Lower Fraser Sustainable Resource Management Plan

1. Alouette 2. Fraser Valley South 3. Hatzic 4. Pitt 5. Stave 6. Widgeon

Prepared by:

Chilliwack District Staff

JANUARY 2013

Acknowledgements

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR), in co-ordination of this planning exercise relied on input and advice from government staff, and forest industry operational staff.

DRAFT SFV SRMP 2010

Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction ...... 4

2.0 Landscape Unit Description ...... 7

2.1 Alouette LU ...... 7

2.2 Fraser Valley South LU ...... 14

2.3 Hatzic LU ...... 20

2.4 Pitt LU...... 27

2.5 Stave LU ...... 34

2.6 Widgeon LU ...... 41

3.0 Key Resource Tenure Holders ...... 47

3.1 Forest Tenure Holders ...... 47

3.2 Mining Tenure Holders ...... 47

4.0 Significant Resource Values ...... 47

4.1 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity ...... 47

4.2 Timber Resources ...... 48

4.3 Private Land ...... 48

4.4 Water ...... 48

4.5 Recreation ...... 48

5.0 Existing Higher level Plans ...... 49

6.0 First Nations...... 49

7.0 OGMA Methodology ...... 50

7.1 Selection of OGMAs and Boundary Mapping ...... 50

7.2 Existing Planning Processes ...... 50

7.3 Assessment and Review ...... 51

7.4 Amendment Policy ...... 51

7.5 Mitigation of Timber Supply Impacts ...... 51

8.0 OGMA Analysis ...... 51

9.0 Wildlife Tree Retention ...... 52

10.0 Monitoring and Maintenance ...... 52

11.0 Landscape Unit Plan Objectives ...... 52

1.0 Introduction

This report provides documentation regarding the background information and processes used during the preparation of the Sustainable Resource Management Plan (SRMP) for six Landscape Units (LUs) in the Lower Fraser, within the Chilliwack Forest District. A description of the planning units, discussion of significant resource values, and an Old Growth Management Area (OGMA) rationale and summary are provided. The Lower Fraser SRMP consists of six Landscape Units, the Alouette, Fraser Valley South, Hatzic, Pitt, Stave, and Widgeon, see Table 1, Figure 1, and Figure 1.1.

Biological diversity or biodiversity is defined as: ‘the diversity of plants, animals and other living organisms in all their forms and levels of organisation, and includes the diversity of genes, species and ecosystems as well as the evolutionary and functional processes that link them1.

British Columbia is the most biologically diverse province in Canada. Over 150 taxa (taxonomy groups) of known mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians and over 600 vascular plants are listed for legal designation as threatened or endangered in British Columbia. Landscape level planning is directed at reducing threats to biological diversity and major impacts on the health and functioning of ecosystems (Resources Inventory Committee 1998).

Planning for OGMA biodiversity values is recognized as a high priority for the province. LU planning is an important component of the Forest and Range Practices Act and Forest Practices Code of BC Act that allows legal establishment of objectives to address landscape level biodiversity values. Implementation of this initiative is intended to help maintain certain biodiversity values. Managing for biodiversity through retention of old growth forests is considered important not only for wildlife, but can also provide important benefits to ecosystem management, protection of water quality and preservation of other natural resources. Although not all elements of biodiversity can be, or need be, maintained on every hectare, a broad geographic distribution of old growth ecosystems is intended to help sustain the genetic and functional diversity of native species across their historic ranges.

Landscape unit planning is the responsibility of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR), with statutory decision-making authority delegated under the Land Act to the Regional Executive Director of FLNR by the Minister responsible of administering the Land Act. OGMA delineation work was completed by FLNR’s staff in collaboration with the Fraser TSA Co-operative Association.

Input from First Nations was gathered during consultation between FLNR and individual First Nations. Comments from the public and other agencies were sought during the 60-day public review and comment period. Refer to attached specific Landscape Unit Plan maps for location of OGMAs and old growth representation from protected areas.

The Provincial Non-Spatial Order for Old Growth, June 30, 2004, assigned an Intermediate Biodiversity Emphasis Option to the Alouette, Pitt and Widgeon LUs and a Low Biodiversity Emphasis Option to the Fraser Valley South, Hatzic and Stave LUs.

Supporting documentation regarding government policy, planning processes and biodiversity concepts are provided in the Biodiversity Guidebook and the Landscape Unit Planning Guide2 and the Land Use Objectives Regulation: Policy and Procedures3.

1 BC Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1995. Biodiversity Guidebook.

Figure 1: Landscape Units within the Chilliwack Forest District

2 BC Ministry of Forests and Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1999. Landscape Unit Planning Guide. 3 Strategic Land Policy and Legislation Branch, Integrated Land Management Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. 2008. Land Use Objectives Regulation: Policy and Procedures.

Figure 1.1: Lower Fraser Sustainable Resource Management Plan (SRMP) Area

Table 1: Landscape Units Total Area, Target, and Actual Identified OGMAs

Total Area Total CFLB Target Actual OGMA Landscape Unit Name (ha) (ha) OGMA (ha) (ha) 1 Alouette 35,046 18,697 2,353 2,415 2 Fraser Valley South 324,742 10,407 1,387 1,479 3 Hatzic 75,636 40,805 5,237 5,283 4 Pitt 82,298 49,527 5,502 5,569 5 Stave 65,183 47,820 5,023 5,075 6 Widgeon 61,704 34,941 4,022 4,003

Totals 644,608 202,197 23,524 23,810

2.0 Landscape Unit Description

2.1 Alouette LU

2.1.1 Biophysical Description

The Alouette Landscape Unit surrounds Alouette Lake. It includes all the land draining into Alouette Lake plus the majority of the outflow area draining into the lower Alouette River, see Figure 2. The Landscape Unit covers a total gross area of 35,046 ha.

Of the total LU area, 18,697 ha (53%) is within the Crown Forested Land Base (CFLB), which is comprised of the contributing (C), partial contributing (P), and non-contributing (N) areas. The remaining 16,348 ha (47%) of the total Alouette Landscape Unit area are excluded areas (X) and alpine tundra (AT), which are comprised of non-productive forest, non-forested (rock, ice, tundra, water, statutory right-of-ways, etc.) and non-Crown lands (private land, federal lands, Indian Reserves, etc.). These areas have been excluded from OGMA planning.

OGMA locations within the Alouette LU are shown on Figure 5.

Chart 1: Alouette LU Contribution to the ‘Crown Forested Land Base’ (ha) from Table 4.

1,071.46

Contributing 16,348.77 Non Contributing Partial Contributing 17,448.12 Excluded

177.71

The Alouette LU is within the Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, Southern Pacific Ranges ecosection4. Its climate is maritime, with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 – 2000 mm with the majority of precipitation occurring in the fall and winter, which at higher elevations creates a snow pack that feeds the landscape unit stream network.

There are five (5) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants within the Alouette LU, which fall within three (3) natural disturbance types (NDTs), see Table 2 & Figure 3.

Table 2: Alouette LU’s BEC & NDT

BEC Description NDT

CWH vm1 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone submontane very wet maritime variant 1 CWH vm2 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone montane very wet maritime variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2 AT Alpine Tundra 5

Figure 2: Alouette Landscape Unit Boundary (Ortho-Image).

4 Demarchi, D. 1996. An introduction to the ecoregions of British Columbia. Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia.

Figure 3: Alouette Landscape Unit Biogeoclimatic Zone Subzones & Variants

2.1.2 Land Status

Land status, by ownership class, within the Alouette LU is summarized in Table 3, below, and Figure 4. Crown forest land base is provided in Table 4 below.

Table 3: Alouette Landscape Unit Land Status

CODE Ownership Class * CFLB TOTAL LU TOTAL AREA EXCLUDED AREA (ha) OF LU (ha) AREA (ha) (%)

0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 1,920.17 1,920.17 5.5% 40 Private Land (Crown 0.00 9,153.85 9,153.85 26.1% Grants) 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 156.24 156.24 0.4% 63 Parks and Protected Areas 16,638.12 0.00 16,638.12 47.5% 69 Provincial Reserves (incl 269.55 659.34 928.89 2.7% UREP and Ecological) 99 Provincial Leases and 0.00 24.04 24.04 0.1% Right-of-Ways 70 Timber Licence 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 77 Woodlot 0.00 1,258.25 1,258.25 3.6% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 98 Municipal Land 1,353.57 3,167.36 4,520.94 12.9% 62 Provincial Forest 428.68 9.50 438.18 1.3%

Total Alouette LU 18,689.92 16,348.75 35,038.67 100.0% Note: This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis.

*any overlapping areas between ownership classes is accounted for only once in the category that first appears on the list, e.g. lakes and rivers in parks & protected areas are included under code 0 only and not under code 63.

Table 4: Alouette Landscape Unit OGMA Targets and Contributing Status

Excluded Crown Forested Land Base (ha) Land (ha) OGMA Target % Non- Partial Contributing Contributing Contributing AREA_HA TOTAL BEC_LABEL (C) (N) (P) X (C,N,P) AREA (HA) % HA CMA unp 0.00 873.09 0.00 0.27 873.09 873.37

CWH dm 85.58 3,807.83 7.42 12,025.42 3,900.83 15,926.25 0.09 351.07 CWH vm 1 837.54 4,906.25 159.59 754.47 5,903.38 6,657.85 0.13 767.44 CWH vm 2 106.89 4,706.71 4.91 1,686.05 4,818.52 6,504.57 0.13 626.41 CWH xm 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,807.94 0.00 1,807.94 0.09 -

MH mm 1 41.45 3,154.23 5.79 74.61 3,201.47 3,276.08 0.19 608.28 Totals 1,071.46 17,448.12 177.71 16,348.77 18,697.29 35,046.06 2,353.20 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis. 2) There is a discrepancy between tables 3 & 4 above for the total area of this LU. This is caused by a large number of small portion of forest cover polygons intersecting BEC polygons and landscape unit boundary.

Table 5: Alouette Landscape Unit OGMAs Established, and Contributing Status

Difference* OGMA Targets (established - Actual OGMA target) ha BEC LABEL % Ha (CNP) ha

CMA unp 0.00 0.00 CWH dm 0.09 351.07 364.07 12.99 CWH vm 1 0.13 767.44 785.45 18.01 CWH vm 2 0.13 626.41 640.29 13.88 MH mm 1 0.19 608.28 625.08 16.80 Alouette Totals 2,353.20 2,414.88 61.68 * Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified.

Note: This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis

Figure 4: Alouette Landscape Unit Land Ownership Classification

Figure 5: Alouette Landscape Unit OGMAS

2.1.3 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

The Chilliwack Forest District is home to several species at risk, including: Marbled Murrelet (MAMU), Grizzly Bear, Beaver, Tall Bugbane, Pacific Water shrew, Spotted Owl, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Phantom Orchid, Keen’s Long-eared Myotis, Wolverine, Badger, and Bull Trout. There are also regionally important species including ungulates such as Mountain Goat and Black- tailed deer. There are wildlife habitat areas (WHAs) designated for these species at risk. Ungulate winter range designations have also been established.

Wildlife resources of primary management concern in the Alouette LU include: Marbled Murrelet (MAMU), deer, fish as well as a number of species at risk. For the many other species that occur in this landscape unit, habitat requirements are generally managed within habitat provisions provided for primary species or through access management provisions (e.g. Marbled Murrelet).

2.1.3.1 Deer Winter Range

Generally, OGMAs are established overlapping other already constrained areas such as deer winter range. However, there are no deer winter range areas within the Alouette LU.

2.1.3.2 Fish Habitat

The Alouette River watershed supports significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations. Riparian management zones and management practices implemented under the Forest and Range Practices Act adjacent to these fish streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian and floodplain attributes are primary OGMA candidates.

2.2 Fraser Valley South LU

2.2.1 Biophysical Description

The Fraser Valley South (FVS) Landscape Unit is situated north of the Canada US border, and the NW edge of the Cascade Mountains and South of the Fraser River and Burrard Inlet (see Figure 7). The FVS Landscape Unit covers a total gross area of 324,743.2 ha.

Of the total LU area, 10,407 ha (3.2%) are within the Crown Forested Land Base (CFLB), which is comprised of the contributing (C), partial contributing (P), and non-contributing (N) land base for timber harvesting. The remaining 314,335.91 ha (96.7%) of the total Landscape Unit area are excluded areas (X), which are comprised of non-productive forest, non-forested or non-Crown lands (rock, alpine tundra, water, private land etc.). These areas have been excluded from any OGMA contributions and calculations.

Chart 2: FVS LU Contribution to the ‘Crown Forested Land Base’ (ha) from Table 8.

Contributing Non-Contributing Partially Contributing Excluded

The FVS Landscape Unit lies within the Lower Mainland and Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, and includes the North-western Cascade Ranges, Eastern Pacific Ranges and Fraser Lowland ecosections. See Figure 6, for the LU boundary location. It has a maritime climate with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 – 2000 mm with the majority of precipitation occurring in the fall and winter, which at higher elevations creates a snow pack that feeds the landscape unit stream network.

There are nine (9) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants in the FVS LU (See Figure 6) for the distribution of Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification units, which fall within three (3) natural disturbance types (NDTs). Table 6 describes the zones.

Table 6: Fraser Valley South LU’s BEC & NDT.

BEC Description NDT

CWH vm2 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone montane very wet maritime variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 MH mm2 Mountain Hemlock Zone leeward moist maritime variant 1 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2 CWH xm1 Coastal Western Hemlock very dry maritime, eastern variant 2 CWH ds1 Coastal Western Hemlock dry submaritime subzone 2 CWH ms1 Coastal Western Hemlock moist submaritime southern variant 2 CDFmm Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime subzone 2 AT Alpine Tundra 5

In the lower elevation variants, within NDT1 and 2, the FVS LU has sustained high levels of disturbance. The vast majority of the lower elevation flat land has been deforested and is now in agricultural or urban use. Forested stands exist on slopes above residential and agricultural areas, and many lower elevation productive sites (typically on slopes with low to moderate gradient) have been disturbed by extensive forest fires and by past timber harvesting.

Figure 6: Fraser Valley South LU Biogeoclimatic Map

Figure 7: Fraser Valley South LU OGMAS

2.2.2 Land Status

Land status within the Fraser Valley South LU is summarised in Table 7, below, and Crown forest land base is provided in Table 8, below.

Table 7: Land Status of the Fraser Valley South Landscape Unit

CODE DESCRIPTION CFLB Area Excluded Area Total Area Total of LU (ha) (ha) (ha) (%) 0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 118,082.72 118,082.72 36.6% 40 Private Land (Crown Grants) 0.00 174,334.67 174,334.67 54.0% 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 3,175.65 3,175.65 1.0% 63 Parks and Protected Areas 307.65 3.35 311.00 0.1% 69 Provincial Reserves (incl UREP and 3,062.83 1,207.90 4,270.73 1.3% Ecological) 99 Provincial Leases and Right-of-Ways 0.00 2,057.09 2,057.09 0.6% 70 Timber Licence 174.30 0.00 174.30 0.1% 77 Woodlot 0.00 1,401.53 1,401.53 0.4% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 98 Municipal Land 1,650.59 11,820.01 13,470.60 4.2% 62 Provincial Forest 4,966.49 528.09 5,494.58 1.7% Fraser Valley LU - Totals 10,161.85 312,611.02 322,772.87 100.0% Note: This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis.

Figure 8: Fraser Valley South LU Land Status

Table 8: Fraser Valley South LU OGMA Targets and Contributing Status

Crown Forested Land Base Excluded (ha) (ha) AREA_HA TOTAL OGMA Target % (C,N,P) AREA (HA) BEC LABEL C N P X % HA CDF mm 0.00 0.00 0.00 127,369.27 0.00 127,369.27 CMA unp 5.72 54.19 0.00 100.52 59.91 160.43 CWH dm 2,747.49 2,539.51 133.31 58,082.40 5,420.31 63,502.71 0.13 704.6406 CWH ds 1 482.00 688.20 19.65 3,460.58 1,189.85 4,650.43 0.13 154.6808 CWH ms 1 817.83 572.33 34.70 119.06 1,424.86 1,543.92 0.13 185.2318 CWH vm 2 621.38 829.61 60.32 384.55 1,511.30 1,895.85 0.13 196.4695 CWH xm 1 49.39 51.24 9.22 124,659.37 109.86 124,769.23 0.13 14.28119 MH mm 1 79.75 138.30 19.20 103.94 237.26 341.20 0.19 45.07936 MH mm 2 207.30 231.02 15.61 56.21 453.94 510.15 0.19 86.24775 Totals: 5,010.87 5,104.40 292.02 314,335.91 10,407.29 324,743.20 1,386.631 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis. 2) There is a discrepancy between tables 7 & 8 above for the total area of this LU. This is caused by a large number of small portion of forest cover polygons intersecting BEC polygons, private land, and landscape unit boundary.

Table 9: Fraser Valley South LU OGMAs Established, and Contributing Status

Difference* OGMA Targets Actual (established - OGMA target) (CNP) ha BGC_LABEL % Ha HA CWH dm 0.13 704.64 722.25 17.61 CWH ds 1 0.13 154.68 167.10 12.42 CWH ms 1 0.13 185.23 203.95 18.72 CWH vm 2 0.13 196.47 215.20 18.73 CWH xm 1 0.13 14.28 15.43 1.15 MH mm 1 0.19 45.08 56.54 11.46 MH mm 2 0.19 86.25 98.71 12.46 Totals: 1,386.63 1,479.18 92.55 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis.

* Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified.

2.2.3 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

Wildlife and Biodiversity resources of primary management concern in the Fraser Valley South LU include deer, goshawk and limited areas of Marbled Murrelet (MAMU) habitat Pacific Water Shrew, Coastal Giant Salamander Tall Bugbane, and there may be others considered as identified wildlife. There are designated WHAs for Tall Bugbane and Watershrew located in the southeast area of the LU.

OGMAs have been located to include habitat for these species and for biodiversity habitat in general. OGMAs overlap with potential deer winter range areas, old growth that may be suitable for MAMU nesting habitat, mature second growth forest that may be suitable for Goshawk nesting and foraging, as well as salamander bugbane and shrew WHAs. OGMAs also provide the coarse filter approach to habitat conservation to provide for many other species.

Almost all rivers, creeks, and drainage systems in the FVS LU support significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations or flow into waters that do. Riparian reserve zones established (as per the Forest Practices Code) and management practices implemented under the Forest and Range Practices Act adjacent to these streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian attributes were identified as primary OGMA candidates.

2.3 Hatzic LU

2.3.1 Biophysical Description

The Hatzic Landscape Unit is situated on the North side of the Fraser River between the confluences of the Stave and Harrison Rivers (see Figure 7). The Landscape Unit covers a total gross area of 75,635.90 ha.

Of the total area, 40,805 ha (54%) are within the Crown productive forest land base. The remaining 34,830.93 ha (46%) are non-productive forest, non-forested or non-Crown (rock, alpine tundra, water, private land etc.) and have been excluded from any OGMA contributions and calculations.

Chart 3: Hatzic Landscape Unit Contributing landbase (ha)

17,115 Contributing 34,831 Non-Contributing Partially Contributing Excluded 20,682

3,008

The Hatzic LU lies within the Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, and within both the South Pacific Ranges and Georgia Lowlands ecosections. It has a maritime climate with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters.

There are four (4) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants within the LU (see Figure 8), which fall within two (2) natural disturbance types (NDTs).

Table 10: Hatzic LU’s BEC & NDT.

BEC Description NDT

CWH vm1 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone very wet maritime submontane variant 1 CWH vm2 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone very wet maritime montane variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2

In the lower elevation variants, within NDT1 and 2, the Hatzic LU has sustained high levels of disturbance. Forested stands on lower elevation productive sites (typically on slopes with low to moderate gradient) have been disturbed by extensive timber harvesting and wildfires.

Figure 9: Hatzic Landscape Unit Boundary

Figure 10: Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem (BEC) Classification, Hatzic Landscape Unit

2.3.2 Land Status

Land status within the Hatzic LU is summarised in Table 11, below, and Figure 9. Crown forest land base is provided in Table 12, below.

Table 11: Hatzic Landscape Unit Land Status

CFLB Area Excluded Area Total Area Total of CODE DESCRIPTION (ha) (ha) (ha) LU (%) 0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 8,384.99 8,384.99 11.1% 40 Private Land (Crown Grants) 0.00 20,109.06 20,109.06 26.6% 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 1,049.22 1,049.22 1.4% 63 Parks and Protected Areas 285.23 0.00 285.23 0.4% Provincial Reserves (incl UREP and 69 Ecological) 1,287.42 59.63 1,347.05 1.8% 99 Provincial Leases and Right-of-Ways 0.00 273.13 273.13 0.4% 70 Timber Licence 7,416.19 0.00 7,416.19 9.8% 77 Woodlot 0.00 1,479.04 1,479.04 2.0% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 97 ALR 9.58 796.56 806.14 1.1% 98 Municipal Land 7,277.50 243.08 7,520.57 9.9% 62 Provincial Forest 23,698.00 1,581.34 25,279.35 33.4% Subtotal 39,973.91 33,976.05 73,949.96 97.8% Miscellaneous 1,685.93 2.2% 75,635.89 100.0% Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis.

Table 12: Hatzic LU OGMA Targets and Contributing Status.

Excluded Crown Forested Land Base (ha) Land (ha) OGMA Target %

AREA_HA Total Area BGC_LABEL C N P X (C,N,P) (HA) % HA CWH dm 3,312.60 6,788.81 374.84 23,804.92 10,476.25 4,281.17 0.09 942.86 CWH vm 1 5,137.53 5,053.89 1,307.23 9,355.83 11,498.65 20,854.48 0.13 1,494.82 CWH vm 2 6,512.05 5,336.55 1,116.96 1,204.28 12,965.57 14,169.85 0.13 1,685.52 MH mm 1 2,153.11 3,502.84 208.54 465.90 5,864.49 6,330.38 0.19 1,114.25 Totals 17,115.29 20,682.09 3,007.58 34,830.93 40,804.96 75,635.90 5,237.46 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis.

Table 13: Hatzic LU OGMA Established and Contributing Status.

OGMA Target Actual Difference* OGMA (CNP) (established - BGC_LABEL % Ha ha target) CWH dm 0.09 942.86 963.7 20.8 CWH vm 1 0.13 1,494.82 1,506.7 11.9 CWH vm 2 0.13 1,685.52 1,687.9 2.4 MH mm 1 0.19 1,114.25 1,124.5 10.2 Totals 5,237.46 5,282.7 34.4 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis. * Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified.

Figure 11: Hatzic Landscape Unit Land Status

Figure 12: Hatzic Landscape Unit OGMAS

2.3.3 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

Wildlife resources of primary management concern in the Hatzic LU include deer, mountain goat, goshawk and limited Marbled Murrelet (MAMU) habitat, fish as well as a number of species at risk that are considered “Identified Wildlife”.

OGMAs have been located to include potential deer and mountain goat winter range areas, old growth that may be suitable for MAMU nesting habitat and mature second growth forest has been included in recruitment areas that may be suitable for Goshawk nesting and foraging. OGMAs also provide the coarse filter approach to habitat conservation to provide for many other species.

Many of the LU’s rivers, creeks and lakes support significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations. Riparian reserve zones established (as per the Forest Practices Code) and management practices implemented under the Forest and Range Practices Act adjacent to these fish streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian and floodplain attributes were identified as primary OGMA candidates.

2.4 Pitt LU

2.4.1 Biophysical Description

The Pitt Landscape Unit is located within the upper Pitt River watershed above Pitt Lake. It includes all the land draining into the Pitt River and includes approximately 4 km of shoreline at either side of the North end of Pitt Lake (see Figure 13). The Landscape Unit covers a total gross area of 82,298 ha.

Of the total LU area, 49,527 ha (60%) are within the Crown Forested Land Base (CFLB), which is comprised of the contributing (C), partial contributing (P), and non-contributing (N) areas. . The remaining 32,772 ha (40%) of the total Pitt Landscape Unit area are excluded areas (X) and alpine tundra (AT), which are comprised of non-productive forest, non-forested (rock, ice, tundra, water, statutory right-of-ways, etc.) and non-Crown lands (private land, federal lands, Indian Reserves, etc.). These areas have been excluded from OGMA planning.

Chart 4: Pitt Landscape Unit Contributing landbase (ha)

9,401.66

Contributing 32,771.61 Non-Contributing Partially Contributing Excluded 38465.43

1,659.62

The Pitt LU is within the Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, Southern Pacific Ranges ecosection5. Its climate is maritime, with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 – 2000 mm with the majority of precipitation occurring in the fall and winter, which at higher elevations creates a snow pack that feeds the landscape unit stream network.

There are six (6) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants within the Pitt LU, which fall within three (3) natural disturbance types (NDTs), see Table 14 & Figure 14.

5 Demarchi, D. 1996. An introduction to the ecoregions of British Columbia. Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia.

Table 14: Pitt LU’s BEC & NDT.

BEC Description NDT

CWH vm1 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone submontane very wet maritime variant 1 CWH vm2 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone montane very wet maritime variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 MH mm2 Mountain Hemlock Zone leeward moist maritime variant 1 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2 AT Alpine Tundra 5

Figure 13: Pitt Landscape Unit Boundary

Figure 14: Pitt Landscape Unit Biogeoclimatic Zone Subzones & Variants

2.4.2 Land Status

Land status within the Pitt LU is summarized in Table 15 and Figure 15. Crown forest land base is provided in Table 16, below.

Table 15: Land Status of the Pitt Landscape Unit

CFLB Area Excluded Total Area Total of CODE DESCRIPTION (ha) Area (ha) (ha) LU (%) 0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 1,885.81 1,885.81 2% 40 Private Land (Crown Grants) 0.00 707.78 707.78 1% 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 0.00 0.00 0% 63 Parks and Protected Areas 28,407.84 26,000.69 54,408.54 66% Provincial Reserves (incl UREP 69 and Ecological) 10.57 0.52 11.09 0% Provincial Leases and Right-of- 99 Ways 0.00 5.91 5.91 0% 70 Timber Licence 4,499.42 0.00 4,499.42 5% 77 Woodlot 0.00 0.00 0.00 0% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0% 98 Municipal Land 0.00 0.00 0.00 0% 62 Provincial Forest 16,606.31 4,168.22 20,774.53 25% Pitt LU Totals 49,524.15 32,768.94 82,293.09 100% *any overlapping areas between ownership classes is accounted for only once in the category that first appears on the list, e.g. lakes and rivers in parks & protected areas are included under code 0 only and not under code 63. Note: This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis.

Table 16: Pitt Landscape Unit OGMA Targets and Contributing Status

Crown Forested Land Base (ha) Excluded AREA_HA TOTAL OGMA Target % (ha) (C,N,P) AREA (HA) BE C LABEL C N P X % HA CMA unp 44.56 11,787.45 0.00 17,791.27 11,832.02 29,623.28 0 0.00 CWH dm 1,496.28 1,522.04 129.13 1,448.35 3,147.45 4,595.80 0.09 283.27 CWH vm 1 3,129.18 4,840.83 954.89 1,310.67 8,924.91 10,235.57 0.13 1,160.24 CWH vm 2 3,786.14 9,150.71 562.36 2,792.32 13,499.22 16,291.54 0.13 1,754.90 MH mm 1 945.50 11,164.40 13.23 9,070.39 12,123.13 21,193.51 0.19 2,303.39 MH mm 2 0.00 0.00 0.00 358.63 0.00 358.63 0.19 0.00 Totals 9,401.66 38,465.43 1,659.62 32,771.61 49,526.72 82,298.33 5,501.80 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis. 2) There is a discrepancy between tables 15 & 16 above for the total area of this LU. This is caused by a large number of small portion of forest cover polygons intersecting BEC polygons, private land, and landscape unit boundary.

Table 17: Pitt Landscape Unit OGMAs Established, and Contributing Status

OGMA Targets Difference* Actual OGMA (established - BEC_LABEL % Ha (CNP) ha target) CMA unp 0 0.00 138.47 138.47 CWH dm 0.09 283.27 301.42 18.15 CWH vm 1 0.13 1,160.24 1,178.39 18.15 CWH vm 2 0.13 1,754.90 1,770.48 15.58 MH mm 1 0.19 2,303.39 2,180.17 -123.23 Pitt Totals: 5,501.80 5,568.93 **67.13 Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis. * Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified. ** The total is positive because BEC boundaries were drawn at a very high level, 1:250:000 scale mapping, in rare occasions, following review of the imagery and a professional call, the CMAunp was determined to be productive and so was counted towards the nearest zone, in this case MHmm1.

Figure 15: Pitt Landscape Unit Land Ownership Classification

Figure 16: Pitt Landscape Unit OGMAs

2.4.3 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

Wildlife resources of primary management concern in the Pitt LU include: Marbled Murrelet (MAMU), deer, fish as well as a number of species at risk. However, currently, there are no designated WHAs in the Pitt LU. For the many other species occur in this landscape unit, habitat requirements are generally managed within habitat provisions provided for primary species or through access management provisions (e.g. Marbled Murrelets).

2.4.4 Fish Habitat

The Pitt River watershed supports significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations. Riparian management zones and management practices implemented under the Forest and Range Practices Act adjacent to these fish streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian and floodplain attributes are primary OGMA candidates.

2.5 Stave LU

2.5.1 Biophysical Description

The Stave Landscape Unit (LU) is located within the Stave River watershed at the north end of Stave Lake, (See Figure 17). The Landscape Unit covers a total area of 65,183 ha.

Of the total LU area, 47,820 ha (73%) are within the Crown Forested Land Base (CFLB), which is comprised of the contributing (C), partial contributing (P), and non-contributing (N) land base for timber harvesting. The remaining 17,362 ha (27%) of the total Landscape Unit area are excluded areas (X), which are comprised of non-productive forest, non-forested (rock, alpine tundra, water, etc.) or non-Crown lands (private land, federal lands, Indian reserve lands, etc.). These areas have been excluded from any OGMA contributions and calculations.

Chart 5: Stave Landscape Unit Contributing landbase (ha).

4,846

17,362 Contributing Non-Contributing Partially-Contributing 1,645 Excluded 41,329

The Stave LU lies within the Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, South Pacific Ranges ecosection6. Its climate is maritime, with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 – 1000 mm with the majority of precipitation occurring in the fall and winter, which at higher elevations creates a snow pack that feeds the landscape unit stream network.

6 Demarchi, D. 1996. An introduction to the ecoregions of British Columbia. Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia.

There are six (6) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants, which fall within three (3) natural disturbance types (NDTs)7 (see Figure 18).

Table 18: Stave LU’s BEC & NDT.

BEC Description NDT

CWH vm1 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone submontane very wet maritime variant 1 CWH vm2 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone montane very wet maritime variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 MH mm2 Mountain Hemlock Zone leeward moist maritime variant 1 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2 AT Alpine Tundra 5

In the lower elevation variants, within NDT1 and 2, the Stave LU has sustained substantial levels of disturbance. Forested stands on lower elevation productive sites (typically on slopes with low to moderate gradient) have been disturbed by forest fires and past timber harvesting. The relatively low levels of old seral forest remaining within these BEC variants reflect this disturbance history.

7 NDT1 encompasses those ecosystems with rare stand-initiating events. NDT2 includes ecosystems with infrequent stand initiating events. NDT5 is Alpine Tundra or other parkland ecosystems that are not considered forested. For a more complete description of NDTs see the Biodiversity Guidebook (1995).

Figure 17: The Stave Landscape Unit

Figure 18: Stave LU Biogeoclimatic Classification (BEC) Units

Figure 18:Stave Landscape Unit OGMAs

2.5.2 Land Status

Land status within the Stave LU is summarized in Table 19, below, and Figure 19. Crown forest land base is provided in Table 20 below.

Table 19: Land Status of the Stave Landscape Unit

CFLB Area Excluded Area Total Area Total of LU CODE DESCRIPTION (ha) (ha) (ha) (%) 0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 1,672.00 1,672.00 2.6% Private Land (Crown 40 Grants) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% Parks and Protected 63 Areas 29,719.30 224.62 29,943.93 46.0% Provincial Reserves (incl 69 UREP and Ecological) 7.33 57.03 64.36 0.1% Provincial Leases and 99 Right-of-Ways 0.00 24.48 24.48 0.0% 70 Timber Licence 745.29 0.00 745.29 1.1% 77 Woodlot 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 98 Municipal Land 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 62 Provincial Forest 17,302.71 15,352.77 32,655.48 50.2% Stave Totals: 47,774.62 17,330.91 65,105.53 100.0% *any overlapping areas between ownership classes is accounted for only once in the category that first appears on the list, e.g. lakes and rivers in parks & protected areas are included under code 0 only and not under code 63. Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis. 2) There is a discrepancy between tables 19 & 20 above for the total area of this LU. This is caused by a large number of small portion of forest cover polygons intersecting BEC polygons, private land, and landscape unit boundary.

Table 20: Stave Landscape Unit OGMA Targets and Contributing Status

Excluded AREA_HA TOTAL Crown Forested Land Base (ha) Land (ha) OGMA Targets (C,N,P) AREA (HA) BEC LABEL C N P X % HA CMA unp 0.00 15,339.36 0.00 9,121.82 15,339.36 24,461.18 CWH vm 1 3,177.01 5,574.06 1,422.16 1,808.05 10,173.24 11,981.29 0.13 1,322.52 CWH vm 2 1,477.90 7,452.08 222.29 2,834.01 9,152.27 11,986.28 0.13 1,189.80 MH mm 1 191.20 11,115.60 0.57 3,469.78 11,307.37 14,777.15 0.19 2,148.40 MH mm 2 0.00 1,848.13 0.00 128.79 1,848.13 1,976.93 0.19 351.15 Totals 4,846.11 41,329.24 1,645.02 17,362.45 47,820.37 65,182.82 5,011.86 Note: This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis.

Table 21: Stave Landscape Unit OGMAs Established and Contributing Status

Actual Difference* OGMA Targets (established - OGMA target) (CNP) ha BEC LABEL % Ha Ha CMA unp 111.82 111.82 CWH vm 1 0.13 1,323.48 1343.61 20.13 CWH vm 2 0.13 1,189.80 1193.33 3.53 MH mm 1 0.19 2,158.43 2062.12 -96.31 MH mm 2 0.19 351.15 363.92 12.78 Stave Total 5022.85 5074.81 **51.95 Note: This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis. * Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified. ** The total is positive because BEC boundaries were drawn at a very high level, 1:250:000 scale mapping, in rare occasions, following review of the imagery and a professional call, the CMAunp was determined to be productive and so was counted towards the nearest zone, in this case MHmm1.

2.5.3 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

Wildlife resources of primary management concern in the Stave LU include: Grizzly bear, mountain goat, deer, fish as well as a number of species at risk. For the many other species occur in this landscape unit, habitat requirements are generally managed within habitat provisions provided for primary species or through access management provisions.

2.5.3.1 Mountain Goats

The Stave LU is an important area for mountain goats. Forested winter range habitat for this species has been identified. To minimize impacts on the timber harvesting landbase, where possible OGMAs have been placed into identified Mountain Goat Winter Range Habitat where the forest is suitable.

2.5.3.2 Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears are present within the Stave LU.

2.5.3.3 Fish Habitat

The Stave River watershed supports significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations. Riparian reserve zones established (as per the Forest and Range Practices Act) and management practices implemented under regulations adjacent to these fish streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian and floodplain attributes are primary OGMA candidates.

2.6 Widgeon LU

2.6.1 Biophysical Description

The Widgeon Landscape Unit (LU) encompasses the lower portion of the Pitt River watershed around Pitt Lake and the lower Pitt River; see Figure 21. The Widgeon LU covers a total gross area of 61,703 ha.

Of the total LU area, 34,941 ha (57%) are within the Crown Forested Land Base (CFLB), which is comprised of the contributing (C), partial contributing (P), and non-contributing (N) areas. The remaining 26,763 ha (43%) of the total Widgeon Landscape Unit area are excluded areas (X) and alpine tundra (AT), which are comprised of non-productive forest, non-forested (rock, ice, tundra, water, statutory right-of-ways, etc.) and non-Crown lands (private land, federal lands, Indian Reserves, etc.). These areas have been excluded from OGMA planning.

Chart 6: Widgeon Landscape Unit Contributing landbase (ha).

1465

Contributing 26763 Non-Contributing Partial Contributing 33261 Excluded

216

The majority of the Widgeon LU lies within the Pacific Ranges Ecoregion, Southern Pacific Ranges ecosection8, while the approximately Southern third of the gross area is within the Lower Mainland Ecoregion, Fraser Lowland ecosection. Its climate is maritime, with warm, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Average annual precipitation ranges from 800 – 1500 mm with the majority of precipitation occurring in the fall and winter, which at higher elevations creates a snow pack that feeds the landscape unit stream network.

There are six (6) Biogeoclimatic (BEC) subzones or variants within the Widgeon LU, which fall within three (3) Natural Disturbance Types (NDTs)9, see Figure 22.

8 Demarchi, D. 1996. An introduction to the ecoregions of British Columbia. Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia. 9 NDT1 encompasses those ecosystems with rare stand-initiating events. NDT2 includes ecosystems with infrequent stand initiating events. NDT5 is Alpine Tundra or other parkland ecosystems that are not considered forested. For a more complete description of NDTs see the Biodiversity Guidebook (1995).

Table 22: Widgeon LU’s BEC & NDT. BEC Description NDT

CWH vm1 Coastal Western Hemlock Zone submontane very wet maritime variant 1 CWH vm2 montane very wet maritime variant 1 MH mm1 Mountain Hemlock Zone windward moist maritime variant 1 CWH xm1 Coastal Western Hemlock very dry maritime subzone, Eastern variant 2 CWH dm Coastal Western Hemlock dry maritime subzone 2 AT Alpine Tundra 5 The lower elevation variants of the Widgeon LU have sustained substantial levels of disturbance in the past and have now been largely alienated by urban development and agriculture. As a result, there are no old seral forest stands remaining in the CWH xm1 and the southern portions of the CWH dm.

Figure 21: Widgeon Landscape Unit Boundary

Figure 22: Widgeon Landscape Unit Biogeoclimatic Zone Subzones & Variants

2.6.2 Land Status

Land status within the Widgeon LU is summarized in Table 23, below, and Figure 23 . Crown forest land base is provided in Table 24, below.

Table 23: Land Status of the Widgeon Landscape Unit

CFLB AREA Excluded Total Area Total of LU CODE DESCRIPTION (ha) Area (ha) (ha) (%) 0 Lakes Rivers Ocean 0.00 7,151.79 7,151.79 11.6% 40 Private Land (Crown Grants) 0.00 17,553.43 17,553.43 28.5% 52 Indian Reserves 0.00 255.85 255.85 0.4% 63 Parks and Protected Areas 30,269.89 1.88 30,271.77 49.1% Provincial Reserves (incl 69 UREP and Ecological) 362.81 16.82 379.63 0.6% Provincial Leases and Right- 99 of-Ways 3.51 68.06 71.58 0.1% 70 Timber Licence 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 77 Woodlot 21.08 198.49 219.58 0.4% 74 Watershed 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.0% 98 Municipal Land 1,220.38 1,286.78 2,507.16 4.1% 62 Provincial Forest 3,044.06 197.85 3,241.91 5.3% Widgeon LU Totals 34,921.74 26,730.96 61,652.70 100.0%

*any overlapping areas between ownership classes is accounted for only once in the category that first appears on the list, e.g. private land area in a municipality is included under code 40 only and not under code 98, and lakes and rivers in parks & protected areas are included under code 0 only and not under code 63. Note: 1) This table is known as “Table 1” in the source information, from the analysis. 2) There is a discrepancy between tables 23 & 24 above for the total area of this LU. This is caused by a large number of small portion of forest cover polygons intersecting BEC polygons, private land, and landscape unit boundary.

Table 24: Widgeon LU, OGMA Targets and Contributing Status

Excluded Crown Forested Land Base (ha) AREA_HA TOTAL OGMA Target Land (ha) (C,N,P) AREA (HA) BE C LABEL C N P X % HA CMA unp 0.00 4,612.16 0.00 134.28 4,612.16 4,746.44 CWH dm 47.37 7,863.53 3.86 22,006.51 7,914.76 29,921.28 0.09 712.33 CWH vm 1 1,336.75 5,345.36 211.72 1,383.08 6,893.83 8,276.91 0.13 896.20 CWH vm 2 80.64 8,847.89 0.00 2,305.21 8,928.53 11,233.74 0.13 1,160.71 CWH xm 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 814.81 0.00 814.81 0.09 0.00 MH mm 1 0.00 6,591.78 0.00 118.65 6,591.78 6,710.43 0.19 1,252.44 Totals: 1,464.76 33,260.71 215.58 26,762.55 34,941.06 61,703.60 4,021.67 Note: This table is known as “Table 2” in the source information, from the analysis.

Table 25: Widgeon LU OGMA Established and Contributing Status

OGMA Targets Actual Difference* OGMA (established BEC LABEL % Ha (CNP) ha - target) CMA unp 0.00 0.00 CWH dm 0.09 712.33 647.42 -64.91 CWH vm 1 0.13 896.20 912.63 16.43 CWH vm 2 0.13 1,160.71 1,114.05 -46.66 MH mm 1 0.19 1,252.44 1,328.98 76.54 Total 4,021.67 4,003.08 -18.60

Note: This table is known as “Table 3” in the source information, from the analysis. * Positive figures mean that target meet or exceed the requirement by BEC variang. Negative figures mean that the target does not meet the requirements by BEC variant. In that case, recruitment areas may need to be identified.

Figure 23: Widgeon Landscape Unit Land Status Classification

Figure 24: Widgeon Landscape Unit OGMAS

3.0 Key Resource Tenure Holders

The general premise applied during the planning process was to identify key resource(s) tenure holdings. This assessment included identification of tenures that are administered by agencies such as the Ministry of Forests Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (FLNR). In the case with tenure holders, other than those administered by the FLNR, the management intent generally is to avoid placement of OGMAs within existing tenures. As for tenures administered by the FLNR, the management intent is to avoid placement of OGMAs over cutblocks and roads that have received approval status; and to minimize OGMA placement in areas that were identified as future harvest opportunities by licensees.

3.1 Forest Tenure Holders

Forest tenure holders currently active in the Lower Fraser Sustainable Resource Management Plan area were engaged in the identification of the draft OGMA within the six (6) LUs. Since woodlot license areas are excluded from OGMA planning, all the Woodlot tenure holders were not engaged in this planning process.

The OGMA identification process with the licensees ensures that the selected OGMAs do not impact any permitted or planned roads or cutblocks and minimize the likelihood of any conflicts with future forest development opportunities within any Landscape Unit part of this plan.

3.2 Mining Tenure Holders

The establishment of an OGMA will not have an impact on the status of existing mineral and gas permits or tenures. Exploration and development activities are permitted in OGMAs. The preference is to proceed with exploration and development in a way that is sensitive to the old growth values of the OGMA; however, if exploration and development proceeds to the point of significantly impacting old growth values, then the OGMA will be relocated.

4.0 Significant Resource Values

4.1 Wildlife, Fish and Biodiversity

The Chilliwack District is home to species at risk, including: Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet (MAMU), Grizzly Bear, Mountain Beaver, Tall Bugbane, Pacific Water Shrew, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Phantom Orchid, Keen’s Long-eared Myotis, Wolverine, Badger, and Bull Trout. There are also regionally important species such as Mountain Goat and Black-tailed deer.

Wildlife habitat areas (WHAs) have been designated across the Chilliwack District for many of the species at risk, and ungulate species including Mountain Goat (UWR), Black-tailed deer (DWR), Spotted Owl, Grizzly Bear, Tall Bugbane, Pacific Water Shrew and Mountain Beaver.

For the many other species that occur in the six (6) landscape units, habitat requirements are managed within habitat provisions provided for primary species or through access management provisions (e.g. Marbled Murrelets).

An attempt has been made to locate OGMAs overlapping areas already constrained by other wildlife species requirements or designations (e.g. WHAs). Mature second growth forest may be considered as recruitment areas, when needed, that may be suitable for, among others, Goshawk nesting and foraging. OGMAs also provide the coarse filter approach to habitat conservation to provide for many other species.

4.1.1 Fish Habitat

Watersheds within the six (6) LUs support significant resident and anadromous salmonid populations. Riparian management zones and management practices implemented under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) adjacent to these fish streams will help maintain fish and wildlife habitat. Stands with riparian and floodplain attributes are primary OGMA candidates.

4.2 Timber Resources

Despite the extensive harvesting and fire disturbance history within the areas covered by Lower Fraser SRMP, some limited old growth harvesting opportunities remain within the predominantly second-growth timber now maturing and becoming ready for harvest.

Commercially-valuable tree species in the six (6) LUs are Douglas-fir, Western red cedar, cypress, Western hemlock, mountain hemlock, Abies spp (balsam), Sitka spruce, Western white pine, red alder and bigleaf maple.

Forest management activities occur throughout all phases of forest development. Operational work includes pre-harvest planning, harvesting and stand regeneration. Post harvest activities include planting, brushing, juvenile spacing, pruning and thinning.

4.3 Private Land

There are extensive parcels of private land in the Lower Fraser SRMP area. Generally, the majority of this private land is at the South end of the Landscape Units.

4.4 Water

There are Community Watersheds (CW) within the SRMP area. These CW, because of additional restrictions to harvesting, are a high priority for OGMA location.

4.5 Recreation

Due to its location adjacent to and containing a large population, the SRMP has extensive value for backcountry recreation activities. Such activities include hiking, rock-climbing, mountaineering, boating, angling, wildlife viewing and hunting.

5.0 Existing Higher level Plans

There are no existing higher level plans in place for the Lower Fraser Sustainable Resource Management Plan area.

6.0 First Nations

The Lower Fraser SRMP area overlaps the asserted territories of 46 First Nation groups. Table 26 shows a list of these groups.

First Nations input is considered during the draft stage of landscape unit planning and, where possible, cultural values will be taken into account for OGMA designation. First Nation groups that their asserted territories overlap the SRMP area have been notified of this project. A formal consultation process was undertaken.

Landscape Unit planning, however, is not an effective cultural heritage management tool because the OGMA selection criteria are strictly biophysical.

Table 26: First Nation Groups with Asserted Territories Overlapping the Lower Fraser SRMP

First Nations with asserted traditional territories that overlap the Lower Fraser SRMP: First Nation; First Nation;

Aitcheltz First Nation Semiahmoo First Nation Chawathil First Nation (Sto:lo Tribal Council) Shx’ow’hamel First Nation (Sto:lo Tribal Council) Cheam Indian Band Shxwha:y Village Coldwater Indian Band Siska Indian Band Cook’s Ferry Indian Band Skawahlook First Nation Cowichan Tribes Skowkale First Nation Douglas First Nation Skwah First Nation Halalt First Nation Soowahlie Indian Band Hul’qumi’num Treaty Group Squiala First Nation In-SHUCK-ch Nation St’at’imc Chiefs Council Katzie First Nation Sto:lo Nation Kwantlen First Nation (Sto:lo Tribal Council) Sto:lo Tribal Council Kwaw-Kwaw-Apilt First Nation Sts’ailes Kwikwetlem First Nation Stz’umninus Lake Cowichan Sumas First Nation Leq’a:mel First Nation Ts’elxweyeqw Tribes Lyackson First Nation Tsawwassen First Nation Matsqui First Nation Tsleil-Waututh Nation Nooaitch Indian Band Tzeachten First Nation Penelakut First Nation Union Bar First Nation Peters Band Yakweakwioose Indian Band Popkum Indian Band Yale First Nation Scowlitz First Nation Seabird Island Indian Band (Sto:lo Tribal Council)

7.0 OGMA Methodology

7.1 Selection of OGMAs and Boundary Mapping

Old Growth Management Area (OGMA) selection follows a strict procedure as outlined in the landscape unit planning policy. OGMAs are selected from non-contributing (NC) stands first, then if the OGMA target is not met, constrained Timber Harvesting Landbase (THLB) and, finally, unconstrained THLB are used. In general, denser, taller stands, and larger, more productive polygons within known wildlife habitat in the NC landbase were selected to ensure that OGMAs represent the type of forest within the THLB. After all suitable old growth identified as NC had been included as OGMA, other stands were selected for OGMA and OGMA recruitment. Other stands were chosen for a number of attributes; stands containing a significant component of veterans or other old growth structures, oldest available stands, mature stands in ecosystem complexes or important wildlife habitat. OGMAs were not considered anywhere a cutblock under an issued cutting permit (CP) or Timber Sales Licence, was located.

Non-forested or non-Crown (rock, alpine tundra, water, private land etc.) have been excluded (X) from any OGMA contributions and calculations. This means that even if potential OGMA polygon was identified, it does not account to the total amount required by LU by BEC.

To identify the OGMAs, all OGMA-suitable forest within the entire landscape unit was identified using a script for Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The script followed the OGMA selection criteria. In addition airphoto interpretation and digital satellite images were used to confirm selected polygon’s suitability. The selected forested polygons were split by biogeoclimatic zone lines and the resulting areas were taken to the forest licensees to review.

Licensee staff were involved to select candidate OGMAs that would minimize impacts to the operational plans. These candidate OGMAs were then reduced to meet the representation targets. The OGMA polygons can be used digitally as overlay with operational maps, ensuring that the OGMA boundaries can be accurately located on the ground and specific OGMA stands can be easily identified by operational staff in the future.

Not all OGMAs are necessarily intended to be permanent. As current young stands in NC forest progress in age and structure to become suitable as old growth representation, they may be designated as an OGMA to replace a current OGMA. As wildlife tree patches and other inoperable areas with appropriate characteristics are identified in the future, they may be substituted for current OGMAs as well.

7.2 Existing Planning Processes

Each LU contains varying amounts of mature forest habitat representation conserved by other processes. In addition, established Wildlife Habitat Areas increase ecosystem representation. Other reserves, such as riparian zones, will provide additional area and connectivity. An important part of the LU planning exercise is to ensure that these separate processes complement each other. For example, OGMAs were placed within or adjacent to areas that were highly constrained from harvesting to increase patch size and connectivity, and to minimize impacts on the THLB.

7.3 Assessment and Review

OGMAs were selected to maximize their value to biodiversity while minimizing timber supply impacts. An approach guided strictly by age class or Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) contributions could result in the inclusion of stands of marginal biodiversity value and significant timber supply impact.

Stand attributes such as patch size, distribution and connectivity were considered during OGMA delineation and final selection. Specific efforts were made to ensure OGMAs were distributed throughout the LU and not concentrated in a particular drainage or mapsheet. Although connectivity is not a primary objective in the Landscape Unit Planning Guide, it was considered when delineating OGMAs as long as it did not cause additional THLB impacts. The inclusion of riparian reserve zones and other non-productive forest has increased the connectivity between lower and higher elevation OGMAs.

To avoid impacts on timber supply, licensees identified areas with harvest opportunity during OGMA stand selection, considering present and future opportunities. Area identified as physically inaccessible was combined with the non-contributing land base, and was used to meet old growth targets. Individual forested stands were assessed according to their specific attributes during the OGMA delineation process. Detailed air photo and satellite image review was used to identify potential suitable OGMAs.

7.4 Amendment Policy

An amendment policy, which may be amended from time to time, has been developed and followed by the FLNR, Chilliwack District, to give direction to forest tenure holders when applying for amendments to legal objectives establishing OGMAs. These amendment procedures cover those situations under which a “minor” or “significant” amendment to one or more OGMAs may be necessary to accommodate resource development (e.g. roads, bridges, boundary issues, rock quarries, gravel pits and operability constraints) The policy also describes acceptable management activities and review procedures and it forms an integral part of this Landscape Unit Plan.

7.5 Mitigation of Timber Supply Impacts

It is important to note that the figures for the OGMA area within Contributing, Partially Contributing and Non-Contributing in the analysis tables are based on the Timber Supply Review forest cover data, not on the operational knowledge of licensee foresters so these figures are an approximation only. Detailed review of the planned OGMAs with licensees was undertaken to ensure that OGMA placement minimized timber supply impacts.

8.0 OGMA Analysis

The Landscape Units within this SRMP, are within two (2) Biodiversity Emphasis Options (BEO). The Alouette, Pitt, and Widgeon LUs are classified as Intermediate BEO and the Fraser Valley South, Hatzic and Stave LUs were ranked as a Low BEO. This designation, along with the BEC variants, determines the percentage of the Crown forest land base that will be designated as OGMA. The draft OGMA Established tables for each LU, within its own section above, lists the total amount of OGMA required in each BEC variant and the

distribution among Crown forest categories. (i.e. Non Contributing-N)10. The old growth % target figures are from Appendix 2 in the Landscape Unit Planning Guide. The location of proposed OGMAs is shown in the draft maps accompanying this plan. It is important to note that the figures for the OGMA area within Contributing, Partially Contributing and Non- Contributing are based on the TSR forest cover data, not on licensee operability knowledge.

9.0 Wildlife Tree Retention

Wildlife tree retention (WTR) is managed at the stand level and will maintain structural diversity within managed stands by retaining wildlife trees immediately adjacent to or within cutblocks.

Wildlife tree retention is a stand level biodiversity provision and is administered under section 66 of the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation (FPPR).

10.0 Monitoring and Maintenance

The OGMA dataset will have to be reviewed periodically to ensure the objectives and ecological suitability through time are maintained. For example, OGMAs may be impacted by:

 windthrow, fire and other natural disturbances. In some cases, disturbances in old seral forests may have minimal effect or it may enhance the ecological attributes of an OGMA and it remains valuable for conservation (e.g., following a low intensity fire that serves to create more large snags). In other instances, a natural disturbance may remove specific habitat features and make the area unsuitable as an OGMA.  the sale or relinquishment of Crown lands for other purposes (e.g. by Clean Energy Projects, Treaty, mineral development, etc.).  the creation of new tenures and licences on Crown land that are incompatible with OGMAs (e.g. woodlots, community forests, commercial recreation tenures, etc.)

If an assessment of the damage to an OGMA determines that an area is no longer suitable, an equivalent or better replacement area will need to be identified.

11.0 Landscape Unit Plan Objectives

Landscape unit objectives will be established through a Ministerial Order under section 93.4 of the Land Act. The establishment of Landscape Units and Objectives will not limit First Nations Treaty negotiations, settlements or traditional use of forest resources.

OGMA Landscape Unit objectives apply only to Provincial forest lands, including Provincial Parks and Protected Areas which may contribute to old seral representation within a Landscape Unit Objectives.

10 Non Contributing (N) forest land does not contribute to the Allowable Annual Cut. The Timber Harvesting Land Base (THLB) is made up of Contributing (C) forests and the Partially Contributing (P) forests. Partially Contributing forests are “constrained” due to one of several factors such as unstable soils or wildlife habitat, but are still partially available for harvest. Contributing forest is unconstrained and available for timber harvest.

This landscape unit plan does not supersede the regulatory authority of statutes of other regulatory agencies, nor the legislated rights of valid existing crown tenure or private land that is not part of any tenure agreement with the Crown.

The following table is an example that describes the contents of the analysis tables that support this SRMP and that are available in the FLNR website for review during the review and comment period. In addition maps for each LU are also found in the same website.

Table Name Description

Pitt_OGMA_poly_pivot.slsx Shows each OGMA by BEC

Pitt_table1_27apr2011.slsx Shows a description of the Land Status

Pitt_table2_27apr2011.slsx Shows Land status prior to OGMA delineation.

Pitt_table3_12mar2012.slsx Shows target requirements and established OGMA area

Pitt_THLB2CFLB_summary.slsx Shows area contribution to the CFLB.