier dogwood / yes S1S2 feathermoss feathermoss Populus balsamifera / Alnus tenuifolia -Cornus balsam poplar / river alder - red-osier yes S3 stolonifera / Equisetum pratense dogwood / meadow horsetail Page 33 Page 33 Populus balsamifera / Rhamnus alnifolia / balsam poplar / alder-leaved buckthorn / yes S1 Equisetum arvense common horsetail Populus balsamifera / Viburnum opulus / balsam poplar / high-bush cranberry / ostrich yes S1S2 Matteuccia struthiopteris fern Populus tremuloides / Rosa acicularis / aspen / prickly rose / spreading dogbane yes S1S2 Apocynum androsaemifolium Populus tremuloides / Rubus parviflorus / Aralia aspen / thimbleberry / wild sarsaparilla --- S2S3 nudicaulis Populus tremuloides / Salix bebbiana - Corylus aspen / beaked willow - beaked hazelnut / yes S1 cornuta / Calamagrostis canadensis - bluejoint - ostrich fern Matteuccia struthiopteris Populus tremuloides / Vaccinium myrtilloides aspen / common blueberry woodland yes S2? woodland Shrubland Alnus tenuifolia / Matteuccia struthiopteris river alder / ostrich fern shrubland yes S2? shrubland Amelanchier alnifolia / Arctostaphylos uva-ursi / saskatoon / common bearberry / northern yes S2S3 Oryzopsis pungens rice grass Andromeda polifolia / Sarracenia purpurea / bog rosemary / pitcherplant / peat moss yes S1S2 Sphagnum angustifolium Chamaedaphne calyculata - Kalmia polifolia / leatherleaf - northern laurel / green reindeer yes S1S2 Cladina mitis lichen Salix drummondiana / Scirpus microcarpus - Drummond's willow / small-fruited bulrush - yes S1 Calamagrostis canadensis bluejoint

Right-of-Way within Known Community Provincial and Scientific Names Common Names Range Global Ranks 1 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 yes S1S3 string fen string fen Carex limosa - Menyanthes trifoliata - mud sedge - buck-bean - meadow bitter yes S1S2 Cardamine pratensis cress Carex limosa - Scheuchzeria palustris / mud sedge - scheuchzeria / peat moss yes S1 Sphagnum teres - S. subsecundum Carex oligosperma / Sphagnum subsecundum few-fruited sedge / twisted bog moss yes S1S2 Carex pseudocyperus - Calla palustris cyperus-like sedge - water arum --- S2 Carex retrorsa marsh turned sedge marsh --- S1S2 Carex rostrata marsh beaked se dge marsh yes S2 Elymus trachycaulus - Distichlis stricta slender wheat grass - salt grass --- S1 Elymus trachycaulus - Hierochloe hirta ssp slender wheat grass - sweet grass yes SU arctica

Page 34 Page 34 Triglochin maritima - Carex praegracilis spring seaside arrow-grass - graceful sedge spring --- S1S2 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 N/A2 S1S3 palea Isoetes echinospora aquatic community northern quillwort aquatic community yes S1 Source: Allen 2009 Notes: 1. Provincial (S) and Global (G) 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. Ratings that are not of concern (4-5) are not included. ? = 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. 2. N/A indicates range information is not available for this community

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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 jack pine Pinus banksiana tamarack Larix laricina white birch Betula papyrifera white spruce Picea glauca SHRUBS alder-leaved buckthorn Rhamnus alnifolia Athabasca willow Salix athabascensis autumn willow Salix serissima balsam willow Salix pyrifolia basket willow Salix petiolaris beaked willow Salix bebbiana bog birch Betula glandulosa bog willow Salix pedicellaris bristly black currant Ribes lacustre Canada buffaloberry Shepherdia canadensis dwarf birch Betula pumila false mountain willow Salix pseudomonticola flat-leaved willow Salix planifolia green alder Alnus viridis ssp. crispa hoary willow Salix candida leatherleaf Chamaedaphne calyculata low-bush cranberry Viburnum edule myrtle-leaved willow Salix myrtillifolia northern black currant Ribes hudsonianum northern gooseberry Ribes oxyacanthoides northern Labrador tea Ledum palustre pin cherry Prunus pensylvanica prickly rose Rosa acicularis pussy willow Salix discolor red-osier dogwood Cornus stolonifera river alder Alnus incana ssp. tenuifolia sandbar willow Salix exigua saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia Scouler's willow Salix scouleriana shrubby willow Salix arbusculoides skunk currant Ribes glandulosum smooth willow Salix glauca snowberry Symphoricarpos albus sweet gale Myrica gale velvet-fruited willow Salix maccalliana water birch Betula occidentalis wild red currant Ribes triste wild red raspberry Rubus idaeus

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Common Name Scientific Name FORBS, DWARF SHRUBS alpine bearberry Arctostaphylos rubra alpine goldenrod Solidago multiradiata alpine pondweed Potamogeton alpinus American dragonhead Dracocephalum parviflorum Arctic starflower Trientalis europaea arrow-leaved coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var. sagittatus balsam groundsel Senecio pauperculus Bicknell's geranium Geranium bicknellii 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 rosemary Andromeda polifolia broad spinulose shield fern Dryopteris assimilis broad-leaved everlasting Antennaria neglecta buck-bean Menyanthes trifoliata bulb-bearing water-hemlock Cicuta bulbifera bunchberry Cornus canadensis buttercup species Ranunculus sp. celery-leaved buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus clasping-leaf pondweed Potamogeton richardsonii clasping-leaved twisted-stalk Streptopus amplexifolius cloudberry Rubus chamaemorus common bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi common bladderwort Utricularia vulgaris common blueberry Vaccinium myrtilloides common cattail Typha latifolia common duckweed Lemna minor common fireweed Epilobium angustifolium common horsetail Equisetum arvense common mare's-tail Hippuris vulgaris common pink wintergreen Pyrola asarifolia common yarrow Achillea millefolium cow-wheat Melampyrum lineare cream-colored vetchling Lathyrus ochroleucus creeping snowberry Gaultheria hispidula crowberry Empetrum nigrum dewberry Rubus pubescens dwarf bilberry Vaccinium caespitosum dwarf raspberry Rubus arcticus dwarf scouring-rush Equisetum scirpoides early blue violet Viola adunca eyebright Euphrasia arctica fairybells Disporum trachycarpum flat-fruited meadow rue Thalictrum sparsiflorum floating-leaf pondweed Potamogeton natans fly honeysuckle Lonicera caerulea Fries' pondweed Potamogeton friesii golden corydalis Corydalis aurea

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Common Name Scientific Name goldthread Coptis trifolia green saxifrage Chrysosplenium tetrandrum ground-cedar Diphasiastrum complanatum ground-pine Lycopodium obscurum hairy speedwell Veronica peregrina harebell Campanula rotundifolia heart-leaved twayblade Listera cordata hooded ladies'-tresses Spiranthes romanzoffiana Impatiens species Impatiens sp. ivy-leaved duckweed Lemna trisulca Labrador bedstraw Galium labradoricum Labrador lousewort Pedicularis labradorica lady fern Athyrium filix-femina Lapland buttercup Ranunculus lapponicus large bog cranberry Oxycoccus quadripetalus large-leaved yellow avens Geum macrophyllum lesser rattlesnake plantain Goodyera repens lesser wintergreen Pyrola minor Lindley's aster Aster ciliolatus long-leaved chickweed Stellaria longifolia long-stalked chickweed Stellaria longipes many-flowered yarrow Achillea sibirica marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris marsh horsetail Equisetum palustre marsh ragwort Senecio congestus marsh skullcap Scutellaria galericulata marsh violet Viola palustris marsh willowherb Epilobium palustre marsh yellow cress Rorippa palustris marsh-marigold Caltha palustris meadow bitter cress Cardamine pratensis meadow horsetail Equisetum pratense moschatel Adoxa moschatellina narrow-leaved hawkweed Hieracium umbellatum nodding beggarticks Bidens cernua northern bastard toadflax Geocaulon lividum northern bedstraw Galium boreale northern grass-of-parnassus Parnassia palustris northern green bog orchid Platanthera hyperborea northern laurel Kalmia polifolia northern starflower Trientalis borealis northern stitchwort Stellaria calycantha 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 pink corydalis Corydalis sempervirens purple paintbrush Castilleja raupii purple-stemmed aster Aster puniceus

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Common Name Scientific Name red and white baneberry Actaea rubra round-leaved bog orchid Platanthera orbiculata round-leaved orchid Amerorchis rotundifolia round-leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia running club-moss Lycopodium clavatum saxifrage species Chrysosplenium sp. seaside arrow-grass Triglochin maritima slender bur-reed Sparganium minimum small bedstraw Galium trifidum small bladderwort Utricularia minor small enchanter's nightshade Circaea alpina small-flowered buttercup Ranunculus abortivus spiked water-milfoil Myriophyllum exalbescens spreading dogbane Apocynum androsaemifolium spurred gentian Halenia deflexa stiff club-moss Lycopodium annotinum strawberry blite Chenopodium capitatum swamp horsetail Equisetum fluviatile sweet-scented bedstraw Galium triflorum tall lungwort Mertensia paniculata three-leaved Solomon's-seal Smilacina trifolia three-toothed cinquefoil Potentilla tridentata tufted loosestrife Lysimachia thyrsiflora twinflower Linnaea borealis twining honeysuckle Lonicera dioica variegated horsetail Equisetum variegatum various-leaved pondweed Potamogeton gramineus veiny meadow rue Thalictrum venulosum vernal water-starwort Callitriche verna vine-leaved coltsfoot Petasites frigidus var. x vitifolius Virginia grape fern Botrychium virginianum water parsnip Sium suave water-hemlock Cicuta maculata western Canada violet Viola canadensis western dock Rumex occidentalis western wood lily Lilium philadelphicum wild lily-of-the-valley Maianthemum canadense wild mint Mentha arvensis wild sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulis wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana wild vetch Vicia americana woodland horsetail Equisetum sylvaticum woodland strawberry Fragaria vesca yellow avens Geum aleppicum yellow rattle Rhinanthus minor yellow water crowfoot Ranunculus gmelinii GRASSES, SEDGES, RUSHES awl-fruited sedge Carex stipata awned sedge Carex atherodes Back's sedge Carex backii beaked sedge Carex rostrata beautiful sedge Carex concinna

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Common Name Scientific Name Bebb's sedge Carex bebbii bent sedge Carex deflexa bluejoint Calamagrostis canadensis bog sedge Carex paupercula bristle-stalked sedge Carex leptalea brownish sedge Carex brunnescens Canada wild rye Elymus canadensis close-sheathed cotton grass Eriophorum brachyantherum common nettle Urtica dioica 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 great bulrush Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus hair-like sedge Carex capillaris hay sedge Carex siccata inland bluegrass Poa interior inland sedge Carex interior Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis mud sedge Carex limosa northern bog sedge Carex gynocrates northern rice grass Oryzopsis pungens Norway sedge Carex norvegica prostrate sedge Carex chordorrhiza purple oat grass Schizachne purpurascens Raymond's sedge Carex raymondii red fescue Festuca rubra reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea Rocky Mountain fescue Festuca saximontana rough cinquefoil Potentilla norvegica rough hair grass Agrostis scabra rush species Juncus sp. rye-grass sedge Carex loliacea Sartwell's sedge Carex sartwellii sedge Carex canescens sheathed sedge Carex vaginata short-awned foxtail Alopecurus aequalis silvery-flowered sedge Carex aenea slender cotton grass Eriophorum gracile slender wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus small bottle sedge Carex utriculata small-flowered wood-rush Luzula parviflora small-fruited bulrush Scirpus microcarpus smooth wild rye Elymus glaucus thin-flowered sedge Carex tenuiflora thin-leaved cotton grass Eriophorum viridi-carinatum three-seeded sedge Carex trisperma toad rush Juncus bufonius tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa two-stamened sedge Carex diandra

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Common Name Scientific Name water sedge Carex aquatilis white-grained mountain rice grass Oryzopsis asperifolia WEEDS, AGRONOMICS alsike clover Trifolium hybridum annual hawk's-beard Crepis tectorum common dandelion Taraxacum officinale common knotweed Polygonum arenastrum perennial sow-thistle Sonchus arvensis pineappleweed Matricaria matricarioides red clover Trifolium pratense redtop Agrostis stolonifera scentless chamomile Matricaria perforata timothy Phleum pratense yellow sweet-clover Melilotus officinalis MOSSES, LICHENS, LIVERWORTS alga Chara sp. brown soldier lichen Cladonia sp. conic liverwort Conocephalum salebrosum crinkled snow lichen Cetraria nivalis dog lichen Peltigera canina fairy puke lichen Icmadophila ericetorum golden hardhack Dasiphora fruticosa hammered shield lichen Parmelia sulcata knight's plume moss Ptilium crista-castrensis lichen Peltigera neopolydactyla lichen Stereocaulon saxatile lichen Tomasellia arthonioides liverwort Conocephalum conicum liverwort Marchantia polymorpha moss Climacium dendroides moss species Dicranum sp. moss species Mnium sp. moss species Polytrichum 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 wide-tongued peat moss Sphagnum russowii

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