NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Northwest Mainline Expansion April 2011 / 7212
APPENDIX 5
WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION
Page A5-1
WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION
April 2011 7212
Prepared for: Prepared by:
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. TERA Environmental Consultants A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited Suite 1100, 815 - 8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3P2 Calgary, Alberta Ph: 403-265-2885
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 2 1.2 Objectives ...... 2 2.0 METHODS ...... 4 2.1 Study Area Boundaries ...... 4 2.2 Literature / Desktop Review ...... 4 2.3 Species with Special Conservation Status ...... 4 2.4 Collection of Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 5 2.5 Field Data Collection ...... 5 3.0 RESULTS OF LITERATURE / DESKTOP REVIEW ...... 7 3.1 Land Use and Environmental Setting ...... 7 3.2 Provincial Databases ...... 8 3.3 Provincially Identified Wildlife Areas ...... 8 3.4 Environmentally Significant Areas, Parks and Protected Areas ...... 15 3.5 Species with Special Conservation Status ...... 15 4.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...... 17 4.1 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) ...... 17 4.2 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) ...... 17 4.3 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) ...... 18 5.0 RESULTS OF THE FIELD WORK ...... 20 5.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 20 5.2 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) ...... 20 5.2.1 Mammals ...... 20 5.2.2 Birds ...... 21 5.2.3 Amphibians ...... 22 5.3 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) ...... 22 5.3.1 Mammals ...... 22 5.3.2 Birds ...... 24 5.3.3 Amphibians ...... 24 5.4 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) ...... 25 5.4.1 Mammals ...... 25 5.4.2 Birds ...... 26 5.4.3 Amphibians ...... 26 5.5 Species with Special Conservation Status ...... 27 5.5.1 Status and General Habitat Requirements ...... 27 6.0 DISCUSSION AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 32 6.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge ...... 32 6.2 Recommended Supplemental Surveys...... 32 6.3 Wildlife Recommendations ...... 32 7.0 SUMMARY ...... 35 8.0 REFERENCES ...... 36 8.1 Personal Communications ...... 36 8.2 Literature Cited ...... 36
Page i
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Wildlife Species with Conservation Status that have Potential to Occur in Proximity to the Proposed Project ...... 42 Appendix B Photoplates ...... 56 Appendix C Wildlife Observations in the LSA ...... 63 Appendix D Summary of Winter Track Count Surveys - Winter 2011 ...... 67
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Regional Location ...... 3 Figure 2a Proposed Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) ...... 11 Figure 2b Proposed NW Mainline Loop (Timberwolf Section) ...... 12 Figure 2c Proposed Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) ...... 13 Figure 3 Overview of Provincially Identified Wildlife Areas ...... 14 Figure 4 Environmentally Significant Areas, Parks and Protected Areas ...... 16
LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Summary of Wildlife Surveys and TEK Study Program for the Project ...... 6 Table 2 General Land Use and Environmental Setting ...... 7 Table 3 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) - Observed Site Series ...... 17 Table 4 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) - Observed Ecosite Phases ...... 18 Table 5 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) - Observed Ecosite Phases ...... 19 Table 6 Locations of Beaver Activity in the Vicinity of the Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) ...... 21 Table 7 Locations of Beaver Activity in the Vicinity of the Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) ...... 23 Table 8 Locations of Beaver Activity in the Vicinity of the Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) ...... 26 Table 9 Summary of Species with Special Conservation Status with Potential Habitat Along the Proposed Pipeline Loops ...... 29 Table 10 Wildlife Mitigation Measures ...... 32 Table C1 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) ...... 64 Table C2 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) ...... 65 Table C3 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) ...... 66
LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Aerial view west showing deciduous and black spruce forests along the Kyklo Section near KPK 6.0 (February 2, 2011). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Ekwan Section Pipeline on the south (left) side...... 57 Plate 2 Aerial view southeast along the Kyklo Section showing Kyklo Creek near KPK 21.0 (July 25, 2009)...... 57 Plate 3 Aerial view northwest showing black spruce and mixedwood forest along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 40.0 (October 13, 2010). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Northwest Mainline on the west (left) side...... 58 Plate 4 Aerial view northeast showing the Hay River along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 5.4 (October 13, 2010)...... 58 Plate 5 Aerial view northwest showing deciduous, mixedwood and black spruce forest near KPC 31.5. The Cranberry Section parallels the existing Tanghe Creek Loop and a segment of the Chinchaga Forestry Road as shown in this photo (October 13, 2010)...... 59 Plate 6 Aerial view east showing the existing Tanghe Creek Loop and regenerating forest along the Cranberry Section near KPC 14.0 (October 13, 2010). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Tanghe Creek Loop on the north (left) side...... 59 Plate 7 Moose observed along the existing Horn River Mainline near KPK 18.8 of the Kyklo Section (February 2, 2011)...... 60
Page ii
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 8 Wolverine tracks observed adjacent to the Kyklo Section along an existing winter road near KPK 27.1 (February 3, 2011)...... 60 Plate 9 Aerial view west showing beaver pond located on the Timberwolf Section near KPT 39.6 (October 13, 2010). The beaver lodge and dam are located to the west of the proposed pipeline right-of-way...... 61 Plate 10 Aerial view northwest showing the graminoid fen along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 24.9 (October 13, 2010)...... 61 Plate 11 Game trail observed parallel to the Cranberry Section along the existing Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop near KPC 29.9 (October 16, 2010)...... 62
Page iii
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
1.0 INTRODUCTION NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), is applying to the National Energy Board (NEB) under Section 52 of the NEB Act for authorization to construct and operate the proposed Northwest Mainline Expansion (the Project). The Project includes the construction of three separate pipeline loops to provide adequate capacity to transport natural gas supply from the northeast British Columbia (BC) and northwest Alberta area. The individual proposed pipeline loops are referred to as the Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) [Kyklo Creek Section], Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) [Timberwolf Section] and the Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) [Cranberry Section].
The three proposed pipeline loops will be constructed in separate locations in northeast BC and northwest Alberta (Figure 1). In total, the Project is expected to include the construction of approximately 111.2 km of pipeline (82.1 km in Alberta and 29.1 km in BC).
Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) The Kyklo Creek Section will consist of approximately 29.1 km of 1,067 mm (NPS 42) O.D. pipe with a maximum operating pressure of 9,930 kPa. Located approximately 80 km southeast of Fort Nelson, BC, the proposed pipeline loop will extend from a point adjacent to the existing NGTL Sierra Gas Plant in b-25-K/94-I-11 to a tie-in point in a-97-F/94-I-10. The Kyklo Creek Section will parallel existing disturbances (e.g., pipelines, roads and seismic lines) for approximately 27.8 km (96%) of the proposed pipeline loop.
Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) The Timberwolf Section will consist of 49.8 km of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) O.D. pipe with a maximum operating pressure of 8,450 kPa. Located within Alberta, approximately 30 km southwest of Rainbow Lake, Alberta, the proposed pipeline loop will extend from the applied for NGTL Moody Creek Compressor Station in NW 3-109-12 W6M to a tie-in point immediately adjacent to the existing NGTL Snowfall Creek Meter Station in NW 6-104-12 W6M. The Timberwolf Section will parallel existing disturbances (e.g., pipelines and roads) for approximately 49.4 km (99%) of this proposed pipeline loop.
Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) The Cranberry Section will consist of approximately 32.3 km of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) O.D. pipe with a maximum operating pressure of 8,450 kPa. Located in Alberta approximately 76 km northwest of Manning, Alberta, the proposed pipeline loop will extend from SW 31-96-7 W6M to a tie-in immediately adjacent to the existing NGTL Chinchaga Meter Station in NE 13-96-5 W6M. The Cranberry Section will parallel existing disturbances (e.g., pipelines and roads) for approximately 30.4 km (94%) of this proposed pipeline loop.
All Pipeline Loops Additional associated facilities for all three proposed pipeline loops will include mainline valve sites for future tie-ins and cathodic protection systems. Additionally, a valve and blind flange for a future launcher facility for cleaning and inline inspection will be installed along the Kyklo Creek Section. The construction right-of-way for the Project will generally be a minimum 32 m wide with additional temporary workspace required at site-specific areas to account for considerations such as ownership, location and nature of existing right-of-way being paralleled. Temporary workspace will be required at select locations to accommodate construction activities (e.g., road and watercourse crossings, sharp sidebends, steep sidehill, log decking sites, etc.). NGTL will also require areas for material staging, stockpiling, and equipment storage. Pending regulatory approval, construction is anticipated to commence during Q4 of 2012 with an in-service date in Q2 of 2013.
As part of the NEB Section 52 Application, an Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) has been prepared by TERA Environmental Consultants (TERA) (TERA 2011a). To support the application, TERA was commissioned by NGTL to conduct wildlife surveys along the proposed pipeline loops.
Page 1
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Known reference points along the route are commonly referred to as KPs. KPs are approximately 1 km apart and are primarily used to describe features along the pipeline for construction, operation and maintenance purposes. As a result of the Project involving the construction of three separate pipeline loops, the following KP designators have been established to distinguish each pipeline loop:
• Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section): (KPK) starting at a point adjacent to the existing NGTL Sierra Gas Plant in b-25-K/94-I-11 (KPK 0.0) to a tie in point at a-97-F/94-I-10 (KPK 29.1);
• Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section): (KPT) starting at the applied for NGTL Moody Creek Compressor Station located in NW 3-109-12 W6M (KPT 0.0) to a tie-in point adjacent to the existing NGTL Snowfall Creek Meter Station at NW 6-104-12 W6M (KPT 49.8); and
• Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section): (KPC) starting at a tie-in point at SW 31-96-7 W6M (KPC 32.3) to a point adjacent to the existing NGTL Chinchaga Meter Station at NE 13-96-5 W6M (KPC 0.0).
1.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) studies were initiated by NGTL with each interested community, during which time the Project scope, timetable and location of the proposed developments were discussed (see Section 3.0 of the ESA for the Project) (TERA 2011a). During the field work, an open dialogue was conducted with community TEK knowledge holders and TERA TEK facilitators and, in alignment with the objectives of the TEK study program for the Project, shared traditional knowledge was documented during the field work to provide input to the design and execution of biophysical and socio-economic discipline programs.
1.2 Objectives The purpose of the desktop/literature review and field work was to identify important wildlife habitats along the proposed pipeline loops and, where warranted, recommend site-specific mitigation to avoid or reduce potential impacts on wildlife and wildlife habitat. Specifically, the objectives were to:
• identify wildlife presence and use on and adjacent to the proposed pipeline loops including wildlife species with special conservation status;
• identify site-specific habitats important to wildlife (i.e., nests, dens, mineral licks, movement corridors, wetlands, etc.) along the proposed pipeline loops that may be impacted by Project construction and/or operations;
• identify potential effects on traditional resource use and identify mitigation opportunities; and
• recommend technically and economically feasible site-specific mitigative measures, where warranted, to avoid or reduce potential impacts on wildlife (particularly species of concern) and important site-specific habitats identified during the field work.
This report describes the methods and results of the desktop/literature review, wildlife field work and TEK studies that were used in Project planning to identify and mitigate potential effects of the Project on wildlife and wildlife habitat.
Page 2
KOTCHO LAKE VILLAGE SITE PARK PROVINCIAL PARK
Zama Snake Ko t ch o 117 94O2 94O1 L a k e M City River 94P4 e M g Z 94P3 94P2 V A a 116 94P1 a m m e Fort Nelson River Kotcho Lake a l r b Meander R a e r v Ecological Reserve Ecological Reserve d e i v i r R River n i v i
e i R R e R v i r v R i e e 115 er April 2011 i v i r ¯ l e
Parker Lake i v r e k r Ecological 94J15 e FIGURE 1
94J16 h 21 19 18 94I13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 114 24 23 22 20 Reserve S 94I14 K 94I15 94I16 REGIONAL LOCATION Fort o M
t e Nelson c H a y a WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT h Hay-Zama n M o L a k e 113 d FOR THE PROPOSED Muskwa u e r R Lakes Wildland Habay e NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. s k w a R iv r C la r k e i Hay River R NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION v H e r Provincial Park Za m a b-025-K e a y R i v iv L a k e v r Protected Area r L a k e e S e R i e v e 112 r n a k r /094-I-11 a-097-F R i 7212 F H a y t le o ^_ /094-I-10 i t 94J10 r L Assumption t Tie-In Location 94J9 ^_ N 94I12 94I11 111 e r ^_ e 94I10 iv l 94I9 R s e 97 o 58 h ¾À n ¾À High s R i v u Proposed Horn River Mainline e r Ekwan Lake B Rainbow 110 Level (Kyklo Creek Section) Goguka Creek Protected Area Lake Protected Area
NW 03-109-12 W6M 109 Proposed Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) 94J7 ^_ 94J8 H a y R 94I5 i v 94I6 94I7 e P Kahntah 94I8 r 108 r Rainbow Lake Proposed Tanghe Creek Lateral o r p Provincial e Loop No.2 (Cranberry Section) h Fontas v e Recreational Area i t 107 35 R F ¾À R o r e i n L y v t i Ra i n b o w o Railway Sikanni Old a t e s t B
r Klua Lakes l L a k e R e Growth i B 106 Metis Protected Area v u
Provincial Park e f
94J2 f r Major Road 94J1 a l Prophet Klu a 94I4 94I3 o 94I2 MACKENZIE
L a k e s 94I1 R 105 River i
v COUNTY Stream/River
NORTHERN ROCKIES e r H REGIONAL DISTRICT h a tt it i 104 E h COUNTY OF g R i 697 Prophet River u v er ¾À Lake n ^_NW 06-104-12-W6M NORTHERN LIGHTS
Wayside PEACE RIVER R P
i e v Provinical Park Paddle a REGIONAL DISTRICT e 103 r c Populated Area Prairie e 94G15 94G16 r 94H13 94H15 R e K E t t h i t h u n r v 94H14 94H16 e i v i a v e R L a k e i h r f R 102 e T o m m y n County/Regional District i t o h L a k e s a r Trutch C h a R i H Keg
n i v 101 n Park/Protected Area e River S w a n a r 695 k ¾À
L a k e i
S SCALE: 1: 1,000,000 r e 100 94G10 94G9 94H12 v km i 0 10 20 30 94H11 R 94H10 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 94H9 a K g e m (All Locations Approximate) a 99 p R h i v er c n i Milligan Hills h Kemp SIKANNI CHIEF CANYON PARK 94G7 Provincial Park C 98 River B u c k i e R iPROVINCIALv e r PARK ¾À97 Fort n g h o r s BUCKINGHORSE RIVERNelson WAYSIDE PARK T w in High Beatton B N in a o L a k e s PROVINCIAL PARK Level River COLUMBIA BRITISH 97 t L a k e ALBERTA h 94H5 SW 31- 96-7 W6M a 94H6 Mason Creek 94G8 94H7 94H8 R r ^_ i e NE 13-96-5 W6M 96 v Notikewin v e Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2011; M r i ^_ e i Provincial Park Railway: Natural Resources R k l e R i v e r a Sikanni Chief g Canada 2008; a H ALBERTA o Road: IHS Inc. 2011; c h t c 692 94G2 i n h k 95 ¾À Hydrography: IHS Inc. 1996, 2004; B h is s e C R Populated Area: IHS Inc. 1997, 2004; Be a t t o n Ri v e r a h iv Fort t t e County/Regional District: BC t u r St. John o o n S 19 Ministry of Sustainable Resource 94G1 Mapped 25 24 23 22 21 20 94H4 R 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 94 Management 2003, AltaLIS 2010; PINK MOUNTAIN PARK 94H3 i 94H2 Dawson Area ve 94H1 Park/Protected Area: Alberta PROVINCIAL PARK Creek r Tourism, Parks and Recreation C Pink MountainGrande Chinchaga Wildland 2008; BC Parks 2006. a Hotchkiss Prairie 93 m Provincial Park CLEAR HILLS BRITISHe r B N o lu COUNTY n e b o COLUMBIA 94A13 t Although there is no reason to believe that there are R e i Notikewin 741 r k 92 ¾À NORTHERN any errors associated with the data used to generate Halfway River i v r y e this product or in the product itself, users of these data e w SUNRISE 94B15 r R Edmonton 94A14 94A15 i n are advised that errors in the data may be present. i 94A16 v R Manning 691 e i v er ¾À COUNTY r 91 Mapped By: PMS Checked By: JB
t7212_Wildlife_Figure1_Regional_Location_Rev0.mxd 94B16
Jasper NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
2.0 METHODS
2.1 Study Area Boundaries The proposed pipeline loops were each considered in relation to the Footprint Study Area (Footprint), a Local Study Area (LSA) and a Regional Study Area (RSA). Further detail on the LSA and RSA is presented in Section 1.5 of the ESA (TERA 2011a). The field work also considered an approximate 100 m wide corridor centred on the proposed pipeline loops, as well as known areas of temporary workspace beyond the construction right-of-way width.
2.2 Literature / Desktop Review Primary sources of information that were consulted prior to field work and used in the preparation of this report include the following:
• provincial wildlife mapping (Alberta Sustainable Resource Development [ASRD] 2007, ASRD 2005, Government of Alberta 2010a, BC Ministry of Environment [MOE] 2011a,b);
• ASRD Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System (FWMIS) wildlife occurrence data (ASRD 2010a);
• BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) wildlife occurrence records (BC CDC 2011a);
• Previously completed survey data and information for the area (i.e., ASRD inventory data, other reporting);
• Important Bird Areas (BirdLife International, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada 2011);
• consultation with ASRD, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO), Environment Canada; and
• Environmentally Significant Areas (Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation [ATPR] 2009, Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. [Geowest] 1996) and Parks and Protected Areas (ATPR 2010, BC MOE 2011c).
Other supporting studies conducted by TERA that provide useful information on the biophysical environment encountered along the proposed pipeline loops were also reviewed and relevant elements were incorporated into this report. These include the Aquatic Assessment, the Vegetation Assessment and the Wetland Assessment (TERA 2011b, 2011c, 2011d).
2.3 Species with Special Conservation Status Prior to commencing the field work, lists of wildlife species with special conservation status that have the potential to occur along each of the proposed pipeline loops were prepared. The lists in Appendix A are based on wildlife species identified as having the potential to occur in the following:
• Kyklo Creek Section: Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS) Biogeoclimatic Zone (BGC) in the Fort Nelson Forest District (Meidinger and Pojar 1991) (Appendix A-1);
• Timberwolf Section: Lower Boreal Highlands Subregion of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006) (Appendix A-2); and
• Cranberry Section: Lower Boreal Highlands and Upper Boreal Highlands Subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006) (Appendix A-3).
The lists were reviewed and further refined based on available research in the Project area, species range, species habitat requirements, consultation with provincial and federal regulators and professional knowledge.
Page 4
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
2.4 Collection of Traditional Ecological Knowledge The collection and assessment of biophysical and socio-economic data are typically designed to align with western value systems. Since Aboriginal people have often maintained close ties to the land, it is important to capture TEK that has been collected over generations and that has been passed down from the Elders.
The primary objectives of the TEK study program for the wildlife habitat assessment were to:
• document the TEK of Aboriginal communities;
• incorporate TEK information into the design and execution of the wildlife field work; and
• establish baseline conditions, identifying effects on TEK, identifying mitigation opportunities and contributing to final routing, siting and Project design.
Aboriginal representatives from the participating communities assisted in the identification of wildlife, wildlife signs and important habitats during the field surveys. Traditional use concerning hunting and/or trapping within the Project area was discussed, as well as whether members of the communities still used lands in the Project area to maintain a traditional way of life.
A TERA TEK facilitator accompanied the TEK participants, as selected by each community, during the field surveys to identify potential adverse effects of the Project on wildlife resources and habitat, to collect and synthesize wildlife TEK, and to ensure proprietary information was kept in confidence. Review of TEK information with each participating Aboriginal community is on-going.
2.5 Field Data Collection Table 1 provides a summary of field work conducted. The work conducted in 2009 along the Kyklo Creek Section was a preliminary overview to assist with Project planning and routing. All wildlife observations, evidence of wildlife use and important wildlife habitat features were recorded during the field work (i.e., field-data sheets, UTMs taken with a hand-held GPS and photographs for record-keeping). Selected Photoplates from the field work along all proposed pipeline loops are provided in Appendix B.
October 2010 Fall Field Work Field work was not conducted along the Kyklo Creek Section in October 2010 since this pipeline segment was not included in the Project scope at that time (see Table 1 for field work conducted in 2009 and 2011).
The October 2010 field work along the Timberwolf and Cranberry sections provided the opportunity to: identify land use, habitat types and potential habitat suitability for species with special conservation status and importance to Aboriginal communities; document evidence of wildlife use; identify site-specific habitats and wildlife features that may be impacted by Project construction and/or operation; and provide feedback on the alignment of the proposed pipeline loops in the early planning stages.
An aerial overflight along the Timberwolf and Cranberry sections was conducted to review the broader landscape and forest cover, the level and extent of human disturbance in the area, and to identify and investigate potential areas of wildlife importance (i.e., mineral licks, waterbodies, obvious stick nests, well-used travel corridors, etc.). Ground searches were conducted at selected locations in representative habitat types along the Timberwolf and Cranberry sections. Ground stop locations along the Timberwolf Section were accessed via helicopter. Ground stop locations along the Cranberry Section were accessed via helicopter, Argo and by foot.
Given the time of year (i.e., October), the focus of the field work was on the identification of habitat features and habitat suitability to support species with special conservation status, as well as species that provide traditional economic value for food and cultural well-being to Aboriginal communities. At ground stop locations, a thorough search was conducted to document all wildlife sign (pellets, browsing activity, tracks, beds, antler rubs, cavity nests, stick nests, etc). Although breeding bird surveys were not
Page 5
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212 conducted given the late season, raptors and any evidence of raptors (i.e., nests, prey remains, pellets, white-wash, feathers) were recorded. At wetlands, beaver ponds and watercourse crossings, the area was scanned using binoculars to identify waterfowl, waterbirds and shorebirds. All wildlife observations, evidence of use and important habitat features were recorded during the field work.
January/February 2011 Winter Field Work An aerial ungulate survey was conducted along the length of the proposed pipeline loops based on the presence/not detected method in Aerial-based Inventory Methods for Selected Ungulates: Bison, Mountain Goat, Mountain Sheep, Moose, Elk, Deer and Caribou (BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks [MELP] 2002). The helicopter flew approximately 100 m above ground along the proposed pipeline loops at an airspeed averaging 90 km/hr during favourable weather conditions. For presence/not detected surveys, all ungulates that were observed within the Project LSA were recorded. Ungulates observed during the aerial overflight were classified (i.e., species, adult male, adult female and juvenile). Animals that could not be classified with certainty were recorded as unclassified. All incidental observations of wildlife were also recorded, as well as habitat features (i.e., stick nests). The aerial overflight provided the opportunity to identify areas along the proposed pipeline loops that were receiving a higher level of winter wildlife use.
Winter track count surveys were conducted to provide an indication of wildlife distribution and identify which species are active in the area. Track surveys were conducted using methods found in Inventory Methods for Medium-sized Territorial Carnivores: Coyote, Red Fox, Lynx, Bobcat, Wolverine, Fisher & Badger (BC MELP 1999) and Terrestrial Field Data Collection Protocols (Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute 2010). Transect locations were selected to include habitats with higher potential to encounter wildlife (e.g., riparian areas, beaver ponds, transitional areas between vegetation communities) and also representative habitat types present along the proposed pipeline loops (BC MELP 1999). All mammal and upland bird tracks (identified to species when possible) and the number of tracks or trails (when individual tracks were indistinguishable) that intersected a transect were recorded, as well as all wildlife observations and wildlife sign (e.g., stick nests, ungulate beds, pellets, browsing activity, etc).
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF WILDLIFE SURVEYS AND TEK STUDY PROGRAM FOR THE PROJECT
Survey Date Aboriginal Participants Detail Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) March 16 and 17, 2009 • Dene Tha' First Nation • helicopter overflight with one ground stop near KPK 18.0 to verify tracks July 25 and 26, 2009 • Dene Tha' First Nation • helicopter overflight with ground stops at Kyklo Creek and • Fort Nelson First Nation near KPK 5.0 (stand of mature upland forest) • Prophet River First Nation February 2 and 3, 2011 • Dene Tha' First Nation • winter aerial ungulate survey and winter tracking • Fort Nelson First Nation (Community Monitor only) • Prophet River First Nation Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) October 13, 20, 22 and 23, • Dene Tha' First Nation • helicopter overflight with ground stops 2010 • Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 • Duncan’s First Nation January 23 to 25, 2011 • Dene Tha' First Nation • winter aerial ungulate survey and winter tracking • Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 • Duncan’s First Nation Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) October 13 to 16, 2010 • Dene Tha' First Nation • helicopter overflight with ground stops • Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 • Duncan’s First Nation January 23, 26 and 27, 2011 • Dene Tha' First Nation • winter aerial ungulate survey and winter tracking • Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 • Duncan’s First Nation
Page 6
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
3.0 RESULTS OF LITERATURE / DESKTOP REVIEW
3.1 Land Use and Environmental Setting Table 2 provides a general summary of the land use and environmental setting along the proposed pipeline loops. Greater detail on land use and the environmental setting is provided in Section 5.0 of the ESA (TERA 2011a).
TABLE 2
GENERAL LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING1
Details Horn River Mainline Northwest Mainline Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 Setting Information (Kyklo Creek Section) (Timberwolf Section) (Cranberry Section) District/County • Northern Rockies Regional • Mackenzie County and the County • Clear Hills County Municipality of Northern Lights Land Ownership/Classification • 100% Crown-owned lands in BC • 100% Crown-owned lands in the • 100% Crown-owned lands in the Green Area of Alberta Green Area of Alberta Provincial Management • Etsho Resource Management • NW4-Upper Hay Area Land • NW3 Peace Area Land Guidelines Zone of the Fort Nelson Land and Management Referral Map (ASRD Management Referral Map (ASRD Resource Management Plan (BC 2005) 2007) Integrated Land Management • NW3 Peace Area Land • EAP (Government of Alberta Bureau 1997) Management Referral Map (ASRD 2010b,c,d) 2007) • Enhanced Approval Process (EAP) (Government of Alberta 2010b,c,d) Total Length • 29.1 km • 49.8 km • 32.3 km Length Along Existing Linear • 27.8 km (96%) contiguous with • 49.4 km (99%) contiguous with • 30.4 km (94%) contiguous with Disturbances (i.e., existing existing TransCanada Ekwan existing TransCanada Northwest existing TransCanada Tanghe pipelines, roads, seismic lines) Section Pipeline, roads and Mainline and roads Creek Loop and roads seismic lines New Linear Corridor • 1.3 km (4%) • 0.0 km (0%) • 2.7 km (8%) (not contiguous with existing disturbance including pipelines, roads, seismic lines, industrial facilities) Segments Deviating from Existing • KPK 0 to KPK 3.0 avoids a • KPT 0.1 to KPT 0.5 avoids • KPC 5.8 to KPC 6.8 avoids a TransCanada Pipelines wetland compressor station wetland • KPK 7.2 to KPK 8.0 for crossing of • KPT 4.9 to KPT 5.9 for Hay River • KPC 26.8 to KPC 28.0 avoids a a watercourse HDD crossing planned gravel development and pipeline infrastructure • KPC 29.8 to KPC 30.3 avoids a compressor station • KPC 31.5 to KPC 31.8 avoids a sharp bend Management Unit • Management Unit (MU) 7-56 • Wildlife Management Units • WMU 524 (Chinchaga River) within the Peace Region 7B (WMUs) 536 (Rainbow Lake) and (ASRD 2010b) (BC MOE 2011d) 524 (Chinchaga River) • Fur Management Zone 2 (ASRD 2010b) (ASRD 2010c) • Fur Management Zone 2 (ASRD 2010c) Trapper • 2 registered trapping areas • 2 registered trapping areas • 2 registered trapping areas (TR0756T003 and TR0756T009) (TPA 88 and TPA 1246. (Alberta (TPA 2357 and TPA 2269) (GeoBC 2010) Energy 2010) (Alberta Energy 2010) District/County • Northern Rockies Regional • Mackenzie County and the County • Clear Hills County Municipality of Northern Lights Guide/Outfitter • There are no guides/outfitters that • 14 guide/outfitters currently hold • 15 guide/outfitters currently hold currently hold permits within permits within WMU 536 and 15 permits within WMU 524 MU 7-56 (GeoBC 2010) guide/outfitters currently hold (Nelson pers. comm.) permits within WMU 524 (Nelson pers. comm.)
Page 7
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 2 Cont'd
Details Horn River Mainline Northwest Mainline Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 Setting Information (Kyklo Creek Section) (Timberwolf Section) (Cranberry Section) Land Use • Oil and gas activity, forestry, • Oil and gas activity, forestry, • Oil and gas activity, forestry, hunting hunting hunting River Basin • Kotcho Lake Watershed Group • Hay River and Fontas River sub- • Chinchaga River and Notikewin within the Hay River sub-basin basins (Alberta River sub-basins (AENV 2011) (BC MOE 2010a,b) Environment [AENV] 2011) Named Watercourse Crossings • Kyklo Creek • Hay River, Little Buffalo River, • Sloat Creek Bivouac Creek, Chasm Creek, Beaverskin Creek, Snowfall Creek Natural Region • Boreal White and Black Spruce • Lower Boreal Highlands • Lower Boreal Highlands and Biogeoclimatic Zone (Meidinger Subregion of the Boreal Forest Upper Boreal Highlands and Pojar 1991) Natural Region (Natural Regions Subregions of the Boreal Forest Committee 2006) Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee 2006) Note: 1 All distances are approximate.
3.2 Provincial Databases
Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) The BC CDC did not report any wildlife occurrence records within 2 km of the Kyklo Creek Section (BC CDC 2011a). The proposed pipeline loop is not located within the range of any species listed as Priority 1 by the BC Conservation Framework (BC MOE 2011e).
Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) The ASRD FWMIS records indicate observations of woodland caribou within 2 km of the Timberwolf Section (ASRD 2010a).
Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) The ASRD FWMIS records indicate observations of grizzly bear and woodland caribou within 2 km of the Cranberry Section (ASRD 2010a).
3.3 Provincially Identified Wildlife Areas A summary of provincially identified wildlife areas in relation to the Project is provided below. Refer to Figure 2a (Kyklo Creek Section), Figure 2b (Timberwolf Section), Figure 2c (Cranberry Section) and Figure 3 (Overview of Provincially Identified Wildlife Areas) for more detail.
Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) The Kyklo Creek Section:
• does not traverse a provincially recognized woodland caribou range or caribou core habitat (BC MOE 2008). The nearest woodland caribou range is the Snake-Sahtaneh Range which is located approximately 1.4 km west of KPK 0.0 (BC MOE 2008);
• does not cross nor is located adjacent to an Ungulate Winter Range (UWR) or Wildlife Habitat Area (BC MOE 2011a,b);
• is located within a Wood Bison Management Zone that covers northeastern BC and extends into Alberta (Harper et al. 2000). This Section is not located within an identified wood bison range. Wood bison herds in the area include the Hay-Zama herd located within the Hay-Zama Wildlife Provincial Park in Alberta (approximately 87 km west of KP 29.1) and the Etthithun herd located near Etthithun
Page 8
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Lake (approximately 90 km to the south). Wood bison from the Hay-Zama herd are expanding their range as the population increases (Mitchell and Gates 2002), and are reported to wander into the Hay River drainage in BC during summer (BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection [MWLAP] 2002);
• is located within MU 7-56. A moose inventory in MUs 7-55 and 7-56 was completed by the BC MELP in February 2004. The results of the 2004 survey found the population estimate for moose in the survey areas was 2,998 (+/- 752) (25%) at a 90% confidence interval. The overall density of moose in the area was 0.087 moose/km². In MU 7-56, 22 bulls, 52 cows and 22 calves were observed with a ratio of 42.3 bulls/100 cows and 42.3 calves/100 cows (Backmeyer 2004). The results of the 2004 survey indicated there had been little or no change in the overall moose population estimate for MUs 7-55 and 7-56 in the previous 15 years. Observations during the survey in 2004 found that habitats within or adjacent to large river valleys were used less than upland habitats. Observations also found a large amount of unused high suitability winter habitat which indicates that winter habitat is not limited the moose population. Given the high density of wolves in the area, the moose population may instead be limited by predation (Backmeyer 2004). Overall, the 2004 survey concluded that there was a stable moose population in MUs 7-55 and 7-56 although it was below the carrying capacity of the habitat (Backmeyer 2004); and
• is not located within 200 m of any provincially identified trumpeter swan breeding lakes or ponds. The nearest provincially mapped trumpeter swan observation is located approximately 40 m of the Kyklo Creek Section where two adult trumpeter swans were observed in association with an unnamed watercourse near KPK 1.0 (Breault and Shisko 2007, Ducks Unlimited and Canadian Wildlife Service 2005). The least risk timing window for trumpeter swans is April 1 to July 31 (critical) and to August 31 (cautionary). Development activities are not recommended during this period (BC MOE 2010c).
Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) The Timberwolf Section:
• is located within the Chinchaga caribou range between KPT 22.7 and KPT 49.8 (ASRD 2007, Government of Alberta 2010a). The Chinchaga caribou range (approximately 17,517 km²) supports an estimated population of approximately 250 caribou (ASRD and Alberta Conservation Association 2010). ASRD recommends an "early in/early out" approach for work within caribou ranges by initiating activities as early as possible in the winter and working expeditiously to limit late winter activities (Government of Alberta 2010b, Moyles, pers. comm.);
• is located within a Grizzly Bear Secondary Zone between KPT 43.8 and KPT 49.8 (Government of Alberta 2010a). The desired outcome of a Grizzly Bear Secondary Zone is to reduce all sources of human-caused mortality, reduce human-bear conflicts, avoid development within key habitats (local and landscape scales) during key seasons and avoid development of grizzly bear attractants. Active grizzly bear dens have a setback distance of 750 m and a restricted activity period (RAP) of October 1 to April 30 (Government of Alberta 2010d). Information for grizzly bear (Resource Selection Function [RSF] models) is available only between KPT 46 to KPT 49.8. The models indicate there is a low probability of grizzly bear occurrence in the spring, with higher levels of occurrence in summer and fall (Foothills Research Institute [FRI] 2009);
• is located within a Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone associated with the Hay River between KPT 3.5 and KPT 7.1 (Government of Alberta 2010a). Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zones include UWRs, river corridors and biodiversity areas where species tend to concentrate. The Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone has a RAP of January 15 to April 30 (Government of Alberta 2010b);
• is located within a Bison Management Zone that extends from the Northwest Territories to south of High Level, Alberta. The government of Alberta created the Bison Management Zone (approximately 40,350 km²) in the northwest corner of the province to manage the Hay Zama wood bison herd (Mitchell and Gates 2002). The Bison Management Zone also extends into BC. The Timberwolf Section is not located within the mapped range of any known bison herds. The population size and range of the Hay-Zama bison herd is expanding and bison from this herd are reported to wander into the Hay River drainage (BC MWLAP 2002). ASRD manages the Hay-Zama herd with a legal hunt to
Page 9
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
maintain the population size between 400 and 600 animals and to limit their distribution (Government of Alberta 2010e). The Etthithun bison herd located near Etthithun Lake is located approximately 25 km southeast from KPT 49.8. Bison from this herd are known to travel south along the Fontas Road in BC (Rowe and Backmeyer 2006);
• is located within WMUs 536 and 524. A moose inventory in WMU 536 was completed by ASRD in December 2009. The results of the 2009 survey found that the population estimate for moose in WMU 536 was 1,709 (+/- 14.9% confidence limits). The overall density of moose in the area was 0.12 moose/km2. The ratio of bulls to cows (69:100) was considered higher than the average necessary to ensure a successful breading season (Moyles 2010). The ratio of calves to cows (38:100) was considered average for calf production in northern WMUs since these areas experience adverse weather conditions and there are several predators (Moyles 2010). A moose inventory in WMU 524 was completed by ASRD in February 2005. The results of the 2005 survey found that the population estimate for moose in WMU 524 was 2,856 (+/- 559; 19.6% confidence limits). The overall density of moose in the area was 0.22 moose/km2. The ratio of bulls to cows (55:100) was higher than expected given the present levels of access in the WMU (Moyles and Johnson 2010). The ratio of calves to cows (28:100) was on the low side of average calf production in forested WMUs, likely due to predation by wolves, grizzly and black bear (Moyles and Johnson 2010). Currently the population of moose in WMUs 536 and 524 is considered to be stable (Moyles pers. comm.); and
• is not located within 800 m of any provincially identified trumpeter swan breeding lakes or important staging waterbodies (ASRD 2009a, 2010a; Government of Alberta 2010a). Trumpeter swan breeding lakes have a setback for development (i.e., roads, wells, pipelines, etc.) of 500 m from the bed and shore on identified waterbodies and/or watercourses, in addition no activities shall occur within an 800 m buffer of a breeding lake within the RAP of April 1 to September 30 (Government of Alberta 2010b). The nearest provincially identified trumpeter swan breeding waterbody is in the Zama Lake area (9-28-96-8 W6M and 12-3-109-12 W6M) located approximately 47 km northeast of KPT 0.0 (ASRD 2010a).
Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) The Cranberry Section:
• is located within the Chinchaga caribou range between KPC 26.4 and KPC 32.3 (ASRD 2007, Government of Alberta 2010a);
• is located within a Grizzly Bear Secondary Zone for its entire length (Government of Alberta 2010a) (see details of this Zone above in Timberwolf Section). RSF models for the entire length of the proposed pipeline loop show the probability of grizzly bear occurrence is moderate in spring, high in summer and low in fall (FRI 2009);
• is not located within a Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone (Government of Alberta 2010a);
• is located within a Bison Management Zone, however, it is not located within the mapped range of any known bison herds (see Timberwolf Section above);
• is located within WMU 524 (see Timberwolf Section above for results of ASRD moose survey in WMU 524); and
• is not located within 800 m of any provincially identified trumpeter swan breeding lakes or important staging waterbodies (ASRD 2009a, 2010a, Government of Alberta 2010a). The nearest provincially identified trumpeter swan breeding waterbody is an oxbow of the Chinchaga River located approximately 5.4 km southwest of KPC 32.3 (ASRD 2010a, Government of Alberta 2010a).
Page 10
S a
h
c h
o
¯ K C l i r c e h o e k C r 105 RoadSierraYoyo Desan Road e e 94I15C k 94I15D 94I14B 94I14A K 94I14C o t c h o
R
i
v
e r
k e e r C a o d h a l t e M
!(
94I10K 94I11I 94I10L 94I11K 94I11J
KPK 0 KPK 10 !( !( KPK 20 !( KPK 29 !( !( KPK 29.1
Kyklo Creek !( !(
94I10F 94I11H 94I10E 94I11F 94I11G
94I10C 94I11A 94I10D 94I11C 94I11B k e r e C o i i t !( T o w n s o
!( !( Ekwan Creek 94I7K 94I6J 94I6I
!( Kilometre Post (KPK) Ungulate Winter Range !( Trumpeter Swan Lake FIGURE 2A !( Proposed Horn River Mainline Loop Wildlife Habitat Area Road PROPOSED HORN RIVER MAINLINE (Kyklo Creek Section) (KYKLO CREEK SECTION) !( Boreal Caribou Core Hydrography WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE Snake-Sahtaneh PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. Caribou Range NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION Date of Imagery: Aug. 14, 2009. SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., www.TerraEngine.com; SCALE: 1: 200,000 April 2011 7212 Roads: IHS Inc. 2010; Hydrography: Geobase 2009. Boreal Core, Boreal Caribou Range, UWR & WHA: km Province of British Columbia Land and Resource Data (LRDW), Trumpeter Swans: (BC) OGC, 2005. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product Mapped By: TB Checked By:BR or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. (All Locations Approximate) t7212_Figure 2a Proposed Horn River Mainline Loop_Kyklo Creek Section R 12W6M R 11W6M R 10W6M
94I8K 94I8J 94I8I T T 109 KPT 0
B
r
i ¯ t
A
i
s
l
h b F
e i
C H r a r y R i v
e o e t r
a
l C
u
r
m
e
e
b T T 108
k
i 94I8H a 94I8F 94I8G
KPT 10 T T 107 94I8C 94I8B 94I8A
KPT 20 B i v L i t t o l e u a B c u C f r f e a e l k o R i v
e T 106 94I1K 94I1J 94I1I r
KPT 30 k r e e m C a s h C n C k i r e e k r s v e B e a
94I1F 94I1G 94I1H T T 105
KPT 40
S n o w f a l l C r e e k
94I1C 94I1B 94I1A
!( e k T 104 r e C s r e l l e v KPT 49.8 e L T T 103
R 13W6M R 12W6M R 11W6M R 10W6M Kilometre Post (KPT) British Columbia Alberta FIGURE 2B
! Proposed NW ( Trumpeter Swan Grizzly Bear Zone (1) Secondary PROPOSED NORTHWEST MAINLINE Mainline Loop (TIMBERWOLF SECTION) (Timberwolf Section) Boreal Caribou Core Chinchaga Caribou Range Road WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. Hydrography Chinchaga Caribou Range Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION Date of Imagery: June 7, 2009. SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., www.TerraEngine.com; April 2011 Roads: IHS Inc. 2010; Hydrography: Geobase 2009. SCALE: 1: 250,000 7212 Boreal Core, Boreal Caribou Range, UWR & WHA: Province of British Columbia Land and Resource Data (LRDW), Trumpeter Swans: (BC) OGC, 2005. km Wildlife Sensitivity Areas: Government of Alberta, Sustainable Resource Development 2010. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Mapped By: TB Checked By: BR Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product (All Locations Approximate) or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. t7212_Figure 2b Proposed NW Mainline Loop_Timberwolf Section V a d e r L a k e
R 8W6M R 7W6M R 6W6M R 5W6M R 4W6M ¯ T 98T T 98T
r e v i R
a g a h
c
n
i
h T 97T
C T 97T
r i v e R l e e i k k M e e r C Mainline Valve t KPC 32.3 a Existing Chinchaga r o
e l v KPC 30 Meter Station i S KPC 0 R 96T
a g a h KPC 10 c KPC 20
T 96T n i h C
h
t
u
o
S
i v e r R s i s h k o t c H 95T T 95T T 94T T 94T Note: entire mapped area occurs within a Grizzly Bear Zone (1) Secondary.
R 8W6M R 7W6M R 6W6M R 5W6M R 4W6M FIGURE 2C Kilometre Post (KPC) Road Chinchaga Caribou Range PROPOSED TANGHE CREEK LATERAL LOOP NO. 2 Proposed Tanghe Creek (CRANBERRY SECTION) Lateral Loop No. 2 Hydrography Special Access Area (Cranberry Section) WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION Date of Imagery: May 22, 2009. SPOT 5 Satellite Imagery 2010 CNES, Licensed by Iunctus Geomatics Corp., www.TerraEngine.com; Roads: IHS Inc. 2010; Hydrography: Geobase 2009. SCALE: 1: 200,000 April 2011 7212 Boreal Core, Boreal Caribou Range, UWR & WHA: Province of British Columbia Land and Resource Data (LRDW), Trumpeter Swans: (BC) OGC, 2005. km Wildlife Sensitivity Areas: Government of Alberta, Sustainable Resource Development 2010. 0 1 2 3 4 5 Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product Mapped By: TB Checked By:BR or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. (All Locations Approximate) t7212_Figure 2c Proposed Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No2_Cranberry Section !
! !
! ! North Kotcho Core TWP
British Columbia F 94P3 G H E F 94P2 G H E F 94P1 G West Kotcho East Kotcho Core 116 ¯ Core Alberta !
C B A! D C B A D C r ve ! i ! Snake-Sahtaneh R ie il Caribou Range k 115 e
h
S K !J I L K J I L K J
114 F 94I14 G H E F 94I15 G H E F 94I16 G H !( Habay ! 113 C B A D C B A D C B A !(
r ve ! i ! R ! ay 112 Proposed Horn River Mainline H K (Kyklo Creek Section) J I L K J I ! ^_! ! Assumption ! ! ^_ ! ! 111 F 94I11 G H E F 94I10 G H E F 94I9 G H
!
110 C ! A B A D C B ! A D C B ! ! Clarke Core Snake-Sahtaneh Rainbow Lake ! ! Caribou Range 109 ! K ! J K J I L K J I I L ^_ !
108 F 94I6 G H E F 94I7 G H E F 94I8 G H !
107 C B A D C B A D C B A
!
K J I L K J I L K J I 106 Proposed Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) 4 6 5 F 94I3 G H E F 94I2 G H E F 94I1 G H 12 11 105 9 8 7 RGE
! !
! ! C B A D C B A D C ! B A 104
" Existing Snow Fall Creek Meter Station
K J I L ! K J I L K J I ! 103 ! ! ! Etthithun Core
! F 94H14 G H E F 94H15 G H E F 94H16 G H 102 r Chinchaga e Chinchaga iv Caribou Range R Caribou Range a ! ag h c C B A D C B A D C B A n i 101 h C
K J I L K J I L K J I 100
F 94H11 G H E F 94H10 G H E F 94H9 G H 99
! C B A D C B A D C B A 98
K J I L K L K J I J I Existing Chinchaga 97 Meter Station Proposed Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 F 94H6 G H E F 94H7 G H E F 94H8 G H ^_ (Cranberry Section) " r 96 e iv R a ! g a C h B A D C B A D C B A c ! ! in Milligan Core ! h C 7 6 5 12 11 95 9 th RGE ! 13 u o S ! 8 K J I L K J I L K J I
94 ! F 94H3 G H E F 94H2 G H E F 94H1 G H
! 93
C B A D C B A D C B A
! British Columbia Alberta FIGURE 3 ^_ Tie-In Location City/Town Trumpeter Swan Lake Important Migratory Staging Waterbody Boreal Caribou Core Grizzly Bear Zone (1) Secondary " Existing Meter Station Hydrography OVERVIEW OF IDENTIFIED WILDLIFE AREAS ! Boreal Caribou Range Chinchaga Caribou Range Proposed Pipeline Route Major Road Ungulate Winter Range Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE Wildlife Habitat Area Special Access Area PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. Trumpeter Swan Lake (500 m buffer) NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION
Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey, 2011; Town, Hydrography & Road: IHS Inc. 2004, 1996. SCALE: 1: 650,000 Boreal Core, Boreal Caribou Range, UWR & WHA: Province of British Columbia Land and Resource Data (LRDW), 2010. 7212 Grizzly Bear Zone (1) Secondary: Derived from Landscape Analysis Tool (LAT), Oct 2010. Alberta Caribou Range: Alberta Caribou Committee, 2010. Alberta UWR & Special Access Areas: IHS Inc, 2010. km Alberta Staging Areas: Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009. Important Migratory Staging Zones. Trumpeter Swans: (BC) OGC, 2005. 0 5 10 15
Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, April 2011 users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. (All Locations Approximate) t7212_Figure_01_Identified_Wildlife_Areas_ALL_PROJECTS NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
3.4 Environmentally Significant Areas, Parks and Protected Areas A summary of Environmentally Significant Areas, Parks and Protected Areas is provided below (see Figure 4).
Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section)
The Kyklo Creek Section is not located within any Park or Protected Areas. The nearest Protected Area is the Ekwan Lake Protected Area located approximately 15.3 km southeast of KPK 29.1 (BC MOE 2011c). Ekwan Lake Protected Area is 1,892 ha in size and is identified as having important wildlife habitat and cultural values to First Nations. Ekwan Lake is shallow and provides habitat for walleye and northern pike.
Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) A portion of the Timberwolf Section right-of-way traverses an Environmentally Significant Area (No. 548) near KPT 26.8 (ATPR 2009). This Environmentally Significant Area (No. 548) is provincially significant and is scattered throughout northern Alberta. It totals 777,225.5 ha in size and contains large natural areas, important wildlife habitat for boreal woodland caribou and sites of recognized significance. The centreline of the proposed pipeline loop is located approximately 11.6 m northwest of the Environmentally Significant Area near KPT 26.8.
The Timberwolf Section is not located within or adjacent to a Park or Protected Area (ATPR 2010). Rainbow Lake Provincial Recreational Area is located approximately 36 km east of KPT 15 of the proposed pipeline loop. The nearest park is the Hay-Zama Lakes Wildland Provincial Park, located approximately 45 km northeast of KPT 0.0.
Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) The Cranberry Section is not located within an Environmentally Significant Area (ATPR 2009). The nearest Environmentally Significant Area (No. 739) is 112,727 ha in size and is located approximately 15 km west of KPC 32.0 of the proposed pipeline loop. The area is provincially significant and contains large natural areas, intact riparian areas, habitat for trumpeter swans and woodland caribou, and the Chinchaga Wildland Park.
The Cranberry Section is not located within a Park or Protected Area (ATPR 2010). The Chinchaga Wildland Park is approximately 17 km west of the proposed pipeline loop. Chinchaga Wildland Park contains diverse forests and important habitat for wildlife, including woodland caribou, grizzly bears, trumpeter swans and forest songbirds.
3.5 Species with Special Conservation Status Appendix A lists wildlife species with special conservation status that have the potential to occur along each of the proposed pipeline loops. A desktop review was conducted to identify species with special conservation status that are listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (2011) and listed provincially that have potential to occur within the Project area. The wildlife species list was further refined based on available research in the Project area, species range, species habitat requirements, consultation with provincial and federal regulators and professional knowledge.
Page 15
TWP
94P3 94P2 94P1 British Columbia Kothcho 669 Lake 116 er ¯ KOTCHO LAKE VILLAGE SITE iv R e PROVINCIAL PARK Alberta li i k e 115
h
S
114 664 663 667 94I14 94I15 94I16 662
665 113 Zama Lake Habay
r HAY-ZAMA LAKES ive Proposed Horn River Mainline R 658 WILDLAND PARK 660 ay 657 (Kyklo Creek Section) H 112 HAY RIVER ^_ 738 Assumption 655 ^_ PROTECTED AREA 111 94I11 94I10 94I9 654
110 EKWAN LAKE PROTECTED AREA 653 109 Rainbow Lake ^_
108 94I6 94I7 94I8 650 Fo 107 RAINBOW LAKE nt as PROTECTED AREA R iv e r 106 Proposed Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) 548 7 6 5 4 3 RGE 94I3 94I2 94I1 9 12 11 105 8 548
G ut 104 ah Existing Snow Fall Creek "
C Meter Station re K e ah k n ta h 103 644 R 548 i r v e e iv r R 94H14 94H16 a 102 g a h c
n i
h
101 548 C
100
94H11 94H10 94H9 646 99
MILLIGAN HILLS 98 PROVINCIAL PARK Proposed Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 97 (Cranberry Section) Existing Chinchaga Meter Station 94H6 94H7 94H8 ^_ " r 96 739 e iv R a g a ch 4 3 9 n 7 6 5 RGE 12 11 95 hi . C 8 CHINCHAGA S WILDLAND PARK 739 94H3 94H2 94H1
FIGURE 4 Tie-In Location City/Town 548 Alberta Environmentally Significant Areas ^_ ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT AREAS, Existing Meter Station Hydrography Parks and Protected Areas PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS Proposed Pipeline Route Major Road WILDLIFE HABITAT ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED NOVA GAS TRANSMISSION LTD. NORTHWEST MAINLINE EXPANSION Pipeline Routing: Midwest Survey 2011; Town, Hydrography & Road: IHS Inc. 2004, 1996. Alberta Environmentally Significant Areas: Alberta Tourism, Parks and SCALE: 1: 1,000,000 April 2011 7212 Recreation 2009. Parks and Protected Areas: Alberta Tourism, Parks and km Recreation 2010, BCGOV ILMB Crown Registry and Geographic Base Branch 2008. 0 5 10 15 20 Although there is no reason to believe that there are any errors associated with the data used to generate this product or in the product itself, users of these data are advised that errors in the data may be present. (All Locations Approximate) Mapped By: TB Checked By:BR t7212_Figure 4 Environmentally Significant Areas_Parks and Protected Areas NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
4.0 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The following provides a general description of the wildlife habitat along the Project. Greater detail on wetlands, vegetation and the watercourses crossed by the proposed pipeline loops can be found in the discipline-specific reports prepared for this Project (TERA 2011b,c,d).
4.1 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) The Kyklo Creek Section traverses forested land for 100% of its length (Plate 1, Appendix B). Terrain is generally level to undulating along the proposed pipeline loop. Elevations along this Section range from 384-434 m above sea level (asl). The Kyklo Creek Section crosses two watercourses, including one named watercourse (Kyklo Creek) (Plate 2, Appendix B), as well as two fish-bearing non-classified drainages (TERA 2011b).
Habitat types traversed by the Kyklo Creek Section have been classified and delineated by vegetation community (Site Series) (TERA 2011c). The Kyklo Creek Section traverses approximately 10.6 km (37%) of upland habitat and approximately 18.6 km (63%) of wetland habitat (TERA 2011c,d). Table 3 summarizes the vegetation communities encountered.
TABLE 3
HORN RIVER MAINLINE (KYKLO CREEK SECTION) - OBSERVED SITE SERIES
Vegetation Length1 Proportion of Community (km) Loop (%) Habitat Type2 Details Upland deciduous 10.1 35 Deciduous Aspen forest Deciduous and mixedwood forests primarily consist forest forest Aspen-white spruce forest of trembling aspen, with white spruce being the primary subdominant species; balsam poplar and Upland 0.5 2 Mixedwood White spruce - aspen forest paper birch occur in moister areas. Dominant mixedwood forest forest understory species include prickly rose, bunchberry and feather mosses. Shrubby fen 1.3 4 Wetlands Peatlands (bogs/fens) Wetland types observed along this proposed pipeline Treed fen 1.1 4 loop including shrubby fens, shrubby swamps, treed bogs, treed fens and treed swamps (including broad- Treed bog 2.1 7 leaf, mixedwood and needle-leaf subclasses). Bogs Shrubby swamp 1.5 5 in the Footprint are dominated by black spruce, Broad-leaf treed 2.2 8 Swamps Labrador tea, peat mosses and caribou lichens. swamp Lingonberry, crowberry and bog cranberry are other Mixedwood treed 9.7 33 common bog species. Treed swamps occupy much swamp of the Footprint, occurring in transitional areas between uplands and wetlands and in unclassified Needle-leaf treed 0.7 2 drainages with stagnant surface water. Common swamp species in swamps include paper birch, willows, sedges, horsetails and bluejoint reed grass. Refer to the Wetland Assessment for the Project for further descriptions of wetland classifications (Appendix 3 of the ESA; TERA 2011b). Notes: 1. Distances are approximate and based on general forest stand delineation and composition information through the Vegetation Resource Inventory (VRI) BC Land Cover Classification Scheme initiated by the VRI Working Group in 1993 (BC Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management Terrestrial Information Branch 2002). 2. Dominant forest cover species are indicated outside brackets; subdominant species is inside brackets.
4.2 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) The Timberwolf Section traverses forested land for 100% of its length (Plate 3, Appendix B). Terrain is generally level to undulating along the proposed pipeline loop with moderate slopes encountered at selected watercourse crossings (i.e., the Little Buffalo River, Chasm Creek). Elevations along the proposed pipeline loop range from 430-692 m asl. The Timberwolf Section crosses 14 watercourses, including 6 named watercourses (Hay and Little Buffalo rivers and Bivouac, Chasm, Beaverskin and Snowfall creeks) (Plate 4, Appendix B). Nine of these watercourses have been influenced by beavers and are classified as fish-bearing beaver dam complexes, including Bivouac, Beaverskin and Snowfall creeks.
Page 17
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
A total of two nonfish-bearing undefined drainages that lacked defined bed and banks were also identified (TERA 2011b).
Habitat types traversed by the Timberwolf Section have been classified and delineated by vegetation community (Ecosite Phase) (TERA 2011c). The proposed pipeline loop traverses approximately 21.9 km (44%) of upland habitat and approximately 27.9 km (56%) of wetland habitat (TERA 2011c,d). Table 4 summarizes the vegetation communities encountered.
TABLE 4
NORTHWEST MAINLINE (TIMBERWOLF SECTION) - OBSERVED ECOSITE PHASES
Proportion Ecosite Phase1 Length2 (km) of Loop (%) Habitat Type3 Details D1 – low-bush cranberry 2.7 5 Deciduous Aspen forest Deciduous, mixedwood and coniferous forests / aspen forest are typically dominated by a canopy of aspen or B1 – blueberry / jack 4.4 9 Mixedwood Jack pine - aspen - white spruce. Where mixedwood forests occur, pine – aspen (white forest white birch forest canopies may also be characterized with co- birch) dominant or subdominant components of white birch, white spruce, and/or jack pine. Understory D2 – low-bush cranberry 11.2 22 Aspen - white spruce - vegetation includes prickly rose, Canada / aspen – white spruce – black spruce forest buffaloberry, bunchberry, bishop’s-cap, wild black spruce sarsaparilla and tall lungwort. D3 – low-bush cranberry 0.2 <1 Coniferous White spruce forest / white spruce forest A1 - bearberry / jack pine <0.1 <1 Jack pine forest Coniferous forests are dominated by black spruce C1 – common Labrador 1.2 2 Jack pine - black and jack pine. Moister stands are typically tea / mesic jack pine – spruce forest transitional from upland forests to organic-based black spruce wetlands including bogs and fens. Similarly, mesic to dry sites are often transitional from G1 – common Labrador 2.2 5 mixedwood forests to pine dominated coniferous tea / moist black spruce forests. The understory is frequently dominated – jack pine by common Labrador tea, bunchberry, palmate- leaved coltsfoot and blueberry species. Mosses typically dominate ground cover in moist sites whereas drier communities exhibit a higher ground cover of lichen species. Emergent marsh 0.3 <1 Wetlands Marshes/open water Wetland types along this proposed pipeline loop Shallow open water 0.7 2 include emergent marshes, shallow open water, non-woody fens, shrubby fens, shrubby swamps, Non-woody fen 1.0 2 Peatlands (bogs/fens) treed bogs, treed fens and broad-leaf treed Shrubby fen 4.3 8 swamps. Refer to the Wetland Assessment for Treed fen 8.2 16 the Project for further descriptions of wetland Treed bog 12.8 26 classifications (Appendix 3 of the ESA; TERA 2011b). Shrubby swamp 0.1 <1 Swamps Broad-leaf treed swamp 0.5 1 Notes: 1 As defined for the Boreal Highlands in Beckingham and Archibald (1996). 2 Distances are approximate and based on the October 2011 Vegetation and Wetland Assessments. Distances were further refined based on Phase 3 Forest Inventory Maps (Alberta Energy and Natural Resources [AENR] 1970+). 3. Dominant forest cover species are indicated outside brackets; subdominant species is inside brackets; codominant species are separated with a hyphen.
4.3 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) The Cranberry Section traverses forested land for 100% of its length (Plate 5, Appendix B). Terrain is generally level to gently rolling along the proposed pipeline loop with some moderate slopes encountered along segments from approximately KPC 0.4 to KPC 0.9 and KPC 20.0 to KPC 23.0. Elevations along the proposed pipeline loop range from 651-988 m asl. The Cranberry Section crosses three watercourses, including two named watercourses (Sloat and Starvation creeks) and one unnamed watercourse, as well as one fish-bearing headwater drainage. A total of 13 nonfish-bearing undefined drainages that lacked defined bed and banks were also identified (TERA 2011b).
Habitat types traversed by the Cranberry Section have been classified and delineated by vegetation community (Ecosite Phase) (TERA 2011c). The proposed pipeline loop traverses approximately 11.1 km
Page 18
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
(35%) of upland habitat and approximately 3.6 km (11%) of wetland habitat (TERA 2011c,d). The remaining 17.5 km (54%) of the Cranberry Section is regenerating forest that was disturbed by a forest fire estimated to have occurred around 1980 (AENR 1970+) (Plate 6, Appendix B). The burned area extends almost continuously between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8. Table 5 summarizes the vegetation communities encountered.
TABLE 5
TANGHE CREEK LATERAL LOOP NO. 2 (CRANBERRY SECTION) - OBSERVED ECOSITE PHASES
Length2 Proportion Ecosite Phase1 (km) of Loop (%) Habitat Type3 Detail B2 – blueberry / 0.2 1 Deciduous Aspen forest Deciduous, mixedwood and coniferous forests are aspen forests typically dominated by a canopy of aspen or white D1 – low-bush 2.9 9 spruce. Where mixedwood forests occur, canopies may cranberry / aspen also be characterized with co-dominant or subdominant components of white birch, white spruce, and/or jack B1 – blueberry / jack 0.3 1 Mixedwood Jack pine – aspen - pine. Understory vegetation includes prickly rose, pine – aspen (white forests white birch - forest Canada buffaloberry, bunchberry, bishop's-cap, wild birch) sarsaparilla and tall lungwort. D2 – low-bush 3.2 10 Aspen – white spruce – cranberry / aspen – black spruce forest white spruce – black spruce B3 - blueberry / white 1.8 6 Coniferous White spruce - jack pine spruce - jack pine forests forest D3 – low-bush 0.3 1 White spruce forest cranberry / white spruce C1 – common 1.3 4 Jack pine – black Moist sites are typically transitional from upland forests to Labrador tea / mesic spruce forest organic-based wetlands including bogs and fens. jack pine – black Similarly, mesic to dry sites are often transitional from spruce mixedwood forests to pine dominated coniferous forests. G1 – common 1.1 3 The understory is frequently dominated by common Labrador tea / moist Labrador tea, bunchberry, palmate-leaved coltsfoot and black spruce – jack blueberry species. Mosses typically dominate ground pine cover in moist sites whereas drier communities exhibit a higher ground cover of lichen species. Non-woody fen 0.8 2 Wetlands Peatlands (bogs/fens) Wetland types along this proposed pipeline loop include Shrubby fen 0.3 1 non-woody fens, shrubby fens, shrubby swamps, treed bogs and treed fens. Refer to the Wetland Assessment Treed fen 1.3 4 for the Project for further descriptions of wetland Treed bog 0.3 1 (Appendix 2 of the ESA; TERA 2011b). Shrubby swamp 0.9 3 Swamps Burn 17.5 54 Burn Regenerating burned Forests recently disturbed by forest fire are not easily forest attributed to a defined ecosite phase since early regenerating species may not accurately reflect the potential climax community. Species potentially observed in recently burned areas often include those of low tolerance to shade and moisture (e.g., aspen, pine, fireweed, and blueberry species). Notes: 1 As defined for the Boreal Highlands in Beckingham and Archibald (1996). 2 Distances are approximate and based on the October 2011 Vegetation and Wetland Assessments. Distances were further refined based on the Phase 3 Forest Inventory Maps (AENR 1970+). 3. Dominant forest cover species are indicated outside brackets; subdominant species is inside brackets; codominant species are separated with a hyphen.
Page 19
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
5.0 RESULTS OF THE FIELD WORK The results of the October 2010, January and February 2011 field work and TEK studies are summarized below. A summary of wildlife species and/or their sign observed during the field work are provided in Appendix C. A summary of winter track count surveys conducted in January and February 2011 are provided in Appendix D.
5.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge Participants of the TEK study reported that hunting and trapping occur throughout the Project area and that Aboriginal communities have been using the area for a long time. It was noted that the entire Project area was a good hunting area for moose and duck, and a good trapping area for otter, lynx and wolverine. In addition, portions of the Project area also provide good caribou habitat.
A large number of different wildlife species use the area, including moose, elk, bison, caribou, black bear, grizzly bear, grey wolf, beaver, otter, fisher, muskrat, lynx, weasel, white-tailed deer, mink, skunk, marten, snowshoe hare, trumpeter swan, sandhill crane and several duck species. Historically, duck hunting and egg collection were important to the diets of Aboriginal people in the Project area.
Community TEK participants recognize the inter-connection of small fish in aquatic environments to waterfowl and some furbearing mammals including otter, weasel, fisher, marten and wolverine, all of which are traditionally harvested according to season and need.
Evidence (tracks, scat and some visual observations) of the following mammal species were found along the proposed pipeline loops: moose; elk; caribou; bison; snowshoe hare; weasel; lynx; white-tailed deer; and wolf. Moose tracks were the most abundant ungulate. Several game trails were identified within the Project area. Aboriginal community TEK participants indicated that this signifies that the area is an excellent hunting ground. Many of the mammal species observed were specifically identified by TEK participants as species that are used for subsistence, economic and cultural reasons. Additional comments on the results of the TEK during the field surveys are found in the sections below.
5.2 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section)
5.2.1 Mammals
Ungulates Moose and moose sign were generally observed in upland deciduous and mixedwood forests and riparian areas containing browse. Moose sign (e.g., tracks, pellets, browse, beds) were observed along and adjacent to the Kyklo Creek Section in all habitat types. No ungulates were observed during the March 2009 and July 2009 overflights. A total of 10 moose, including 6 adults and 4 calves, were observed along and adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop near KPK 0.0, KPK 7.3, KPK 18.8, KPK 21.0 (along Kyklo Creek), KPK 24.9 and north of KPK 17.3 during the February 2 and 3, 2011 overflight (Plate 7, Appendix B). Several additional moose were observed within the RSA.
No other ungulates were observed in the vicinity of the Kyklo Creek Section. Game trails were commonly observed along the proposed pipeline loop. No mineral licks were identified within or immediately adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop.
Carnivores Tracks of seven carnivore species were documented along and adjacent to the Kyklo Creek Section in March 2009 and February 2011. These were Canada lynx, ermine, red fox, gray wolf, mink, marten and wolverine.
During the February 2 and 3, 2011 overflight, a pack of four wolves was observed running along a snowmobile trail on the existing Ekwan pipeline right-of-way between KPK 5.3 and KPK 5.7. A mink was
Page 20
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212 observed along Kyklo Creek near KPK 21.0. One set of wolverine tracks was incidentally observed along the edge of a winter road adjacent to the Kyklo Creek Section between KPK 27.0 and KPK 27.3 (Plate 8, Appendix B).
One carnivore species, American black bear (tracks), was documented in the area during the July 25 and 26, 2009 field work along Kyklo Creek near KPK 21.0. No grizzly bears or obvious grizzly bear sign was observed during this time.
No active or recently used mammal dens were identified within or immediately adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop.
Small Mammals Evidence of four small mammal species was documented. These were snowshoe hare (tracks), red squirrel (visual, tracks, nest), vole (tracks, trails) and shrew (tracks, trails). Snowshoe hare tracks were observed along the length of the proposed pipeline loop in both March 2009 and February 2011. A red squirrel was observed near KPK 15.7 in February 2011.
Semi-aquatic Mammals Beaver activity has created numerous small ponds and wetlands, as well as larger wetland complexes along the proposed pipeline loop. Locations where beaver activity was observed in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline loop are identified in Table 6.
TABLE 6
LOCATIONS OF BEAVER ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE HORN RIVER MAINLINE (KYKLO CREEK SECTION)
KPK1 Comments 0.0 Small lake with beaver lodge south of the proposed pipeline loop. 1.7 Beaver pond with lodge and dam adjacent to the north side of the proposed pipeline loop. 7.7 Beaver ponds with lodge adjacent to the south side of the proposed pipeline loop. 16.3 Beaver pond north of the existing Ekwan Section pipeline. 24.3 Small beaver pond adjacent to the south side of the proposed pipeline loop. Note: 1 All locations are approximate.
5.2.2 Birds
Raptors and Owls A northern goshawk was observed on March 16, 2009 near KPK 22.4. No other raptor species or obvious stick nests were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Kyklo Creek Section.
Passerines Bird species observed on July 25 and 26, 2009 included black-capped chickadee, common raven, red-eyed vireo, white-throated sparrow and yellow-bellied sapsucker. Bird species observed on February 2 and 3, 2011 included common raven, boreal chickadee, gray jay and pine grosbeak.
Waterfowl and Shorebirds Although no waterfowl or shorebirds were observed in July 2009, the Kyklo Creek Section crosses and/or lies adjacent to watercourses and beaver ponds that contain open water with emergent vegetation suitable for nesting waterfowl and shorebirds.
Page 21
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
No trumpeter swans were observed during the aerial overflight of wetlands and lakes located on and adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop in July 2009. The nearest trumpeter swans were observed 23.5 km east of the proposed pipeline loop along the Hay River.
Upland Game Birds On March 16 and 17, 2009, tracks of willow ptarmigan were observed near KPK 13.3 and grouse tracks were observed near KPK 18.0. On February 2 and 3, 2011, several grouse tracks were observed between KPK 11.2 and KPK 12.0 and additional grouse tracks were observed near KPK 21.1. Two spruce grouse were observed near KPK 29.1. On July 25 and 26, 2009, eight ruffed grouse were observed near KPK 20.9 in deciduous forest (trembling aspen, willow) north of Kyklo Creek. Other upland game bird species that can be expected to occur include sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse.
5.2.3 Amphibians One amphibian species, wood frog, was observed at Kyklo Creek (KPK 21.0) in July 2009. Several watercourses, beaver ponds and wetlands that contain open standing water occur along the Kyklo Creek Section. These habitats may provide suitable breeding habitat for wood frog and boreal chorus frog.
5.3 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section)
5.3.1 Mammals
Ungulates Ungulates and their sign (e.g., tracks, pellets, browse, beds) observed in the vicinity of the Timberwolf Section during the October 2010 and January 2011 field work were moose, deer, wood bison and woodland caribou. Moose sign was observed along the length of the proposed pipeline loop, particularly in deciduous and mixedwood forests and near riparian areas containing browse (i.e., watercourses, shrubby wetlands). In October 2010, one bull moose was observed at the Hay River crossing near KPT 5.4. Deer tracks were observed adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop near KPT 0.3.
Tracks of wood bison were observed along the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way near KPT 5.4 on October 20, 2010 and near KPT 46.3 on October 22, 2010. A herd of 45 wood bison was observed along an existing lease site located approximately 31.2 km south of the proposed pipeline loop on October 20, 2010. Fresh tracks of wood bison were observed along the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way to the south of the Timberwolf Section on October 23, 2010. On February 7, 2011, a herd of approximately 75 wood bison were observed incidentally in an open meadow located approximately 42 km southwest of the proposed pipeline loop.
Although the Timberwolf Section is located within the Chinchaga caribou range between KPT 22.7 and KPT 49.8, no caribou were observed along the proposed pipeline loop during the field work. In October 2010, tracks of woodland caribou were observed near KPT 46.2 and five woodland caribou were observed approximately 12 km south of the proposed pipeline loop. A herd of five woodland caribou was also observed approximately 63 km south/southeast of the proposed pipeline loop during the winter 2011 field survey. Caribou and caribou sign was most commonly observed in black spruce (treed bog) habitat. Lichen (Cladina sp.) was observed along the length of the proposed pipeline loop, most often in association with treed bogs.
Game trails were commonly observed in the area. Game trails were observed in all habitat types, most often in association with watercourses (e.g., Hay River) and along transition zones between upland and low-lying habitats. Game trails were also observed along and crossing the existing Northwest Mainline.
No mineral licks were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Timberwolf Section.
Page 22
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Carnivores Tracks of seven carnivore species were documented along and adjacent to the Timberwolf Section during the field surveys. These were black bear (scat, tracks, scratch trees, diggings), gray wolf (tracks), fisher (tracks), mink (tracks, scat), ermine (tracks, scat), marten (tracks) and Canada lynx (tracks).
Black bears are common in the area and black bear sign was observed along the Timberwolf Section in all habitat types. No grizzly bears or obvious grizzly bear sign was observed during the field surveys.
In October 2010, tracks of gray wolf, ermine, fisher and mink were observed along the Hay River near KPT 5.4. Tracks and scat of mink and ermine were observed in mixedwood forest near KPT 0.0. In January 2011, tracks of Canada lynx were observed along the length of the Timberwolf Section in all habitat types. Tracks of mustelid species (i.e., marten and/or fisher as well as ermine) were also observed along the length of the proposed pipeline loop, most often in association with riparian areas such as watercourses and in black spruce forest (treed bog and treed fen). Fisher tracks were observed along the Hay River near KPT 5.4 and along the Little Beaver River near KPT 21.5. An old set of gray wolf tracks was also observed near KPT 21.5.
No active or recently used mammal dens were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Timberwolf Section.
Small Mammals Small mammals and their sign (i.e., tracks, scat, trails, middens) observed during the field surveys include snowshoe hare (tracks, scat), red squirrel (visual, tracks, middens), vole (tracks, visual) and shrew (tracks). Snowshoe hare tracks were observed along the length of the proposed pipeline loop in January 2011, most often in association with mixedwood and shrubby fen habitats. Red squirrel and their sign were observed in forests containing spruce. Vole and shrew species were observed in grassy habitats, such as the existing Northwest Mainline and near wetlands.
Semi-aquatic Mammals Beaver activity has created numerous small ponds and wetlands, as well as larger wetland complexes and several active beaver lodges were identified during the field work (Plate 9, Appendix B). Locations where beaver activity was observed in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline loop are identified in Table 7.
TABLE 7
LOCATIONS OF BEAVER ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE NORTHWEST MAINLINE (TIMBERWOLF SECTION)
KPT1 Comments 6.7 to 7.0 Right-of-way influenced by beaver activity. Active beaver lodge and dam located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 8.9 Beaver ponds located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 9.5 Beaver pond located east of the existing Northwest Mainline. 10.0 Beaver pond located on the proposed pipeline right-of-way. Beaver lodge located adjacent to the west edge of the proposed right-of-way. 10.4 Beaver pond located east of the existing Northwest Mainline. 10.8 Small beaver pond on the proposed right-of-way. Dam located to the east of the existing Northwest Mainline. 12.9 Beaver influenced drainage crossed by the proposed pipeline loop. Active beaver pond with lodge located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 17.2 to 17.3 Old beaver influenced drainage crossed by the proposed pipeline loop. No sign of recent beaver activity. 18.0 Beaver pond located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 24.8 to 25.0 Right-of-way influenced by beavers. Active beaver pond with lodge located east of the existing Northwest Mainline. 29.6 Chasm Creek. Right-of-way influenced by beaver activity. No beaver lodges or dams on or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way. 30.6 Old beaver complex crossed by the proposed pipeline loop. No sign of recent beaver activity.
Page 23
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 7 Cont'd
KPT1 Comments 33.1 Old beaver complex crossed by the proposed pipeline loop. No beaver lodges or dams on or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way. 34.2 Active beaver pond and lodge west of the proposed pipeline loop. 34.9 Beaverskin Creek. Right-of-way influenced by beaver activity. No beaver lodges or dams on or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way. 36.4 Ponded water and beaver lodge on the proposed right-of-way. Area appeared to have been recently flooded. 39.5 to 39.7 Active beaver pond on the proposed right-of-way. Active beaver lodge and dam located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 40.9 Active beaver pond with lodge and dam located west of the proposed pipeline loop. 41.6 Active beaver pond with lodge and dam located east of the existing Northwest Mainline. 46.3 to 46.5 Snowfall Creek. Creek has been influence by beaver activity. No beaver lodges or dams on or adjacent to the proposed right-of-way. Note: 1 All locations are approximate.
5.3.2 Birds
Raptors and Owls A bald eagle was observed in October 2010 along Chasm Creek near KPT 29.6. No other raptor species were observed and no obvious stick nests were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Timberwolf Section.
Passerines Bird species observed in October 2010 include Bohemian waxwing, common raven, gray jay and snow bunting. Evidence of pileated woodpecker (work on trees) was observed near KPT 24.8. Bird species observed in January 2011 include black-capped chickadee, common raven and gray jay.
Waterfowl and Shorebirds The Timberwolf Section crosses watercourses, beaver ponds and wetlands that contain open water with emergent vegetation suitable for nesting waterfowl (Plate 10, Appendix B). These areas also provide preferred nesting and breeding habitat for several species of shorebird.
The October 2010 field work was conducted during the fall migration and trumpeter swans, both with and without cygnets, were observed in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline loop. Two trumpeter swans with cygnets were observed along Beaverskin Creek near KP 34.8, which has been ponded by beaver activity.
Upland Game Birds Eight willow ptarmigan were observed in the general area in October 2011 and in January 2011, a spruce grouse was observed near KPT 26.7 and two spruce grouse were observed near KPT 47.8. Tracks of grouse were observed frequently along the existing Northwest Mainline in open areas containing scattered low regenerating willow. Other upland game bird species expected to occur include sharp-tailed grouse and ruffed grouse.
5.3.3 Amphibians No amphibians were observed during the field work given the time of year. Several watercourses, beaver ponds and wetlands that contain open standing water occur along the Timberwolf Section. These habitats may provide suitable breeding habitat for wood frog and boreal chorus frog.
Page 24
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
5.4 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section)
5.4.1 Mammals
Ungulates Ungulate sign (e.g., tracks, pellets, browse, beds) of moose, elk and white-tailed deer were observed in the vicinity of the Cranberry Section in October 2010 and January 2011. Moose sign was most commonly observed in mature mixedwood forests, coniferous forests and shrubby wetlands containing browse. Sign of white-tailed deer and elk was commonly observed in deciduous and mixedwood forests. Very little ungulate sign was observed in the burned habitat, particularly in the area between KPC 1.6 and KPC 19.8.
Although the proposed pipeline loop is located within the Chinchaga caribou range between KPC 26.4 and KPC 32.3 no caribou or their sign were observed during the October 2010 field work.
Game trails were commonly observed along the proposed pipeline loop (Plate 11, Appendix B). Game trails were observed in all habitat types, most often in association upland habitats and along transition zones between upland and low-lying habitats. In comparison with the rest of the proposed pipeline loop, game trails were observed less frequently in the previously burned area between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8.
No mineral licks were identified within or immediately adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop.
Carnivores Six carnivore species were documented in the area of the Cranberry Section during the October 2010 and January 2011 field work. These were American black bear, coyote, gray wolf, Canada lynx, ermine and marten.
Two carnivore species, American black bear (scat, tracks, scratch trees, diggings) and coyote (tracks), were documented in the area in October 2010. Black bears are common in the area and black bear sign was observed along the proposed pipeline loop in all habitat types. No grizzly bears or obvious grizzly bear sign was observed during the field surveys. Coyote tracks were observed along the proposed pipeline loop near KPC 18.9.
In January 2011, gray wolf tracks were observed near KPC 21.3 and two wolves were observed walking along the Chinchaga River approximately 4.3 km southwest of KP 32.3 Tracks of Canada lynx, weasel and marten were observed infrequently along the length of the proposed pipeline loop in all habitats. Tracks of coyote were most often observed in upland forests and shrubby habitats (i.e., shrubby fen, shrubby swamp).
There was little carnivore sign observed in the burned habitat between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8. No active or recently used mammal dens were identified within or immediately adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop.
Small Mammals Snowshoe hare (tracks, scat) and red squirrel (visual, tracks) were documented. Snowshoe hare tracks were observed in high numbers along the length of the Cranberry Section in all habitat types, particularly in shrubby swamps containing dense willow and black spruce, as well as in the burned habitat between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8. Red squirrel and their sign were commonly observed in forests containing spruce. Voles and shrews can also be expected to occur along the proposed pipeline loop and the existing Tanghe Creek Loop.
Semi-aquatic Mammals The Cranberry Section does not cross any active beaver ponds or dams. Beaver activity has created numerous small ponds and wetlands, as well as larger wetland complexes in the vicinity of the proposed
Page 25
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212 pipeline loop. Locations where beaver activity was observed in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline loop are identified in Table 8.
TABLE 8
LOCATIONS OF BEAVER ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF THE TANGHE CREEK LATERAL LOOP NO. 2 (CRANBERRY SECTION)
KPC1 Comments 6.4 Beaver pond with dam and lodge south of the proposed pipeline loop. 8.8 Beaver pond complex with lodge and dams adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop along the south side of the existing Tanghe Creek Loop. Note: 1 All locations are approximate.
5.4.2 Birds
Raptors and Owls A northern harrier was observed near KPC 14.9 and a rough-legged hawk was observed near KPC 11.9 in October 2010. No obvious stick nests were identified within or immediately adjacent to the Cranberry Section.
Passerines Bird species observed in October 2010 include black-capped chickadee, common raven, gray jay, pine siskin, snow bunting and white-winged crossbill. Evidence of pileated woodpecker (work on trees) was observed near KPC 21.9 and KPC 22.9. In January 2011, boreal chickadee, common raven and gray jay were observed.
Waterfowl and Shorebirds A non-woody fen (beaver pond) with emergent vegetation and open water, which may provide potentially suitable nesting habitat for waterfowl or shorebirds, is encountered along the Cranberry Section near KPC 6.4. The open water portion of this wetland is located approximately 100 m south of the Cranberry Section Footprint; the Footprint traverses a portion of the graminoid vegetation at the edges of the wetland. Potential water bird habitat is also available at a large open water wetland located within the LSA, south of the Footprint near KPC 8.7. Other wetlands encountered along this loop have insufficient open water to provide suitable waterfowl or shorebird habitat. No waterfowl or shorebird species were observed in October 2010.
Upland Game Birds Ruffed grouse was observed near KPC 8.7 and a spruce grouse was observed near KPC 23.9 in October 2010. In January 2011, sharp-tailed grouse were observed along the existing Tanghe Creek Loop near KPC 3.5, KPC 14.2 and KPC 15.8.
5.4.3 Amphibians No amphibians were observed in October 2010, which is expected given the time of year. Potentially suitable breeding habitat for wood frog and boreal chorus frog occurs at several watercourses and drainages crossed by the Cranberry Section, as well as at a beaver pond (non-woody fen) south of the Footprint near KPC 6.4 and at other wetlands along this loop that contain small pockets of open water.
Further information on wetlands traverses by the proposed loop can be found in the Wetland Assessment report (TERA 2011d). A large open water wetland located within the LSA, south of the Footprint near KPC 8.7, may also provide suitable habitat for wood frog and boreal chorus frog.
Page 26
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
5.5 Species with Special Conservation Status Species with special conservation status that are listed on Schedule 1 of SARA or by COSEWIC that have potential to occur along the proposed pipeline loops based on species range, habitat requirements and the results of the field surveys are described in more detail below. Section 5.5.1 of this report provides general information on status and habitat requirements and Table 9 provides specific reference to each proposed pipeline loop. Further detail on provincially listed wildlife species with potential to occur along each of the proposed pipeline loops can be found in Appendix A.
5.5.1 Status and General Habitat Requirements The following provides general information on the status and habitat requirements of wildlife species that are listed on Schedule 1 of SARA or by COSEWIC that have potential to occur along the proposed pipeline loops:
Woodland Caribou: (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Terrestrial lichens are the most important food source for caribou throughout the year and are found primarily in old forests (ASRD and Alberta Conservation Association 2010). Boreal caribou are typically found in peatland complexes dominated by black spruce and larch (Bradshaw et al. 1995, Hornbeck and Moyles 1995, Anderson 1999). In northern Alberta, research has shown that even in areas where small peatlands are interspersed in an upland matrix, caribou tend to select treed bogs and fens (Anderson 1999). A biophysical inventory of Chinchaga Wildland Park in Alberta found that areas mapped as treed and shrubby bog ecosite phases were identified as significant winter habitat for caribou. Upland, forested pine / lichen communities are also used by woodland caribou during years of heavy snowfall (Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2002).
The Kyklo Creek Section does not traverse a provincially recognized caribou range or caribou core habitat (BC MOE 2008). The Snake-Sahtenah caribou range is located approximately 1.4 km west of the proposed pipeline loop at KPK 0.0 (BC MOE 2008). Portions of the Timberwolf Section and Cranberry Section are located within the Chinchaga caribou range (ASRD 2007, 2010a). The Etthithun Core area is located in BC 950 m west of the Timberwolf Section. This identified core area does not extend east of the provincial border.
Grizzly Bear: (Special Concern by COSEWIC). Grizzly bears require a diverse combination of habitats in close proximity within the boundaries of their large home ranges, including areas for travel, seclusion, feeding and denning. Grizzly bears are seasonally nomadic and move across the landscape as they track their preferred forage items over the course of a growing season (COSEWIC 2002). Riparian forests and wetland complexes provide early spring range for vegetation since these sites green up early, while fall fruit production (berries) are important in the summer and fall. Grizzly bears occupy a wide range of habitats from low elevation valleys to upper ridges. Denning habitat is associated with aspects that are oriented to ensure a good early catchment of insulative snow cover over the den entrance (Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2002). Along the proposed pipeline loops, denning habitat is likely limited to incised north-facing slopes where these occur.
Wood Bison: (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Wood bison select landscapes that contain a high proportion of graminoid fens for feeding and other vegetation communities including deciduous forests, which are used for resting, ruminating and avoiding biting flies. Important habitats in the boreal forest are wetland-associated meadows, open shrublands and dry grasslands (Mitchell and Gates 2002). Wetlands are rarely used in the summer likely given the energy required to manoeuvre through the mud and are used in late summer and winter when they are dry and/or frozen (Strong and Gates 2009). All three of the proposed pipeline loops are located within a wood bison management zone.
Wolverine: (Special Concern by COSEWIC). Wolverines require large, undisturbed treed and treeless areas at all elevations that contain an abundance of large ungulate prey (Environment Canada 2011). Wolverines use a wide assortment of structural stages in their day-to-day life, although mature and old forest structural stages are used predominately. “Habitat” for wolverine is not easily delineated as a set of vegetative parameters and is closely tied to the distribution and abundance of food, as well as suitable habitat/structures for denning (BC MWLAP 2004, Petersen 1997). Most studies of wolverine habitat use show little, if any, selection for habitat at the stand scale since wolverines are not small-scale habitat
Page 27
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212 specialists and require a suite of habitat variables that occur at larger spatial scales (e.g., landscapes, regions) (BC MWLAP 2004). Wolverines exhibit selection of small-scale habitat structures for natal and maternal dens. Female wolverines locate dens in snow tunnels leading to masses of fallen trees or rocky colluvium and are generally associated with small-scale forest openings at high-elevations (BC MWLAP 2004). There is also evidence that wolverines select climax conifer forests with high crown closure in the boreal forest during winter. These dense forest stands have a buffering effect on snow depth, which allows wolverines to travel more efficiently with less energy expenditure (Wright and Ernst 2004). Potentially suitable habitat for wolverine occurs along all three proposed pipeline loops.
Canada Warbler (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). In northeastern BC, habitat is found on wet, unstable slopes with deciduous or mixed deciduous-coniferous forest with well developed shrub layers and woody debris (Campbell et al., 1990). Breeding habitat in Alberta has been described as thick stands of willow and alder along streams, dense shrubs in or near water, substantial deciduous undergrowth taller than 1.5 m and a ground slope equal or greater than 15 degrees (Semenchuk 1992). Although this type of habitat was found to be limited during the field work, the proposed pipeline loops are within the species range of Canada warbler.
Common Nighthawk (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Open habitats are required for common nighthawk nesting and foraging, and can include burnt areas, logged or slashburned areas, woodland clearings, open forests, rocky outcrops, rock barrens, grasslands, pastures, peat bogs, marshes, lake shores and river banks. Nests are built on the ground (except when found on gravel rooftops), usually in the open near logs, boulders, grassy clumps and shrubs (COSEWIC 2007, Environment Canada 2011, Federation of Alberta Naturalists 2007, Campbell et al. 1990). Common nighthawk is most often associated with Grassland Natural Regions in Alberta where open habitats are more widespread, and found less frequently in boreal forests where treed habitats are more closed (Federation of Alberta Naturalists 2007). Potential habitat along the Project is associated with open grassy and wetland areas along portions of the existing rights-of-way and at watercourse crossings.
Horned Grebe: (Special Concern by COSEWIC). Although primarily associated with prairie and parkland habitats, the western population of horned grebe also inhabits boreal and subarctic zones. Horned grebes are divers, catching and eating most prey underwater but bringing larger prey (e.g., larger fish, amphibians) to the surface. Prey includes fish, crustaceans, leeches, small frogs, salamanders, tadpoles, and insects picked from the water surface and aquatic plants. Nesting ponds and lakes are found in open and forested areas, and require areas of open water and beds of emergent vegetation that provides nest materials, concealment and anchorage, and protection for young. Size of breeding ponds vary, however, horned grebe most often select small, shallow ponds (0.3-2 ha). This makes them vulnerable to changes in water quality near breeding sites, since these small water bodies are sensitive to eutrophication, drainage and drought (COSEWIC 2009). Potentially suitable habitat for horned grebe is associated with wetlands such as beaver ponds that are along and adjacent to the Kyklo Creek and Timberwolf Sections. There are no suitable breeding ponds along the Cranberry Section Footprint, but potentially suitable habitat occurs within the LSA.
Olive-sided Flycatcher (Threatened on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Olive-sided flycatcher is typically associated with forest openings (e.g., fens, bogs, swamps, logged areas, burned forest), forest edges (e.g., near wetlands) or open forest stands. Tall trees or snags are essential for foraging (perches) and nesting. In the boreal forest of western Canada, suitable olive-sided flycatcher habitat is more likely to occur in or near wetlands and in young forest associated with burns and clear-cuts (COSEWIC 2007). Potentially suitable habitat for olive-sided flycatcher is associated with wetlands (i.e., treed fens, shrubby fens and treed bogs) that are encountered by the proposed pipeline loops as well as the regenerating forest (previously burned) between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8 along the Cranberry Section.
Rusty Blackbird: (Special Concern on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Rusty blackbirds nest in boreal forest wetlands near open water (Smithsonian 2011) and preferentially select flooded woodland margins of beaver ponds for both nesting and foraging (Campbell et al. 1990). Nesting habitat can include forest wetlands, such as slow-moving streams, peat bogs, sedge meadows, marshes, swamps, beaver ponds and pasture edges (COSEWIC 2006, Environment Canada 2011). Rusty blackbirds rely heavily on adults and aquatic larvae of wetland insects as their primary food source (Smithsonian 2011). All three of the proposed pipeline loops are within known rusty blackbird species range and have potentially suitably habitat.
Page 28
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Short-eared Owl: (Special Concern by COSEWIC). Short-eared owls are typically associated with open habitats that support cyclic small mammal populations (e.g., voles [Microtus spp.]), including grasslands, clear-cuts, bogs, marshes, old pastures and occasionally agricultural fields (Clayton 2000, COSEWIC 2008b, Environment Canada 2010, BC MWLAP 2004). Nests are usually located on a raised dry site concealed by low vegetation, although wet areas may also be used (BC MWLAP 2004). Roosts may be used year after year; however, nest site fidelity is not strong, presumably because this species is nomadic (BC MWLAP 2004). Prey availability is usually the proximate factor that determines breeding locales. A high correlation between short-eared owl abundance and peaks in vole population cycles has been documented. Observation records suggest the northern limit of breeding in northwest Alberta to be Peace River; however, reliable sources report short-eared owls occurring throughout the province. Insufficient sampling is suggested as the likely reason for the few records of short-eared owls in northern Alberta (Clayton 2000). Short-eared owl is reported to breed in the Peace Lowlands of BC, most often associated with agricultural areas and wetland edges (BC MWLAP 2004). Potential habitat for short-eared owls along the proposed pipeline loops may occur in open grassy and wetland habitats, and along the existing pipeline rights-of-way.
Yellow Rail: (Special Concern on Schedule 1 of SARA and by COSEWIC). Yellow rail breeding habitat is characterized by wetlands (e.g., fens) dominated by sedges, grasses and rushes where there is little or no standing water (generally 0-12 cm water depth), and where the substrate remains saturated throughout the summer (Federation of Alberta Naturalists 2007, Environment Canada 2011). Other suitable habitat types include damp fields and meadows, floodplains of rivers and streams and in the herbaceous vegetation of bogs (Environment Canada 2011). Shallow wetlands dominated by graminoid species are of limited availability along the proposed pipeline loops. Most wetlands crossed by the proposed pipeline loops have a high shrub and/or tree component, which is not characteristic of typical yellow rail breeding habitat.
As noted in Section 3.5 of this report, based on species range, habitat requirements, consultation and field work conducted to date, Table 9 provides a summary of species with special conservation status that may occur along each of the proposed pipeline loops.
TABLE 9
SUMMARY OF SPECIES WITH SPECIAL CONSERVATION STATUS WITH POTENTIAL HABITAT ALONG THE PROPOSED PIPELINE LOOPS
Horn River Mainline Northwest Mainline Tanghe Creek Lateral Species and Status (Kyklo Creek Section) (Timberwolf Section) Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) Woodland Caribou Not located within a caribou Located within the Chinchaga caribou range Located within the Chinchaga (Threatened on range. between KPT 22.7 and KPT 49.8. caribou range between KPC 26.4 Schedule 1 of SARA and No caribou or caribou sign was ASRD FWMIS records include occurrences and KPC 32.3 by COSEWIC) observed during the wildlife field of woodland caribou within 2 km of the ASRD FWMIS records include work. proposed pipeline loop (records dated from occurrences of woodland caribou 1992 through 2001). within 2 km of the proposed pipeline October 20, 2010: five woodland caribou loop (records dated from 1992 were observed approximately 12.0 km through 2001). south of the proposed pipeline loop. No caribou or caribou sign observed October 20 and 22, 2010: tracks of during wildlife field work. woodland caribou were observed along the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way near KPT 46.2 January 24, 2011: five woodland caribou were observed approximately 63 km south/southeast of the proposed pipeline loop. All observations of caribou were within the Chinchaga caribou range.
Page 29
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 9 Cont'd
Horn River Mainline Northwest Mainline Tanghe Creek Lateral Species and Status (Kyklo Creek Section) (Timberwolf Section) Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) Grizzly Bear No grizzly bear or grizzly bear Located within a Grizzly Bear Secondary Entire length located within a Grizzly (Special Concern by sign was observed during the Zone between KPT 43.8 and KPT 49.8. Bear Secondary Zone. COSEWIC) wildlife field work. ASRD FWMIS records indicate grizzly bear ASRD FWMIS records indicate activity in the vicinity of the Chinchaga and grizzly bear activity in the vicinity of South Chinchaga rivers. the Chinchaga and South No grizzly bear or grizzly bear sign was Chinchaga rivers. observed during the wildlife field work. No grizzly bear or grizzly bear sign was observed during the wildlife field work. Wood Bison Not located within a wood bison Not located within a wood bison range. Not located within a wood bison (Threatened on range. range. Schedule 1 of SARA and No bison or bison sign was October 20, 2010, tracks of wood bison No bison or bison sign was by COSEWIC): observed during the wildlife field were observed along the existing Northwest observed during the wildlife field work. Mainline right-of-way near KPT 5.4. work. October 22, 2010: tracks of wood bison were observed along the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way near KPT 46.3. October 20, 2010: a herd of 45 wood bison was observed on an existing lease located approximately 31.2 km south of the proposed pipeline loop. October 23, 2010: Fresh tracks of wood bison were observed along the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way to the south of the proposed pipeline loop. February 7, 2011: a herd of approximately 75 wood bison were observed incidentally in an open meadow located approximately 42 km southwest of the proposed pipeline loop. Wolverine In February 2011, the tracks of Evidence of wolverine was not observed Evidence of wolverine was not (Special Concern by one wolverine were incidentally during the wildlife field work. observed during the wildlife field COSEWIC) observed along a winter road Potential habitat occurs along the length of work. adjacent to the proposed pipeline the proposed pipeline loop. Potential habitat occurs along the loop between KPK 27.0 and length of the proposed pipeline loop. KPK 27.3. Potential habitat occurs along the length of the proposed pipeline loop. Canada Warbler Forest stands containing a well Forest stands containing a well developed Forest stands containing a well (Threatened on Schedule developed and complex and complex understory are limited. developed and complex understory 1 of SARA and by understory are limited. are limited. COSEWIC) Common Nighthawk Potential habitat is associated Potential habitat is associated with open Potential habitat is associated with (Threatened on Schedule with open grassy and wetland grassy and wetland areas along portions of open grassy and wetland areas 1 of SARA and by areas along portions of the the existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way along portions of the existing COSEWIC) existing Ekwan Section pipeline and at watercourse crossings. Tanghe Creek right-of-way and at right-of-way and at watercourse watercourse crossings. crossings. Horned Grebe Potential habitat is associated Potential habitat is associated with wetlands Potential habitat is associated with (Special Concern by with wetlands such as beaver such as beaver ponds that are along and wetlands such as beaver ponds that COSEWIC) ponds that are along and adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop. may overlap and are adjacent to the adjacent to the proposed pipeline proposed pipeline loop. loop. Olive-sided Flycatcher Potential habitat is associated Potential habitat is associated with wetlands Potential habitat is associated with (Threatened on Schedule with wetlands (i.e., treed fens, (i.e., treed fens, shrubby fens and treed wetlands (i.e., treed fens, shrubby 1 of SARA and by shrubby fens and treed bogs) bogs) that are encountered by the proposed fens and treed bogs) that are COSEWIC) that are encountered by the pipeline loop. encountered by the proposed proposed pipeline loop. pipeline loop as well as the regenerating forest (previously burned) between KPC 0.0 and KPC 19.8.
Page 30
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 9 Cont'd
Horn River Mainline Northwest Mainline Tanghe Creek Lateral Species and Status (Kyklo Creek Section) (Timberwolf Section) Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) Rusty Blackbird Potential habitat is associated Potential habitat is associated with wetlands Potential habitat is associated with (Special Concern on with wetlands (i.e., treed fens, (i.e., treed fens, shrubby fens, treed bogs, wetlands (i.e., treed fens, shrubby Schedule 1 of SARA and shrubby fens and treed bogs) treed swamps, graminoid fens and fens, treed bogs, graminoid fens by COSEWIC) that are encountered by the emergent marshes) that are encountered by and shrubby swamps) that are proposed pipeline loop. the proposed pipeline loop. encountered by the proposed pipeline loop. Short-eared Owl Potential habitat is associated Potential habitat is associated with open Potential habitat occurs along the (Special Concern by with open grassy and wetland grassy and wetland habitats, and along the proposed pipeline loop at open COSEWIC) habitats, and along the existing existing Northwest Mainline right-of-way. grassy and wetland habitats, and Ekwan Section pipeline right-of- along the existing Tanghe Creek way. Loop. Yellow Rail Not located within species range Not located within species range for yellow Potential habitat is associated with (Special Concern on for yellow rail. rail. damp, open areas dominated by Schedule 1 of SARA and grasses and sedges at the margins by COSEWIC) of wetlands (i.e., graminoid fens) and along the existing Tanghe Creek right-of-way.
Page 31
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
6.0 DISCUSSION AND MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS The wildlife field work conducted along the Kyklo Creek Section (March 2009, July 2009, February 2011), Timberwolf Section (October 2010, January, 2011) and Cranberry Section (October 2010, January, 2011) provided the opportunity to review wildlife habitat and wildlife use along the proposed pipeline loops and to identify any routing constraints from a wildlife habitat perspective. Based on the results of the literature/desktop review and field work, and given the lengths parallel to existing linear corridors, realignment of the proposed pipeline loops is not warranted from a wildlife habitat perspective.
6.1 Traditional Ecological Knowledge Aboriginal TEK participants did not recommend any specific mitigation strategies for the Project related to wildlife.
6.2 Recommended Supplemental Surveys The following supplemental wildlife surveys are recommended for the proposed Project:
• a summer wildlife survey in June 2011, including surveys for breeding birds and amphibians, as well as a survey for wildlife habitat features; and
• a trumpeter swan survey in late August/early September 2011 along the Kyklo, Timberwolf and Cranberry sections to identify trumpeter swan breeding lakes.
In addition, areas with higher suitability to support bear dens (i.e., suitable slope, aspect and orientation) will be reviewed (if they occur) during the 2011 summer wildlife survey. In the event evidence of denning is found and/or suitable locations are identified, the findings will be discussed with ASRD and BC MFLNRO to determine whether a preconstruction fall 2012 bear den survey is warranted.
Aboriginal groups who are potentially affected by the Project will be invited to participate in the 2011 supplemental field surveys.
6.3 Wildlife Recommendations The mitigation measures presented in Table 10 have either already been incorporated into Project planning and/or are otherwise recommended as site-specific measures to reduce potential environmental effects on wildlife and wildlife habitat during construction and operation of the proposed pipeline loops. Additional mitigative measures are provided in the Environmental Protection Plan prepared for the Project (TERA 2011e) and in Section 6.2.10 of the ESA (TERA 2011a).
TABLE 10
WILDLIFE MITIGATION MEASURES
Concern Mitigation Measures Loss of Wildlife Habitat • The proposed pipeline loops parallel existing linear disturbances (e.g., pipeline rights-of-way, powerline, road, cutlines) for approximately: 27.8 km (96%) of its length (Kyklo Section); 49.4 km (99%) of its length (Timberwolf Section); and 30.4 km (94%) of its length (Cranberry Section). Wildlife Disturbance and • Follow the Bear-Human Conflict Management Plan for Camps in Appendix 4A of the Upstream Oil and Gas Operating Attraction of Wildlife During Conditions for the Enhanced Approval Process (Government of Alberta 2010b) unless otherwise directed by ASRD. Construction • Prohibit recreational use of all-terrain vehicles on the pipeline rights-of-way. • Prohibit construction personnel from having dogs on the pipeline rights-of-way. • Prohibit construction personnel from feeding or harassing wildlife. • Dispose food wastes and industrial waste properly. • Report any issues related to wildlife encountered during construction and operation to the appropriate regulatory agency (ASRD or BC MFLNRO). Follow the measures in the Wildlife Encounter Contingency Plan.
Page 32
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 10 Cont'd
Concern Mitigation Measures Barriers to Wildlife Movement • Conduct work expeditiously to maintain a tight construction spread (i.e., interval between front-end work activities such During Construction as clearing, grading and back-end activities such as clean-up) to reduce the duration of the open trench and to reduce potential barriers and hazards to wildlife. • Within the Chinchaga Caribou Range, pipeline construction should not be a barrier to caribou movement. Welded pipe, which is higher than 0.75 m should not remain on the ground or on skids for more than three days (Government of Alberta 2010d). If this occurs, it is recommended that the pipe have gaps spaced every 500 m (Boreal Caribou Committee 2001). Gaps can be located in places that also facilitate construction such as at slope changes, crossings (i.e., watercourse, road, pipeline right-of-way) and bends. • Outside of caribou range, gaps may also be located in areas with higher potential for large mammal crossing during the construction season (i.e., bison). The locations of the gaps should coincide with gaps in spoil and slash piles. The locations can be determined in the field by the Environmental Inspector. Visual Screening / Line-of-Sight • Implement measures to reduce line-of-sight (i.e., rollback, etc) at selected locations along the proposed pipeline loops. The locations of site-specific measures will be determined based on input from the supplemental wildlife study and will be implemented in the field by the Environmental Inspector. The plan will be developed in consultation with ASRD and the BC MFLNRO. • Limit vegetation control along the right-of-way during operations to the extent practical. Migratory Birds • Schedule clearing and construction to be completed outside the minimum migratory bird RAP of May 1 to July 31 (Gregoire pers. comm., Robinson pers. comm.). • In the event that the migratory bird RAP cannot be avoided, complete a migratory bird nest sweep prior to commencing clearing or construction activities. Chinchaga Caribou Range • As noted above in "Barriers to Wildlife Movement During Construction", welded pipe higher than 0.75 m should not (applies to Timberwolf remain on the ground or on skids for more than three days (Government of Alberta 2010d). If this occurs, it is Section and Cranberry Section) recommended that the pipe have gaps spaced every 500 m (Boreal Caribou Committee 2001). Gaps can be located in places that also facilitate construction such as at slope changes, crossings (i.e., watercourse, road, pipeline right-of- way) and bends. • Employ an "early in/early out" approach by initiating activities as early as possible in the winter and working expeditiously to limit late winter activities in the Chinchaga Caribou Range (Government of Alberta 2010b). Schedule construction and routine maintenance activities in the Chinchaga Caribou Range outside the important spring calving and rearing period for caribou (generally mid-March to mid-July) unless otherwise approved by ASRD. • Implement measures to control access and line-of-sight (e.g., rollback, revegetation), as determined by NGTL in consultation with ASRD. • Construction as well as routine maintenance and operation activities will be scheduled outside the critical spring period for caribou (generally mid-March to mid-July), unless otherwise approved by ASRD. Grizzly Bear Secondary Zone • The proposed pipeline loops parallel existing linear disturbances to reduce creation of new access and human footprint (applies to Timberwolf within the Grizzly Bear Secondary Zone. Section and Cranberry Section) • During the summer 2011 supplementary wildlife field work, areas with higher suitability to support bear dens (i.e., suitable slope, aspect and orientation) will be reviewed (if they occur). In the event evidence of denning is found and/or suitable locations are identified, the findings will be discussed with ASRD and BC MFLNRO to determine whether a preconstruction fall 2012 bear den survey is warranted • For all pipeline loops (including Kyklo), Project personnel will be provided with Bear Awareness Training. If an active grizzly bear den is identified during clearing and construction along any of the pipeline loops, NGTL will consult with ASRD and BC MFLNRO to discuss the appropriate action. Note that in Alberta, the recommended setback distance from an active grizzly bear den is 750 m with a RAP of October 1 to April 30 (Government of Alberta 2010d) and in BC, a 50 m setback is recommended (BC OGC 2010). Key Wildlife and Biodiversity • NGTL intends to complete all clearing and construction activities for the Timberwolf Section within one winter season. Zone Despite intentions to commence activities as early as ground conditions allow, it is likely that activity within the Key (applies to Timberwolf Section) Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone may extend past January 15, into the RAP (January 15 to April 15) (Government of Alberta 2010a). Maintain contact with ASRD during the winter construction period to advise the provincial Wildlife Biologist of construction progress and anticipated completion date within the Key Wildlife Biodiversity Zone. • Conduct work expeditiously to maintain a tight construction spread (i.e., interval between front-end work activities such as clearing, grading and back-end activities such as clean-up) to reduce the duration of activities within the Key Wildlife Biodiversity Zone. Trumpeter Swans • Complete a trumpeter swan survey in later summer 2011 to identify breeding lakes in proximity to the proposed pipeline loops. Based on the results of the survey, appropriate mitigation measures will be developed in consultation with ASRD or BC MFLNRO to address any site-specific issues. Recommended measures will take into account the regulatory guidelines for setback distances and RAPs associated with trumpeter swan breeding lakes (e.g., Alberta RAP: April 1 to September 30 [Government of Alberta 2010b]; BC RAP: April 1 to July 31 critical period and August 1 to August 31 cautionary period [BC MFLNRO 2010c]). • Clearing and construction are scheduled to commence outside of the RAP for trumpeter swans. • Avoid direct aerial overflights over identified trumpeter swan breeding lakes or waterbodies between April 1 to September 30 (Government of Alberta 2010d).
Page 33
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE 10 Cont'd
Concern Mitigation Measures Species with Special • Specific mitigation measures will be developed following the supplemental wildlife field work to be completed in 2011 to Conservation Status address any concerns identified for species with special conservation status. • Implement the Wildlife Species of Concern Discovery Contingency Plan in the event that wildlife species of concern are identified during construction. • In the event that a species with special conservation status is observed during construction, the appropriate regulatory agency (ASRD or BC MFLNRO) will be contacted to determine if additional mitigation measures are warranted. Wildlife Habitat Features • In the event a wildlife habitat feature is identified during the supplemental field work in 2011, the feature will be flagged (mineral licks, dens, stick nests) and the appropriate mitigation will be developed as required in consultation with ASRD or BC MFLNRO. Beaver Dam/Lodge • In the event that beaver dams or lodges will be disturbed, obtain the relevant permits for beaver dam removal from the appropriate provincial regulatory agency. Comply with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Operational Statement for Beaver Dam Removal, where applicable, as well as any Project approval conditions. Environmental Inspection • An Environmental Inspector will be onsite throughout all phases of clearing, construction and clean-up to ensure the wildlife mitigation measures are implemented.
Page 34
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
7.0 SUMMARY The following provides a summary of the wildlife surveys and TEK studies conducted for the proposed Project. Based on the results of the literature and desktop review and the field surveys, the proposed pipeline loops do not need to be rerouted from a wildlife habitat perspective.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge • TEK was collected in partnership with participants of Fort Nelson First Nation, Prophet River First Nation, Dene Tha' First Nation, Fort Vermilion Métis Local 74 and Duncan's First Nation.
• Aboriginal TEK participants did not recommend any specific mitigation strategies for the Project related to wildlife.
• Aboriginal groups who are potentially impacted by the Project will be invited to participate in the 2011 supplemental field surveys.
Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) • A helicopter overflight of the proposed pipeline loop was conducted on March 16 to 18, 2009. A ground stop was made near KPK 18.0 on March 17, 2009 to ground truth tracks and verify other wildlife sign. A second helicopter overflight of the proposed pipeline loop was conducted on July 25 and 26, 2009 with limited ground stops made at KP 21.0 (Kyklo Creek) and at KP 4.8 (stand of mature upland forest) on July 26, 2009 to record notes on general habitat, obvious evidence of wildlife use and incidental wildlife observations. A winter survey was conducted on February 2 and 3, 2011.
• The Kyklo Creek Section will parallel the existing TransCanada Ekwan Section pipeline right-of-way, roads and seismic lines for approximately 27.8 km (96%) of the proposed pipeline loop.
• No SARA Schedule 1 or COSEWIC listed wildlife species were observed along or adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop during the field surveys.
Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) • Wildlife field work was conducted on October 13, 20, 22 and 23, 2010, and a winter survey was conducted from January 23 to 25, 2011.
• The Timberwolf Section will parallel TransCanada's existing Northwest Mainline and roads for approximately 49.4 km (99%) of the proposed pipeline loop.
• Tracks of wood bison and woodland caribou were observed along and adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop during the October 2010 field survey. No other SARA Schedule 1 or COSEWIC listed wildlife species were observed along the proposed pipeline loop during the field surveys. During the winter 2011 field survey, wood bison and woodland caribou were observed outside the RSA during aerial overflights between the different pipeline loop segments.
Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) • Wildlife field work was conducted October 13 and 16, 2010 and a winter survey was conducted January 23, 26 and 27, 2011.
• The Cranberry Section will parallel TransCanada's existing Tanghe Creek Loop and roads for approximately 30.4 km (94%) of the proposed pipeline loop.
• No SARA Schedule 1 or COSEWIC listed wildlife species were observed along or adjacent to the proposed pipeline loop during the field surveys.
Page 35
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
8.0 REFERENCES
8.1 Personal Communications TERA wishes to acknowledge those people identified in the Personal Communications for their assistance in supplying information and comments incorporated into this report.
Gregoire, P. Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Edmonton, Alberta. November 25, 2010.
Moyles, D. Senior Area Wildlife Biologist, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Peace River, Alberta. December 13, 2010.
Nelson, F. Administrative Coordinator, Alberta Professional Outfitters Society. Edmonton, Alberta.
Robinson, A. Wildlife Biologist. Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada. Delta, British Columbia. November 25, 2010.
8.2 Literature Cited Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute. 2010. Terrestrial Field Data Collection Protocols - Abridged (10045), Version 2010-08-25. Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, Alberta, Canada. Website: http://abmi.ca/abmi/reports/.
Alberta Conservation Information Management System. 2010. Animal - Tracking and Watch Lists. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/animals/default.aspx.
Alberta Energy and Natural Resources. 1970+. Phase 3 Forest Inventory Maps. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, Alberta.
Alberta Energy. 2010. Land Status Automated System (LSAS). Project-specific search request completed October 18, 2010.
Alberta Environment. 2011. Alberta's River Basins. Website: http://environment.alberta.ca/apps/basins/default.aspx.
Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. 2009. Tracked Elements Listed by Natural Subregions - November 2009. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/datarequests/docs/Tracked_Elements_by_Natural_S ubregions_2009_NOVEMBER.xls.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Conservation Association. 2010. Status of the Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Alberta: Update 2010. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Wildlife Status Report No. 30. Edmonton, Alberta. 88 pp.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2005. NW4-Upper Hay Area Land Management Referral Map. 1:250,000 map.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2007. Smoky Area Land Management Referral Map. 1:250,000 map.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009a. Important Migratory Staging Zones. Draft 1 page + digital data files.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2009b. Species Assessed by Alberta's Endangered Species Conservation Committee: Short List. Updated December 3, 2009. 2 pp.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2010a. Fisheries and Wildlife Management Information System Records. Received from ASRD Peace River Office (D. Moyles).
Page 36
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2010b. Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations. Website: http://www.albertaregulations.ca/huntingregs/.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2010c. Alberta Guide to Trapping Regulations. Website: http://www.albertaregulations.ca/trappingregs/wmu-descriptions.htm.
Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. 2011. The 2010 General Status of Alberta Wild Species. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/BiodiversityStewardship/SpeciesAtRisk/GeneralStatus/GeneralStatusof AlbertaWildSpecies2010/Search.aspx. Accessed April 2011.
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. 2009. Environmentally Significant Areas of Alberta. 1:1,000,000 map. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/environsigareas/default.aspx.
Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation. 2010. Parks and Protected Areas (including Crown Reservations). 1:1,000,000 map. Parks Division. Website: http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/landreferencemanual/docs/pasites_pdfmap.pdf.
Anderson, R.B. 1999. Peatland habitat use and selection by woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in northern Alberta. M.Sc. Thesis. University of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta.
Backmeyer, R. 2004. Moose and Boreal Caribou Inventory Management Units 7-55 and 7-56. February 2004. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection, Environmental Stewardship Division, Peace Region. 6 pp.
Banfield, A.W.G. 1974. The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario. 438 pp.
Beckingham, J. D. and J. H. Archibald. 1996. Field Guide to Ecosites of Northern Alberta. Canadian Forest Service, Northwest Region, Northern Forestry Centre. Vancouver, University of British Columbia Press.
BirdLife International, Bird Studies Canada and Nature Canada. 2011. Important Bird Areas. Website: http://www.ibacanada.com/.
Boreal Caribou Committee. 2001. Strategic Plan and Industrial Guidelines for Boreal Caribou Ranges in Northern Alberta. 35pgs.
Bradshaw, C.J.A., D.M. Hebert, A.B. Rippin, and S. Boutin. 1995. Winter peatland habitat selection by woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta. Can. J. Zool. 73: 1567-1574.
Breault, A., B. Harrison and S. Shisko. 2007. Breeding Distribution and Abundance of Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) in British Columbia, Summer 2005. Technical Report Series No. 475. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region. 34pp.
British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas. 2011. Data accessed from NatureCounts, a node of the Avian Knowledge Network, Bird Studies Canada. Website: http://www.birdatlas.bc.ca/english/index.jsp.
British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2010. Provincial Red and Blue Lists. Ministry of Environment. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/red-blue.html.
British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2011a. Mapped Known Locations of Species and Ecological Communities at Risk. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/ims.htm. Accessed: January 2011.
British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2011b. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. Ministry of Environment. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html.
British Columbia Integrated Land Management Bureau. 1997. Fort Nelson Land and Resource Management Plan. Government of British Columbia. 149 pp.
Page 37
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Land and Parks. 1999. Inventory Methods for Medium-sized Terrestrial Carnivores: Coyote, Red Fox, Lynx, Bobcat, Wolverine, Fisher & Badger. Standards for Components of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 25. Resources Inventory Branch for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force Resources Inventory Committee. Version 2.0. Website: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/medcarn/index.htm
British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 2002. Aerial-based Inventory Methods for Selected Ungulates: Bison, Mountain Goat, Mountain Sheep, Moose, Elk, Deer and Caribou. Standards for Components of British Columbia's Biodiversity No. 32. Terrestrial Information Branch for the Terrestrial Ecosystems Task Force Resources Inventory Committee. Version 2.0. Website: http://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/pubdocs/bcdocs/352660/aerial_based_inv_tech.pdf
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2008. Caribou Distribution in British Columbia by Ecotype. Map. December 2008.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2010a. BC Watershed Code Availability Maps. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/watershed_atlas_maps/maps/watershed.html.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2010b. Water Resources Atlas. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/data_searches/wrbc/index.html.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2010c. Peace Region Selected Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Least-Risk Windows - March 2010. 1 pg.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2011a. Ungulate Winter Ranges. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/frpa/uwr/approved_uwr.html.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2011b. Wildlife Habitat Areas. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cgi-bin/apps/faw/wharesult.cgi?search=slap_region&wlap=Peace.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2011c. BC Parks. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/regions.html.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2011d. Hunting and Trapping Regulation Synopsis - Peace Region 7B. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting/regulations/.
British Columbia Ministry of Environment. 2011e. Conservation Framework: outputs and tools for species and ecosystems. URL: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/conservationframework/results.html.
British Columbia Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management Terrestrial Information Branch. 2002. Vegetation Resource Inventory: The BC Land Cover Classification Scheme, Version 1.3. Website: http://archive.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/teveg/bcland2k2/landcover-02.pdf.
British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2002. Wood Bison. Wildlife at Risk in British Columbia. Brochure. Website: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/wbison.pdf
British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. 2004. Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works. WLAP BMP Series. March 2004. 168 pp. Website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/bmp/iswstdsbpsmarch2004.pdf.
British Columbia Oil and Gas Commission. 2010. Environmental Protection and Management Guidebook. October 2010. Website: http://www.bcogc.ca/document.aspx?documentID=927&type=.pdf. Accessed: February 2011.
Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser and M.C.E. McNall. 1990. The Birds of British Columbia. Volumes 1-4. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver.
Canada Gazette. 2011. Canada Gazette Part II. Ottawa, Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Statutory Instruments 2011. SOR/2011-5 to 30 and SI/2011-9 to 14. pp. 78 to 457.
Page 38
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Clayton, K. M. 2000. Status of the Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in Alberta. Alberta Environment, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Division, and Alberta Conservation Association, Wildlife Status Report No. 28. 15 pp.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2002. COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 91 pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2003. COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Wolverine Gulo gulo in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 41 pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2006. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 28 pp. Website: http://dsp- psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/CW69-14-495-2006E.pdf.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2007. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 25pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2008a. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 35pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2008b. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 24pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2009. COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus, Western population and Magdalen Islands population, in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vii + 42 pp. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/status/status_e.cfm.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2010. COSEWIC Wildlife Species Assessments (detailed version), November 2010. Website: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/rpts/Detailed_Species_Assessments_e.pdf.
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2011. Canadian Species at Risk. Website: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct5/index_e.cfm.
Delong, C. 1990. A Field Guide for Identification and Interpretation of Ecosystems of the Northeast Portion of the Prince George Forest Region. Research Branch, Ministry of Forests. Province of British Columbia. Victoria, British Columbia.
Ducks Unlimited and Canadian Wildlife Service. 2005. Trumpeter Swan Inventory. Science and Community Environmental Fund. Digital Data obtained from the BC Oil and Gas Commission October 2009.
Environment Canada. 2011. Species at Risk. Website: http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/default_e.cfm.
Federation of Alberta Naturalists. 2007. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta, A Second Look. P. 190 of 626 pp.
Page 39
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Foothills Research Institute. 2009. Grizzly Bear Resource Selection Function Models. Data provided by the Foothills Research Institute Grizzly Bear Program.
GeoBC. 2010. iMapBC. Integrated Land Management Bureau - Land and Resource Data Warehouse. Website: http://www.lrdw.ca.
Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. 1996. Environmentally Significant Areas Inventory of Selected Portions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region, Alberta. Alberta Department of Environmental Protection, Resource Data Division, Edmonton, Alberta. December 1996. 143 pp. + Appendices.
Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2002. Biophysical Inventory of Chinchaga Wildland Park. Submitted to: Alberta Community Development Parks and Protected Areas, Valleyview, Alberta. March 15, 2002. 65 Pp
Government of Alberta. 2010a. Wildlife Sensitivity Maps. Digital Spatial Data Layers. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Website: http://www.srd.alberta.ca/MapsFormsPublications/Maps/WildlifeSensitivityMaps/Default.aspx.
Government of Alberta. 2010b. Upstream Oil and Gas Approval Standards for the Enhanced Approval Process. October 2010.
Government of Alberta. 2010c. Upstream Oil and Gas Operating Conditions for the Enhanced Approval Process. October 2010.
Government of Alberta. 2010d. Upstream Oil and Gas Best Management Guidelines for the Enhanced Approval Process. October 2010.
Government of Alberta. 2010e. 2010/11 Hay Zama Wood Bison Hunting Season. Fact Sheet. Publication No. I/454. Printed July 2010. Website: http://www.mywildalberta.com/documents/2010- 11HayZamaWoodBison-HuntingSeasonFactSheet-July2010.pdf.
Harper, W.L., J.P. Elliott, I. Hatter, and H. Schwantje. 2000. Management Plan for Wood Bison in British Columbia. B.C. Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. 43 pp.
Hornbeck, G.E. and D.L.J. Moyles. 1995. Ecological aspects of woodland caribou in the Pedigree area of northwestern Alberta. Pedigree Caribou Standing Committee. Calgary, Alberta.
Matsuda, B., D. Green and P. Gregory. 2006. Amphibians and Reptiles of British Columbia. Royal BC Museum Handbook. 266 pgs.
Meidinger D. and J. Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. Special Report Series No. 6. Research Branch and Forest Sciences Section of the BC Ministry of Forests. Victoria, British Columbia. Website: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Srs/Srs06.htm.
Mitchell, J.A., and C.C. Gates. 2002. Status of the Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) in Alberta. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, and Alberta Conservation Association, Wildlife Status Report. No. 38. Edmonton, Alberta. 32 pp.
Moyles, D. 2010. WMU 536 Moose Aerial Surveys December 8 - 19, 2009. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Peace River – Upper Hay Management Area.
Moyles, D. and B. Johnson. 2010. Big Game Aerial Surveys in WMU 524. February 4-10, 2005. Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, NW Region Wildlife Management. 4 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.
NatureServe. 2011a. NatureServe Explorer - An Online Encyclopedia of Life. Website: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/index.htm.
Page 40
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
NatureServe. 2011b. Heritage Status: Global, National and Subnational Conservation Status Ranks. Website: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/ranking.htm.
Petersen, S. 1997. Status of the Wolverine (Gulo gulo) in Alberta. Alberta Environmental Protection, Wildlife Management Division. Wildlife Status Report No. 2. 17 pp.
Rowe, M. and R. Backmeyer. 2006. Etthithun Wood Bison Inventory. March 2006. BC Ministry of Environment. 6 pp.
Russell, A. and A.M. Bauer. 1993. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta. University of Calgary Press. 264 pp.
Semenchuk, G.P. 1992. The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Alberta. Published by the Federation of Alberta Naturalists. 391 pp.
Smith, H.D. 1993. Alberta Mammals: An atlas and guide. Provincial Museum of Alberta. Edmonton, Alberta. 238 pp.
Smithsonian. 2011. Decline of the Rusty Blackbird. National Zoo. Migratory Bird Center. Website: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/research/rusty_blackbird/decline.cfm. Accessed February 2011.
Strong W. L. and C. Gates 2009. Wood bison population recovery and forage availability in northwestern Canada. J Environ Manage. 2009 Jan; 90 (1):434-40.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2011a. Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment for the Proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Northwest Mainline Expansion.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2011b. Aquatic Assessment for the Proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Northwest Mainline Expansion.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2011c. Vegetation Assessment for the Proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Northwest Mainline Expansion.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2011d. Wetland Assessment for the Proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Northwest Mainline Expansion.
TERA Environmental Consultants. 2011e. Environmental Protection Plan for the Proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Northwest Mainline Expansion.
Page 41
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
APPENDIX A
WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH CONSERVATION STATUS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED PROJECT
Page 42
TABLE A1
WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH CONSERVATION STATUS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED HORN RIVER MAINLINE (KYKLO CREEK SECTION) LOCATED IN THE BOREAL WHITE AND BLACK SPRUCE BIOGEOCLIMATIC ZONE
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Within Right-of-Way Designations Designations MAMMALS Bos bison athabascae wood bison Meadows and forest clearings. No Yes S21, G4T2Q3, Red2 Threatened4,5 Gulo gulo luscus wolverine, luscus subspecies Boreal forests. Yes Yes S31, Special Concern4 Blue2 Martes pennanti fisher Dense coniferous forest. Yes Yes S2S31, --- Blue2 Mustela nivalis least weasel Open forests, grassy fields and meadows, Yes Yes S3S51, --- and riparian woodlands. Blue2 Myotis septentrionalis northern myotis Mixed and coniferous forests. Yes Yes S2S31, --- Blue2 Rangifer tarandus pop. 14 woodland caribou, boreal Mature coniferous and mixedwood forests. No Yes S21, G5TNR3, population Red2 Threatened4,5 1 4 Page 43 Ursus arctos grizzly bear, northwestern Open areas, river valleys and brush lands. Yes Yes S3 , Special Concern population Blue2 BIRDS Ammodramus leconteii Le Conte's sparrow Damp, short-grass margins of grain fields, Yes Yes S3S4B1, --- wet sedge verges of black spruce-tamarack Blue2 muskeg. Asio flammeus short-eared owl Open meadows, marshes and clear cuts Yes Yes S3B,S2N1, Special Concern4 adjacent to cover and hunting areas. Blue2 Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern Wetlands with a dense growth of emergent Yes Yes S3B1, --- vegetation or tall grasses. Blue2 Buteo platypterus broad-winged hawk Mixed deciduous forests. Yes Yes S3B1, --- Blue2 Buteo swainsoni Swainson's hawk Open areas with tall shrubs or low trees for Yes Yes S2B1, --- nesting. Red2 Calidris canutus rufa red knot, rufa subspecies Migratory in BC; breeds in Arctic. Migration No No S1S2M1, Endangered4 stopover habitat includes waterbodies with Red2 extensive sandflats or mudflats with bivalves or other benthic invertebrates available for forage. Chordeiles minor common nighthawk Open forest and forest clearings (e.g., logged Yes Yes S4B1, Threatened4,5 or burned areas, natural woodland clearings), Yellow2 rock outcrops and flat gravel rooftops of buildings. Typically nest in open areas near logs, boulders, grassy clumps and shrubs. Contopus cooperi olive-sided flycatcher Forests and woodlands, burned areas with Yes Yes S3S4B1, G43, standing dead trees, coniferous forest and Blue2 Threatened4,5 mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, especially near wetland areas.
TABLE A1 Cont'd
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Coturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail Large, dense grass or sedge dominated No Yes S1B1, Special Concern4,5 wetlands. Red2 Dendroica castanea bay-breasted warbler Mature and old-growth stands of white Yes Yes S2B1, --- spruce, interspersed with trembling aspen, Red2 paper birch, balsam poplar. Dendroica tigrina Cape May warbler Mature white spruce forests; open stands Yes Yes S2B1, --- and edges. Red2 Dendroica virens black-throated green warbler Mature coniferous forests (often white spruce No Yes S3B1, --- riparian forest) or mixedwood forests. Blue2 Euphagus carolinus rusty blackbird River groves, wooded swamps, muskeg. Yes Yes S3S4B1, Special Concern4,5 Blue2 Hirundo rustica barn swallow Open areas near water, particularly Yes Yes S3S4B1, --- agricultural fields. Often nest in overhangs of Blue2 man-made structures. Melanitta perspicillata surf scoter Freshwater lakes surrounded by spruce and Yes Yes S3B,S4N1, --- muskeg or mature coniferous/deciduous Blue2
Page 44 stands. Oporornis agilis Connecticut warbler Edges of old-growth and younger stands of Yes Yes S2B1, --- trembling aspen and white spruce. Red2 Podiceps auritus horned grebe Shallow ponds and marshes. Nest along Yes Yes S4B1, Special Concern4 edge of emergent vegetation near open Yellow2 water. Wilsonia canadensis Canada warbler Mixed stands of paper birch, alder, white Yes Yes S3S4B1, Threatened4,5 spruce and occasionally trembling aspen and Blue2 balsam poplar. AMPHIBIANS Anaxyrus boreas boreas western toad Forested areas, wet shrublands, avalanche No Yes S41, G43, slopes, meadows, clearcuts, streamsides, Yellow2 Special Concern4,5 shallow pond edges; often with dense shrub cover. Sources: Banfield 1974, BC Breeding Bird Atlas 2011, BC CDC 2010, 2011b, Campbell et al. 1990, Canada Gazette 2011, COSEWIC 2010, 2011, Environment Canada 2011, Matsuda et al. 2006, NatureServe 2011a 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 adapted from NatureServe (2011b). 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.
TABLE A1 Cont'd
Q = Questionable taxonomy: taxonomic status is questionable; numeric rank may change with taxonomy. T = Designates a rank associated with a subspecies. N = Nonbreeding: basic rank refers to the nonbreeding population of the element. B = Breeding: basic rank refers to the breeding population of the element. M = Migrant: species occurring regularly on migration at particular staging areas or concentration spots where the species might warrant conservation attention. Conservation status refers to the aggregating transient population of the species in the province. 2. BC Provincial List (BC CDC 2010). Generally only Red and Blue list designations are displayed, unless a Yellow listed species also has other status designations indicating it is a species of concern. Red List: Includes species that have been legally designated as endangered or threatened under the Wildlife Act; are extirpated; or are candidates for such designation. Blue List: Includes species not immediately threatened but of concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Yellow List: Includes uncommon, common, declining and increasing species (i.e., all species not included on the Red or Blue Lists). 3. 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). 4. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2010, 2011). Species listed as 'Extirpated', 'Not at Risk' or 'Data Deficient' were generally not included in the table without other noteworthy factors being present. Endangered: A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern: A species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species. 5. Species at Risk Act The Act establishes Schedule 1 as the list of species to be protected on all federal lands in Canada. The Act also applies to all lands in Canada for Schedule 1 bird species cited in the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Schedule 1 aquatic species as determined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Page 45 Endangered: a species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: a species that is likely to become an endangered species if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special Concern: a species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats.
TABLE A2
WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH CONSERVATION STATUS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED NORTHWEST MAINLINE LOOP (TIMBERWOLF SECTION) LOCATED IN THE BOREAL FOREST - LOWER BOREAL HIGHLANDS NATURAL SUBREGION
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations MAMMALS Bos bison athabascae wood bison Meadows and forest clearings. No Yes S1 (T)1, G4T2Q4, Endangered3, Threatened5,6 At Risk2 Gulo gulo wolverine Boreal forests. Yes Yes S3 (W)1, Special Concern5 May Be At Risk2 Lynx canadensis Canada lynx Coniferous and mixed forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Martes pennanti fisher Dense coniferous forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Microtus xanthognathus taiga vole Upland areas along rivers near stands of Yes Yes SH (T)1 --- horsetails.
Myotis lucifugus little brown bat Near water in buildings, attics, roof crevices, Yes Yes S5 (Th)1 --- under bridges, loose bark on trees; nursery Page 46 colonies and hibernacula in more protected locations such as caves and old mines. Rangifer tarandus population 14 woodland caribou, boreal Mature coniferous and mixedwood forests. Yes Yes S2 (T)1, G5TNR4, population Threatened3, Threatened5,6 At Risk2 Sorex hoyi pygmy shrew Dry, upland coniferous and deciduous Yes Yes S3 (W)1 --- forests. Ursus arctos horribilis grizzly bear, northwestern Open areas, river valleys and brush lands. Yes Yes S31, Special Concern5 population Threatened3, At Risk2 BIRDS Accipiter gentilis northern goshawk Mature mixedwood forest with high canopy Yes Yes S3S41, --- closure. Sensitive2 Anas acuta northern pintail Open areas with seasonal shallow ponds, Yes Yes S51, --- marshes and reedy shallow lakes with drier Sensitive2 margins. Anas crecca green-winged teal Wooded ponds and streams. Nests in upland Yes Yes S51, --- area in dense cover, often in shrubs or Sensitive2 sedges. Aquila chrysaetos golden eagle Rocky outcrops, sparsely treed slopes, steep Yes No S3B (T)1, --- riverbanks and canyons. Sensitive2 Asio flammeus short-eared owl Open meadows, marshes and clear cuts Yes Yes S3 (W)1, Special Concern5 adjacent to cover and hunting areas. May Be At Risk2 Aythya affinis lesser scaup Permanent and semi-permanent wetlands Yes Yes S3S41, --- with tall, dense herbaceous vegetation for Sensitive2 nesting. Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern Wetlands with a dense growth of emergent Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1, --- vegetation or tall grasses. Sensitive2
TABLE A2 Cont'd
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Buteo platypterus broad-winged hawk Mixed deciduous forests. No Yes S31, --- Sensitive2 Buteo swainsoni Swainson's hawk Open areas with tall shrubs or low trees for Yes Yes S41, --- nesting. Sensitive2 Calidris canutus rufa red knot, rufa subspecies Migratory in Alberta; nests in the arctic. No No SNA1, Endangered5 Migration stopover habitat includes May Be At Risk2 waterbodies with extensive sandflats or mudflats with bivalves or other benthic invertebrates available for forage. Certhia americana brown creeper Coniferous and mixed mature forests. No Yes S3S4 (T)1, --- Sensitive2 Chlidonias niger black tern Shallow lakes, marshes, sloughs, ponds and Yes Yes S3 (W)1, --- wet meadows. Sensitive2 Chordeiles minor common nighthawk Open forest and forest clearings (e.g., logged Yes Yes S51, Threatened5,6 or burned areas, natural woodland clearings), Sensitive2 rock outcrops and flat gravel rooftops of buildings. Typically nest in open areas near Page 47 logs, boulders, grassy clumps and shrubs. Circus cyaneus northern harrier Open areas near wetlands or marshy Yes Yes S51, --- meadows. Sensitive2 Contopus cooperi olive-sided flycatcher Forests and woodlands, burned areas with Yes Yes S41, Threatened5,6 standing dead trees, coniferous forest and May Be At Risk2 mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, especially near wetland areas. Coturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail Large, dense grass or sedge dominated No No S2B (T)1 Special Concern5,6 wetlands. Cygnus buccinator trumpeter swan Small to medium-sized shallow, isolated Yes Yes S3B (T)1, --- lakes with well developed emergent and Threatened3, submergent plant communities. At Risk2 Dendroica castanea bay-breasted warbler Spruce forest; spruce/pine/ tamarack Yes Yes S3 (W)1, --- mixedwood forest; conifer dominated Sensitive2 mixedwood. Dendroica tigrina Cape May warbler Mature white spruce forests; open stands Yes Yes S2B (T)1, --- and edges. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Dendroica virens black-throated green warbler Mature coniferous forests (often white spruce Yes Yes S3S41, --- riparian forest) or mixedwood forests. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Dryocupus pileatus pileated woodpecker Mature forests with large trees. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Empidonax minimus least flycatcher Deciduous and mixedwood forests. Yes Yes S51, --- Sensitive2 Euphagus carolinus rusty blackbird River groves, wooded swamps, muskeg. Yes Yes S41, Special Concern5,6 Sensitive2
TABLE A2 Cont'd
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Geothlypis trichas common yellowthroat Areas with dense, low vegetation (e.g., Yes Yes S51, --- wetlands, early successional forests, forests Sensitive2 with dense understory vegetation). Grus canadensis sandhill crane Marshes, bogs adjacent to ponds. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle Typically nest in mature trees along forest Yes Yes S41, --- edges; often associated with lakes or rivers. Sensitive2 Hirundo rustica barn swallow Open areas near water, particularly Yes Yes S51, --- agricultural fields. Often nest in overhangs of Sensitive2 man-made structures. Icterus galbula Baltimore oriole Deciduous forests or mixedwood forests No Yes S51, --- dominated by deciduous trees. Nest typically Sensitive2 associated with forest edges where tree density is low and water is near. Melanitta fusca white-winged scoter Islands or shores of inland ponds, lakes or Yes Yes S41, --- slow-moving streams in wooded, bushy, or Special Concern3, overgrown sites. Sensitive2 Page 48 Pandion haliaetus osprey Trees or man-made structures (e.g., utility Yes Yes S41, --- poles) near waterbodies. Sensitive2 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American white pelican Shallow, turbid lakes remote from human No No S2B (T)1, G34 activity. Sensitive2 Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant Large lakes or reservoirs, low-lying islands. No No S3 (W)1 --- Picoides arcticus black-backed woodpecker Decaying snags in burns, logged areas and Yes Yes S2S3 (T)1, --- windfalls in mixed or coniferous forests. Sensitive2 Piranga ludoviciana western tanager Mature mixedwood forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Senstive2 Podiceps auritus horned grebe Shallow ponds and marshes. Nest along Yes Yes S31, Special Concern5 edge of emergent vegetation near open Sensitive2 water. Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe Marshes and ponds with dense emergent Yes Yes S41, --- vegetation along periphery. Sensitive2 Porzana carolina sora Wetlands with a mix of both shallow and Yes Yes S51, --- moderately deep water and emergent Sensitive2 vegetation. Sayornis phoebe eastern phoebe Open wooded areas, often at forest edges. Yes Yes S51, --- Prefers habitat near lakes or streams. Sensitive2 Typically nest on cliff edges, caves, earth- bank overhangs; sometimes nest in buildings, culverts or bridges. Strix nebulosa great gray owl Mature forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Strix varia barred owl Mature mixedwoods with open areas; Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1, --- lakeshores and stream valleys. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Surnia ulula northern hawk owl Open coniferous or mixedwoods, muskeg. Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1 ---
TABLE A2 Cont'd
Right-of-Way within Habitat Known Species Requirements within Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Tympanuchus phasianellus sharp-tailed grouse Forest edges, open areas, shrub land, bogs Yes Yes S4 (W)1, --- and marshes, lakeshores, watercourse Sensitive2 valleys, old burns, cutblocks. Wilsonia canadensis Canada warbler Mixed stands of paper birch, alder, white Yes Yes S41, Threatened5,6 spruce and occasionally trembling aspen and Sensitive2 balsam poplar. REPTILES
Thamnophis sirtalis red-sided garter snake Broad habitat preference: frequents (but not Yes Yes S3 (Th)1, --- restricted to) ponds or marshes or ditches or Sensitive2 dugouts and streams in all habitat types. Sources: ACIMS 2010, Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre 2009, ASRD 2011, 2009b, Banfield 1974, Canada Gazette 2011, COSEWIC 2010, 2011, Environment Canada 2011, Federation of Alberta Naturalists 2007, NatureServe 2011a,b, Russell and Bauer 1993, Semenchuk 1992, Smith 1993 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 adapted from NatureServe (2011b).
Page 49 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. B = Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species. NA = Not Applicable: a conservation status is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities. Q = Questionable taxonomy: taxonomic status is questionable; numeric rank may change with taxonomy. T = Designates a rank associated with a subspecies. (T) = Tracking List: elements for which ACIMS is collecting detailed information on known locations (ACIMS 2010).
(Th) = Tracking List: elements for which ACIMS is collecting detailed information on known locations of hibernacula only (ACIMS 2010). (W) = Watch List: elements for which ACIMS wants or needs to collect more information (ACIMS 2010). 2. Status designation assigned in The 2010 General Status of Alberta Wild Species (ASRD 2011). Only 'At Risk', 'May Be At Risk' and 'Sensitive' status designations are included herein. Definitions below are from ASRD (2011). At Risk: Any species known to be 'At Risk' after formal detailed status assessment and legal designation as Endangered or Threatened in Alberta. May Be At Risk: Any species that 'May Be At Risk' of extinction or extirpation, and is therefore a candidate for detailed risk assessment. Sensitive: Any species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but may require special attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk. 3. Alberta's Wildlife Act. A species legislated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under the Wildlife Act as designated by the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) using definitions based on those used by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (ASRD 2009b) (see Note 5). 4. Global (G) ranks are based on species status world-wide and follow a system parallel to that for Provincial Ranks (Note 1), ranging from 1 (5 or fewer occurrences) to 5 (demonstrably secure under present conditions). Only Global Ranks of concern (G1 to G3) or questionable ranks are displayed (NatureServe 2011b).
TABLE A2 Cont'd
5. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2010, 2011). Species listed as 'Extirpated', 'Not at Risk' or 'Data Deficient' were generally not included in the table without other noteworthy factors being present. Endangered: A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern: A species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species. 6. Species at Risk Act The Act establishes Schedule 1 as the list of species to be protected on all federal lands in Canada. The Act also applies to all lands in Canada for Schedule 1 bird species cited in the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Schedule 1 aquatic species as determined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Endangered: a species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: a species that is likely to become an endangered species if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special Concern: a species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. Page 50
TABLE A3
WILDLIFE SPECIES WITH CONSERVATION STATUS THAT HAVE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR IN PROXIMITY TO THE PROPOSED TANGHE CREEK LATERAL NO. 2 (CRANBERRY SECTION) LOCATED IN THE BOREAL FOREST- LOWER BOREAL HIGHLANDS AND UPPER BOREAL HIGHLANDS NATURAL SUBREGIONS IN ALBERTA
Regional Study Area Habitat within Known Requirementswithin Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations MAMMALS Bos bison athabascae wood bison Meadows and forest clearings. No Yes S1 (T)1, G4T2Q4, Endangered3, Threatened5,6 At Risk2 Gulo gulo wolverine Boreal forests. Yes Yes S3 (W)1, Special Concern5 May Be at Risk2 Lynx canadensis Canada lynx Coniferous and mixed forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Martes pennanti fisher Dense coniferous forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Microtus xanthognathus taiga vole Upland areas along rivers near stands of Yes Yes SH (T)1 --- horsetails. 1 Page 51 Myotis lucifugus little brown bat Near water in buildings, attics, roof crevices, Yes Yes S5 (Th) --- under bridges, loose bark on trees; nursery colonies and hibernacula in more protected locations such as caves and old mines. Rangifer tarandus pop. 14 woodland caribou, boreal Mature coniferous and mixedwood forests. Yes Yes S2 (T)1, G5TNR4, population Threatened3, Threatened5,6 At Risk2 Sorex hoyi pygmy shrew Dry, upland coniferous and deciduous Yes Yes S3 (W)1 --- forests. Ursus arctos horribilis grizzly bear, northwestern Open areas, river valleys and brush lands. Yes Yes S31, Special Concern5 population Threatened3, At Risk2 BIRDS Accipiter gentilis northern goshawk Mature mixedwood forest with high canopy Yes Yes S3S41, --- closure. Sensitive2 Anas acuta northern pintail Open areas with seasonal shallow ponds, Yes Yes S51, --- marshes and reedy shallow lakes with drier Sensitive2 margins. Anas crecca green-winged teal Wooded ponds and streams. Nests in upland Yes Yes S51, --- area in dense cover, often in shrubs or Sensitive2 sedges. Aquila chrysaetos golden eagle Rocky outcrops, sparsely treed slopes, steep Yes No S3B (T)1, --- riverbanks and canyons. Sensitive2 Asio flammeus short-eared owl Open meadows, marshes and clear cuts Yes Yes S3 (W)1, Special Concern5 adjacent to cover and hunting areas. May Be at Risk2 Aythya affinis lesser scaup Permanent and semi-permanent wetlands Yes Yes S3S41, --- with tall, dense herbaceous vegetation for Sensitive2 nesting.
TABLE A3 Cont'd
Regional Study Area Habitat within Known Requirementswithin Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Botaurus lentiginosus American bittern Wetlands with a dense growth of emergent Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1, --- vegetation or tall grasses. Sensitive2 Buteo platypterus broad-winged hawk Mixed deciduous forests. No Yes S31, --- Sensitive2 Buteo swainsoni Swainson's hawk Open areas with tall shrubs or low trees for Yes Yes S41, --- nesting. Sensitive2 Calidris canutus rufa red knot, rufa subspecies Migratory in Alberta; nests in the arctic. No No SNA1, Endangered5 Migration stopover habitat includes May Be at Risk2 waterbodies with extensive sandflats or mudflats with bivalves or other benthic invertebrates available for forage. Certhia americana brown creeper Coniferous and mixed mature forests. No Yes S3S4 (T)1, --- Sensitive2 Chlidonias niger black tern Shallow lakes, marshes, sloughs, ponds and Yes Yes S3 (W)1, --- wet meadows. Sensitive2 Chordeiles minor common nighthawk Open forest and forest clearings (e.g., logged Yes Yes S51, Threatened5,6 or burned areas, natural woodland clearings), Sensitive2 Page 52 rock outcrops and flat gravel rooftops of buildings. Typically nest in open areas near logs, boulders, grassy clumps and shrubs. Circus cyaneus northern harrier Open areas near wetlands or marshy Yes Yes S51, --- meadows. Sensitive2 Contopus cooperi olive-sided flycatcher Forests and woodlands, burned areas with Yes Yes S41 Threatened5,6 standing dead trees, coniferous forest and May Be At Risk2 mixed coniferous-deciduous forest, especially near wetland areas. Coturnicops noveboracensis yellow rail Large, dense grass or sedge dominated Yes No S2B (T)1 Special Concern5,6 wetlands. Cygnus buccinator trumpeter swan Small to medium-sized shallow, isolated Yes Yes S3B (T)1, --- lakes with well developed emergent and Threatened3, submergent plant communities. At Risk2 Dendroica castanea bay-breasted warbler Spruce forest; spruce/pine/ tamarack Yes Yes S3 (W)1, --- mixedwood forest; conifer dominated Sensitive2 mixedwood. Dendroica tigrina Cape May warbler Mature white spruce forests; open stands Yes Yes S2B (T)1, --- and edges. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Dendroica virens black-throated green warbler Mature coniferous forests (often white spruce Yes Yes S3S41, --- riparian forest) or mixedwood forests. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Dryocupus pileatus pileated woodpecker Mature forests with large trees. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Empidonax minimus least flycatcher Forested areas and urban habitats Yes Yes S51, --- (e.g., parks, golf courses, yard with trees). Sensitive2 Euphagus carolinus rusty blackbird River groves, wooded swamps, muskeg. Yes Yes S41, Special Concern5,6 Sensitive2
TABLE A3 Cont'd
Regional Study Area Habitat within Known Requirementswithin Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Geothlypis trichas common yellowthroat Areas with dense, low vegetation (e.g., Yes Yes S51, --- wetlands, early successional forests, forests Sensitive2 with dense understory vegetation). Grus canadensis sandhill crane Marshes, bogs adjacent to ponds. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2 Haliaeetus leucocephalus bald eagle Typically nest in mature trees along forest Yes Yes S41, --- edges; often associated with lakes or rivers. Sensitive2 Hirundo rustica barn swallow Open areas near water, particularly Yes Yes S51, --- agricultural fields. Often nest in overhangs of Sensitive2 man-made structures. Icterus galbula Baltimore oriole Deciduous forests or mixedwood forests Yes Yes S51, --- dominated by deciduous trees. Nest typically Sensitive2 associated with forest edges where tree density is low and water is near. Melanitta fusca white-winged scoter Islands or shores of inland ponds, lakes or Yes Yes S41, --- slow-moving streams in wooded, bushy, or Special Concern3, overgrown sites. Sensitive2 Page 53 Pandion haliaetus osprey Trees or man-made structures (e.g., utility Yes Yes S41, --- poles) near waterbodies. Sensitive2 Pelecanus erythrorhynchos American white pelican Shallow, turbid lakes remote from human No No S2B (T)1, G34 activity. Sensitive2 Phalacrocorax auritus double-crested cormorant Large lakes or reservoirs, low-lying islands. No No S3 (W)1 --- Picoides arcticus black-backed woodpecker Decaying snags in burns, logged areas and Yes Yes S2S3 (T)1, --- windfalls in mixed or coniferous forests. Sensitive2 Piranga ludoviciana western tanager Mature mixedwood forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Senstive2 Podiceps auritus horned grebe Shallow ponds and marshes. Nest along Yes Yes S31, Special Concern5 edge of emergent vegetation near open Sensitive2 water. Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe Marshes and ponds with dense emergent Yes Yes S41, --- vegetation along periphery. Sensitive2 Porzana carolina sora Wetlands with a mix of both shallow and Yes Yes S51, --- moderately deep water and emergent Sensitive2 vegetation. Sayornis phoebe eastern phoebe Open wooded areas, often at forest edges. Yes Yes S51, --- Prefers habitat near lakes or streams. Sensitive2 Typically nest on cliff edges, caves, earth- bank overhangs; sometimes nest in buildings, culverts or bridges. Sterna caspia Caspian tern Large lakes with emergent vegetation and No No S2B (T)1, --- sandy beaches. Sensitive2 Strix nebulosa great gray owl Mature forests. Yes Yes S41, --- Sensitive2
TABLE A3 Cont'd
Regional Study Area Habitat within Known Requirementswithin Provincial Federal/Global Scientific Name Common Name Habitat Species Range Right-of-Way Designations Designations Strix varia barred owl Mature mixedwoods with open areas; Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1, --- lakeshores and stream valleys. Special Concern3, Sensitive2 Surnia ulula northern hawk owl Open coniferous or mixedwoods, muskeg. Yes Yes S3S4 (W)1 --- Tympanuchus phasianellus sharp-tailed grouse Forest edges, open areas, shrub land, bogs Yes Yes S4 (W)1, --- and marshes, lakeshores, watercourse Sensitive2 valleys, old burns, cutblocks. Wilsonia canadensis Canada warbler Mixed stands of paper birch, alder, white Yes Yes S41, Threatened5,6 spruce and occasionally trembling aspen and Sensitive2 balsam poplar. REPTILES
Thamnophis sirtalis red-sided garter snake Broad habitat preference: frequents (but not Yes Yes S3 (Th)1, --- restricted to) ponds or marshes or ditches or Sensitive2 dugouts and streams in all habitat types. Sources: ACIMS 2010, Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre 2009, ASRD 2011, 2009b, Banfield 1974, Canada Gazette 2011, COSEWIC 2010, 2011, Environment Canada 2011, Federation of Alberta Naturalists 2007, NatureServe 2011a,b, Russell and Bauer 1993, Semenchuk 1992, Smith 1993 Page 54 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 adapted from NatureServe (2011b). 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. B = Conservation status refers to the breeding population of the species in the nation or state/province. H = Possibly Extirpated: known from only historical records but still some hope of rediscovery. There is evidence that the species may no longer be present in the jurisdiction, but not enough to state this with certainty. NA = Not Applicable: a conservation status is not applicable because the species is not a suitable target for conservation activities. Q = Questionable taxonomy: taxonomic status is questionable; numeric rank may change with taxonomy. T = Designates a rank associated with a subspecies. (T) = Tracking List: elements for which ACIMS is collecting detailed information on known locations (ACIMS 2010).
(Th) = Tracking List: elements for which ACIMS is collecting detailed information on known locations of hibernacula only (ACIMS 2010). (W) = Watch List: elements for which ACIMS wants or needs to collect more information (ACIMS 2010). 2. Status designation assigned in The 2010 General Status of Alberta Wild Species (ASRD 2011). Only 'At Risk', 'May Be At Risk' and 'Sensitive' status designations are included herein. Definitions below are from ASRD 2011. At Risk: Any species known to be 'At Risk' after formal detailed status assessment and legal designation as Endangered or Threatened in Alberta. May Be At Risk: Any species that 'May Be At Risk' of extinction or extirpation, and is therefore a candidate for detailed risk assessment. Sensitive: Any species that is not at risk of extinction or extirpation but may require special attention or protection to prevent it from becoming at risk.
TABLE A3 Cont'd
3. Alberta's Wildlife Act. A species legislated as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern under the Wildlife Act as designated by the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC) using definitions based on those used by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (ASRD 2009b) (see Note 5). 4. Global (G) ranks are based on species status world-wide and follow a system parallel to that for Provincial Ranks (Note 1), ranging from 1 (5 or fewer occurrences) to 5 (demonstrably secure under present conditions). Only Global Ranks of concern (G1 to G3) or questionable ranks are displayed (NatureServe 2011b). 5. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC 2010, 2011). Species listed as 'Extirpated', 'Not at Risk' or 'Data Deficient' were generally not included in the table without other noteworthy factors being present. Endangered: A species facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: A species likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern: A species that is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events, but is not an endangered or threatened species. 6. Species at Risk Act The Act establishes Schedule 1 as the list of species to be protected on all federal lands in Canada. The Act also applies to all lands in Canada for Schedule 1 bird species cited in the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Schedule 1 aquatic species as determined by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Endangered: a species that is facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened: a species that is likely to become an endangered species if nothing is done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special Concern: a species that may become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. Page 55
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
APPENDIX B
PHOTOPLATES
Page 56
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 1 Aerial view west showing deciduous and black spruce forests along the Kyklo Section near KPK 6.0 (February 2, 2011). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Ekwan Section Pipeline on the south (left) side.
Plate 2 Aerial view southeast along the Kyklo Section showing Kyklo Creek near KPK 21.0 (July 25, 2009).
Page 57
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 3 Aerial view northwest showing black spruce and mixedwood forest along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 40.0 (October 13, 2010). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Northwest Mainline on the west (left) side.
Plate 4 Aerial view northeast showing the Hay River along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 5.4 (October 13, 2010).
Page 58
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 5 Aerial view northwest showing deciduous, mixedwood and black spruce forest near KPC 31.5. The Cranberry Section parallels the existing Tanghe Creek Loop and a segment of the Chinchaga Forestry Road as shown in this photo (October 13, 2010).
Plate 6 Aerial view east showing the existing Tanghe Creek Loop and regenerating forest along the Cranberry Section near KPC 14.0 (October 13, 2010). The proposed pipeline loop parallels the existing Tanghe Creek Loop on the north (left) side.
Page 59
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 7 Moose observed along the existing Horn River Mainline near KPK 18.8 of the Kyklo Section (February 2, 2011).
Plate 8 Wolverine tracks observed adjacent to the Kyklo Section along an existing winter road near KPK 27.1 (February 3, 2011).
Page 60
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 9 Aerial view west showing beaver pond located on the Timberwolf Section near KPT 39.6 (October 13, 2010). The beaver lodge and dam are located to the west of the proposed pipeline right-of-way.
Plate 10 Aerial view northwest showing the graminoid fen along the Timberwolf Section near KPT 24.9 (October 13, 2010).
Page 61
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Plate 11 Game trail observed parallel to the Cranberry Section along the existing Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop near KPC 29.9 (October 16, 2010).
Page 62
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
APPENDIX C
WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS IN THE LSA
Page 63
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE C1
HORN RIVER MAINLINE (KYKLO CREEK SECTION)
Common Name Scientific Name Signs Used to Identify Species Conservation Status1 MARCH 16 AND 17, 2009 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, lodges --- Canada lynx Lynx canadensis tracks --- ermine Mustela erminea tracks --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets --- red fox Vulpes vulpes tracks --- snowshoe hare Lepus americanus tracks, scat --- Birds common raven Corvus corax visual (1) --- grouse species unidentified tracks --- northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis visual (1) --- willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus tracks --- JULY 25 AND 26, 2009 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, tracks, lodges --- American black bear Ursus americanus tracks --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets --- Birds black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus auditory (2) --- red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus auditory (1) --- ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus visual (8) --- white-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis auditory (1) --- yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius visual (2); foraging marks on paper --- birch Amphibians wood frog Rana sylvatica visual (1) --- FEBRUARY 2 AND 3, 2011 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, lodges, chewed trees --- American marten Martes americana tracks --- American mink Neovison vison tracks, visual (1) --- Canada lynx Lynx canadensis tracks --- ermine Mustela erminea tracks --- gray wolf Canis lupus tracks, visual (4) --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets, beds, visual (10) --- red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus auditory, tracks, middens, visual (1) --- shrew species unidentified tracks --- snowshoe hare Lepus americanus tracks, scat --- vole species unidentified tracks --- wolverine Gulo gulo tracks --- Birds boreal chickadee Poecile hudsonicus auditory, visual (1) --- common raven Corvus corax auditory, visual (4) --- gray jay Perisoreus canadensis auditory, visual (5) --- grouse species unidentified tracks --- pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator auditory --- spruce grouse Falcipennis canadensis visual (2) ---
Page 64
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE C2
NORTHWEST MAINLINE (TIMBERWOLF SECTION)
Common Name Scientific Name Signs Used to Identify Species Conservation Status1 OCTOBER 13, 20, 22 AND 23, 2010 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, runs, dams, tracks, lodges --- American black bear Ursus americanus scratch marks on aspen --- American mink Neovison vison tracks, scat --- deer Odocoileus sp. tracks --- ermine Mustela erminea scat --- fisher Martes pennanti tracks --- gray wolf Canis lupus tracks, scat --- moose Alces alces visual (1), tracks, pellets --- red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus auditory --- vole species unidentified visual (1) --- wood bison Bos bison athabascae tracks, rubbed tree Threatened (SARA Schedule 1 and COSEWIC) woodland caribou Rangifer tarandus tracks Threatened (SARA Schedule 1 and COSEWIC) Birds bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus visual (1) --- Bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus visual (6) --- common raven Corvus corax auditory, visual (3) --- gray jay Perisoreus canadensis auditory, visual (1) --- pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus work on trees --- sandhill crane Grus canadensis carcass --- snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis visual (4) --- trumpeter swan Cygnus buccinator visual (2 adults, 2 cygnets + 14 --- flyover) willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus visual (8) --- JANUARY 23 TO 25, 2011 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, lodges, chewed trees --- American marten Martes americana tracks --- Canada lynx Lynx canadensis tracks --- ermine Mustela erminea tracks --- fisher Martes pennanti tracks --- gray wolf Canis lupus tracks --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets, beds --- red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus auditory (1), tracks, middens --- shrew species unidentified tracks --- snowshoe hare Lepus americanus tracks, scat --- vole species unidentified tracks --- Birds black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus auditory, visual (3) --- common raven Corvus corax auditory, visual (5) --- gray jay Perisoreus canadensis auditory, visual (2) --- grouse species unidentified tracks --- spruce grouse Falcipennis canadensis visual (3) ---
Page 65
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
TABLE C3
TANGHE CREEK LATERAL LOOP NO. 2 (CRANBERRY SECTION)
Common Name Scientific Name Signs Used to Identify Species Conservation Status1 OCTOBER 13 TO 16, 2010 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, lodges --- American black bear Ursus americanus tracks, scat, claw marks on aspen, --- torn logs coyote Canis latrans tracks --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets, beds --- red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus auditory --- snowshoe hare Lepus americanus scat, runs --- wapiti Cervus canadensis tracks --- white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus tracks, pellets --- Birds black-capped chickadee Poecile atricapillus auditory (1) --- common raven Corvus corax auditory, visual (10) --- gray jay Perisoreus canadensis auditory, visual (8) --- northern harrier Circus cyaneus visual (1) --- pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus work on trees --- pine siskin Spinus pinus auditory, visual (8) --- rough-legged hawk Buteo lagopus visual (1) --- ruffed grouse Bonasa umbellus visual (1) --- snow bunting Plectrophenax nivalis visual (10+) --- spruce grouse Falcipennis canadensis visual (1) --- white-winged crossbill Loxia leucoptera auditory, visual (2) --- JANUARY 23, 26 AND 27, 2011 Mammals American beaver Castor canadensis ponds, dams, lodges --- American marten Martes americana tracks --- Canada lynx Lynx canadensis tracks --- coyote Canis latrans tracks --- deer Odocoileus sp. tracks --- ermine Mustela erminea tracks --- gray wolf Canis lupus tracks, visual (2) --- moose Alces alces tracks, pellets, beds --- red squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus auditory, tracks, middens, visual (1) --- snowshoe hare Lepus americanus tracks, scat --- Birds boreal chickadee Poecile hudsonicus auditory, visual (1) --- common raven Corvus corax auditory, visual (2) --- gray jay Perisoreus canadensis auditory, visual (3) --- grouse species unidentified tracks --- sharp-tailed grouse Pinicola enucleator visual (6) --- Sources: Scientific names and status ranks from COSEWIC 2011, Environment Canada 2011, NatureServe 2010a,b. Note: 1 Conservation status is only listed for species with COSEWIC or SARA Schedule 1 status designations.
Page 66
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
APPENDIX D
SUMMARY OF WINTER TRACK COUNT SURVEYS - WINTER 2011
Transect (400 m) KP1 Date of Survey Vegetation Species Observed Density2 Horn River Mainline (Kyklo Creek Section) 1 KPK 5.1 to February 3, 2011 Broad-leaf treed swamp Canada lynx 0.04 KPK 5.5 with small stands of gray wolf 0.04 deciduous forest snowshoe hare 3.08 red squirrel 0.04 2 KPK 15.2 to February 3, 2011 Treed bog (black-spruce snowshoe hare 5.50 KPK 15.6 and willow) Deciduous forest Canada lynx 0.06 snowshoe hare 2.72 vole/shrew 0.06 3 KPK 20.6 to February 2, 2011 Kyklo Creek. Mixedwood, American mink 0.10 KPK 21.0 treed swamp (dominated grouse sp. 0.30 by willow) snowshoe hare 3.20 vole/shrew 0.10 Deciduous forest snowshoe hare 0.73 (trembling aspen) to the moose 0.27 north of Kyklo Creek. 4 KPK 26.4 to February 3, 2011 Mixedwood treed swamp American marten 0.06 KPK 26.8 (dominated by willow) Canada lynx 0.10 ermine 0.17 snowshoe hare 0.44 vole/shrew 0.06 Treed bog (dominated by ermine 0.25 black spruce) snowshoe hare 1.50 red squirrel 0.17 human 0.08 Northwest Mainline (Timberwolf Section) 1 KPT 4.9 to January 24, 2011 Mature mixedwood forest American marten 0.13 KPT 5.3 on the north side of Hay grouse sp. 0.13 River. snowshoe hare 0.38 vole/shrew 0.13 2 KPT 21.1 to January 24, 2011 Treed bog (black spruce No tracks observed ---- KP 21.5 dominant) Deciduous forest grouse sp. 0.17 (trembling aspen, willow) fisher 0.17 on north side of Little snowshoe hare 1.00 Beaver River. red squirrel 0.17 vole/shrew 0.17 3 KPT 26.7 to January 25, 2011 Mixedwood forest, Canada lynx 0.42 KPT 27.1 regenerating willow along grouse sp. 0.25 existing pipeline right-of- snowshoe hare 2.75 way. red squirrel 0.33 vole/shrew 0.25 4 KPT 29.2 to January 25, 2011 Mixedwood forest on north grouse sp. 0.33 KPT 29.6 side of Chasm Creek snowshoe hare 1.00 (contains transitions zones red squirrel 0.67 dominated by willow, black spruce, trembling aspen and pine). Treed bog (black spruce) snowshoe hare 0.67 Coniferous forest (pine) ermine 0.33 snowshoe hare 0.33 red squirrel 1.00
Page 67
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Wildlife Habitat Assessment - April 2011 Northwest Mainline Expansion 7212
Transect (400 m) KP1 Date of Survey Vegetation Species Observed Density2 5 KPT 44.0 to January 25, 2011 Treed bog (black spruce) No tracks observed --- KPT 44.4 Treed fen (black spruce) American marten 0.17 red squirrel 0.17 6 KPT 46.3 to January 25, 2011 Graminoid fen, Snowfall American marten 0.66 KPT 46.7 Creek ermine 2.00 Coniferous forest (black American marten 0.22 spruce) ermine 0.33 snowshoe hare 0.56 red squirrel 0.22 Tanghe Creek Lateral Loop No. 2 (Cranberry Section) 1 KPC 9.6 to January 26, 2011 Burn. Dense regenerating American marten 0.19 KPC 10.0 pine, spruce, trembling ermine 0.25 aspen and green alder. grouse sp. 1.13 snowshoe hare 3.38 red squirrel 0.06 2 KPC 21.3 to January 26, 2011 Mature mixedwood (white deer sp. 1.38 KPC 21.7 spruce, trembling aspen) snowshoe hare 1.50 and coniferous forest red squirrel 0.38 3 KPC 28.6 to January 26, 2011 Shrubby swamp (black snowshoe hare 12.13 KPC 29.0 spruce and willow) red squirrel 0.25 Treed fen (black spruce) ermine 0.50 snowshoe hare 0.88 red squirrel 0.75 4 KPC 30.2 to January 27, 2011 Deciduous forest American marten 0.15 KPC 30.6 (trembling aspen) snowshoe hare 4.35 Notes: 1 Locations are approximate. 2 Only includes tracks laid since last recorded snowfall. Density calculations based on average number of tracks per 100 m segment divided by days since last snowfall.
Page 68