Rare Wildlife Survey with Special Emphasis on Presence/Not Detected Surveys for the Pacific Water Shrew ( Sorex bendirii ) in GVRD’s Kanaka Creek Regional Park Forest Extension and Upper Kanaka Creek, Maple Ridge, BC

Prepared by:

Jason Barsanti BSc. and Francis J.Iredale BSc. British Columbia Conservation Corps

Submitted to: B.C.’s Wild Heritage Consultants British Columbia Conservation Foundation Allouette Field Naturalists Greater Vancouver Regional District B.C. Ministry of Environment

British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Greater Vancouver Regional District and the Federation of BC Naturalists for project funding. We would also like to thank the British Columbia Conservation Corps, Allouette Field Naturalists, and B.C.’s Wild Heritage Consultants for their assistance with trap set up and checking. This project would not have been possible without the assistance of volunteers who gave up their time to check the traps on a daily basis: John and Tilde Castiello, Duanne Van Den Berg , Greg Ferguson, Mike Gildersleeve , Ross Vennesland, Joanne Neilson, Yukiko and Rio Tanaka, Dwight Milford, and Vanessa Elton. Denis Knopp and Alana Hilton aided in the identification of amphibians. Denis also provided us with valuable input during the surveys and report writing.

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Table of Contents

Acknowledgements ...... i Definition of Terms and Acronyms ...... iii Abstract...... 1 1.0 Introduction...... 2 1.1 Background...... 2 1.2 Site History ...... 3 2.0 Methods...... 4 2.1 Study Area ...... 4 2.2 Trap line Details...... 5 3.0 Results...... 7 4.0 Discussion...... 8 5.0 Recommendations...... 9 6.0 References and Literature Cited...... 11 Appendix A: Trapping Permit ...... 13 Appendix B: Trap Line Layout...... 14 Appendix C: Site Photos...... 15 Appendix D: GPS Data...... 17 Appendix E: Wildlife Observations and Photos ...... 18

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Definition of Terms and Acronyms

BEC- Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification BMPs- Best Management Practices CDC- Conservation Data Centre COSEWIC- Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada CWD- Coarse Woody Debris CWH- Coastal Western Hemlock DFO- Department of Fisheries and Oceans dm- dry-maritime FRPA - Forest Range and Practices Act GPS- Global Positioning System GVRD- Greater Vancouver Regional District IWMS- Identified Wildlife Management Strategy POC- Point of Commencement PWS- Pacific Water Shrew RMZ- Resource Management Zone SARA - Species at Risk Act TCS- Time Constrained Search

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Abstract

B.C.’s Wild Heritage Environmental Consultants, in conjunction with the British Columbia Conservation Corps and Alouette Field Naturalists, conducted presence/not detected surveys for rare wildlife in the upper portions of Kanaka Creek focusing on the Pacific Water Shrew (PWS) ( Sorex bendirii) . Small mammal and amphibian surveys were conducted in accordance with the terms established under the trapping permit SU05-11441 (Appendix A). This complements Goal A of the Recovery Strategy for the PWS – ensuring that current populations of PWS are maintained with no further loss of populations (Craig and Vennesland 2004). The potential for PWS to occur within the project area is high as ranked by the Best Management Practices (BMP) for PWS (Craig and Vennesland 2005) and managers should plan accordingly by providing travel corridors along waterways. Incidental observations, such as the blue-listed cutthroat trout (Oncrhynchus clarki clarki ), coastal tailed frog ( Ascaphus truei ), and red-legged frog (Rana aurora ) underlie the ecological value of the area and are noted within the context of this report.

PWS survey sessions were conducted from August 8 to Sept 20, 2005 within the 7,500 ha forest of the Blue Mountain area located east of Alouette Lake, Maple Ridge. Included in the study area was the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s (GVRD) Kanaka Creek Regional Park, with the headwaters of Kanaka Creek originating from Blue Mountain. Two woodlots border the study area – Woodlot 007 is adjacent to Kanaka Creek Regional Park forest extension and Woodlot 38 is in the Blue Mountain Provincial Forest area. Sites surveyed represent high habitat capability for the PWS and were assessed under the draft Best Management Guidelines for PWS in Urban and Rural Areas (Craig and Vennesland 2005).

In order to protect the ecological integrity of Kanaka Creek Regional Park the GVRD should amend the park boundaries to include the headwaters. Headwaters and small watercourses historically receive little to no protection. Evidence of silt loading into a small creek as a result of a compromised silt fence and failure to establish an adequate fishery setback along a small watercourse within Woodlot 007 substantiates this claim. In addition to the headwaters of Kanaka Creek being protected, adjacent woodlot licensees are advised to manage for connectivity objectives of the landscape unit. Connectivity could be maintained or provided for using variable width linkages as part of forest ecosystem networks (FPC 1995), including non-fish bearing streams. Woodlot licensees are advised to establish buffers from the park boundary and to reduce the hard edge leading up to the buffer. Further surveys are needed to identify sensitive habitats and rare species bordering the woodlots for habitat setback referral.

The Federation of BC Naturalists and the GVRD provided direct funding for this project. Support through provision of labour was also provided by the British Columbia Conservation Corps.

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1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background

The Fraser Lowland area is a Canadian biodiversity hotspot, containing the highest diversity of habitat elements and amphibians and reptiles in BC (Pojar et al. 1991). Riparian drainages surveyed in this area are likely home to threatened species of amphibians, fish and small mammals. Headwater streams receive little protection enabling human influences, such as urban development and forest harvesting, to lead to a decline and/or extinction of local amphibian populations (Stoddard 2005). Investigating the aforementioned species in the upper portions of Kanaka Creek and Greater Vancouver Regional District’s (GVRD) Kanaka Creek Regional Park contributes significantly to the wildlife values of the area. Information garnered from this survey will provide valuable data to the NC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) and Ministry of Environment (MOE) for the management of threatened species.

In Canada the Pacific Water Shrew (PWS), also known as the Marsh Shrew, is restricted to the southwestern corner of BC (Fraser Lowland Ecosection) (Figure 1). As a riparian specialist PWS home ranges tend to be linear with reported captures indicating a selection for habitat within 100m of the nearest watercourse (Churchfield 1990; Craig and Vennesland 2005). The PWS represents the largest shrew in the genus Sorex with a total length averaging 15.4cm, 7cm being tail (Nagorsen 1996). The fur is black to dark brown dorsally and dark brown ventrally, and to aid in swimming the feet feature a fringe of stiff hairs (Nagorsen 1996). Limited information is available regarding diet, but from what has been reported aquatic invertebrates Figure 1. Sorex bendirii distribution in North comprise 25 percent of stomach America. (Recovery Plan 2004) contents consisting of insect larvae, slugs, snails, ground beetles, harvestmen and earthworms (Whitaker and Maser 1976).

According to the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the PWS, the best quality habitat is defined as a riparian zone enclosing a perennial stream of no more than 10m in width with a mature structural forest (stage 5-6) consisting of western hemlock ( Tsuga

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heterophylla ) and western redcedar ( Thuja plicata ), or a deciduous/coniferous forest (stage 4-7) with associated marsh or wetland (Craig and Vennesland 2005). Site indicators of moist habitat include: skunk cabbage ( Lysichitum americanum ), devil’s club (Oplopanax horridus ) and members of the genus Sphagnum . In addition to moisture, Coarse Woody Debris (CWD) is an important component of PWS habitat as it provides shelter and cover from predation while providing travel corridors (Hayes and Cross 1987). GVRD’s Kanaka Creek Regional Park Management Plan rates Kanaka Creek as excellent habitat for the PWS (GVRD 2004).

The PWS faces many threats including: road building, forest harvesting, agricultural activities, habitat loss and degradation, including fragmentation, and pollution runoff from non-point and point sources (Craig and Vennesland 2004). The number and possible accumulation of these threats places the persistence and viability of the PWS at risk. As a result the PWS has been designated as a Threatened species by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and is listed under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Provincially the PWS is red-listed and protected under the B.C. Wildlife Act and Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS) of the Forest Range and Practices Act (FRPA).

1.2 Site History

Coast Salish, Katzie and Stó:lõ First Nation people used the forested upland areas for hunting, gathering, fishing and spiritual purposes (GVRD 2004). Settlement of the area commenced in 1858 through farming by Samuel Robertson and continued with additional farms established inland from the Fraser River in 1882 by James Webster (GVRD 2004). The 1920’s saw industrial development as Abernethy and Lougheed Lumber Co. harvested timber around Kanaka Creek with the timber brought down through tracks to the mouth of Kanaka Creek (GVRD 2004). The Vancouver-Fraser park district formed Kanaka Creek Regional Park in 1966-1967, and it was turned over to the GVRD in 1972 as Maple Ridge entered the GVRD parks system (GVRD 2004).

Today Kanaka Creek Regional Park encompasses the lower 12 km of Kanaka Creek’s 22 km length and occurs south of the study area (GVRD 2004). In addition to the green belt of Kanaka Creek, the study area is bordered by two privately owned woodlots, Woodlot 38 and Woodlot 007.

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2.0 Methods

2.1 Study Area

Presence/not detected surveys for the PWS occurred at two locations within the district of Maple Ridge, B.C. Trap line #1 was located adjacent to the GVRD’s forest extension- just north of the forest core for the Blue Mountain Kanaka Creek Regional Park and west of the 272 nd turnoff for Whonnock Lake. Point of Commencement (POC) for trap line #1 was 540582N, 5453158E. Trap line #1 was accessed through the upper section of Kanaka Creek Regional Park via an emergency access road. Upper Kanaka Creek trap line #2 was located by driving along Dewdney Trunk Road and turning west on McNutt road towards Woodlot 38. Trap line N #2 was accessed east of Woodlot 38 via a Figure 2. Air photo of Study Area Photo: Blue Mountain hiking/motorcycle trail that view north. Maple Ridge, Ruskin Area © Waite Air Photos Inc crossed over Kanaka Creek to O – denote trap locations the POC. POC for trap line #2 was 539751N, 5454130E.

The study area occurs within the Coastal Western Hemlock dry Maritime (CWHdm) subzone as described under the Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) (Greig 2001). The CWH zone experiences cool summers and mild winters, with an average rainfall of 2228mm (Pojar et al. 1991). Mean annual temperatures above 10 °C occur for 4-6 months of the year with the coldest month ranging from –6.6 °C to 4.7 °C (Pojar et al 1991). Western hemlock is the most common tree species, as it regenerates freely under mature stands (Pojar et al .1991), followed by the presence of Douglas-Fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) with a mix of big-leaf maple ( Acer marcophyllum ) and red alder ( Alnus rubra ) making up the deciduous component. The shrub/herb layer is composed of sword fern (Polystichum munitum) , red huckleberry ( Vaccinium parvifolium ), false azalea (Menziesia ferruginea ), and vine maple ( Acer circinatum ). Skunk cabbage (L.americanum) , salmonberry ( Rubus spectablilis ) and species of Sphagnum occur on damp-moist micro-sites.

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2.2 Trap line Details

2.2.1 Forest Extension (Trap line #1, trap no. 1-25)

This survey ran parallel to an S3 stream, as noted by an average channel width > 1.5m and the presence of cutthroat trout (blue-listed) (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki ) observed in pools adjacent to trap numbers 8, 9 and 15 (FPC 1995; pers. comm. Knopp and Castiello 2005). The trap line layout was configured into a “J” shape as it paralleled along the stream before heading up a small tributary towards the path (Appendix B). There was adequate base flow at the time of the survey to maintain water within the channel rendering this a perennial stream (Photo 1-C). The dense stand of forest combined with CWD has led to a poorly developed shrub layer where light is the limiting factor. Shade tolerant plants such as false azalea, vine maple and red huckleberry were present in sparse amounts. Second-generation trees, of western hemlock and western redcedar occurred on elevated micro-sites (Photo 2-C). In certain locations this site was very mesic as noted by the presence of Sphagnum spp, skunk cabbage, sword fern, lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina ), and salmonberry, which occurred in denser clusters along the watercourse. CWD and wood recruitment into the channel was abundant as the stream reach featured a buffer along the course of the trap line. Class 3 and 4 CWD were present and provide habitat for amphibians and invertebrates (RISC 1998a). This area represented high habitat capability for the PWS, as per draft PWS BMPs (Craig and Vennesland 2005).

2.2.2 Upper Kanaka Creek (Trap line #2, trap no. 26 – 50)

The Kanaka Creek watercourse originates in the Blue Mountain Provincial Forest and flows south with the confluence occurring at the Fraser River. The majority of Upper Kanaka Creek is situated within a deep incised canyon. However, infrequent side channels do occur, as observed within the trapping area. Traps were set in and adjacent to an ephemeral side channel of Kanaka Creek that ran north-south through the site featuring alluvial deposits. Besides bordering Kanaka Creek to the west a steep incline occurs to the east of the trap line, thus enclosing the site except for the linear bench along the watercourse (North-South) (Appendix B). This site features a sloped topography, gradually sloping south towards Kanaka Creek (Photo 3-C). Associated vegetation included a canopy layer of western hemlock, western redcedar and big-leaf maple with licorice fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza), and a dense herb/shrub layer: salmonberry, sword fern, red huckleberry, vine maple and three leaved foam flower (Tiarella trifoliate ) (Photo 4-C). Larger diameter CWD was abundant ranging from class 3-4 (RISC 1998a). Based on the habitat assessment of this area, Upper Kanaka Creek reach rates high for PWS habitat capability, as per draft PWS BMPs (Craig and Vennesland 2005).

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2.3 Survey Methods

2.3.1 Amphibian Surveys (Coastal Tailed Frog and Red-legged Frog) The creek along trap line #1 was walked daily and visually surveyed for amphibians. All other creeks within 0.5 km of trap line #1 and trap line #2 were surveyed on four separate occasions using time-constrained searches (TCS) (RISC 1998b), accompanied by volunteers on two occasions. TCSs consisted of checking suitable microhabitats by overturning logs and cover objects for amphibians for 2-person hours, in-stream surveys were visually assessed with no disturbance to the stream. Methodology used to visually assess the presence/not detected of the coastal tailed frog was also applied for the red- legged frog. Red-legged frog surveys included additional habitat features of the surrounding forest, as red-legged frogs are known to wander far from their breeding sites.

2.3.2 Small Mammal Survey (Pacific Water Shrew) A live pit-fall trap survey was conducted over four weeks at the end of August through to the middle of September 2005, a time of year when PWS populations are expected to be at their highest. After initial reconnaissance of the project area two optimal locations were selected based on their habitat capability as described in the PWS BMP (Craig and Vennesland 2005). To ensure maximum likelihood of detecting presence, trap lines were opened only in periods of suitable weather conditions. Suitable weather conditions were considered rainy days, which forced the insectivores’ prey to return to the surface.

A trap line consisting of 25 pitfall traps was laid out in each study site along a 250m transect running parallel to the stream (Appendix B). Traps in trap line #1 were placed on average at 10m intervals and within 1m of the wetted width of the stream. Traps in trap line #2 were placed adjacent to dry channels in anticipation of rain events. Traps were placed close to overhanging banks or CWD that could be utilized as a chute to guide the animal towards the trap. The UTM coordinates of each trap was recorded with a Garmin 60C GPS (Appendix D). A monitoring route was flagged to assist night time checks and minimize human interference with the habitat.

Plastic buckets with a 15cm diameter and depth of 20cm were used for live pit-fall traps. Traps were buried so that the rim of the bucket was flush with the ground surface. The traps were covered with a lid that was elevated approximately 3cm off the bucket’s rim using wooden pegs. This was adequate to provide cover from predation for trapped animals and reduce flooding during rain events. Cellulose based insulation or wood shavings were used to line the traps. This was changed if it became moist. Grubs, mealworms and carrots were provided as a source of nutrition and moisture for trapped shrews, as well as non-target species. The traps were baited with wet cat food placed in a film canister. A five gallon plastic bucket was used to contain captured animals for identification. Once identified, captive animals were released unharmed at capture sites. Traps were checked on eight-hour intervals and bait was refreshed every 48 hours or after an animal capture. The trap line at the GVRD forest extension was open a total of 16 days: one session of four days, one of three days, one of seven days and one of two days, while the trap line at Upper Kanaka Creek was open for a total of 9 days one session of seven days and one of two days. ______6 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

3.0 Results

Non-listed shrews are difficult to differentiate in the field as it would require an examination of their cranial and dental characteristics and are therefore referred to by the genus Sorex . The PWS can easily be identified by diagnostic body features, but none were detected during the course of this survey. PWS surveys caught twelve shrews (Sorex spp .), three shrew moles (Neurotrichus gibbii), four blue-listed coastal tailed frogs, one western red-backed salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) and four Ensatina salamanders (Ensatina eschscholtzii ) at various pitfall traps. Results are listed in (Table 3-1). Amphibian surveys revealed the presence of a red-legged frog (blue-listed) at the entrance to Woodlot 38 and incidental observations of blue-listed cutthroat trout in Kathyrn Creek and the unnamed creeks within Woodlot 007 (Appendix E; Table 1-E). Amphibian surveys within Kanaka Creek counted 262 tailed frog tadpoles per 300m, resulting in an estimated density of 0.87 tadpoles per meter surveyed.

Table 3-1: Maple Ridge Shrew Trapping Data Summary 2005 Maple Ridge Shrew Trapping Data Summary 2005

Date Time Trap line Trap # Quantity Species SVL Tail Length Total Length Pic August 8,2005 22:00 1 23 1 A.truei Y August 9,2005 6:15 1 14 1 Sorex sp. N August 9,2005 22:15 1 17 1 A.truei N August 10,2005 22:20 1 19 1 Sorex sp. 7.5cm Y Sept 7,2005 22:30 2 33 1 E.eschscholtzii 8.5cm Y Sept 7,2005 22:30 2 34 1 N.gibbsii Y Sept 8,2005 10:15 2 30 1 N.gibbsii N Sept 8,2005 10:15 2 34 1 N.gibbsii N Sept 8,2005 23:05 2 26 1 E.eschscholtzii 11cm Y Sept 8,2005 23:05 1 18 1 A.truei Y Sept 8,2005 23:05 2 34 1 E.eschscholtzii NA N Sept 9,2005 23:45 1 10 1 P.vehiculum 9cm Y Sept 9,2005 23:45 1 24 1 Sorex sp. 1.5cm 7.5cm Y Sept 10,2005 10:15 2 29 2 Sorex sp. N Sept 10,2005 10:15 2 34 1 Sorex sp. N Sept 10,2005 10:15 2 35 1 E.eschscholtzii N Sep 12,2005 13:00 1 3 1 Sorex sp. N Sept 12,2005 13:00 2 30 1 Sorex sp. N Sept 12,2005 22:30 1 4 1 Sorex sp. 1.5cm 8cm Y Sept 13,2005 13:00 2 35 1 Sorex sp. N Sept 13,2005 22:05 2 26 1 A.truei N Sept 18,2005 9:30 2 30 1 Sorex sp. N Sept 19,2005 13:00 2 47 1 Sorex sp. N Trap line #1 Kanaka Creek Forest Extension: Aug 8-11, Aug 17-19, Sept 7-13 Trap line #2 Kanaka Creek: Sept 7-13, Sept 18-20

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4.0 Discussion

The sites surveyed represent high habitat capability for the PWS. Although their presence was not detected in the current study, they may still be present for several reasons. First, there is historical evidence that the PWS occupies the area. Three historical observations dating 1973 and 1974 placed the shrew approximately 11 to 17 km west and east of the trap sites in the Maple Ridge area (Knopp pers. comm. 2005). Furthermore, failure to capture a PWS cannot prove absence due to the rarity of this animal within their range. Absence during the course of the trapping period could be attributed to the influence of prolonged warm dry periods which force small mammals to seek thermal, moisture and forage requirements underground (Knopp pers. comm. 2005). Other factors influencing the probability of trap capture may include the fragmentation of areas surrounding the trap lines created by logging practices (i.e. clear-cuts, road construction, and forest structural stages that lower the quality of PWS habitat) and topographic features (i.e. steep well-drained hillsides and ravines).

The PWS, a riparian specialist, suffers from a lack of habitat protection in non-fish bearing streams and mismanaged land use often leads to habitat fragmentation. Decreases in distance to edge or removal of canopy adjacent to streams may make the area inhospitable to water shrews, as they require a moist environment for dispersing (Craig and Vennesland 2004). Rescue effect from adjacent habitats is unlikely as the ability of water shrews to re-colonize fragmented habitats in urban and rural areas is rated as low (Craig and Vennesland 2004). The observations of coastal tailed frogs in upper Kanaka Creek and the forest extension trap lines (see Table 3-1; Appendix E photo 4-D) are significant findings as they are provincially blue-listed and are a species of concern under COSEWIC. Knopp observed 262 coastal tailed frog tadpoles in a 300m stretch of Kanaka Creek just west of trap line #2 (Appendix E photo 7-D). This is a large number for visual observation only. A second rare amphibian species observed was a juvenile red-legged frog located in a pond near the entrance of Woodlot 38 forest service road (539127N, 5453699E). This observation is a significant finding since red-legged frogs are provincially blue-listed and are a species of concern under COSEWIC. Amphibians must keep their skin moist and thus are sensitive to environmental change. Declines in this species group might be the first indication of adverse impacts on ecosystems (Ovaska et al . 2004). During amphibian surveys incidental observations of the blue-listed cutthroat trout subspecies clarki within Kathyrn Creek and the Woodlot 007 unnamed creeks were observed occupying small pools. These trout are either descendants of a population established during historically high oceanic levels permitting anadromous fish access to this section, or they arose from stocking in 1933 (GVRD 2004). The observation of a compromised silt fence bordering the unnamed creek within Woodlot 007 is a concern and should be rectified immediately as it is a source of fine sediment input into the small creek.

The prospect of forest harvesting within the headwaters of Kanaka Creek without further reconnaissance of threatened species merits special attention. Disturbance events that alter upslope riparian habitats may influence abundance and viability of localized threatened amphibian populations through impacts on dispersal, foraging behavior, and overwintering habitat (Stoddard and Hayes 2005). Removal of vegetation and soil ______8 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

disturbance due to timber extraction and road building could negatively impact stream amphibians at fine spatial scales by increasing water temperatures and decreasing allocthonous inputs, thereby affecting energy trophic dynamics (Stoddard and Hayes 2005). Woodlot licensees are advised to practice due diligence with respect to sensitive species occurring within the headwater streams of Kanaka Creek by providing adequate protection of all small aquatic drainages ecosystems.

Overall, the potential for PWS to occur within the project area is high as ranked by the BMPs for PWS (Craig and Vennesland 2005). Kanaka Creek’s watercourses are sensitive areas providing corridors and habitat for a variety of species as noted within the two trap lines. Not detecting the PWS signifies its rarity on the landscape but does not confirm its absence. The discovery of three blue-listed species whose habitat requirements overlap with the PWS can attest to Blue Mountain and Kanaka Creek’s ecological value.

5.0 Recommendations

Streams are the interwoven fabric of small transportation systems for riparian dependent species such as the PWS, coastal tailed and red-legged frogs. Lack of protection along small watercourses is a concern, specifically for the above mentioned rare and threatened species. Under the IWMS and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) regulations fish bearing streams receive buffers whereas non-fish bearing streams receive little protection (Craig and Vennesland 2005). This often leaves headwater streams with little to no protection, which impedes species movement. Connectivity should be maintained or provided for using variable width linkages as part of forest ecosystem networks (FPC 1995), including non-fish bearing streams.

In order to protect the ecological integrity of Kanaka Creek Regional Park the GVRD should amend the park boundaries to include the headwaters of Kanaka Creek – the B.C. government is encouraged to facilitate this process. These headwaters provide habitat to threatened species and are a direct source of allochthonous material (nutrients from outside the system) required by aquatic species. In addition to the headwaters of Kanaka Creek being protected, woodlot licensees are advised to manage for connectivity objectives of the landscape unit as described in the Biodiversity Guidebook (FPC 1995). Licensees are advised to establish buffers from the park boundary and to reduce the hard edge leading up to the buffer. It is noted that edge effect can travel from 60m to 1000m into stands, so some buffer is recommended (Vennesland pers. comm. 2005). Licensees could manipulate seral stage, patch size, and stand structure to meet specific connectivity objectives within the landscape unit (FPC 1995). Further surveys are needed to identify sensitive habitats bordering the woodlots for habitat setback referral – e.g. creek running parallel to Woodlot 007.

As the potential is high that the PWS occurs within the study area mangers are advised to provide adequate buffers along watercourses and facilitate movement of small mammals by leaving CWD within the riparian area. Suggested set backs include a Riparian Management Zone of 75-100m on each side of the stream (75 m for Crown Lands; 100 m for non-Crown lands). Incorporating these setbacks would allow for habitats to remain connected and maintains interaction amongst local PWS populations. Additional surveys ______9 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

are recommended to identify PWS populations and associated habitat elements within Blue Mountain and Kanaka Creek.

Adult coastal tailed frogs were observed and captured within both trap lines and tailed frog tadpoles were observed in high concentrations on the Kanaka Creek main stem. Poor dispersal abilities and lack of protection for headwater streams renders coastal tailed frogs susceptible to habitat degradation and where possible managers should include buffers to negate risk. Adequate canopy cover of headwater streams maintains shade, which contributes to low stream temperatures, and is important for the survival of foraging adults (FPC 1999). Wildlife Habitat Area (WHA) guidelines stipulate a minimum buffer of 500m along the length of the stream, and should extend 50m from the stream edge (FPC 1999). Drainages should have several WHAs established for the maintenance of viable populations (FPC 1999).

Wetland habitat for red-legged frogs, in the Fraser Lowland ecosection represent 1% of the land mass, reduced from the previous 10% described in 1827 (Boyle et at. 1991). The loss of unclassified wetlands decreases breeding sites and abundance of red-legged frogs. It is important for managers to acknowledge the existence of small wetlands not prescribed by the Riparian Management Area Guidebook, <0.5ha, ephemeral wetlands (Maxcy 2004). At the time of the survey, red-legged tadpoles or larvae would have already metamorphosed and left breeding sites (which can be ephemeral) (Knopp pers. comm. 2005). There were potential breeding sites within upper Kanaka Creek and forest extension trap lines (Knopp pers. comm. 2005). WHAs should encompass wetland networks, maintaining metapopulation dynamics between wetlands, plus a 30m reserve of adjacent riparian habitat (Maxcy 2004). Further information is available under the identified wildlife species accounts, IWMS.

The presence of cutthroat trout aids with the identification of critical and sensitive aquatic habitats within the study area. Land managers are advised that the proponent is responsible for determining the presence of fish within the stream reach, and should consult the riparian management guidebook in addition to the Fish-stream Identification Guidebook for proper mitigation measures. Sediment influx was witnessed in Woodlot 007 into a fish bearing stream that lacked an adequate buffer. Permanent setbacks with silt fencing would mitigate this occurrence.

The declines of the PWS and coastal tailed and red-legged frogs are attributed to habitat destruction and degradation, and failure of existing fishery setbacks to preserve the microclimate upon which these species rely. Park planners, city developers and forest managers should account for the presence of these species within drainages throughout the Fraser Lowland ecosection and should plan accordingly. Managers are advised to take the precautionary approach by providing adequate setbacks along stream corridors. Further consultation with BC Ministry of Environment’s species at risk biologist is encouraged. Stewardship of lands is everyone's responsibility and we should strive to conserve adequate habitat for all species, especially provincially listed species and federal Species at Risk as designated by SARA .

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6.0 References and Literature Cited

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2005a. Species Summary: Taricha granulosa . B.C. Minist. of Sustainable Resour. Manage. Available: http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/ (accessed Oct 7, 2005).

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2005b. Species Summary: Plethodon vehiculum . B.C. Minist. of Sustainable Resour. Manage. Available: http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/ (accessed Oct 7, 2005).

Boyle, C.A., L.avkulich, H.Schreier, and E.Kiss. 1997. Changes in land cover and subsequent effects on lower Fraser Basin ecosystems from 1827 to 1990. Environ. Management. 21(2): 185- 196.

Churchfield, S. 1990. The Natural History of Shrews. Cornell University Press, Ithaca N.Y. 178pp.

Craig, V.J. and R.G. Vennesland. In Review. National Recovery Strategy for Pacific Water Shrew, 2003 to 2008. Draft report prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and Department of the Environment.

Craig, V.J. and R.G Vennesland. 2005. Best Management Practices Guidelines for Pacific Water Shrew in Urban and Rural Areas. Unpublished Draft report prepared for Ministry of Environment. Ecosystems and Planning Branch.

Forest Practices Code Act 1995. Biodiversity Guidebook. Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, BC.

Forest Practices Code Act 1999. Riparian Management Area Guidebook. Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, BC.

Forest Practices Code of British Columbia 1999. Managing identified wildlife: procedures and measures Vol I. BC Environment and Forest Practices Code of BC. Victoria, BC.

Grieg, M. 2001. Woodlot 007 Plan #4 Chilliwack Forest District. Enfor Forest Consultants. 5- 8pp.

GVRD. 2004. J. Higginbotham (ed.) Kanaka Creek Regional Park Management Plan. Parks Committee, Vancouver.

Hayes, J. P., and M. P. Cross. 1987. Characteristics of logs used by western red-backed voles, Clethrionomys californicus , and deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus . Canadian Field-Naturalist 101:543-546.

Leonard, W.P., H.A. Brown, L.L.C. Jones and R.M. Storm. 1993. Amphibians of Washington and Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, WA.

Macxy, K. 2004. Red-Legged Frog. Accounts and Measures for Managing Identified Wildlife- Accounts V. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Victoria, BC.

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Nagorsen, D. W. 1996. Opossums, shrews and moles of British Columbia. Royal British Columbia Museum handbook, ISSN 1188-5114. UBC Press, Vancouver, B.C. 169 pp.

Nagorsen, D.W. 2002. An identification manual to the small mammals of British Columbia; Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection and Royal British Columbia Museum.

Nussbaum, R. A., E. D. Brodie, Jr., and R. M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. University Press of Idaho. 332 pp.

Ovaska, K, L., Sopuck, C. Engelstoft., L., Mattihias, E. Wind, and J. MacGarvie. 2004. Best Management Practices for Amphibians and Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in B.C. Biolinx Environmental Research Ltd and E.Wind Consulting. Prepared for B.C. Ministry of Land Water and Air Protection.

Pojar, J., D.A. Demarchi, and K.Klinka 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. Chapter 6: Coastal Western Hemlock Zone. BC Special Report 6. Min. For. Res. Branch. Vic.

Resource Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) 1998a. No.25 Field manual for describing terrestrial ecosystems. Ministry of Land, Water and Air Protection and BC Ministry of Forest. Victoria, BC.

Resource Inventory Standards Committee (RISC) 1998b. Inventory Methods for Pond-breeding Amphibians and Painted Turtle. Prepared by Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force Resources Inventory Committee

Stoddard, M. and J.Hayes. 2005. The Influence of Forest Management on Headwater Stream Amphibians at Multiple Spatial Scales. Ecological Applications 15 (3) 811-823.

Waye, H. 1999. COSEWIC Status Report on the Northern Red-Legged Frog, Rana aurora. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 28 pp.

Whitaker, J. O. Jr., and C. Maser. 1976. Food habits of five western Oregon shrews. Northwest Science 50:102-107.

Personal Communication

John Castiello. 2005 Phone call re: Fish observations along reach forest extension.

Denis Knopp 2005. Personal communication re: Habitat requirements for coastal tailed frog, red- legged frog, shrew mole and the Pacific water shrew and trap line set up.

Ross Vennesland 2005. email: Edge Effect

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Appendix A: Trapping Permit

Permit copy of SUO5-11441

UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE WILDLIFE ACT

PERMIT HOLDER Denis H. Knopp 47330 Extrom Road Sardis, BC V2R 4V1

PHONE: (604) 858-5141 FAX: (604) 858-5141

HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED UNDER: s. 19 of the Wildlife Act, RSBC 1996, c. 488 AND s. 2(c)(i), (c)(ii), (j),(m), (0) and 2(k)(i) of the Permit Regulation, B.C. Reg. 253/2000

TO Live trap small mammals and herptiles during op;en/closed season in the Lower Mainland Region for scientific and educational,purposes. To possess, transport and release at site of capture, small mammals and herptiles during open/closed season in the Lower Mainland for scientific and educational purposes. To possess or dispose -of-dead wildlife for sCientific or educational purposes. The permit holder is exempt from the prohibition in s. 33.1 of the Wildlife Act against feeding dangerous wildlife with respect to wildlife captured under this permit.

SUBJECT TO THE Following:

CONDITIONS OF The permit holder must comply with the requirements listed in Appendix "A" and PERMIT: Appendix "8."

OFFENCE The permit holder must comply with all applicable federal, provincial, municipal PROVISION and regional district legislation and by-laws. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to inform him/herself of all relevant laws.

Failure to comply with any term of this permit is an offence under the Wildlife Act, and may result in prosecution and/or denial of future permit requests.

TERM OF PERMIT This permit is only valid from April 12, 2005 to March 31,2006.

April 12, 2005

Brian Clark Regional Manager Environmental Stewardship Division Lower Mainland ______13 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

Appendix B: Trap Line Layout

Trap Line 1 Forest Extension. For visual reference only, details not all to scale.

Trap Line 2 Upper Kanaka Creek. For visual reference only, details not all to scale ______14 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

Appendix C: Site Photos

1-C Perennial Stream Woodlot 007 Forest Extension

2-C Coarse woody debris and shrub layer Woodlot 007 Forest Extension ______15 British Columbia Conservation Corps November 2005 BC Wild Heritage Consultants Upper Kanaka Creek Rare Fauna Survey

3-C Woodlot 38 Kanaka Creek Forest Structure

4-C Woodlot 38 Kanaka Creek Shrub Herb Layer

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Appendix D: GPS Data

Trap Line 1 Forest Extension Trap Line 2 Upper Kanaka Creek Trap UTM N E Elevation Trap UTM N E Elevation Trap 1 10 U 540582 5453158 250 m Trap 26 10 U 539751 5454130 350 m Trap 2 10 U 540586 5453157 275 m Trap 27 10 U 539750 5454134 335 m Trap 3 No GPS Reception Trap 28 No GPS Reception Trap 4 10 U 540585 5453114 275 m Trap 29 10 U 539749 5454145 354 m Trap 5 10 U 540585 5453111 235 m Trap 30 No GPS Reception Trap 6 10 U 540558 5453139 246 m Trap 31 10 U 539757 5454124 252 m Trap 7 10 U 540554 5453161 231 m Trap 32 10 U 539734 5454136 332 m Trap 8 10 U 540529 5453119 254 m Trap 33 10 U 539755 5454135 293 m Trap 9 No GPS Reception Trap 34 10 U 539749 5454115 334 m Trap 10 No GPS Reception Trap 35 10 U 539763 5454126 351 m Trap 11 10 U 540504 5453144 269 m Trap 36 10 U 539754 5454117 353 m Trap 12 10 U 540514 5453112 298 m Trap 37 10 U 539768 5454122 307 m Trap 13 10 U 540516 5453115 265 m Trap 38 10 U 539777 5454089 342 m Trap 14 10 U 540513 5453141 274 m Trap 39 10 U 539785 5454087 403 m Trap 15 10 U 540486 5453087 262 m Trap 40 10 U 539774 5454085 322 m Trap 16 10 U 540471 5453060 275 m Trap 41 10 U 539797 5454072 395 m Trap 17 10 U 540472 5453058 221 m Trap 42 10 U 539789 5454086 324 m Trap 18 10 U 540495 5453071 275 m Trap 43 10 U 539792 5454072 396 m Trap 19 10 U 540475 5453078 228 m Trap 44 10 U 539792 5454078 287 m Trap 20 10 U 540442 5453073 272 m Trap 45 10 U 539786 5454033 404 m Trap 21 10 U 540463 5453097 286 m Trap 46 10 U 539782 5454048 447 m Trap 22 10 U 540431 5453053 236 m Trap 47 10 U 539782 5454017 326 m Trap 23 10 U 540418 5453013 200 m Trap 48 10 U 539788 5454045 320 m Trap 24 10 U 540424 5453068 241 m Trap 49 10 U 539763 5453997 346 m Trap 25 10 U 540412 5453082 246 m Trap 50 No GPS Reception

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Appendix E: Wildlife Observations/Photos

The following list is an illustration of terrestrial ground species captured or observed adjacent to the trap lines.

1. Western red-backed salamander ( Plethodon vehiculum )- Occupies humid coniferous forests with ample leaf litter and sword fern bases, with associated moss and CWD components (CDC 2005b; Leonard et al. 1993 ) Forages on a wide array of terrestrial invertebrates including mites, collembolans spiders and isopods (Nussbaum et al 1983). Captured in pitfall trap # 10 (Photo 1-E).

2. Rough Skinned Newt ( Taricha granulose) – Is the western most representation of the genus Taricha - Occupies woodlands, grasslands, and open valleys often associated with logs and rocks (CDC 2005a). Adults forage upon small terrestrial or aquatic invertebrates (CDC 2005a). Observed in Woodlot 007-forest extension trap line near trap #25 (Photo 2-E).

3. Ensatina ( Ensatina eschscholtzii)- Ensatina’s prefer damp microhabitats under rocks or CWD on the forest floor, and can be observed at the entrance of rodent burrows or bark piles at the base of snags (Leonard et al. 1993 ). If threatened the tail becomes arched and the legs stiff. Captured in forest extension and Upper Kanaka Creek traps #26, 33, 36 and 35 (Photo 3-E).

4. Coastal tailed frog ( Ascaphus truei) – Occurring within headwater streams these frogs are adapt to surviving in steep small headwater creeks. Tadpoles forage in their natal streams by scraping algae and diatoms off the surface of cobbles and boulders.(Photo 4-E, 7-E)

5. Red-legged frog ( Rana aurora )- Observed at the gate of Woodlot 38 this frog is listed under COSEWIC as a species of special concern, and is blue-listed by the province of BC (Waye 1999). Red-legged frogs select lentic wetlands that feature, ponds or marshes, but may occur in slow running streams or inhabit moist forest conditions in leaf litter away from open water (Waye 1999).

6. Shrew Mole ( Neurotrichus gibbsii )- Smallest and most primitive of the North American moles featuring guard hairs and undercoat, shrew like, with head and dentition like a mole hence the name. Shrew moles tend to travel in small groups and seek deep soft soil under the cover of trees and shrubs (Knopp pers comm. 2005). Iredale, Knopp and Ferguson captured three Shrew Moles on two consecutive days in upper Kanaka Cr trap line- traps #30,34. (Photo 5-E)

7. Masked Shrew ( Sorex cinereus )- Smallest shrew averaging 9.9cm for total length with tail bi-colored (Nargosen 2002). Pledge is dark brown dorsally with gray underside (Nargpsen 2002) (Photo 6-E). Forage on arthropods, lepidoptera, adult spiders and beetles (Bellocq and Smith 2003).

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Table 1-E List of Observed Wildlife

Species Date Observer Trap Line Comments 2 Tailed Frogs Aug 10,2005 Denis Knopp 1 Pool under stump- Tadpoles near trap 24 Pileated Aug 11,2005 Denis Knopp 1 Calling most days Woodpecker Great Blue Heron Aug 11,2005 Denis Knopp 1 feather at trap 8 Coast Mole Aug 11,2005 Denis Knopp 1 burrow by trail 10 Cutthroat Trout Aug 11,2005 Denis Knopp 1 NW of trapline 1 Northwest Aug 11,2005 Denis Knopp 1 Upper Reach Salamander Old Egg Mass Rough Skinned Aug 17,2005 John Castiello 1 Near trap 25, first Newt extension 262 Tailed Frog Aug 26,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Kanaka Creek Tadpoles Cutthroat Trout Sept 8,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Kathyrn Creek woodlot 38 Hairy Woodpecker Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 1 Forest extension 18 Dark eyed Junko Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Barred Owl Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 1 Near trap 25 3 White Crowned Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Sparrow Ruby Crowned Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Kinglet 1 Golden Crowned Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Sparrow 7 Golden Crowned Sept 10,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Kinglet 6 Golden Crowned Sept 12,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Kinglet 1 Red breasted Sept 12,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Nuthatch Pileated Sept 12,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr- Woodpecker calling Red Legged Frog Sept 12,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Gate at Upper Kanaka Cr 3 Golden Crowned Sept 13,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Kinglet Pileated Sept 13,2005 Denis Knopp 2 Upper Kanaka Cr Woodpecker Tailed Frog Adult Sept 13,2005 Francis Iredale 2 Near tr 26 U.Kanaka 3 Cutthroat Trout Sept 18,2005 Denis Knopp 1 pool at trap 8 + 15

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Observed Wildlife Photos

1-E Western Red-backed Salamander ( Plethodon vehiculum ) trap #10

2-E Rough Skinned Newt ( Taricha granulos) adjacent to trap #25

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3-E Ensatina ( Ensatina eschscholtzii) Trap #33

4-E Tailed Frog ( Ascaphus truei)Trap #18

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5-E Shrew Mole (Neurotrichus gibbsii ) Trap #34

6-E Vagrant Shrew ( Sorex vagrans ) or Masked Shrew ( Sorex cinereus )

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7-E Coastal Tailed Frog Tadpole ( Ascaphus truei ) in Upper Kanaka Creek

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