Public Consultation Report 1992/93
C. N. Bemister August 1993
PWFWCP Report No. 27 The Peace/Williston Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program is a cooperative venture of BC Hydro and the provincial fish and wildlife management agencies, supported by funding from BC Hydro. The Program was established to enhance and protect fish and wildlife resources affected by the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams on the Peace River, and the subsequent creation of the Williston and Dinosaur Reservoirs.
Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, 1011 Fourth Ave. 3rd Floor, Prince George B.C. V2L 3H9
Website: www.bchydro.bc.ca/environment/initiatives/pwcp/
This report has been approved by the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Fish Technical Committee.
Citation: C. N. Bemister. August 1993. Public Consultation Report 1992/93. Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Report No. 27. 23pp plus appendices.
Author(s): Charlotte N. Bemister1 1 Address(es): B.C. Hydro, 333 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5K3
INTRODUCTION
This is the third annual Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program Public Consultation report. It provides an overview of the 1992 - 1993 public involvement activities and highlights key program initiatives.
Included in this report are maps outlining the Compensation Program area which highlight fish and wildlife program activity to date; a summary of the 1992/93 program activities, a budget review, and a synopsis of the key points raised by the public during the community open houses and interest group meetings.
This year, the goal of the public consultation program was to inform and involve more of the public. Through presentations by our field biologists to local clubs and associations, meetings with interest groups, community open houses, mall displays, radio, tv and newspaper coverage this challenge has been met.
The Compensation Program field biologists' interest in their work as well as their contribution to improving public awareness and involvement, is evident in increased public enthusiasm and knowledge of wildlife and fish enhancement challenges and opportunities. The Dina Creek enhancement project is one example of volunteer support, where members of the Mackenzie Fish and Game Association directly assisted the Peace/Williston fisheries staff in adopting or utilizing a number of spawning habitat improvement techniques to increase the spawning, and natural reproduction potential, of rainbow trout in the lake.
Public input is essential to the on-going development of the Peace/Williston Compensation program. Public desire for an integrated resource management approach resulted in the joint Cavity-Nester Program with Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd. This project, to protect the habitats of cavity-dependent animals which are threatened by the removal of old growth timber, was initiated two years ago, and is ongoing.
The feedback from this year's public consultation activities will be incorporated wherever possible into future program directions. Peace/Williston Compensation Program Area
The Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program area comprises the entire Williston and Dinosaur Reservoir watersheds and nearby locations. This area is roughly three times the size of Vancouver Island. The area spans two BC Environment areas: the Omineca sub-region (administered from Prince George) and the Peace sub-region (administered from Fort St. John).
The Peace/Williston Compensation Program does not replace the normal role of BC Environment, Fish and Wildlife Branch, in these watersheds, but compliments certain aspects of that responsibility, particularly the enhancement functions.
A map on the following page shows the program area.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
PROGRAM PURPOSE
The Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program is a joint initiative by B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment to enhance and protect fish and wildlife resources and their habitat in the Williston watershed affected by the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett and Peace Canyon dams on the Peace River.
PROGRAM HISTORY
In the late 1980's B.C. Environment and B.C. Hydro agreed to a compensation program in the Peace/Williston watershed, that:
1. Would be a program jointly run by B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment. In the past there had been a mixture of programs, some run by B.C. Environment, some run solely by B.C. Hydro and others jointly administered.
2. Would be a perpetual program with funds allocated annually.
3. Would include public input into the ongoing fish and wildlife programs.
In 1988, B.C. Hydro established a fund of $11 million, $5 million each for fish and wildlife compensation in and around the Williston Reservoir, and an additional $1 million for fish in the Peace Canyon Reservoir and surrounding lakes. The interest from these funds is used to maintain the Compensation Programs, roughly $0.7 - 0.8 million in current dollars, while allowing the fund to grow at the inflation rate. COMPENSATION PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. The program will be consistent with fish and wildlife management guidelines established by B.C. Environment.
2. The program takes a long-term view with the objective of providing benefits to the fish and wildlife resources of the area.
3. The people who use and enjoy the fish and wildlife resources of the region will have the opportunity to have input into the planning for the program.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. To educate and inform the public about the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and foster an understanding of the rationale for individual compensation projects and the directions outlined in the Strategic Plan.
2. To ensure public understanding that B.C. Hydro compensates for impacts of projects, and ensure that B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment receive public recognition for compensation programs.
3. To ensure public understanding that the compensation program is to enhance the fish and wildlife resources with respect for the needs of the public, and that personal compensation is not a component.
4. To solicit and receive public input into fish and wildlife compensation programs by reviewing progress to date and long term strategic plans and inviting input on priorities for project implementation.
5. To report to the public ongoing progress of compensation programs and how their input was used to improve the programs.
6. To develop a five year public consultation plan incorporating feedback from this process.
MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE
The program is managed through a joint partnership between B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment. A Steering Committee provides overall policy and management direction, while separate Fish and Wildlife Technical Committees provide planning and direction to program biologists. This enables coordination of compensation activities with other B.C. Environment and B.C. Hydro initiatives in the area.
Structure as of 1 August 1993
Steering Committee
Harvey Andrusak B.C. Environment Ken Child B.C. Hydro Zig Hathorn B.C. Hydro Richard Krehbiel B.C. Environment
Wildlife Technical Committee Fish Technical Committee
Bob Bradley B.C. Hydro Dennis Ableson B.C. Environment Brian Churchill B.C. Environment Ted Down B.C. Environment Doug Heard B.C. Environment Owen Fleming B.C. Hydro Al McLeod B.C. Hydro Hugh Smith B.C. Hydro
Project Wildlife Biologists Project Fish Biologists
Fraser Corbould B.C. Hydro Brian Blackman B.C. Environment Mari Wood B.C. Hydro Ame Langston B.C. Hydro PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS
To date the Peace/Williston Compensation program has undertaken a total of 93 projects which either conserve or enhance fish and wildlife through habitat improvement and protection.
Project ideas are gathered from:
summer field programs, public input at open houses, workshops, meetings, B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment staff.
Each year in late fall detailed project plans are developed and reviewed by field biologists and the technical committees. Projects are ranked based on the principles and objectives set out by B.C. Environment's management policies and strategies and the Five-Year Management Plans developed for the Program in 1990.
Once a budget is determined for the year, the highest ranked projects on the list are approved. The remaining projects are held as supplemental projects, if a funded project is not initiated.or resubmitted for review the following year. The Steering Committee has final project and budget approval. (See appendices 2 & 4) 1992/1993 BUDGET BREAKDOWN
The budget breakdown for the 1992/93 wildlife and fisheries programs are shown graphically on page 13.
Fish and wildlife project descriptions and 5 year plans can also be found in the appendix sections. The 5 year plans are subject to change depending on an annual project and budget review.
Outside funding plays an important role in many of the projects undertaken by the Compensation Program. In fact, some projects could not have been initiated without these monies. The following agencies worked cooperatively with the Peace/Williston Compensation Program and supplied time and/or financial support for the respective projects:
Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd. - Donna Creek/Forestry Biodiversity Project Personnel and machinery required to harvest third treatment block, and food and accommodation at Munro Camp PWWCP personnel and contractors while working on the project. - Omineca Habitat Mapping Project Funding ($26,500) for the wildlife specialist, and personnel for map digitization and production of final maps. Reduced rate for food and accommodation at Munro Camp for contractors during the field work session of the project.
B.C. Habitat Conservation Fund - Donna Creek/Forestry Biodiversity Project Funding ($13,500) for snag deterioration survey, map preparation, and breeding bird and furbearer transect layout.
B.C. Forest Service (Mackenzie) - Onimeca Habitat Mapping Project Funding ($11,500) for helicopter time during field work session. - Windy Point Lake Recreation Site - split manpower & money costs of development - Forest Service Recreation Sites - manpower & monies in conjunction with Fisheries Compensation Small Lakes Program Forest Service (Ft. St. James) - Forest Service Recreation Sites - manpower & monies in conjunction with Fisheries Compensation Small Lakes Program
B.C. Forest Service (Dawson Creek) - Forest Service Recreation Sites - manpower & monies in conjunction with Fisheries Compensation Small Lakes Program
Mackenzie Fish & Game Association - volunteer time for stocking Dina Lakes #3 and #7 - volunteer time for Dina Creek enhancement project
B.C. Ministry of Transportation & Highways - donated 300 yards of rip rap for Dina Creek Enhancement
B.C. Public Conservation Assistance Fund - $5,000 for Dina Creek enhancement project
1992/93 PUBLIC CONSULTATION ACTIVITIES
The goal of the 1992/93 public consultation program was to broaden public awareness and understanding of the Compensation Program. Therefore workshops were not held this year, in favour of the broader appeal of community open houses.
Highlights of the public consultation activities of the program over the past year include:
production of two "Natureline" newsletters, * four community open houses, * mall displays, television, radio, newspaper coverage, and meetings with interest groups.
While valuable public feedback was obtained from all the consultation activities, interest group meetings and results from a public opinion survey completed by attendees of the four community open houses, provided the most detailed public input. Results of this survey are shown in Appendix 8. PUBLIC CONSULTATION ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS
INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS
21 April/92 Spruce City Fish & Wildlife Meeting Prince George Provided outline of Fisheries Program
23 May/92 MacKenzie Fish & Game Association Meeting Dina Creek
Club assisted in habitat enhancement project on Dina Creek
13 June/92 Mackenzie/McLeod Lake Trappers Association McLeod Lake
Review of aquatic furbearer project, with emphasis on specific enhancement locations and methods presented by the trappers. Concern expressed over the amount of herbicide spraying occurring on cutblocks.
10 July/92 B.C. Hydro Environmental Resources Meeting Vancouver
Summary of Peace/Williston Fisheries Comp. Program
22 October/92 Tsay Keh Dene Community Meeting Tsay Key Dene
Presented an overview of our Compensation Program (Wildlife issues). Discussed some transplant issues, and obtained information on local wildlife distributions.
29 October/92 MacKenzie Fish & Game Association Meeting Mackenzie
Review of proposed 1993 Dina Creek enhancement project. $1700 donation from club received with gratitude. Additional funding options assessed. 20 November/92 Omineca LRUP Meeting Germanson Landing
Presented overview of caribou habitat selection research & migration patterns, and other projects.
25 November/92 Mackenzie Fish & Game Association Meeting Mackenzie
Review of 1993 Dina Creek enhancement project, volunteer time assessment.
15 December/92 Spruce City Wildlife Association Meeting Prince George
Presentation of wildlife compensation program activities. MEDIA & MALL DISPLAY COVERAGE
06 June/92 Prince George Environment Week Display Prince George
Pine Centre Mall - Display of Fisheries & Wildlife Compensation Program Projects and Question Period
17 July/92 News Release:
Monitoring of the cavity-dependent wildlife enhancement project in the Mackenzie region. Testing of several alternate forest harvesting techniques to determine the most beneficial logging practice.
September/92 C.K.P.G. & CBC - TV two feature news stories on:
Dina Lake Fisheries Enhancement Project. Provincial and National news broadcasts on CBC-TV.
01 September/92 C.K.M.K. Radio & C.K.P.G. TV Interviews Mackenzie
Stocking of Dina Lakes #3 and #7.
02 September/92 C.K.M.K. Radio Interview Mackenzie
Discussion on various projects in Mackenzie area.
05 September/92 Westland TV Series Hudson's Hope
Footage of Carbon Creek Side Channel and Carbon Creek Project for Westland episode on the Compensation Program to air in 1993. October/92 Prince George Citizen - publication Prince George
Annual hunting supplement featuring several articles on wildlife program.
19 October/92 C.K.M.K. Radio Interview Mackenzie
Discussed 1992 fisheries program field activities.
6 January 1993 CBC Radio Interview Omineca
Radio personnel accompanied wildlife staff on radio telemetry flight and produced story. PUBLICATIONS
The "Peace/Williston NatureLine" is a public information newsletter published by B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment, with a distribution reaching 800 individual residents and 40 interest groups in the area. "People" was an internal B.C. Hydro publication distributed to 6,500 employees.
October/92 Natureline Issue #3
November/92 Public Consultation Report
Summarizes public consultation activities for 1991/92.
November/92 People
March/93 NatureLine Issue #4
1993 COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES
Location Date Attendees
Fort St. John 24 March/93 38
Chetwynd 25 March/93 19
Prince George 14 April/93 66
MacKenzie 15 April/93 50 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 1993 COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES SURVEY RESULTS
FISHERIES PROGRAM
1. Small lakes and rivers were favoured fishing locations in all areas surveyed.
2. There was positive support for a total catch and release on some river systems.
3. In all communities, the Peace/Williston Compensation Fisheries Program habitat enhancement efforts were considered to be "about right" for rivers, reservoirs and small lakes.
4. The fish species anglers prefer to catch in order of preference is:
* Rainbow trout Bull trout Arctic grayling Kokanee/Walleye (Tie) Lake trout
WILDLIFE PROGRAM
1. Of those people surveyed, the majority felt there was NOT too much emphasis on ungulates by the Peace/Williston Compensation Wildlife Program.
2. The majority of respondents wanted to see MORE multi-species projects, i.e. bio-diversity studies and studies or enhancements for rare and/or endangered species.
3. On the abundance and distribution of smaller wildlife species in the Williston watershed, the MAJORITY of respondents AGREED that:
* inventories for small mammals (eg. hares, voles, mice) bats, amphibians, reptiles and others SHOULD BE conducted;
* raptor or upland game bird inventories SHOULD BE undertaken; and that
* enhancement projects SHOULD BE initiated for these species. PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROGRAM
1. On the effectiveness of the open house to provide them with information on the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, out of 54 replies:
45 rated it as VERY EFFECTIVE or EFFECTIVE;
* 9 were less enthusiastic;
NO respondents rated it "NOT EFFECTIVE".
2. On the effectiveness of the open house to provide an opportunity for individuals to have input to the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, out of 50 replies:
32 rated it VERY EFFECTIVE or EFFECTIVE;
12 rated it AVERAGE;
* 4 were less enthusiastic, with 2 respondents rating it NOT EFFECTIVE.
3. In regard to the preferred ways and means of providing information and obtaining public input, responses varied but there was strong support for:
* Annual open houses;
and either
* Annual one-day workshops or workshops and open houses in alternate years.
* Newsletters and surveys by mail were also favoured. Annual open houses and club presentations are seen to be effective means of providing information to the larger public, while interest groups and individuals affected by the program seem to prefer workshops as a means to ensure a broad integrated approach to provide valued input to the program.
Some comments and observations by open house visitors:
* Concern expressed for impacts downstream of the dams; "Why are there no Compensation Programs for this area?"
General lack of public awareness of Compensation Program and of open houses; suggest targeting schools.
Support for land purchases, especially Beattie property near Hudson's Hope.
* Opportunity expressed to work in partnership with Parks Branch on wildlife inventories in Williston parks and protected areas. CONCLUSIONS
The public consultation goal of increasing awareness of the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation program amongst the general public was achieved through the community open houses, media coverage, and interest group meetings. Continuing these efforts, and expanding the consultation program to include schools, is an effective means of improving public knowledge about the compensation activities.
The public desires integrated resource management initiatives which require the cooperation of industry, government and the public. Bio-diversity and full ecosystem management are also high priorities. The program biologists will continue to seek opportunities to address these issues, while welcoming community support and involvement. These are difficult challenges which require attention and effort.
Open houses, media coverage and meetings with interest groups provide broad public exposure and valuable feedback. However, opportunities for networking and consultation on key strategies, programs, and initiatives are served well through regional workshops. Finding the right balance to ensure ongoing program development at the most efficient level is another challenge undertaken by program staff. Feedback during the open houses suggests that involved stakeholders prefer workshops as a forum to discuss their views. An annual regional workshop or alternating years of workshops and open houses may best serve the public interest.
In general, feedback about the program was very positive. It is clear that the program is continuing to move in the right direction.
Like any long term program, the Peace/Williston Compensation Program, depends on the input from stakeholders to ensure local concerns and interests are not lost to the broader fund initiatives. An integral part of the public involvement process is ensuring the opportunity for the public to express their views. The public have been assured that their comments are always welcome. APPENDIX 1
Peace/Williston Fisheries Compensation Program Highlights Fisheries Programs
• Stocking - Kokanee, Gerrard rainbow trout, rainbow trout and brook trout released into streams and lakes throughout the summer season. Stocking program evaluations in Carbon Creek, Dunlevy Creek, Summit Lake and Gantahaz Lake are underway.
• Stream fertilization - Data will be gathered on the Nation and Mesilinka rivers in preparation for a major enhancement program.
• Small lake surveys - Surveys on selected small lakes in the Williston and Dinosaur Lake watersheds will continue in order to determine enhancement possibilities.
• Carbon Creek side channel - Preparation for construction of a groundwater fed side channel of the Carbon River for multi-species spawning and rearing has begun.
• Windy Point upwelling station - This fall, piping and a pump will be installed at the lake bottom to create an artificial spring for spawning purposes. The Mackenzie Fish and Game Association are assisting with this project.
Peace/Williston Fisheries Compensation Program
1988 PROGRAM
1988 GULL NET STUDIES -similar netting locations as 1974-5 studies -results ... declines in mountain whitefish and arctic grayling, rainbow trout -increase in bull trout, kokanee, peamouth chub, lake trout -sports species decreased from 24% to 14% of total catch
HYDRO ACOUSTIC STUDIES (sophisticated sonar that can determine the size and number of fish in a given area) -estimated population of fish in reservoir -results ... June 4.9 mill, September 11.2 million, October 7.1 million -estimates +.30% but probably low because of the limitations of the equipment ie. can't sample shallow areas or near the surface.
LIMNOLOGY -water chemistry, plankton studies (species distribution and relative abundance)
DIOXIN PROGRAM -collected samples near the Mackenzie Pulp mills -samples were analyzed as part of Federal program -results ... levels within acceptable limits.
MERCURY SAMPLING PROGRAM -tissue samples were collected from fish captured in the gill netting program for analysis for mercury content as part of a province wide program, -results ... the preliminary report has been completed and is under review, data indicates that larger bull trout may have mercury levels that exceed Health and Welfare Canada guidelines.
TRIBUTARY VIDEOS -now have 1561 km or 59 streams on video -results ... developed maps showing potential barriers, reach breaks, preliminary analysis of spawning and rearing capabilities by reach. 1989 PROGRAM
INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENTS
TRIBUTARY ASSESSMENT 17 streams - determine the quality and quantity of habitat available, suitability for different species, distribution and relative abundance of different species, factors that may be limiting production and gather life history data in order to identify enhancement opportunities. -biophysical mapping, electrofishing, snorkel surveys, angling -results ... 17 streams surveyed, 75 potential enhancement projects identified - most streams underseeded, rearing primarily in tributaries, very few grayling, -kokanee in lower Finlay River side channels by mid October had not spawned.
SMALL LAKES 14 - water chemistry, temperature and oxygen profiles, gill netting to determine species present, relative abundance, growth rates, inlet and outlet data to evaluate spawning potential bathometric mapping to help determine stocking options in order to help identify the best enhancement options. - results ... 14 small lakes surveyed 41 enhancement projects identified.
CREEL SURVEYS -results ... numbers of anglers down from 1977 -catch per unit effort 0.29 and 0.48 fish /hr from Dunlevy and Finlay Bay -dramatic change in species composition of catch.
DUNLEVY TRAP -status of native rainbow trout and bull trout -trap flooding problems reduced effectiveness of data. -three tagged rainbow were recaptured,one each in Schooler and Carbon embayments and one near the dam.
ENHANCEMENTS
-stocked Tobin and Bruce Lakes
2 1990 PROGRAM
INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENTS
STREAM INVENTORY -9 streams surveyed
SMALL LAKE INVENTORY -9 small lakes inventoried
KOKANEE SURVEYS - contract given to determine numbers, distribution, timing, habitat preferences etc. on lower finlay river -results ... kokanee had not spawned by early november, -distribution up to Fishing Lakes and Ft. Ware -could not find any kokanee in other systems
ENHANCEMENTS
STOCKING -456,000 kokanee into Manson, Carbon, Dunlevy and Nation Rivers. -8,000 "Gerrard" Rainbow trout into the Nation lakes -5,000 rainbow trout into Canty Lake -15,000 Blackwater stock rainbow trout into Carbon and Dunlevy Creeks.
SUMMIT LAKE NET PEN REARING -contributed funds for purchase of feeders and food for pen rearing rainbow trout for release into summit lake.
PROVINCIAL HATCHERY SYSTEM -contributed funds to upgrade facilities at Loon Creek to allow for additional rearing capabilities Williston kokanee.
LIONS LAKE SPAWNING IMPROVEMENT -removal of beaver dam to provide access to spawning areas. -funding to local forestry class to build a bridge over outlet stream to protect spawning area from vehicle traffic
3 KOKANEE MODEL -contract given to develop a predictive model for kokanee enhancement in large lakes and reservoirs and to determine which factors may effect production.
STOCKING ASSESSMENTS -assessments conducted on Carbon and Dunlevy Creeks to determine the success of the stocking program. -results ... fish in Carbon were hard to find but were growing well, and were utilizing the boulder riffle habitat. - similar findings in Dunlevy.
1991 PROGRAM
INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENTS
STREAM SURVEYS -Nabesche baseline inventory assessment of barrier removal. -results... small population of bull trout above barrier -Manson additional baseline data pre-stocking assessment. -results ... very low numbers of sports species present except near the lakes, no obvious habitat constraints. -Mesilinka additional baseline data evaluation of potential of stream fertilization project. -water chemistry analysis on selected streams to determine potential for stream fertilization. - results Mesilinka system limited by phosphorous levels , other systems nitrogen and phosphorous limited,
SMALL LAKE INVENTORY -baseline inventory on eight small lakes in the Williston and Site 1 watersheds. - fish introductions recommended for five of the lakes and one habitat improvement project was identified.
SCOTT AND WESTON FISH TRAPS - a contract was tendered for maintenance of a fish trap and fence on Scott and Weston Creeks to evaluate the movements of native species. results ... the information gathered suggests that the fall closures to protect spawning Bull trout may be ineffective and that subject to additional information adjustments may be required.
4 SMALL LAKE STOCK ASSESSMENT -selected small lakes were assessed to evaluate the success of stocking programs, -results...adjustments to stocking programs were recommended and the Dina Lake stream enhancement project was identified.
KOKANEE - a contract was tendered to conduct further assessments of kokanee spawning in the Finlay River. -results... this radio telemetry program was unsuccessful in determining where and when the kokanee population of the Finlay River spawn. The fish did not follow their pattern of previous years and very few fish went up the river.
ENHANCEMENTS
STOCKING -254,000 kokanee released into the Nation, Carbon, Dunlevy and Manson Rivers. -10,000 Gerrard Rainbow trout into Nation Lakes -Blackwater Rainbow trout into Carbon & Dunlevy Creeks. -137,000 rainbow into 14 small lakes 56,000 Brook trout into three small lakes
SUMMIT LAKE NET PENS - the purchase of food for the pen rearing of rainbow trout to be released into Summit Lake.
ARCTIC GRAYLING - have started literature review to determine feasibility of potential enhancements.
HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
LIONS LAKE -the second stage of a co-operative spawning habitat improvement project with the Mackenzie Forestry Education Society, involving gravel placement, stream clearance etc.
WINDY POINT -first stages of a pilot upwelling station to relieve a chronic egg bound problem.
NATION LAKES -debris removal and campsite development on the Nation Lakes in co-operation with the Ministry of Forests.
5 KOKANEE MODEL - year two of the contract to develop a computer model, to predict population dynamics, and to direct further studies in a cost effective way.
STOCKING ASSESSMENTS
CARBON AND DUNLEVY STOCKING EVALUATION -evaluation of the stocking programs on Carbon, Dunlevy -results... Carbon river fish were very hard to find and very low numbers were observed from the previous years stocking program. Dunlevy had significant numbers of stocked and native fish including some possible carryovers from the previous year.
1992 PROGRAM
INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
STREAM SURVEYS
Gething Creek inventory was partially completed at a preliminary level. - results ...habitat of Gething Creek was determined to be suitable for sport species but no sport fish were found.
Moberly River was surveyed and draft reports have been completed.
Pine River has been surveyed, enhancement targets identified and draft reports completed. - results ...insufficient numbers of sport fish were found to use as a transplant source.
Cameron River contract has been tendered and completed to evaluate enhancement potential, determine the extent of beaver activity in the system and estimate the costs and potential benefits of beaver dam removal.
Additional information on rainbow trout and Arctic grayling in the Nation River has been gathered and will be used to supplement information gathered through the stream fertilization project. Manson River surveys were not conducted this year because of the Donna Creek slide, which dumped tons of silt into the Manson System.
LAKE TROUT INVESTIGATIONS - Tomias and Carina Lakes, lake trout investigations were unsuccessful this year. - project had be terminated when the lakes froze.
SMALL LAKE INVENTORY - baseline inventories were conducted on five small lakes. - survey on one small lake was not completed because of an equipment failure.
METHODS DEVELOPMENT
KOKANEE MODEL - project has been completed. An additional $5,000 over the original budget was approved for sensitivity analysis.
GRAYLING ENHANCEMENTS REVIEW -a contract has been tendered to gather information and evaluate potential enhancement techniques for Arctic grayling. - final report will be available in April 1993.
EMBAYMENT FEASIBILITY STUDY - a contract has been tendered to gather information and evaluate potential habitat improvement projects in embayments. - final report will be available in April 1993.
ENHANCEMENTS REVIEW DINOSAUR LAKE - a contract has been tendered to evaluate previously gathered data and to determine what enhancement options are possible in Dinosaur Lake. - final report will be available in April 1993.
ENHANCEMENTS
STOCKING
- 453,000 kokanee were released into the Nation, Carbon, Dunlevy and Manson Rivers. -26,000 Gerrard rainbow trout were released into the Nation Lakes. -16,000 Blackwater rainbow trout were be released into Carbon River. - 113,000 Rainbow trout were released into fourteen small lakes. -50,000 Brook trout were be released into four small lakes.
7 STOCKING EVALUATION CARBON RIVER AND DUNLEVY CREEK.
- evaluations were unsuccessful in finding stocked (marked) fish returning to the rivers to spawn. - water conditions were such that it was impossible to determine if the stocked rainbow trout spawned in Carbon Creek. - evaluations of Dunlevy Creek found no stocked fish returning to spawn. - but the fish may require an additional year to mature.
ARCTIC GRAYLING TRANSPLANT. - lake surveys were conducted on two small lakes in the Nation River system to determine their suitability for a transplant of Arctic grayling. - 58 arctic grayling were captured in the Nation River and released into a small headwater . - numbers of grayling transplanted were insufficient to insure a good genetic base, therefore the project will be repeated in 1993/4, to obtain more fish.
SUMMIT LAKE STOCKING EVALUATIONS - a contract was tendered to evaluate the success of the pen rearing and Gerrard rainbow trout releases into summit lake. -no marked fish were observed in either the creel or netting program. - results ... indicated minimal success of pen rearing and Gerrard rainbow trout releases, therefore the projects have been dropped.
HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
DINA LAKE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT - in conjunction with the Mackenzie Fish and Game Association, a stream improvement project was undertaken to remove beaver dams and improve the spawning and rearing habitat in the stream between Dina Lake #1 and #2. -this project was a total success and up to 600 pairs of spawners were observed using the stream. - additional ($6,500) expenditures were approved in preparation for phase two of the project (1993/4).
HABITAT IMPROVEMENT WINDY POINT. - an upwelling station was constructed on Windy Point Lake to relieve a spawnbound situation in the stocked rainbow trout. - the installation will be operational in the spring of 1993.
STREAM FERTILIZATION. - baseline data was gathered on the Nation and Mesilinka Rivers in preparation for a stream fertilization program.
8 CARBON RIVER SIDE CHANNEL - surveys were completed on a groundwater fed side channel of the Carbon river. - preliminary design and cost estimates were developed - a proposal was submitted to Habitat Conservation Fund for additional moneys
GANTAHAZ LAKE ENHANCEMENT AND STOCK EVALUATION. - gravel was placed along the shore to provide additional areas for brook trout spawning and a creel survey was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the stocking program.
1993 PROGRAM
INVENTORY
SMALL LAKE INVENTORY -six small lakes within the watershed will be surveyed this year in order to identify enhancement potentials.
MISINCHINKA TRIBUTARIES - limited spawning habitat is restricting fisheries potential in the system. - small tributary streams will be examined specifically to identify spawning habitat improvement projects.
ENHANCEMENTS
STOCKING PROGRAM -the stocking program established over the past few years will be continued.
ARCTIC GRAYLING TRANSPLANT - additional fish will be captured from the Nation River and transplanted to a headwater lake in the same system.
GETHING CREEK BULL TROUT TRANSPLANT - bull trout will be captured in lower Gething creek. - the fish will be transported upstream above a barrier into barren habitat. - a contract will be awarded to determine if the bull trout spawn in upper Gething Creek before returning to the reservoir.
9 RAINBOW TROUT TRANSPLANT. -if surplus wild rainbow trout are found in Dunlevy Creek fish will be captured and transplanted to Grizzly Lake, a barren lake in the Pine River drainage.
HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
MESILINKA STREAM FERTILIZATION - fertilization of tributary streams will begin this year. - the initial effects on invertebrate production and fish growth will be evaluated. - further baseline information will be gathered on the mainstem prior to fertilization in 1994.
WINDY POINT UPWELLING STATION - the pump will be installed, and the project will be operational for this years spawning. - the effectiveness of the project at relieving the spawn bound problem will be evaluated.
DINA CREEK ENHANCEMENT - in conjunction with the Mackenzie Fish and Game Association a stream improvement project involving bank stabilization, instream structures and spawning gravel placement will be undertaken this year.
CARBON RIVER SIDE CHANNEL - a contract will be issued to an engineering firm this year to re access construction costs and evaluate final flow estimates. - pending results of the contract to evaluate the costs and feasibility of the project construction could start in 1993.
PINE RIVER ENHANCEMENTS - debris catchers will be installed in the mainstem - this will provide additional cover and holding water - this project will be partially funded (66%) by the Habitat Conservation Fund.
STEWART LAKE FLOW CONTROL - project will be partially funded through the Habitat Conservation Fund. - will raise and stabilize the outlet weir on Stewart Lake. - deterioration of the present weir is resulted in lower water levels which may result in a winter kill situation. - new weir should prevent a winter kill and loss of the fishery.
10 OMINECA BARRIER REMOVAL - beaver dams are blocking fish access to a number of key spawning areas. - project will allow fish passage to these areas during the spawning period.
EVALUATIONS
KOKANEE SPAWNER EVALUATIONS -surveys will be conducted to evaluate the numbers, timing and condition of adult kokanee returning to the streams where they were released.
DUNLEVY AND CARBON STOCKING EVALUATIONS -snorkel and electrofishing surveys will be conducted to determine the numbers of stocked (marked) rainbow trout spawning in Carbon and Dunlevy Creeks.
11 MANAGEMENT PLAN
ENHANCEMENT CRITERIA
Enhancements will be evaluated on the basis of: technical and biological feasibility, chance for success, access for both the public and for project evaluations (ie remote areas will be given lower priorities), regional importance, public demand, public involvement and proposed future development by other agencies.
ENHANCEMENT PHILOSOPHY
No enhancements will be undertaken without subsequent evaluations and projects will be designed to fit into a "pilot" type of program where projects can be undertaken, evaluated and the results applied to other areas of the watershed. The project should concentrate on enhancement activities and not spend a disproportionate amount of effort evaluating and conducting inventories.
HABITAT TYPES
WILLISTON RESERVOIR
The emphasis of the program in the reservoir will be: 1. Work within the biophysical constraints of the system. 2. Provide additional recreational opportunities for a larger group of the general public. 3. Diversify the angling opportunities available.
- most important factor affecting fish production is the reservoir drawdown. - severely reduces littoral production - may reduce spawning success in some areas because of flooding desiccation or siltation. - main food supply in the reservoir is plankton - therefore enhancements efforts will concentrate on plankton feeders or species that will feed on the plankton feeders. - because of the size of the reservoir habitat improvement projects will be limited to selected embayment areas. - projects such as log booms or floating reefs may be used to provide refuge and attract fish.
12 - foreshore planting may be used to provide additional habitat,food and nutrients, -stocking or stream spawning habitat improvements may be used to increase recruitment. - stream or embayment fertilization may be used to increase food production.
SMALL LAKES
- extreme variety of opportunities in the Omineca - limited opportunities in the Peace -Omineca- evaluate stocking programs, development of new fisheries in conjunction with access development and other user groups (integrated resource planning) Peace - develop potential of the limited resources available
Enhancements -stocking,spawning habitat improvements,lake fertilization, chemical treatment
Aims: provide diverse opportunities ie. high yield easy access, trophy fisheries, remote hike in fisheries co-operative projects with forest service and other user groups ie. access, recreational site development etc.
-first two years have used shotgun approach -data has been gathered on a large number and variety of systems -no large systems have been surveyed because of time constraints. - will be phased in as the program progresses.
- many systems unproductive - fish very vulnerable to angling pressure - many systems overfished especially near road access
- will use pilot project approach because little is known about the effectiveness of various enhancement techniques in northern rivers. -will evaluate the success of pilot projects and then apply the information gained to other streams with similar characteristics. - two basic strategies for rivers - 1. re-establish river resident fishery. - 2. use streams as nursery systems (rainbow trout or kokanee) to provide recruitment for the reservoir or embayment fisheries. - will use different stocks of rainbow trout for different fisheries.
13 SPECIES SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES
Bull Trout
- numbers are still good in the reservoir - numbers have declined in rivers particularly those with good access. - need to gather better life history information
- protective regulations will be modified as more information is gathered or as status of the stocks change. - need to increase public understanding of the sensitivity of the species to angling pressure.
Rainbow Trout
- numbers have declined in both the streams and the reservoir -stocks in the Peace Reach are showing signs of overfishing -there appears to be very little utilization of large rivers for rearing
-will use different stocks and strategies in different habitat's. - rivers pilot project will use "river" stock to establish river fishery. - small streams will try a variety of stocks to increase recruitment to reservoir and embayments. -when kokanee stocks have increased sufficiently "Gerrard " rainbow trout will be introduced to provide a trophy fishery in reservoir. (Gerrard rainbows will feed almost exclusively on kokanee and adults can consume 200-250 kokanee per year. Therefore the kokanee stocks must be allowed to build us before Gerrard's are introduced.)
Arctic Grayling
- have all but disappeared from the reservoir and smaller tributaries. - still healthy populations in larger more remote systems.
- will attempt to maintain or enhance these populations. - will attempt to determine feasibility of re-introduction to create a river fishery
14 Kokanee
- stocks have shown significant increases since 1974-5 - species will probably form the basis for the reservoir fishery. - kokanee will hold off the river mouths prior to spawning which should create fisheries in sheltered embayment areas. - kokanee will provide food for large trophy fish (Bull trout, Lake trout and Gerrard Rainbow trout).
- to speed up the population increase, a stocking program has been initiated. - studies are being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using "native" kokanee as a brood stock source.
Lake Trout
- numbers of Lake trout in the reservoir are low - the fish captured were healthy and growing well - lake trout would be well suited to the reservoir because of its deep cold water and abundant food supply. - lake trout probably could not successfully spawn in the reservoir because of the drawdown. - because of the life span (25-35 years) fish would provide an excellent trophy fishery for many years.
15 APPENDIX 2
Peace/Williston Fisheries Compensation Program 5 Year Plan MANAGEMENT PLAN 93/94 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 OBJECTIVE TASK
RIVERS IN # Stream Inventory data base development. Williston Peace systems baseline. 21.23, Inventory systems baseline inventory Moberly, Gething, Pine & On going selected inventories (reduced intensity) as required Maintain and enhance 24 Video's Cameron Rivers river fisheries through stock and habitat EV # 7 River & Embayment fisheries enhancements. Pilot stocking Evaluations. Carbon New systems for introductions using inventory improvement project ,Carbon R. and Dunlevy Ck. evaluations and Dunlevy data base and dependant upon evaluations of pilot projects EV # 25 River stocking.... broodstock investigations (Dunlevy & Blackwater) Manson R. Fence & detailed assessment (for multi species life history evaluations and enhancement potential). Grayling literature Grayling enhancements Implementation of Grayling enhancements review. Regulation feasibility contract where possible changes EN #9 Grayling life history on Mesilinka & Nation Rivers. Evaluation of refuge lake Transplant to a refuge lake EN #3 Stream fertilization pilot system Fertilize tributaries Fertilize tribs & Fertilize. Possible expansion Baseline data collection mainstream to other systems EN # 3 Evaluation of river to determine fertilization impacts
EN # 10 Habitat Improvement Small lakes inlet and Stream enhancement, pilot Carbon R. side channel (rearing, Channel Evaluations, possible outlet work (see lakes) spawning, multi species) expansion EN #19, Stream Clearance projects (Cameron, Curve, Lions, Misinchinka tribs) 22 EN # 13 Pine River Inventory and Pine River Enhancements of Evaluation trib juvenile assessments mainstem in conj with H.C.F.) EN # 11 Gething Ck. Bull Trout evaluations transplant and possible evaluations expansion MANAGEMENT PLAN 93/94 1988/89 1989/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 OBJECTIVE TASK #
SMALL LAKES IN # 17 18.26 Maintain and enhance Baseline Inventory (intensive - many lakes) Ongoing as required (to respond to public input, access development etc.) native and stocked fish species Stock enhancement EV #8,16 stocking program - Currently 14 lakes - new lakes brought on as required, based on inventory, access planning, demand and hatchery capability (stocking evaluations and adjust stocking rates) Summit Lake net pen and Evaluations Abandoned... evaluations demonstrated the project was Gerrard introductions not successful in Summit Lake. EN #12 Grizzly L transplant Evaluations Nation Lakes Gerrard introductions Evaluations Modification or expansion if warranted Habitat Improvement EN #22 Lions Lake outlet, public Maintenance, evaluations and public involvement (spawning habitat) involvement EN #4 Windy Point upwelling project, public involvement & Evaluation maintenance (to correct a spawnbound problem) Gantahaz L. gravel placement + Evaluation EN a 6 Dina Lakes spawning habitat Phase II Phase III + Evaluation and maintenance - Public improvement & public involvement involvement EN #14 Stewart Lake Flow Evaluations Control IN/EN #24 Morfee L Outlet Enhancement T enhancement Evaluation - inventory
Additional enhancement generated from the public or from the inventory program PEACE FISHERIES COMPENSATION PROGRAM - FIVE YEAR PLAN (DRAFT - DEC 1992)
MANAGEMENT PLAN 93/94 1988/89 1983/90 1990/91 1991/92 1992/93 1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 OBJECTIVE TASK
RESERVOIR Reservoir Re assess reservoir. Population Develop & Enhance gill netting data applied to Kokanee model Kokanee as a sport hydro- fishery and forage base acoustic & for piscivorous species plankton studies
Stream Stream Inventories Revisit data base video Priorized for enhancements New stream inventories (as required) surveys Stock 4 systems with Kokanee as a pilot Possible new rivers stocked (revise or expand) (based on priorized inventory results) EV #5 Spawner counts on selected systems EN Carbon River channel (See Rivers) Spawning habitat improvements (public #10 participation) channel improvements Kokanee model development and testing Management decisions via Kokanee spawning new stocking model and reservoir population habitat evaluations improvements Finlay River Lake Trout Investigations Develop a trophy fishery IN #20 Reservoir Lake Trout Life History Tomias and Carina Lakes Possible gill netting Enhancements Identification of possible spawning systems for Gerrard Rb via 1989 data base, ground proofing. Possible stocking of Gerrard Rb. determined through use of the kokanee model
Improve Embayment Stream Stream inventories Embayment feasibility Embayment Evaluations... expansion of Fishery video study Pilot Project projects if warranted Dinosaur Lake Enhancement Evaluations expansion of Enhancement review implementation projects if warranted
EV #7 Pilot, Stock Dunlevy Ck. Evaluations Revise stocking program, stream improvement (spawnig habitat) APPENDIX 3
Peace/Williston Wildlife Compensation Program Highlights Wildlife Programs
• Aquatic furbearers - On-going projects to enhance muskrat and beaver habitat include channel clearance and vegetation supply improvements.
• Elk transplant - A feasibility study for an elk transplant from the Peace region to the Finlay drainage area has been started. It will include assessment of source herds and transplant sites.
• Stone's sheep habitat selection - Monitoring of four radio-collared sheep on the North Peace Arm and three collared sheep of a transplanted herd on Monteith and Frank Roy mountains on the South Peace Arm continues. Data gathered includes habitat use and transplant success.
• Inventory - An inventory of ungulates on the Russell range will be carried out this winter.
• Elk habitat use - Five female elk radio-collared on the North Peace Arm in the winter of 1991 are being monitored to determine seasonal habitat selection and migratory behaviour.
• Land acquisition - 185 hectares of critical ungulate winter habitat purchased on the west side of Adams Creek on the Peace Arm. Prescribed burning will be done on the south facing sidehills to create forage production.
Peace/Williston Fisheries Compensation Program
SUMMARY OF ANNUAL BUDGETS1
Fisheries Wildlife Public Consultation Total Plan Actual Plan Actual Plan Actual Plan Actual
1988/89 394 3372 4203 27 814 364
1989/90 304 2764 383 4515 687 727
1990/91 5326 458 350 311 882 769
1991/92 409 339 339 268 22 9 770 616
1992/93 429 403 359 347 22 20 810 770
1993/94 429 359 22 810
1 All costs in $'000 in year of expenditure.
2 Includes $55,000 which was actually paid in 1989/90.
3 Includes $300,000 for land purchase which was never spent.
4 Includes $38,000 which was actually paid in 1990/91.
5 Includes $138,000 not budgeted for land purchase.
6 Includes $180,000 work for Site One (Peace Canyon) Compensation.
\zig\annbudg.sum 10 February 1993
PEACE/WILLISTON WILDLIFE COMPENSATION
ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE
Range Enhancement (Elk, Moose, Deer, Stone's Sheep)
- 1805 hectares of winter/spring range burned in the Peace Arm area - 2334 hectares of winter/spring range burned in the Finlay Arm area - 48.5 hectares of willow manually slashed for moose forage enhancement
Biodiversity
- completed establishment of three 100 hectare modified logged blocks for biodiversity research. Monitoring begun Summer '92.
Sheep Transplant
- 29 Stone's Sheep transplanted to Mt. Frank Roy and Mt. Monteith - monitored sheep for 3 years including 4 sheep from source herd
Caribou Habitat Use Study
- Collared and monitored 5 elk from a transplanted elk population on north side of Peace Arm
Wetlands Enhancement
- blasted numerous potholes for both waterfowl use and beaver/muskrat use - installed 8 artificial nesting islands, 10 loafing logs and 23 nesting boxes
Land Acquisition
- acquired 670 hectare Dunlevy and 75 hectare Adams properties - these are important wildlife winter/spring range areas
Habitat Mapping
- in cooperation with Fletcher Challenge, mapped Ospika and Omineca drainages for wildlife habitat capabilities - mapped wildlife habitat capability of Dunlevy property - mapped wildlife habitat capability of North Peace Arm Snow Depth Mapping
- mapped snow depths through lower elevation portions of entire watershed
Ungulate Inventory reconnaissance level inventories carried out throughout % of watershed areas. Intensive surveys conducted on north side of Peace Arm, Rusell Range, Chase Mountain, Butler Range, Wolverine Range, Kennedy siding and Mt. Monteith/Mt. Frank Roy.
Furbearers
- problem analysis and upland furbearers in Williston watershed completed
Public Consultation
- conducted 2 public consultation workshops per year in Mackenzie and Hudson's Hope for input into the program - published 4 NaturLine newsletters for public distribution - secured excellent exposure for the program on local and provincial TV and print media PEACE/WILLISTON WILDLIFE COMPENSATION PROGRAM
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 1993
Wildlife Biologists: Mari D. Wood Fraser B. Corbould
Peace/Williston Wildlife Compensation Program
1.0 Background
In 1988, B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment agreed to cooperate in a fish and wildlife compensation program for the Williston Reservoir watershed. B.C. Hydro provided $5 million to create a perpetual fund for wildlife compensation. Annual interest from this fund is used to finance the Williston Wildlife Compensation Program (WWCP).
The purpose of the WWCP fund is to compensate for wildlife habitat lost as a result of flooding of the Williston Reservoir Basin following the construction of the W.A.C. Bennett Hydro Dam on the Peace River in 1968. Large areas of prime wildlife winter ranges and important migration corridors were lost. Populations of many species were significantly reduced.
B.C. Hydro and B.C. Environment both participate in Technical and Steering Committees which administer the program. The Technical Committee ensures that the Compensation Program follows sound biological principles and incorporates public consultation and participation. The Steering Committee sets policies and provides general direction to the program.
2.0 Management Principles for Wildlife Compensation Activities
There is a tremendous need for more information about habitat selection patterns and seasonal movements of most wildlife species living within the Williston Reservoir Basin. If a wildlife compensation\enhancement program is to have a reasonable expectation of success, it must be based on reliable biological, climatic and geographic information.
The Williston Wildlife Compensation Program strives to maintain a balance between study programs and action programs. The study components of the wildlife programs include snow depth mapping, habitat inventories, and wildlife population inventories. Studies of habitat selection and migration patterns of wildlife are also included. These studies often involve radio telemetry (aerial tracking and monitoring of radio collared animals).
Information gained from the study programs provides the foundation for habitat and\or population enhancement projects. These are the action components of the Williston Wildlife Compensation Program.
Habitat enhancement options vary a great deal, depending on the species and its habitat requirements. Forage enhancements may involve prescribed burning of ungulate winter ranges or mechanical slashing of willow on moose range. In wetland areas, enhancement may involve pothole blasting, placing floating islands and nesting boxes for waterfowl nesting, and seeding bare areas to create marsh vegetation. Habitat enhancement
1 may also involve modified approaches to logging and other industrial activities within critical wildlife areas. Population enhancement options may involve transplanting animals into new habitats or supplementing existing populations with transplanted animals.
3.0 Baseline Data Collection
3.1 Wildlife Habitat Inventory and Mapping (study project)
GOALS: Information on soil types, topography, vegetation, wildlife use, and snow depths is collected and compiled onto habitat maps. Suitability and capability maps are produced. Suitability maps depict the potential of the land to support wildlife under current vegetation conditions while capability maps depict the potential of the land to support wildlife under optimal vegetation and land use conditions. From these maps, areas with high enhancement potential and areas in conflict with other resource uses can be identified.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Ospika mapping: Mapping is completed. The work was carried out in cooperation with Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd..
Peace mapping: Mapping phase in progress. Completion expected summer 1993.
Dunlevy property: Mapping completed.
FUTURE PLANS: Omineca mapping: Field work completed in summer 1992.
Other areas: A joint venture mapping project between WWCP, the MOF, B.C Environment's Habitat Inventory Section, and Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd., is being investigated in the Finlay drainage. Plans are to map the entire watershed eventually.
3.2 Snow Depth Mapping (study project)
GOALS: To identify areas of low snow depths throughout the watershed, which aids in selecting critical ungulate wintering areas for protection or enhancement.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Finlay\Parsnip: Mapping completed in 1990.
Peace (north side): Butler Ridge to Nabesche River, survey completed 1990.
Peace (south side): Snow depths measured 1991.
2 FUTURE PLANS: Snow depth mapping will proceed as time and resources permit. Surveys will be repeated in the areas listed above, to provide a reliable, representative base of information over several years. Some mapping is planned for the winter of 1993/94.
3.3 Ungulate Inventory (study project)
GOALS: To gather information on winter ungulate distribution and habitat use, which will aid in identifying enhancement opportunities.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Reconnaissance level winter ungulate surveys have been carried out throughout the majority of the watershed by the WWCP and by the Ministry of Environment in Victoria. These area broad general level surveys giving an idea of wildlife species and habitats in the areas.
Finlay\Parsnip: The first aerial reconnaissance surveys were conducted in the Finlay in 1990. Another 15,000 km2 were surveyed in the Finlay and Parsnip Drainages in 1991. Williston Lake (west side): Moose surveys were conducted on the west side of Williston Lake in 1989. Peace (south side): A 3040 square kilometre reconnaissance inventory was conducted in 1991. Peace (north side): A more intensive stratified random block count of ungulates was conducted on the north side of the Peace Arm in 1990 (1194 km2 surveyed).
More intensive total count surveys were conducted in 1992. These surveys involved flying discrete mountain blocks and recording all animals observed. The objective is to obtain a total count of all wildlife, broken down by sex and age classes.
Russell Range: Total count inventory of Stone's sheep, mountain goats and caribou. Chase Mtn/Butler Range: Total count inventory of caribou. Frank Roy/Mt. Monteith: Total count inventory of transplanted Stone's sheep. Kennedy Siding: Total count inventory of caribou early winter range. Wolverine Range: Total count inventory of caribou.
4.0 Integrated Management Programs
Ungulates in the Williston watershed include elk, moose, woodland caribou, Stone's sheep, mountain goats, mule and white-tailed deer. These big game species have been identified by the public as a primary focus for WWCP activities.
3 Habitat enhancement activities for ungulates usually involves prescribed burning or manual enhancement (pruning of browse vegetation such as willows). These activities set back the successional stage of vegetation and increase forage quality and quantity on critical winter and spring ranges. Population enhancement involves animal transplants to supplement existing populations or to establish viable new populations in suitable areas.
4.1 Elk Habitat Selection (study project)
GOALS: In 1985, 138 elk were transplanted from the Kootenay region by the Hudson's Hope Rod and Gun Club. The elk population on the North Peace Arm now numbers about 285 animals. Through the monitoring of radio-collared animals, we hope to determine migratory patterns, distribution and habitat use of these elk. This information will serve as the basis for future enhancement projects along the Peace Arm.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Habitat selection studies for elk have been concentrated along the Peace Arm of the Reservoir. Five female radio-collared elk are being monitored between Butler Ridge and the Nabesche River. These animals were captured at the site of a 1990 habitat enhancement burn, and two of the captured animals wore ear tags from the original 1985/86 Kootenay elk transplant.
FUTURE PLANS: WWCP staff will develop new habitat enhancement programs based on the results of the habitat selection studies and ongoing monitoring of the captured elk. A number of potential burn sites have been identified along the Peace Arm, three of which are scheduled for burning this spring. (See Section 4.7 - Forage Enhancement)
4.2 Elk Transplants (action project)
GOALS: Elk populations in the Finlay drainage will be enhanced through transplants to supplement existing herds.
FUTURE PLANS: Source herds will be evaluated and potential locations for the transplant of 50 to 100 elk into the Finlay drainage will be selected this year. A transplant proposal will be submitted to B.C. Environment's transplant committee for approval. If approved, elk will be transplanted over the next 2 to 3 years. Future co-operators could include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
4.3 Stone's Sheep Habitat Selection (study) and Transplants (action)
GOALS: The effect of the flooding of the Williston Reservoir on the migratory patterns of Stone's sheep in the area surrounding the Peace Arm is not known. However, the flooding may have blocked movement between herds on the north side of the Peace Arm and herds on the south side.
4 Habitat selection studies on transplanted and source herds of sheep on the Peace Arm will identify preferred areas used by Stone's sheep and aid in directing enhancement activities in those areas. Enhancement activities for sheep may include high elevation burning and locating suitable sites for additional transplants. Conflicts with other land uses will be identified, and integrated management strategies for habitat protection will be recommended. The success of the transplanted herd of sheep will be evaluated.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Between 1990 and 1993, over 29 Stone's sheep from the north side of the Peace Arm were transplanted to Mount Monteith and Mount Frank Roy on the south side of the Peace Arm. Ten of the transplanted sheep were radio-collared over the 3 years to monitor the success of the transplanted animals.
Four sheep from the source herd on the north side of the Peace Arm were radio- collared and are also being monitored regularly to monitor habitat selection and distribution, and to compare findings with the transplanted herd.
FUTURE PLANS: Future plans in the Peace drainage include additional sheep transplants to Mt. McAllister and/or Bullhead Mountain. Monitoring will continue on sheep in the transplanted and source herds. Habitat enhancement burns are being planned, and land acquisitions to protect sheep habitat are being pursued. Integrated management plans aimed at preserving critical migratory corridors will develop as information on migratory patterns and habitat use becomes available.
4.4 Caribou Habitat Selection (study project) and Integrated Management (action project)
GOALS: Caribou management and protection in the Williston Basin is a high priority according to input received during the public meetings in 1991. Knowledge of caribou habitat selection and migration routes is needed, and will lead to an integrated forestry\caribou management strategy for the area.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Twenty radio-collared caribou are being monitored in the Omineca Mountains area, and five caribou in the Peace region to determine their migration patterns and habitat use. Telemetry flights are flown monthly to track the animals. The Omineca Mtns. study was initiated in the spring of 1991; the Peace Arm caribou were previously collared as part of a study in the Fort St. John area, and the tracking of the study animals was taken over by the WWCP in 1992.
FUTURE PLANS: There are few practical options for caribou habitat enhancement at the present time. Most WWCP efforts will focus on preserving old growth habitat for wintering ranges and migration corridors. We can best accomplish this by working with the forest industry to develop integrated forest harvesting and silvicultural techniques aimed at protecting critical caribou areas. This integrated management
5 approach is vital to caribou survival because industrial activity threatens the habitat of these important populations.
4.5 Upland Furbearer Integrated Management Project (study/action project)
GOALS: Studies are needed to develop goals and define priorities relating to the upland furbearing species. We will use the knowledge gained from preliminary studies to design integrated management programs involving the forest industry.
PROGRESS TO DATE: A literature survey has been completed on pine marten. A problem analysis for upland furbearers has been completed for the Williston watershed.
FUTURE PLANS: A long-term upland furbearer program will be designed based on the information presented in the problem analysis. The program will be implemented in within the next two to three years. The project will attempt to address: - the preservation or enhancement of furbearer habitat and populations in areas of intensive forest harvesting. - the development of forestry practices that are compatible with furbearers. - the biodiversity of furbearer species.
5.0 Habitat Enhancement
5.1 Forage Enhancement - Peace, Finlay and Parsnip (action project)
GOALS: Winter and spring ranges for ungulate species and bears can be enhanced for forage production. The enhancement activities are designed to set back the successional stages of vegetation and increase the supply of browse forage available to wildlife. In the Peace and Finlay areas, this will be done mainly through prescribed burning on deciduous south facing side hills. In the Parsnip area, enhancement will be mainly manual: cutting willow to increase suckering thus the availability and productivity of forage for moose. This is achieved through manual slashing with chainsaws.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Prescribed burns are completed in the following areas:
Finlay: 1989 - Bevel Creek - 160 hectares. 1990 - Ospika River - 164 hectares. 1990 - Akie Creek - 110 hectares. 1991 - Bevel Creek and Akie Creek - 1900 hectares.
Peace: 1990 - Aylard Creek - 1580 hectares. 1992 - Branham Slide - 200 hectares.
6 Manual enhancements have been completed in the following areas:
Parsnip: Field work, site selection and enhancement plans for a number of areas in the Parsnip Arm ongoing. Six hectares of willow were cut along the Misinchinka River by the Mackenzie Community Forest 91 Program in conjunction with the WWCP. Twelve hectares of willow were cut along the Pack River by a local contractor. Ten hectares of willow were cut along the Misinchinka River by local contractor in 1992. Fifteen hectares of willow were cut in three areas along the Omineca River by local contractor.
FUTURE PLANS: Peace: Spring 1993 burns are planned for Branham Slide and Butler Ridge. Future burns are planned for other areas along the north side of the Peace Arm. Aylard, Branham Slide and Butler Ridge burns will be monitored. Future burning is contingent upon weather and approval from the Dawson Creek Forest District.
Finlay: Spring 1993 burns are planned for Pelly Lake and Pesika Creek. Future bums are planned for Grave Mountain, Mount Del, Police Creek, Ingenika River, Akie River and Bevel. Representative burns will be monitored for success.
Parsnip: We will continue mechanical enhancement of lowland willow on 15 hectares each year in the Omineca River Valley. Additional support has been requested from the B.C. Habitat Conservation Fund. Other areas for future enhancement include the Nation River, Blackwater Swamp, Gataiga Creek, Phillips River, Anzac River, Misinchinka and Pack Rivers.
Prescribed burning is planned for the sidehills at Germansen Lake and for approximately 100 hectares each year in the Omineca. Selected projects will be monitored.
5.2 Aquatic Furbearer Project (action project)
GOALS: Habitats will be enhanced to benefit aquatic furbearers (beaver, muskrat, otters, mink).
PROGRESS TO DATE: Potential enhancement areas have been suggested by local trapper associations for aquatic furbearers. Field assessments were carried out in 1992.
7 Discussions with trappers groups are ongoing to identify additional areas for consideration.
FUTURE PLANS: Enhancement projects for aquatic furbearers will be initiated when suitable areas have been identified.
5.3 Donna Creek Biodiversity Project (action project)
GOALS: A project to develop and test alternate forest harvesting techniques designed to maintain critical habitat elements for cavity nesting birds and animals is underway.
PROGRESS TO DATE: Three cutblocks in the Engelmann Spruce Subalpine Fir zone were logged using different logging methods. Each cutblock consisted of four treatments: 1. Leaving islands of timber 0.25 ha in size for every 8 ha of clearcut. 2. Topping selected trees to 3 metres in height, creating 8 to 10 snags/ha of clearcut. 3. Combining islands and three metre snags (treatments 1 and 2). 4. Clearcut control area.
FUTURE PLANS: The cutblocks will be monitored for breeding bird use in spring, pine marten use in winter, and rate of decay of snags. The results of these studies will indicate whether these alternative forest harvesting methods actually help preserve useful cavity nesting bird and animal habitat in harvested areas. This project is a cooperative venture with Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd., with additional funding provided by the B.C. Habitat Conservation Fund.
5.4 Wetland Enhancement Projects (action project)
GOALS: Wetland enhancement projects will be planned, implemented and monitored in the Parsnip drainage to benefit waterfowl. Project sites for future enhancement will be located and their potentials evaluated.
PROGRESS TO DATE: 1990: Inventory, in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, areas in the Parsnip Drainage with potential for enhancement. Blasted test holes in preparation for projects. Two potholes blown in the Williston foreshore will be monitored for water retention. Four potholes were blasted in the Misinchinka River area.
1991: Four geese nesting islands (made by Ducks Unlimited) were installed near Mackenzie. Habitat and waterfowl inventories were completed in the Mackenzie area.
8 1992: Four geese nesting islands, twenty-three nestboxes and ten loafing logs were installed in the Mackenzie and Hudson's Hope areas.
FUTURE PLANS: Floating islands and waterfowl nest boxes will be established in the future as additional suitable areas are identified. We plan to isolate a peninsula of land from its shore to create a secure island for nesting. Wetland inventories in the Williston watershed will be continued to identify future enhancement opportunities. Existing wetland projects will be monitored. Future enhancement activities to be undertaken in cooperation with Ducks Unlimited include Rocky Marsh, Reed Lake and Trapping Lake.
5.5 Land Acquisition (action project)
GOALS: Properties with high wildlife values will be acquired, where practical, to secure wildlife habitat. Most acquisition projects will involve properties in the Peace Arm area. There are few privately owned properties available in other areas of the watershed.
PROGRESS TO DATE: In 1990, a 681 hectare parcel of prime wildlife habitat was purchased near Dunlevy Creek. In 1992, a second land acquisition of 75 hectares of wildlife habitat west of Adams Creek was purchased. Both properties were purchased by the Nature Trust of B.C., with funds from the Williston Wildlife Compensation Program, and transferred to B.C. Environment on a 99-year management lease.
FUTURE PLANS: Other properties in the Peace Arm region are being considered for future acquisition.
5.6 Wildlife Viewing (action project)
GOALS: The Williston Wildlife Compensation Program is cooperating with B.C. Environment to enhance wildlife viewing opportunities for the public. The Compensation Program will focus on improving wildlife populations, and constructing wildlife viewing signs to draw attention to important areas. B.C. Environment will be responsible for constructing site facilities.
PROGRESS TO DATE: The Dunlevy property, acquired to protect critical ungulate winter range, also has ideal capability for providing wildlife viewing opportunities. The burns conducted in the area by WWCP should help ensure abundant wildlife for viewing. In the Mackenzie area, a sign has been developed for the Mugaha Marsh wetlands area in cooperation with the B.C. Wildlife Watch Program.
FUTURE PLANS: The Mugaha Marsh sign will be installed in the spring of 1993. In addition, a wildlife viewing kiosk for the Dunlevy area will be designed and installed.
9 APPENDIX 4
Peace/Williston Wildlife Compensation Program 5 Year Plan
APPENDIX 5
Community Open House Advertisement Advertisement appeared as follows:
Fort St. John Northerner Wed., Mar 17 Fort St. John Alaska Highway News Mon., Mar 15; Mon., Mar 22 Dawson Creek Peace River Block News Mon., Mar 15; Mon., Mar 22 Chetwynd Echo Mon., Mar 15; Mon., Mar 22 Chetwynd Pioneer Tue., Mar 16; Tue., Mar 23 Tumbler Ridge Weekly Record Tue., Mar 23 Prince George Citizen Mon., Apr 5; Mon., Apr 12 MacKenzie Times Tue., Apr 6; Tue., Apr 13 APPENDIX 6
Community Open House Survey Results PEACE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMPENSATION PROGRAM COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES
SUMMARY
A. FISHERIES PROGRAM
1. How many days do you fish each year in the Peace Basin?
Chetwynd
Small Lakes Reservoir Rivers Less 0 4 6 4 Less than 5 6 6 6 6 - 10 Over 11 5 1 5
Fort St. John
Small Lakes Reservoir Rivers 0 2 1 Less than 5 4 1 4 6 - 10 4 3 2 Over 11 2 5
Prince George
Small Lakes Reservoir Rivers 0 7 6 7 Less than 5 3 2 2 6 - 10 1 2 Over 11 1 1 -2- Mackenzie
Small Lakes Reservoir Rivers 0 1 Less than 5 2 1 1 6 - 10 3 1 3 Over 11 7 4 4
2. Would you support total catch and release on some river systems?
Chetwynd Yes - 12 No - 4 No Opinion - 0 Fort St. John Yes - 9 No - 1 No Opinion - 5 Prince George Yes - 9 No - 1 No Opinion - 3 Mackenzie Yes - 12 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Totals Yes - 42 No - 7 No Opinion - 8
3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the amount of enhancement effort currently placed on the following HABITAT TYPES in the Williston Lake watershed?
1 2 3 4 5 • • Too Much About Right Too Little
Chetwynd Rivers - 3.6 Williston Lake Reservoir - 3.2 Small Lakes - 3.6 Fort St. John Rivers - 2.6 Williston Lake Reservoir - 3.0 Small Lakes - 2.3 Prince George Rivers - 3.5 Williston Lake Reservoir - 2.8 Small Lakes - 3.1 Mackenzie Rivers - 3.6 Williston Lake Reservoir - 3.0 Small Lakes - 3.3 Averages 3.3 3.0 3.0
4. On a scale of 1 to 5, which SPECIES do you prefer to angle for?
1 2 3 4 5
Don't Like Strongly Prefer
Rainbow Trout Bull Trout Arctic Grayling Kokanee Lake Trout Walleye Chetwynd 4.5 3.9 3.9 3.8 2.6 3.9 Fort St. John 4.3 3.6 3.3 2.8 3.6 3.4 Prince George 4.0 4.2 3.4 3.6 3.2 2.3 Mackenzie 4.8 3.7 4.1 3.6 3.4 4.0 Averages 4.4 3.8 3.6 3.4 3.2 3.4 -3- B. WILDLIFE PROGRAM
1. Do you feel there is too much emphasis on ungulates by the Peace/Williston Wildlife Program?
Chetwynd Yes -3 No - 10 No Opinion - 3 Fort St. John Yes - 0 No - 10 No Opinion - 2 Prince George Yes - 1 No - 10 No Opinion - 2 Mackenzie Yes - 1 No - 8 No Opinion - 3 Totals Yes - 5 No - 38 No Opinion - 10
2. Would you like to see more multi-species projects (e.g., "biodiversity" studies)?
Chetwynd Yes - 15 No - 0 No Opinion - 1 Fort St. John Yes - 8 No - 2 No Opinion - 3 Prince George Yes - 12 No - 0 No Opinion - 0 Mackenzie Yes - 11 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Totals Yes - 46 No - 3 No Opinion - 4
3. Would you like to see studies or enhancements initiated for rare and/or endangered species in the Williston watershed?
Chetwynd Yes - 16 No - 0 No Opinion - 0 Fort St. John Yes - 7 No - 1 No Opinion - 5 Prince George Yes - 13 No - 0 No Opinion - 0 Mackenzie Yes - 11 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Totals Yes - 47 No - 2 No Opinion - 5
4. Little information is currently available on the abundance and distribution of smaller wildlife species in the Williston watershed.
(a) Do you feel that inventories for small mammals (e.g., hares, voles, mice), bats, amphibians, reptiles, or others should be conducted?
Chetwynd Yes - 7 No - 3 No Opinion - 4 Fort St. John Yes - 3 No - 6 No Opinion - 4 Prince George Yes - 8 No - 2 No Opinion - 0 Mackenzie Yes - 7 No - 2 No Opinion - 1 Totals Yes - 25 No - 13 No Opinion - 9
(b) Do you feel that raptor or upland game bird inventories should be performed?
Chetwynd Yes - 13 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Fort St. John Yes - 7 No - 3 No Opinion - 3 Prince George Yes - 10 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Mackenzie Yes - 9 No - 0 No Opinion - 2 Totals Yes - 39 No - 5 No Opinion - 5 -4-
(c) Do you feel that enhancement projects should be initiated for any of these species?
Chetwynd Yes - 13 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Fort St. John Yes - 6 No - 5 No Opinion - 2 Prince George Yes - 10 No - 1 No Opinion - 0 Mackenzie Yes - 5 No - 2 No Opinion - 4 Totals Yes - 34 No - 9 No Opinion - 6
C. PUBLIC CONSULTATION
1. Please rate the effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 5 of today's open house in providing you with information on the Peace Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program:
{Not Effective 1 2 3 4 5 Very Effective} Chetwynd 1 1 5 7 Fort St. John 3 2 4 5 Prince George 1 4 6 Mackenzie 1 4 6 Totals 0 5 4 21 24
2. Please rate the effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 5 of today's open house in providing opportunities for you to have input to the Peace Fish and Wildlife Compensation Programs
{Not Effective 1 2 3 4 5 Very Effective} Chetwynd 5 4 5 Fort SL John 2 3 1 5 3 Prince George 3 3 5 Mackenzie 1 3 3 4 Totals 2 4 12 15 17
3. Open houses such as today's are only one means of providing information and obtaining public input. Which of the following methods to you favour?
Chetwynd 6 - Newsletters and surveys by mail 2 - Annual one day workshops 9 - Annual open houses 6 -Workshops and open houses in alternate years Other - please specify - Club Presentations -5-
Fort St. John 8 - Newsletters and surveys by mail 3 - Annual one day workshops 7 - Annual open houses 3 -Workshops and open houses in alternate years Other - please specify - Nil
Prince George 2 - Newsletters and surveys by mail 6 - Annual one day workshops 9 - Annual open houses 1 -Workshops and open houses in alternate years Other - please specify - Nil
Mackenzie 3 - Newsletters and surveys by mail 6 - Annual one day workshops 4 - Annual open houses 3 -Workshops and open houses in alternate years Other - please specify - Nil
4. In what community do you reside?
Chetwynd Chetwynd - 13 Hudson's Hope - 2
Fort St. John Fort St. John - 8 Taylor - 1 Dawson Creek - 1 Charlie Lake - 1
Prince George Prince George - 8 Big Lake - 1 Quesnel - 1 Sinclair Mills - 1
Mackenzie Mackenzie - 8 Bear Lake - 3 -6-
5. Do you belong to any clubs or represent any organizations which have an interest in this program? If Yes, what is the name of the organization?
Chetwynd Yes - 6 No - 8 1. District of Chetwynd Council 2. Peace River Regional District 3. Hudson's Hope Rod & Gun Club, RMEF and BCWF 4. Chetwynd Rod & Gun Club and BCWF 5. Chamber of Commerce 6. Chetwynd Rod & Gun Club and BCWF
Fort St. John Yes - 4 No - 10 1. Ministry of Forests Recreation Program 2. Peace Country River Rats (x 2) 3. Unknown
Prince George Yes - 3 No - 7 1. Prince George River Boat Association and BCWF 2. North Central Guides 3. RMEF Canada
Mackenzie Yes - 6 No - 5 1. Prince George and BC Trappers Association 2. Mackenzie Fish and Game (x 2) 3. Mackenzie Sportsmans Club and BC Trappers Association 4. North Central Guides and Outfitters (x 2)
6. Please use this space for general comments on the Peace Fish and Wildlife Program, this open house, to request more information, or to suggest specific projects that you would like to see initiated in future.
Chetwynd * More stocking of fish in Williston Lake * Stocking of Chetwynd and Moberly Area lakes and rivers - continued visits by biologists to local clubs and groups. * I am pleased that I came out of curiosity. I didn't realize the extend of the program and how if affects my community. * More use of volunteer labour would allow you to spread out more. * Good presentation. * The less interference the better, but studies are needed to protect what we have to left. I think we should do what we can to protect our country as it seems to be one of the least disturbed in the province - this isn't saying much for what is being done out there. - 7 -
Fort St. John
* Fishing and hunting has to be well maintained to allow for the future. * Video documentation on most activities for public viewing. * It is a good idea. Well done people! * I hope the conservation continues. The animals depend on us. * I think you should buy Beattie's and Powell's property right away. If not donate the $30,000 inventory price to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and they will raise the rest of the money and buy property to be turned over to the Nature Trust. * More elk and sheep planted.
Prince George
* This open house is a good idea for general public to wander around and look at pictures, but I wonder how much feedback you'll get. I think the workshops were more effective and could possible include the general public in the future. * Thank you. This display made "mobile" could encourage and educate - also it could assist young persons in their career choice i.e.
Mackenzie
* Very well presented. I would like to see more fur bearer inventories done. * As a member of the council and a long time resident of Mackenzie, I thank you for the job you are doing. * Not knowing about what was going on regarding wildlife enhancement. I was impressed to see the changes and projects in this area. * What happens in the Peace/Williston area affects most aspects of my life and livelihood in this community. I want to be informed and allowed to give my opinion.
APPENDIX 7
Newspaper Articles PEACE WILLISTON COMPENSATION PROGRAM NEWS RELEASE
July 17, 1992
MONITORING UNDERWAY FOR INNOVATIVE CAVITY NESTER PROGRAM
Monitoring work has begun on a unique enhancement project in the Mackenzie region designed to maintain habitat elements for cavity-dependent wildlife species.
The cavity nester program is the first of its kind in Northern B.C. and is a cooperative effort of the Williston Wildlife compensation Program ( a BC Hydro/BC Environment initiative ), Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd. and the Habitat Conservation Fund.
Through the use of alternate logging practices, individual snags and "islands" of timber are left standing at various stages of decay in traditional clearcuts. These old, dead and decaying trees are called wildlife trees because they provide vital sources of cavities for birds and animal species to nest and rear their young. Wildlife trees also harbour food supplies such as insects and arboreal lichens, and are used as hunting platforms for predatory birds.
"By testing several alternate forest harvesting techniques, we hope to determine which logging method will benefit cavity nesting birds and animals," said Mari Wood, Williston Wildlife Compensation biologist.
In the fall of 1991, logging was modified in three different test blocks located in the Englemann Spruce Subalpine Fir Zone. Each block contains four different treatments.
In one treatment, a variety of species of trees at different stages of decay from living, dying to already dead, were topped at a height of three metres, resulting in eight to 10 snags per hectare in the clearcut
In the second treatment, clumps of standing timber were left in "islands" approximately one quarter hectare in size, at a density of one island for every eight hectares. These clumps contain a variety of tree species in various stages of decay.
In the third treatment, a combination of single snags and islands were left standing. The fourth treatment was clearcut according to normal practice with no standing timber, and will be used for comparative purposes.
- more - 2/... MONITORING UNDERWAY FOR INNOVATIVE CAVITY NESTER PROGRAM
Monitoring work in one of the treatment areas got underway in June. " What we're doing now is collecting data on the attributes of each wildlife tree. For instance, we're documenting tree species and size, the stage of decay, and the wildlife, perching and feeding use of each tree," said Wood. "All areas will be monitored over the next ten years or more."
This winter, studies will include furbearer track surveys, which determines the type of wildlife using the treatment areas by recording tracks in the snow. In the spring, studies will focus on breeding bird surveys, as well as a vegetative growth study, which will monitor the relationships between vegetation stages and wildlife use of the cutblock.
"The work we're doing is very exciting," said Wood. " We have the cooperation of a major forest company which is just as enthusiastic as we are in finding ways to reduce the impact of forest harvesting on wildlife." Wood says while the cavity nester program is one of only a few in the province, she's hoping the idea will catch on with other forest companies.
The cavity nester program is just one of several ongoing projects conducted under the auspices of the Williston Wildlife Compensation Program, a joint venture of BC Hydro and BC Environment. The wildlife portion of the program is supported by a $5 million dollar fund established by BC Hydro to enhance and protect wildlife resources affected by the construction of the W.A.C Bennet Dam.
CONTACT:
Mari Wood Project Wildlife Biologist Williston Compensation Program Prince George, B.C. 565-4191
Richard Kreiger Regional Forester Blackwater Division Fletcher Challenge Canada Ltd. Mackenzie, B.C. 997-2587 or 997-2586
APPENDIX 8
Publications