Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure

Alternate Haul Road Terrestrial Baseline Report

03 May 2017

4321 Still Creek Drive Burnaby BC V5C 6S7 Canada

Document No.: 307071-01148-01-EN-REP-0004

www.advisian.com

Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Alternate Haul Road Terrestrial Baseline Report

Table of Contents

Abbreviations ...... iv

1 Introduction...... 1

1.1 Study Overview and Area...... 1

2 Methods ...... 3

3 Results and Discussion ...... 5

3.1 Physical Setting ...... 5

3.1.1 Surface and Bedrock Geology ...... 5

3.1.2 Topography ...... 5

3.1.3 Surface Features ...... 5

3.1.4 Evidence of Ground Stability ...... 6

3.1.5 Permafrost ...... 6

3.2 Freshwater Fish ...... 6

3.2.1 Arctic Char ...... 7

3.2.2 Freshwater Fish Summary ...... 7

3.2.3 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ...... 8

3.3 Vegetation ...... 8

3.3.1 Ecological Land Classification ...... 8

3.3.2 Rare Plants (Species at Risk) ...... 12

3.3.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit ...... 13

3.4 Terrestrial Wildlife and Migratory Birds ...... 13

3.4.1 Terrestrial Wildlife ...... 13

3.4.2 Migratory Birds ...... 15

3.4.3 Species at Risk ...... 18

3.4.4 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit ...... 18

4 References ...... 19

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Figure List Figure 1-1 Haul Road Study Area ...... 2 Figure 3-1 Vegetation Survey Location and Mapping ...... 10

Table List Table 3-1 Terrestrial Wildlife that have Potential to Occur in the Study Area ...... 14 Table 3-2 Birds with Potential to Breed in the Study Area ...... 16

Appendix List Appendix 1 Photos

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Abbreviations

Term Definition

~ Approximately

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DIS Disturbed (for Vegetation)

EBSA Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area

ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada

ELC Ecological Land Classification Survey

FAA Fisheries Act Authorization

GN Government of Nunavut

HTO Hunters and Trappers Organization

IQ Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

LGR Lowland General (for Vegetation)

MAAT Mean Annual Air Temperature

NIRB Nunavut Impact Review Board

NLCA Nunavut Land Claims Agreement

NPA Navigation Protection Act

NPC Nunavut Planning Commission

NWHS Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study

NWMB Nunavut Wildlife Management Board

SCH Small Craft Harbour

The Project Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Project

UBD Upland Bedrock Outcrops

UDS Upland Dwarf Shrub

UDS-2 Upland Dwarf Shrub – Variant 2

ULD Upland General

WGD Wetland Graminoid Drainage

WHU Wetland Hummocky

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Term Definition

WOW Wetland Open Water

WR Wetland Ravine

WSH Wetland Shrubby

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1 Introduction

The Government of Nunavut (GN) through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation proposes to construct a new Small Craft Harbour (SCH or the Project) in the Hamlet of Pond Inlet (the Hamlet) to increase public access for hunters, fishers and residents and improve the reliability and safety of commercial shipping activities. Figure 1-1 shows the geographical boundaries for the Project. A new quarry is planned to provide rock fill for the construction of the SCH. Advisian (WorleyParsons Group) was retained by the GN to complete environmental baseline studies for the Project to support a Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (Nunavut Agreement, NA) Article 12 Screening by Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) and other environmental permitting. In late summer 2016, Advisian conducted a series of field surveys to support the baseline studies. A Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline report has been prepared for the Project (Advisian, 2017). That report details the baseline conditions at the proposed SCH and quarry. However during public consultation in February 2017, concerns were raised regarding the use of existing roads to transport rock fill from the quarry to the SCH and therefore an alternate haul route, the majority of which would be a new road, is being considered. As such, this report was prepared to supplement the Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report (Advisian, 2017) and describes the baseline conditions of the proposed alternate haul road.

1.1 Study Overview and Area This report presents the methods, and findings of the terrestrial baseline study, undertaken to support Project planning as well as future permitting and approval requirements of the Project. The following disciplines are discussed:

. Physical Setting . Vegetation . Wildlife and Migratory Birds . Freshwater Fish Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) specific to the Study Area and not already discussed within the Terrestrial and Human Environmental Baseline Report for the SCH and quarry (Advisian, 2017) is also captured within this report. An exact route for the alternate haul road had not been determined at the time of this baseline report, thus a Study Area (Study Area), covering a corridor between the quarry and the SCH, has been defined (Figure 1-1). Existing disturbance resulting from aggregate extraction and roads occurs in portions of the Study Area. These areas are currently used as all-terrain vehicle routes by Hamlet residents.

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ECLIPSE SOUND 8069500

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Northern Creek 8067500 72°41'0"N

8067000 Southern Creek

Salmon Creek USER NAME: yao.mo NAME: USER OFFICE: BURNABY GIS ISSUING

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B SHEET CUSTOMER: Legend 0 200 400 800 Water Course Metres ± Project Footprint DATE: 03/05/2017 DRAWN: Y.M. Haul Road Study Area POND INLET MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE EDITED: Y.M. HAUL ROAD SUPPLEMENTAL BASELINE REPORT Waterbody APPROVED: M.M. HAUL ROAD STUDY AREA Note: "This drawing is prepared for the use of our customer as WORLEYPARSONS PROJECT No: FIG No: REV - Coordinate System: NAD 1983 UTM Zone 18N specified in the accompanying report. WorleyParsons Canada Ltd. - Aerial Photograph from Google Earth, 2010. assumes no liability to any other party for any representations 307071-01148 1-1 0 contained in this drawing." PLOT DATE & TIME: 03/05/2017 & PMTIME: 3:04:54 DATE PLOT 03/05/2017 & PMTIME: 3:04:54 DATE SAVE FILE LOCATION: U:\YVR\307071\01148_GON_NVMarInfra\10_Eng\16_Geomatics\01_Mxd\Haul_Rd_Baseline\2017-05-03_PI_Haul_Road_Study_Area.mxd LOCATION: FILE Service Layer Credits: Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Alternate Haul Road Terrestrial Baseline Report

2 Methods

In general, the methodology used for this study followed that for the SCH and quarry study areas in Advisian (2017). A desktop study consisting of a review of aerial imagery (high resolution image obtained from Government of Nunavut, 2016a), scientific literature, and species databases was conducted. In addition to the desktop review, vegetation field studies were completed September 16 to 18, 2016 and were focussed on the proposed quarry footprint. However some of the survey coverage overlapped a portion of the Study Area; thus is reported here. Information obtained during these field surveys supported baseline descriptions for the Physical Environment and Wildlife components. During the field assessment, quantitative data on ecosystems were collected to assist with classification of vegetation communities through an Ecological Land Classification Survey (ELC). Vegetation communities were identified using a combination of desktop aerial imagery (Government of Nunavut, 2016b) interpretation and field verification. These results, which are based on the field data, have a high degree of confidence. However, given the alternate haul road was not planned at the time of the field surveys, only part of the Study Area was surveyed. Vegetation communities outside the surveyed area were determined by aerial imagery and similarity to field-verified communities. In addition to community classification, a rare plant survey was conducted following a random meander technique (Advisian, 2017). Detailed methods for vegetation field study are described in Advisian (2017). Vegetation field surveys also provided information on wildlife and migratory bird habitat (i.e. vegetation species, composition, and structure). The ecologist conducted a wildlife reconnaissance survey (methods described in Advisian, 2017). Given field-work was conducted outside of the breeding season for migratory birds (late September 2016), the likelihood of gathering robust data on migratory birds was considered very low. As such, fieldwork focused on gathering habitat data that could be used to generate a list of species with potential to inhabit the Field Survey Area. Similar to the vegetation baseline, confidence with respect to vegetation community and habitat classification is higher in field-verified sites than those classified from aerial photographs. Information on freshwater fish was conducted by desktop review. The final alignment of the alternate haul road has not been finalized at this time, although several routes are being considered within the Study Area (Figure 1-1) that would require one or more watercourse crossings. There have been no formal baseline surveys of the freshwater environment associated with these crossings; however, some information was collected in 2016 by Advisian field staff, including photographs of the creeks. Available information on fish and fish habitat for the region and watercourses in the vicinity of the Hamlet was used for this baseline report. The following sources relating to Freshwater Fish were reviewed:

. Territorial Government documents and reports: − North Baffin Island Regional Land Use Plan (NPC, 2000) − Nunavut Fisheries Strategy (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2005) − Summary of Community Meetings on the Draft Nunavut Land Use Plan – Pond Inlet (NPC, 2013) . Federal Government documents and reports: − An assessment of the Arctic char population of Tugaat River, Nunavut (Read, 2004) − Fisheries and Oceans Canada [DFO] - Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat (DFO, 2013c) − Fisheries Protection Policy Statement (DFO, 2013d)

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− Freshwater Fishes of Canada (Scott and Crossman, 1973) − Information to support the assessment of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in the Sylvia Grinnell River (Vangerwen-Toyne et al., 2013) − Nunavut Restricted Activity Timing Windows for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat (DFO, 2013b) − Projects Near Water: Self-Assessment (DFO, 2014) − Update assessment of the Cambridge Bay Arctic Char Fishery, 1960 to 2009 (Kristofferson et al., 1984) . Various peer-reviewed scientific journals (specific papers as cited within results section): − Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences − Copeia − Ecology of Freshwater Fish − Environmental Biology of Fishes − Evolution − Journal of Fish Biology − Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom − Physiology and Ecology − PLoS One (Public Library of Science) − Science of the Total Environment

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3 Results and Discussion

3.1 Physical Setting

3.1.1 Surface and Bedrock Geology The Study Area is situated in the Arctic Lowland physiographic region (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974). The underlying bedrock comprises Archaean aged banded migmatites with linear structures, gneissic layering and lineaments (Geological Survey of Canada, 1975). Surficial geology in the area has been identified as moraine (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974), with mapping of glacial landforms identifying northwest trending ice marginal drainage channels southeast of the Hamlet, and a meltwater spillway at Black Point (Geological Survey of Canada, 1973). The thickness of till is can be more than 5 m thick (Ednie and Smith, 2010). This glacial till is expected to contain sand and boulder-sized material with some silt, especially adjacent to tidewater areas. In the shoreline areas of Eclipse Sound, the till is more often than not quite silty and partly derived from marine sediments (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974). Observation of the exposed bedrock in the proposed quarry location, during the geotechnical site visit (September 2016) identified massive, to finely foliated and thinly banded gneiss and migmatite, with zones of folded bedrock also identified in bedrock exposures. This exposed bedrock also exists in the eastern portion of the Study Area. Observations of material excavated for use as fill during airstrip construction at a location approximately 1.5 km southwest of the Hamlet and close to the Study Area, identified an estimated 1 to 2 m thick, well- graded gravel-sand mixture overlying shells in a sand and silt matrix (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974).

3.1.2 Topography Elevation contours across the Study Area range from 140 m on the eastern margin to 0 m at the shoreline. This corridor generally has no dramatic variations in topography, except for the shoreline slopes, which appear to be approximately 26 degrees (2H:1V). The eastern margin of the Study Area, where the proposed quarry site is located, is comprised of an upland plateau of gently rolling topography with a blockfield felsenmeer surface, created by in-situ frost weathering. There are several gully and channel features in the plateau (of note is the prominent northeast/southwest trending gully that coincides with a mapped lineament) with steep blocky colluvial slopes. In the valleys east and south of the Hamlet, slopes are less steep and minor moraines and marginal drainage channels have been preserved (Hodgson and Haselton, 1974).

3.1.3 Surface Features The ground surface across the Study Area is characterized by a variable pitted and hummocky surface, with drainage features running generally north to south and northwest to southeast. In between these hummocky zones and ridges are lower lying zones that appear to be poorly drained. The hummocky ridges appear to be more granular and are towards the eastern side of the Study Area. These areas have previously been used to supply construction material and appear to be small eskers and/or kames. In the lower lying poorly drained areas are some bodies of water which appear to be shallow thaw lakes. In addition there is a possibility that there may be layers of unfrozen ground underlying these waterbodies.

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Across the Study Area, vegetation mapping (described in Section 3.3.1) identified a number of wetland areas including watercourses trending mainly north-south, waterbodies, wetland ravines and wetland open water; including Graminoid dominated wetland areas. These poorly drained lower lying areas appear green in aerial imagery and are expected to be ice rich. Cracks that are derived from ice lenses were also observed on aerial imagery. These are more obvious in areas with lower ground cover and where reworking of the ground has occurred.

3.1.4 Evidence of Ground Stability Exposed rock and postglacial nearshore sediments are found at the shoreline. Isolated till deposits were identified at the base of slopes, inland from the shoreline. These mixed textured deposits may also be influenced by solifluction (possible soil flow) and the stability of these slopes will be taken into consideration for the haul road design and construction. Solifluction may occur on slopes as low as three degrees. Surficial sediments are particularly mobile in permafrost regions as the active layer is saturated with moisture, due to the impermeability of the underlying permafrost (Ferrians et al., 1970). Anecdotal evidence from the community suggests that slope instability occurs along the slope of the existing road on the alternate haul route adjacent to the cemetery. Erosional features at these shoreline bluffs were identified in the aerial imagery and these may also contribute to its instability, with likely mechanisms being surface runoff and wave erosion.

3.1.5 Permafrost The Hamlet is located within the continuous permafrost zone and Arctic ecozone (Ednie and Smith, 2010). Permafrost refers to ground that remains at or below 0ºC for at least two consecutive years (Tarnocai and Bockheim, 2011). Permafrost monitoring was undertaken near the airport in 2008 and 2009 by the Geological Survey of Canada (Ednie and Smith, 2010). The mean annual ground temperature was -8.5ºC at 15 m depth and a normal mean annual air temperature (MAAT) of -15.1ºC. The estimated active layer thickness (top layer of soil that thaws during summer) was 0.8 m, with an estimated annual temperature range at 0.5 m of 27.5ºC (from approximately -22ºC to 5ºC). At 15 m depth there was an annual temperature range of greater than 0.5ºC. The estimated depth to zero annual amplitude (where there is no discernible change in temperature) was 17.6 m. Solifluction along the shoreline areas have been identified (Section 3.1.4), with the thawing of permafrost in the surficial sediments leading to instability along the escarpment. Events that cause permafrost to melt, either climate variation or human activities such as construction can destroy the ground cover and increase thaw lake activity and further development of “thermokarst topography”. Additionally if there are areas of unfrozen ground under the thaw lakes (taliks) or these are further developed, these may case thaw settlement and an increase in permafrost degradation

3.2 Freshwater Fish DFO administers Section 35(2) of the Fisheries Act, which requires that proponents avoid or mitigate serious harm to fish, or apply for a Fisheries Act Authorization (FAA). Baseline conditions of freshwater fish were not described as part of the SCH and quarry baseline report (Advisian, 2017) as the SCH and Quarry Study Areas do not overlap any freshwater bodies. It is expected the alternate haul road will cross two unnamed watercourses (referred to in this report as the northern and southern watercourses) (Figure 1-1), and, therefore, a desktop review was conducted.

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Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) has been chosen as the focal species due to their importance in Nunavut for commercial and subsistence fisheries (Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, 2005). There is no indication that other freshwater fish species would be present.

3.2.1 Arctic Char Arctic char are the northernmost freshwater fish species (Brunner et al., 2001; Evans et al., 2015), and are important in Canada’s Arctic, ecologically, and socio-economically. Arctic char have a circumpolar distribution which encompasses the majority of Canada’s Arctic and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (Scott and Crossman, 1973). In some lakes, Arctic char exist in an entirely freshwater form, however, when oceanic barriers do not limit migration, an anadromous life cycle is typically adopted. The primary purpose of the seaward migration is to increase energy reserves. Arctic char may double their body mass (Jørgensen et al., 1997), over a relatively short summer migration (~20 to 45 days) (Klemetsen et al., 2003; Bégout Anras et al., 1999). Arctic char return to freshwater, regardless of their sexual maturity, likely an adaptation to avoid harsh environmental variables (e.g. freezing temperatures) (Klemetsen et al., 2003). Myers (1949) referred to this migration as amphidromous, as anadromous by definition refers to species that spend the majority of their lives in marine waters. For familiarity of terms, the term anadromous is used within this report, but this important differentiation is recognized. Arctic char in Eclipse Sound are anadromous char, but the rivers from which they migrate, and the extent of their migrations are poorly understood. Arctic char spawn in freshwater in September-October over a gravel substrate, where eggs incubate under the ice for approximately six months (DFO, 2013a). The first migration to the sea occurs at approximately four to five years (150 to 200 mm); however this size range likely differs depending on river systems. It is believed that Arctic char do not make their seaward migration the summer before they spawn, indicating this species needs to maintain significant energy reserves during their fecund period. This, in addition to a short period of energy accumulation during the short summer season, means that Arctic char do not typically spawn in consecutive years (Duitil, 1986). Typically, Arctic char return to their natal rivers (Kristofferson et al., 1984; Harris et al., 2014) although some straying does occur.

3.2.2 Freshwater Fish Summary Based on a summary of information collected during the desktop and literature review, there is currently no quantitative fisheries information available for the small watercourses and waterbodies that may be affected by the alternate haul road development (Figure 1-1). Most of the watercourses identified do have some connectivity to small waterbodies (<250 m in length) in the vicinity of the Hamlet, although a direct habitat assessment has not been completed for any of them. Qualitative descriptions by Advisian field staff indicate that these waterbodies are likely less than 2 m deep and are, therefore, unlikely to provide useful year-round fish habitat for Arctic char or other fish species. The northern creek in the Hamlet will require a culvert or bridge at the crossing, while a culvert should be sufficient for any crossing on the southern creek. Advisian field staff observed that the northern creek is currently impassible for fish passage as a result of an existing perched culvert crossing in the Hamlet near the creek’s confluence with Eclipse Sound (Appendix 1, Photo 1) as well as shallow depth of flow entering Eclipse Sound (Appendix 1, Photo 2). The southern creek also appears to be impassable for fish passage at the culvert crossing near its confluence with Eclipse Sound, due to the steep gradient and turbulent, shallow flow (Appendix 1, Photo 3). Both of the watercourses have been characterized as seasonal and photographic evidence suggests that flow in the southern creek is negligible by mid-late September (Appendix 1, Photo 4). Based on photographs provided, both the northern and southern creeks are high gradient (>2% slope),

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shallow (likely <0.2 m depth), and dominated by gravels with cobbles and boulders interspersed throughout (Appendix 1, Photos 4 and 5). Based on the life history requirements for Arctic char, neither of the watercourses appears to be promising candidates to support viable populations as they do not appear to provide connectivity to larger waterbodies which would be suitable to allow Arctic char to complete their life cycle. Based on the approximated size of the watercourses (<5 m channel width), as well as the duration and severity of winter in the area, it is very likely that the watercourses would freeze to the bed during winter making overwintering extremely unlikely. Given the high gradient, shallow flows, and impassible culverts near their confluences, it is unlikely upstream migration of Arctic char would be possible. Based on the desktop survey and literature review for the Study Area, it cannot be conclusively stated that the watercourses and waterbodies in the proposed alternate haul road corridor do not contain Arctic char. There is, however, sufficient evidence suggesting that the watercourses are impassable to Arctic char and would be generally unsuitable as fish habitat. It is not expected that any affected waterbody for the proposed crossings of the alternate haul road will contain fish at any time during the year. The northern and southern watercourses are not listed under Schedule 1 of the Navigation Protection Act (NPA).

3.2.3 Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit Salmon River has been identified as containing Arctic char (NPC, 2013), however, there is no direct evidence supporting the northern and southern watercourses being utilized as fishery resources. Peak subsistence fishing for Arctic char occurs in mid-August (HTO Member Design Workshop, 2016). During consultation, residents of Pond Inlet stated that the watercourses and waterbodies that may be affected by the construction of the alternate haul road do not have fish populations and are not used for subsistence fishing (Brian Koonoo, local hunter; George Koonoo, Wildlife Officer; HTO member. Pers. Comm. April 2017).

3.3 Vegetation

3.3.1 Ecological Land Classification Thirteen ELC ground plots were surveyed as part of the field program. Seven of those plots occur within the Study Area and two occurred within the footprint of the proposed Quarry (Figure 3-1). The data collected from those plots are still presented within this baseline as the species and community characterizations are representative of the Study Area. The vegetation communities identified during the field surveys that occur within the Study Area include:

. Upland Dwarf Shrub (UDS) . Upland Dwarf Shrub – Variant 2 (UDS-2) . Upland Bedrock Outcrops (UBD) . Wetland Graminoid Drainage (WGD) . Wetland Ravine (WR) . Wetland Hummocky (WHU) . Wetland Shrubby (WSH) . Disturbed (DIS)

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Four vegetation communities were identified from aerial photograph interpretation in the portion of the Study Area which was not surveyed in the field:

. Upland General (ULD) . Lowland General (LGR) . Wetland Open Water (WOW) . Disturbed (DIS) The Study Area consists of a mixture of upland plateau areas with several lowland drainages throughout the route (Figure 3-1). The upland areas in the east are dominated by the UDS-2 vegetation communities. The DIS community is also present throughout most of the upland area in the east, with the disturbance predominantly aggregate extraction. A dominant drainage is located centrally within the Study Area, with drainage running from the southeast to the northwest and encompassing the northern watercourse. This drainage has a wide lowland area surrounding it, which is comprised of the WHU, WSH, and LGR vegetation communities. Several smaller drainages (southern watercourse) are situated in the west of the Study Area between areas of upland, and are comprised of the LGR vegetation community. Dwarf shrubs are common throughout all the vegetation community types. A species list for all vegetation species identified during field studies is provided in Advisian (2017), and a detailed description for each community is provided in the following sections.

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ServiceLayer Credits: Government of Nunavut Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Alternate Haul Road Terrestrial Baseline Report

3.3.1.1 Upland Dwarf Shrub The UDS vegetation community is characterized as a mosaic of vegetated and frost shattered bedrock areas. Vegetated areas between rocks are dominated by dwarf shrub species, including white Arctic mountain heather (Cassiope tetragona (L.) D. Don), Lapland rosebay (Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb.), and entireleaf mountain-avens (Dryas integrifolia Vahl). The frost shattered bedrock is vegetated by non-vascular lichen species. Vegetation ground plot PI-16-GD02 (Figure 3-1) was sampled in this community.

3.3.1.2 Upland Dwarf Shrub – Variant 2 The UDS-2 vegetation community was similar in vegetation composition to the UDS vegetation community and is distinguished from UDS by increased vegetated areas with less frequent frost shattered bedrock areas. Expansive areas of coarse textured soil are present and vegetation is dominated by dwarf shrub species, including white Arctic mountain heather (C. tetragona), and entireleaf mountain-avens (D. integrifolia). The frost shattered bedrock is vegetated by non-vascular lichen species (Figure 3-1). Vegetation ground plots PI- 16-GD04, PI-16-GD08, PI-16-GD11, PI-16-GD13 (Figure 3-1) were sampled in this community.

3.3.1.3 Upland Bedrock Outcrops The UBD shallow soils vegetation community is characterized as a mosaic of vegetated areas and smooth bedrock. Vegetated areas are dominated by dwarf shrub species, including Arctic mountain heather (C. tetragona). The smooth bedrock areas are vegetated exclusively by non-vascular lichen species. Areas between the smooth bedrock outcrops have thin soils, comprised mainly of sands and gravels. About 60% of the vegetation community is exposed bedrock, and 40% is sheltered vegetated. Vegetation ground plot PI-16- GD12 (Figure 3-1) was sampled in this community.

3.3.1.4 Wetland Graminoid Dominated The WGD vegetation community is characterized by saturated ground and vegetation dominated by wetland graminoid species. This community type is located in a drainage draw within the upland area in the eastern portion of the Study Area. This community has southwest drainage leading towards the Wetland hummocky (WHU) community type. (Figure 3-1). Vegetation is dominated by water sedge (Carex aquatilis Wahlenb.), white cottongrass (Eriophorum scheuchzeri Hoppe), and bog blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.).

3.3.1.5 Wetland Ravine The WR vegetation community is located southwest of the quarry and steeply transitions into frost shattered bedrock ravine sides (Figure 3-1). The ravine drains northwest then northeast toward the ocean. An ephemeral watercourse is present in the ravine, which was flowing at the time of the survey. The watercourse was present intermittently on the surface and below frost shattered bedrock at the time of the survey. The vegetated flat bottomed drainage is dominated by wetland vegetation species including water sedge and Arctic willow (Salix arctica Pall.).

3.3.1.6 Wetland Hummocky The WHU vegetation community is characterized by saturated ground and vegetation dominated by wetland graminoid species. The area has frequent areas of vegetated hummocks, with standing water in low areas. The hummock formations are likely to be of cryogenic origin, forming in regions of permafrost and seasonally

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frozen ground. This community type is located in flat receiving wetland below the drainage draws from the UDS-2 vegetation community (Figure 3-1). Vegetation was dominated by water sedge (C. aquatilis), white cottongrass (E. scheuchzeri), and willows (Salix spp.). Peat forming non-vascular species were observed, including peat moss (Sphagnum spp.) and golden moss (Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.) Schwägr.).

3.3.1.7 Wetland Shrubby (WSH) The wetland shrubby (WSH) vegetation community is characterized by a narrow band of dense willows (Salix spp.) located in sheltered areas below steep slopes (Figure 3-1). The sheltered nature of this vegetation community allows for taller shrub species than was observed in other areas of the Study Area. The WSH vegetation community has dense vegetation and litter accumulation. Vegetation species are dominated by willows (Salix spp.) and graminoid species. During desktop vegetation mapping the WSH vegetation community type was observed to have restricted distribution in the area.

3.3.1.8 Disturbed The DIS vegetation community is characterized by anthropogenic disturbance, with limited vegetation growth. The disturbance types included roads (permanent and temporary), and aggregate extraction (Figure 3-1). The roadsides and inactive aggregate extraction areas have sparse vegetation regrowth consisting mainly of forb and graminoid species, while the road surfaces and active aggregate extraction areas are un-vegetated.

3.3.1.9 Upland General The ULD vegetation community is characterized by areas of high ground, with vegetation community boundaries sloping towards the Lowland General (LGR) vegetation community (Figure 3-1). Vegetation species are likely similar in composition to the UDS-2 vegetation community. Aggregate extraction has occurred within several of the ULD areas, indicating that areas of coarse textured soil are likely present.

3.3.1.10 Lowland General The LGR vegetation community is characterized by low lying drainage areas with water courses. Areas of saturation are common, visible as hummocky areas and saturated areas on aerial imagery (Figure 3-1). Vegetation species are likely similar in composition to the WGD and WHU vegetation communities.

3.3.1.11 Wetland Open Water The WOW vegetation community was characterized by the presence of open water and surrounding wetland vegetation species as visible on aerial imagery (Figure 3-1).

3.3.2 Rare Plants (Species at Risk) No vegetation species at risk, or habitat for vegetation species at risk were identified during field studies; survey points are provided in Figure 3-1. A literature review was conducted on the vegetation species and the risk for geographical ranges to potentially overlap the Study Area. Details of that review are provided in the Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report (Advisian, 2017).

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3.3.3 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit Sixteen plants have been identified as having traditional uses within the Pond Inlet area (Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation, 2012). Uses for these species include food, medicine, tools and lamp wicks. Of these species, six were identified during field studies conducted September 16 to 18, 2016. Additionally, three lichen species identified during field studies are noted to have traditional uses within similar landscapes (Blondeau and Roy, 2004). These species are detailed in the Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Project – Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report (Advisian, 2017). In consultation with local Elders, there are two areas within the Study Area that are used for harvesting of plants and berries (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016). One area is located adjacent to the proposed alternate haul road between the cemetery and the airport (Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016) and the other is located just east of the airport runway in the middle part of the Study Area. However, most gathering areas are not located in the Study Area. A detailed figure illustrating land use and occupancy is provided in the Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report (Advisian, 2017).

3.4 Terrestrial Wildlife and Migratory Birds

3.4.1 Terrestrial Wildlife No terrestrial wildlife were observed in the surveyed portions of the Study Area during the wildlife reconnaissance. The ten terrestrial wildlife species identified in Advisian (2017) all have potential to occur within the Study Area based on habitat and range (Table 3-1). Three of the mammals with potential to occur are species at risk: barren-ground caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) are federally-listed as Threatened, polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and wolverine (Gulo gulo) are federally-listed as Special Concern (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016). In general, smaller sized terrestrial wildlife are more likely to regularly inhabit the Study Area, particularly species such as brown lemming (Lemmus trimuscronatus), Pear Land collared lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus), Arctic hare (Lepus arcticus), Arctic fox (Alopex lagopus), and ermine (Mustela erminea). Larger species such as Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos) and wolverine are wide-ranging. Due to either their nomadic life cycle or the need to follow migratory prey animals (COSEWIC, 2014a; Krizan, 2006; Sale, 2006; McLoughlin et al., 2004) it is likely these species only occur in the Study Area occasionally as they wander through seeking prey.

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Table 3-1 Terrestrial Wildlife that have Potential to Occur in the Study Area

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat1 Small Mammals (Rodents and Lagamorphs) Brown Lemming Lemmus trimucronatus . Damp (hydric) tundra dominated by grasses, sedges, and mosses. . Winter nests in areas of complex microhabitat. Peary Land Collared Dicrostonyx groenlandicus . Dry (xeric), rocky tundra. Lemming . Winter nests in areas of complex microhabitat. Arctic Hare Lepus arcticus . Typically willow-dominated tundra but also rocks and broken terrain for cover. Medium Mammals (Canids and Mustelids) Arctic Fox Alopex lagopus . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. small mammals and geese) than vegetation. . Dens are large, complex burrow systems with multiple entrances. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. small mammals and geese) than vegetation. . Use pre-existing Arctic fox dens. Arctic Wolf Canis lupus arctos . Likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. caribou) than vegetation. . Dens typically occur along eskers. Ermine Mustela erminea . Habitat generalist, likely determined more by prey availability than vegetation (small mammals). . Used subnivean grass nests, rock piles and burrows often commandeered from prey. Wolverine Gulo gulo . Wide ranging species whose habitat is likely determined more by prey availability (i.e. carcasses and small mammals) than vegetation. . Den within snow or under snow-covered rocks. Large Mammals Barren-ground Rangifer tarandus . Mesic to xeric tundra with snow-free or shallow snow- Caribou groenlandicus covered ridges and other topographical features offering shelter. Polar Bear Ursus maritimus . Wide ranging across sea ice. . Construct maternal snow dens along coast. Notes: 1 Habitat information from: (Chesemore, 1969; Parker, 1977; Garrott et al., 1983; King, 1983; Gray, 1993; Klein and Bay, 1994; Sittler, 1995; Sale, 2006; King and Powell, 2007; McLoughlin et al., 2004; Duchesne et al., 2011; Gauthier and Berteaux, 2011; COSEWIC, 2004, 2008, 2011)

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3.4.2 Migratory Birds No migratory birds were observed in the Study Area during the wildlife reconnaissance; however, given the assessment occurred in late September at a time when most birds have initiated migration (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016), this was expected. That said, whitewash was noted on two prominent boulders at the eastern end of the Study Area near the quarry (Advisian, 2017). To the southwest of this area, two cast pellets were observed (Photo 6-2 and Figure 6-2 in Advisian 2017). However, given the variability in pellet size which can vary depending on diet and the considerable overlap in measurements of the species likely to occur (rough-legged hawk, snowy owl, common raven, gyrfalcon, etc.), the species were not identified in the field (Elbroch and Marks, 2001). Of the 47 confirmed breeders (LePage et al., 1998; Advisian, 2017) in the area, 30 have potential to nest in the Study Area because of the habitat available (Table 3-2). The majority (17) of these species nest near wetlands or on poorly-drained, moist tundra (Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2016). Of these 30 species with potential to nest in the Study Area, red knots (Calidris canutus) are considered to be at risk in Canada. Three subspecies of red knot are federally-listed: rufa (Endangered), roselaari (Threatened), and islandica (Special Concern) (Species at Risk Public Registry, 2016). The islandica subspecies is the most likely to overlap the Study Area. In addition, red-necked phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus) are federally-listed as Special Concern (COSEWIC, 2007), but are not known to breed in the area (LePage et al., 1998). According to Renaud et al. (1981) who collated records and made observations about breeding habitat in the Pond Inlet region, well-vegetated (vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens) lowland tundra support a rich number of nesting birds including long-tailed jaeger (Stercorarius longicaudus), American golden plover (Pluvialis dominica), Baird’s sandpiper (Calidris bairdii), and Lapland longspur (Calcarius lapponicus). Similarly, species-rich habitats near the Hamlet comprise tussocky, graminoid tundra within wetland complexes at the mouth of Salmon River where red-throated loons (Gavia stellate), snow goose (Chen caerulescens), long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis), and red phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) nest. Salmon River is located approximately 1.5 km southwest of the Study Area; however similar habitat exists within the Study Area. Seepage areas on the lee sides of hills that create abundant graminoid communities are used by nesting white-rumped sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and pectoral sandpipers (C. melanotos) (Renaud et al., 1981). Similar habitat exists within the Study Area. Following ice break-up in August and September, a variety of shorebirds and American pipits (Anthus rubescens) use the Salmon Creek extensively (Renaud et al., 1981). These species may be present and nesting within the Study Area. Generally, suitable land bird habitat occurs between Pond Inlet and Utuk Lake in the Mala River Region (LePage et al., 1998); including the Study Area. This is consistent with IQ information received during consultation (Advisian, 2017). Generally, it is the wet meadow dominated by sedges and grasses (WHU, WGD, LGR) and WOW communities that provide habitat for the highest number of species (LePage et al., 1998). These vegetation communities comprise a substantial portion (42%) of the Study Area; thus, it can be expected that a variety of landbird species will be present and nesting. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the nesting season for Pond Inlet (N10: Arctic Plains and Mountains, Bird Conservation Region 3) is between mid-May and mid-August (ECCC, 2016). It should be noted these are estimated breeding dates and that the exact timing can vary according to the species occurrence, climate, elevation, and habitat type. Similarly it could vary based on the presence of micro-sites or factors such as early or late spring (ECCC, 2016). As a result of all these factors the time of nesting could vary by up to ten days. In addition, the period above does not include a nest building phase which generally occurs two weeks prior (ECCC, 2016).

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Table 3-2 Birds with Potential to Breed in the Study Area

Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat

Colonial near freshwater (ponds, lakes, streams, and braided deltas) often in wet meadows but also Snow Goose Chen caerulescens undulating terrain, exposed slopes, or cliff edges.

Variety of low Arctic regions with open view and adjacent to permanent freshwater (ponds, lakes, Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii streams, marshes, and muskeg).

Canada goose Branta canadensis Broad range of habitats but often adjacent to freshwater.

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Tundra lakes, ponds, and coastal deltas.

King Eider Somateria spectabilis Variety of tundra habitats but often on dry and well-drained in vegetation adjacent to freshwater.

Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Wetlands or offshore islands with freshwater.

Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta Well-drained, hummocky tundra with rocky ridges; outcrops and mixed vegetation.

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Wetlands.

Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus Open tundra including rocky outcrops, escarpments, and cliffs.

Lowlands in coastal areas and on open, dry, heath tundra, dwarf shrub meadows, and dry exposed Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola ridges, river banks, and beaches.

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica Elevated on sparse, low vegetation, well-drained rocky slopes.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Marshy slopes and flats near freshwater (marshes, streams, ponds) or tidal flats and beaches.

Red Knot Calidris canutus Sparsely vegetated, dry, elevated tundra on ridges or slopes with low shrub cover.

Islands, peninsulas, and coastal tundra with well-vegetated moist to well-drained slopes, ridges, and Sanderling Calidris alba alluvial plains.

Dry, well-drained coastal and upland exposed tundra. Beach ridges, terrace banks, bare soil with sparse Baird’s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii vegetation.

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis Well-vegetated, wet, meadows and low-lying areas near water.

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Common Name Scientific Name Breeding Habitat

Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Flat, marshy tundra dominated by sedges and grasses.

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Coastal, poorly-drained, hummocky, level terrain on tundra dominated by sedges.

Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus Pelagic bird that nests on low-lying marshy tundra and dry, tussock-heath.

Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus Tundra far from sea.

Sabine’s Gull Xema sabini Moist tundra near fresh water (ponds and lakes), low-lying sea coasts and coastal islands.

Open country, close to water, no vegetation or low and sparse cover; rocky, gravelly islands, barrier Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea beaches and spits, gravel moraines.

Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus Variety of tundra environments on distinct promontories.

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris Open habitat on bare ground or short grasses.

Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Dry, elevated rubble, rocky fields, stony hilltops, and precipices of rocky coasts.

American Pipit Anthus rubescens Mesic vegetation along streams, grassy meadows, and dry, dwarf shrub matts.

Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus Wet, hummocky meadows; avoids rocky and bare terrain.

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis Rocky areas and boulder screes near vegetated tundra.

Common Redpoll Acanthis flammea Dry, rocky or damp substrates on dry heaths or rocky slopes.

Hoary Redpoll Acanthis hornemanni Similar to common redpoll but near dwarf or creeping shrubs.

Source: Breeding habitat and nesting information from Cornell Lab of Ornithology (2017)

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3.4.3 Species at Risk With respect to migratory bird species at risk, although red-necked phalarope have been recorded in the Pond Inlet and Bylot Island area, they are considered an accidental visitor (LePage et al., 1998). Red-necked phalarope typically breed in low-Arctic tundra near freshwater (e.g. ponds, lakes, and streams) in vegetation dominated by graminoids (COSEWIC, 2014b). Despite recent breeding records on the southwest coast of Bylot Island, breeding in the Study Area is rare, but possible, as their breeding habitat is present within the Study Area. In addition to red-necked phalarope, red knots breed on windswept ridges, slopes, and plateaus with sparse (<5%) vegetation cover, often on south-facing sites in proximity to freshwater such as wetlands and lakes (COSEWIC, 2007). Consequently this species could also be present and breed within the Study Area. Barren-ground caribou have traditionally been observed near the Hamlet (Priest and Usher, 2004) but in recent years have declined (Jenkins et al., 2012). Traditionally known to be migratory, recent IQ research has suggested there may be both resident and migratory caribou; and at low densities, caribou may lose their migratory tendency (Jenkins and Goorts, 2013). Given that caribou have been absent from the Hamlet area since the 1990’s and unlikely to be migrating through the area, the likelihood of caribou occurring in the Study Area is very low. Finally, polar bears spend the majority of time on sea ice hunting (COSEWIC, 2008). However, loss of sea-ice in summer means this species must occupy summer retreats (COSEWIC, 2008). Given polar bears have been observed in town as recently as fall of 2016, it is likely that polar bears may occasionally wander through the Study Area, but are unlikely to stay for any length of time.

3.4.4 Inuit Qaujimajatugangit Detailed IQ for the Pond Inlet area is reported in Advisian (2017). In general, most IQ gathered is related to large, wide-ranging terrestrial wildlife species such as barren-ground caribou and polar bears. Overall, IQ has revealed that barren-ground caribou have declined since the 1990’s. Conversely, polar bears have appeared to increase, being more frequently observed in Pond Inlet (details in Advisian, 2017). With respect to migratory birds, IQ revealed that an important geese hunting area occurs adjacent to the south end of the Study Area (HTO Member Design Workshop, 2016). Similarly, birds nest in rocky areas southwest of the airport, ~1 km from the Study Area (HTO Member Design Workshop, 2016). Details can be found in Advisian (2017). Inuit field assistants informed the vegetation ecologist that the southern portion of the Study Area is also used by snowy owls.

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4 References

Advisian. (2017). Pond Inlet Marine Infrastructure Project. Terrestrial and Human Environment Baseline Report. Prepared for the Government of Nunavut, May 2017, Revision 0 (Document Number: 307071-01148- 01-EN-REP-0002). Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation. (2012). Mary River Project, Final Environmental Impact Statement. Appendix 6C, Vegetation Baseline Report, Appendix G: Traditional Knowledge Studies Reports. Bégout Anras, M. L., Gyselman, E C, Jorgenson, J K, Kristofferson, A. H., & Anras, L. (1999). Habitat Preferences and Residence Time for the Freshwater to Ocean Transition Stage in Arctic charr. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 79, 153-160. Blondeau, M., & Roy, C. (2004). Atlas of Plants of the Nunavik Villages. In collaboration with Alain Cuerrier and Avataq Cultural Institute. Diffusion Dimedia, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada. Brunner, P. C., Douglas, M. R., Osinov, A., Wilson, C. C., & Bernatchez, L. (2001). Holarctic Phylogeography of Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus L) Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Sequences. Evolution, 55, 573-586. Chesemore, D. L. (1969). Den Ecology of the Arctic Fox in Northern Alaska. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 47, 121-129. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2016). The Birds of North America Online. Available at: https://birdsna.org. Accessed: January 2017. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (2017). Birds of North America (P.G. Rodewald Ed). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Available at: http://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/gyrfal/ Accessed: January 2017. COSEWIC. (2004). COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Peary caribou Rangifer tarandus pearyi and the Barren-Ground Caribou Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus (Dolphin and Union population) in Canada. Ottawa. 91p. COSEWIC. (2007). COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Red Knot Calidris canutus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 58p. COSEWIC. (2008). COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report on the Polar Bear Ursus maritimus in Canada. Ottawa. 24p. COSEWIC. (2011). Designatable Units for Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. viii + 65p. COSEWIC. (2014a). COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Wolverine Gulo gulo in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 76p. COSEWIC. (2014b). COSEWIC Assessment and Update Status Report on the Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus in Canada. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. 52p. DFO. (2013a). Update Assessment of the Cambridge Bay Arctic Char Fishery, 1960 to 2009. Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Sci. Advis. Rep., 2013/051, 17.

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DFO. (2013b). Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Nunavut Restricted Activity Timing Windows for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat. Available at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/timing-periodes/nu-eng.html Accessed: April 2017. DFO. (2013c). Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat Including Aquatic Species at Risk. Available at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/measures- mesures/measures-mesures-eng.html Accessed: April 2017. DFO. (2013d). Fisheries Productivity Investment Policy: A Proponent’s Guide to Offsetting. Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canada, 21p. DFO. (2014). Projects Near Water: British Columbia Marine/Estuarine Timing Windows for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habtat – South Coast and Lower Fraser Areas. Available at: http://www.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/timing-periodes/bc-s-eng.html#area-28. Accessed: March 2017. Duchesne, D., Gauthier, G., & Berteaux, D. (2011). Habitat Selection, Reproduction, and Predation of Wintering Lemmings in the Arctic. Oecologia. Duitil, J. D. (1986). Energetic Constriants and Spawning Interval in the Anadromous Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus). Copeia, 4, 945-955. ECCC. (2016). General Nesting Periods of Migratory Birds in Canada. Environment Canada. Available at: http://www.ec.gc.ca/paom-itmb/default.asp?lang=En&n=4f39a78f-1. Accessed: January 2017. Ednie, M., & Smith, S. L. (2010). Establishment of Community-based Permafrost Monitoring Sites, Baffin Region, Nunavut. Proceedings of the Geo2010, Calgary, Alberta. Elbroch, M., & Marks, E. (2001). Bird Tracks & Sign: A Guide to North American Species. Stackpole Books. Mechanicsburg, PA. 456p. Evans, M. S., Muir, D. C. G., Keating, J., & Wang, X. (2015). Anadromous char as an Alternate Food Choice to Marine Animals: A Synthesis of Hg Concentrations, Population Features and other Influencing Factors. Science of The Total Environment, 509–510, 175-194. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.10.074 Ferrians, O. S., Kachadoorian, R., & Greene, G. W. (1970). Permafrost and Related Engineering Problems in Alaska”, Geological Survey Professional Paper 678. Fisheries Act. RSC 1985, c F-14 http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/F-14.pdf Last Ammended April 5 2016. Garrott, R. A., Eberhardt, L. E., & Hanson, W. C. (1983). Arctic Fox Den Identification and Characteristics in Northern Alaska. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 61, 423-426. Gauthier, G., & Berteaux, D. (2011). ArcticWOLVES: Arctic Wildlife Observatories Linking Vulnerable Ecosystems. Final Synthesis Report. Centre d’études Nordiques, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec. 133p. Geological Survey of Canada. (1973). Figure 2. Selected glacial landforms and location of radiocarbon dated samples, northeastern Baffin Island, Northwest Territories”, scale 1:500,000, accompanies paper 74-20. Geological Survey of Canada. (1975). Geology, Pond Inlet and Nova Zembla Island, District of Franklin” scale 1:250,000, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. 1396A. Government of Nunavut. (2016a). Aerial Imagery Provided by GIS/CAD Team.

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Government of Nunavut. (2016b). Non-Native and Invasive Species in Nunavut. Government of Nunavut and Environment Canada. Available at: http://www.gov.nu.ca/sites/default/files/brochure_english_jan31- 4_1.pdf Accessed: September 2016. Government of Nunavut & Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated. (2005). Nunavut Fisheries Strategy. March 2005, 50p. Gray, D. R. (1993). Behavioural Adaptations to Arctic Winter: Shelter Seeking by Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus). Arctic, 46(3), 340-453. Harris, L. N., Moore, J.-S., Galpern, P., Tallman, R. F., & Taylor, E. B. (2014). Geographic Influences on Fine- Scale, Hierarchical Population Structure in Northern Canadian Populations of nadromous Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus). Environmental Biology of Fishes, 97(11), 1233-1252. doi:10.1007/s10641- 013-0210-y Hodgson, D. A., & Haselton, G. M. (1974). Reconnaissance Glacial Geology, Northeastern Baffin Island”, paper 74-20, Geological Survey of Canada, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources, Ottawa. HTO Member Design Workshop. (2016). Design Workshop. November 24 2016. Jenkins, D., & Goorts, J. (2013). Baffin Island Caribou Consultations. Government of Nunavut. Department of Environment, Pond Inlet, NU, 86p. Jenkins, D. A., Goorts, J., & Lecomte, N. (2012). Estimating the Abundance of South Baffin Caribou. Government of Nunavut. Department of the Environment. Pond Inlet, NU, 30p. Jørgensen, E. H., Johansen, S. J. S., & Jobling, M. (1997). Seasonal Patterns of Growth, Lipid Deposition and Depletion in the Anadromous Arctic charr. Journal of Fisheries Biology, 51, 312-326. King, C. M. (1983). Mustela ermine. Mammalian Species. 195, 1-8. King, C. M., & Powell, R. A. (2007). The Natural History of Weasels and Stoats: Ecology, Behavior, and Management. New York: Oxford University Press. Klein, D., & Bay, C. (1994). Resource Partitioning by Mammalian Herbivores in the High Arctic. Oecologia, 97(4), 439-450. Klemetsen, A., Amundsen, P. A., Dempson, J. B., Jonsson, B., Jonsson, N., Connell, O., & Mortensen, E. (2003). Atlantic salmon Salmo salmar, Brown trout Salmo trutta (L), and Arctic char Salvelinus alpinus (L): A Review of Aspects of their Life Histories. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 12, 1-59. Kristofferson, A. H., McGowan, D. K., & Carder, G. W. (1984). Management of the Commercial Fishery for Anadromous Arctic charr in the Cambridge Bay area: Northwest Territories. In L. Johnson & B. L. Burns (Eds.), Biology of the Arctic charr (Vol. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Arctic charr, pp. 447-461). Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press. Krizan, J. (2006). Nunavut Wolf Morphology and Diet Study. Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Iqaluit. Final Wildlife Report, 11, 60p. LePage, D., Nettleship, D. N., & Reed, A. (1998). Birds of Bylot Island and Adjacent Baffin Island, Northwest Territories, Canada, 1979 to 1997. Arctic, 51(2), 125-141. Matthias Kaunak pers. comm. November 2016. Personal Communication 2016. Informal Discussion During Site Visit in November 2016.

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McLoughlin, P. D., Walton, L. R., Cluff, H. D., Paquet, P. C., & Ramsay, M. A. (2004). Hierarchical Habitat Selection by Tundra Wolves. Journal of Mammaology, 83(3), 579-580. Myers, G. S. (1949). Usage of Anadromous Catadromous and Allied Terms for Migratory Fishes. Copeia, 89-97. Navigation Protection Act. RSC 1985, c N-22 http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/PDF/N-22.pdf Last Ammended October 7 2016. NPC. (2000). North Baffin Regional Land Use Plan. Available at: http://www.nunavut.ca/files/North%20Baffin%20Regional%20Land%20Use%20Plan.pdf Accessed: February 2017. NPC. (2013). Summary of Community Meetings – Pond Inlet Nov 5-6, 2012 report. Available at: www.nunavut.ca/files/reports/2013-08-15_Pond_Inlet_Report.pdf Accessed: December 2016. Parker, G. R. (1977). Morphology, reproduction, diet, and behaviour of the arctic hare (Lepus arcticus monstrabilis) on Axel Heiberg Island, Northwest Territories. Canadian Field-Naturalist, 91(1), 8-18. Priest, H., & Usher, P. J. (2004). The Nunavut Wildlife Harvest Study. Nunavut Wildlife Management Board. 816p Available at: http://www.nwmb.com/en/list-all-site-files/publications/harvest-study Accessed: December 2016 to March 2017. Read, C. J. (2004). An Assessment of the Arctic char Population of Tugaat River, Nunavut. Can. Manuscr. Rep. Fish. Aquat. Sci., 2699, v+35p. Renaud, W. E., Gavin, W., & Finley, K. J. (1981). The Avifauna of the Pond Inlet Region, NWT. American Birds, 35(2), 119-129. Sale, R. (2006). A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife. Richmond Hill, Ont: Firefly books. Scott, W. B., & Crossman, E. J. (1973). Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, 84, xiii + 955p. Sittler, B. (1995). Response of Stoats (Mustela ermine) to a fluctuating lemming (Dicrostonyx groenlandicus) Population in North East Greenland: Preliminary Results from a Long-Term Study. Annales Zoologici Fennici, 32(1), 79-92. Species at Risk Public Registry. (2016). Species at Risk Public Registry. Species at Risk Species List. Government of Canada. Available at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/species/default_e.cfm Accessed September 2016. Tarnocai, C., & Bockheim, J. G. (2011). Cryosolic Soils of Canada: Genesis, Distribution, and Classification. Canadian Journal of Soil Science, 91, 749-762. Vangerwen-Toyne, M., Lewis, C., Tallman, R. F., Martin, Z., & Moore, J.-S. (2013). Information to Support the Assessment of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in the Sylvia Grinnell River, Nunavut, 2009-2011. DFO Can. Sci. Advis. Sec. Res. Doc., 2013/109, vi + 19p.

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Appendix 1 Photos

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Appendix 1 – Photos

Photo 1 View upstream of northern creek towards perched culverts near confluence with Eclipse Sound (19 September 2016)

Photo 2 View downstream of northern creek at its confluence with Eclipse Sound (19 September 2016)

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Photo 3 View upstream of southern stream towards culvert crossing near confluence with Eclipse Sound (13 June 2016)

Photo 4 View upstream of southern stream with negligible flow (19 September 2016)

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Photo 5 View north of northern creek within Pond Inlet (13 June 2016)

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