DOCSLIB.ORG

Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan Stage II Briefing Backgrounder

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan Stage II Briefing Backgrounder Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan Stage II Briefing Backgrounder Ken A. Rabnett, Allen Gottesfeld, and Peter Hall Skeena Fisheries Commission March 2003 Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Table of Contents Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan.................................................................. 1 Preamble ......................................................................................................................... 1 Skeena WFSP Process .................................................................................................... 2 Kispiox WFS Plan........................................................................................................... 3 Kispiox Watershed Environmental Setting.................................................................... 6 Location ...................................................................................................................... 6 Hydrology ................................................................................................................... 6 Water Quality.............................................................................................................. 8 Stream Channels ....................................................................................................... 11 Geography................................................................................................................. 13 Geology..................................................................................................................... 14 Forests....................................................................................................................... 16 Access ....................................................................................................................... 17 Fish Values....................................................................................................................... 18 Chinook..................................................................................................................... 19 Pink Salmon.............................................................................................................. 21 Chum Salmon............................................................................................................ 22 Sockeye..................................................................................................................... 23 Coho.......................................................................................................................... 27 Steelhead................................................................................................................... 29 Indigenous Freshwater Fish ...................................................................................... 31 Salmon and Habitat Enhancement............................................................................ 37 Fisheries ........................................................................................................................... 40 Gitxsan Fishery ......................................................................................................... 40 Recreational Fisheries............................................................................................... 45 Land Use and Development Activities .......................................................................... 46 Forest Resource Development .................................................................................. 46 Mineral Resource Development ............................................................................... 48 Transportation and Utilities ...................................................................................... 49 Population and Settlement ........................................................................................ 49 Cumulative Effects.................................................................................................... 50 Kispiox Watershed Management Issues ....................................................................... 51 References Cited.............................................................................................................. 52 Glossary and Acronyms ................................................................................................. 64 Skeena Fisheries Commission March 2003 ii Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan Preamble This backgrounder is designed for the use of the Kispiox Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Plan (KWFSP) planning table. It briefly describes the origin, purpose, and benefits of Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Planning (WFSP), a four-stage planning sequence that governments, organizations, and individuals with an interest in fish conservation can use now to effectively promote the long-term health of fish and fish habitat and provides background information on the biophysical characteristics of the Kispiox Watershed and its fish populations. In 1997, the federal and provincial governments signed the Canada-British Columbia Agreement on the Management of Pacific Salmon Fishery Issues. The agreement included a commitment to “work jointly in watershed fish production, planning, and processes”. The purpose of this agreement was to create a partnership for conserving and managing west coast salmon populations and their habitat. As a result of this agreement, the Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Planning process was developed. This four-stage process is intended to involve communities and stakeholders through the development of a fish sustainability plan for prioritized watersheds. Stage I for the Skeena Watershed was completed in 2002 and is presented in the report “Conserving Skeena Fish Populations and Their Habitat” (Gottesfeld et al, 2002). This report provides a biophysical profile of the Skeena Basin as well as an assessment of eleven tributary sub-basins. The watershed overview describes environmental issues, cumulative effects, anthropogenic factors, Skeena fish and community values, and a ranking of productive sub- basins. The Kispiox, Lakelse, and Morice Watersheds were identified as priority Stage II candidates. Skeena Fisheries Commission March 2003 1 Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Skeena WFSP Process The WFSP process focuses on sustainability. The intention is to sponsor projects that create or maintain aquatic environments and fish populations that can carry on by themselves. In most cases it is simpler to prevent damage to fish populations and habitats in the first place than it is to restore them once damage has occurred. For this reason, WFSP places a strong emphasis on the protection of fish, fish habitat, and natural ecosystem processes. It promotes restoration of priority fish populations and/or habitat that have been adversely affected by past activities. It promotes enhancement only to supplement these other approaches (BC Ministry of Environment Lands and Parks, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 2001). The WFSP takes a “fish first” approach. WFSP places a stronger emphasis on the needs of fish than on other interests. This means that management efforts will be directed to sites that have important fish populations and valuable fish habitat. Planning takes place in the natural landscape units – watersheds. Streams carry water and sediments downstream and affect downstream natural processes. Protection of riverine fish resources requires concern for activities upstream and upslope. Similarly, the continuation or maintenance of First Nations, commercial, and sports fishing opportunities requires conservation of upstream water quality in spawning and rearing areas. The Skeena WFSP is based on the standard WFSP four-stage planning sequence. Stage I – Produces a biophysical and sociopolitical profile of a region and identifies watersheds within the region that are the highest priorities for further planning. Stage II – Produces a biophysical and sociopolitical profile of each of the priority watershed planning units identified in Stage I and identifies objectives, strategies, and targets that must be met to achieve fish sustainability within these watersheds. Stage III – Produces a detailed fish sustainability action plan that spells out how these objectives, strategies, and targets will be met and by whom. Stage IV – Implements and monitors the plan effectiveness. Stage I of this planning sequence addressed and identified priority sub-basins at the Skeena Watershed level. Stages II to IV address priorities within smaller tributary watersheds. governments, First Nations, fish conservation and stewardship groups can use this planning sequence to identify those fish populations and habitats that most urgently require attention, and particularly those that are most likely to benefit from such attention. Skeena Fisheries Commission March 2003 2 Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Kispiox WFS Plan Stage II lays the foundation for the development of detailed WFSP action plans to maintain or restore the productive capacity of the Kispiox Watershed. Parties with an interest in the Kispiox Watershed Plan: develop a working protocol or terms of reference that describes the responsibilities of the planning team, develop a strategic overview of local values, establish the overall direction for management, establish specific management targets, objectives, and strategies, bring
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Babine Lake Region and Covers the Central Part of the Babine Porphyry Belt
    T L a a k ke la M o r r is o n L a k e H a La u k te e te Hearne Hill East Hautete Lake H a tc h e r y A r m Natowite B a Old Fort Lake L b a in Mountain ke e Smithers Landing Nizik McKendrick Lake Island Ba b in e L H a a g a k n e A r m Ministry of Employment and Investment Energy and Minerals Division Geological Survey Branch TILL GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE OLD FORT MOUNTAIN MAP AREA, CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA (NTS 93Ml1) By Victor M. Levson, Stephen J. Cook, Jennifer Hobday, Dave H. Huntley, Erin K. O'Brien, Andrew J. Stumpf and Gordon Weary OPEN FILE 1997- 1Oa INTRODUCTION - - - - This paper describes selected results of a till in low-lying drift-covered regions of the northern Interior geochemical sampling program conducted in the Old Fort Plateau. For example, prior till and lake sediment Mountain map area (NTS 93 M/1) by the British geochemistry surveys in the Nechako River map ania Columbia Geological Survey as part of a comprehensive (NTS 93F) to the south were successful in delineating survey of the entire Babine copper porphyry belt. The several areas of known mineralization (Cook et al., 1995; results of complimentary lake sediment geochemistry ad Levson and Giles, 1997) and in revealing locations of new bedrock geology mapping progms are presented by Cook mineralized zones. For this reason, till geochemical et al. (1997%b) and MacIntyre et al. (1997%b in pocket), studies in the Babine porphyry belt have been conducted in respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and Their Habitat
    Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan Stage II Briefing Backgrounder Ken A. Rabnett, Allen Gottesfeld, and Peter Hall Skeena Fisheries Commission March 2003 Conserving Kispiox Fish Populations and their Habitat Table of Contents Kispiox Watershed Fish Sustainability Plan.................................................................. 1 Preamble ......................................................................................................................... 1 Skeena WFSP Process .................................................................................................... 2 Kispiox WFS Plan........................................................................................................... 3 Kispiox Watershed Environmental Setting.................................................................... 6 Location ...................................................................................................................... 6 Hydrology ................................................................................................................... 6 Water Quality.............................................................................................................. 8 Stream Channels ....................................................................................................... 11 Geography................................................................................................................. 13 Geology....................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Indian and Non-Native Use of the Bulkley River an Historical Perspective
    Scientific Excellence • Resource Protection & Conservation • Benefits for Canadians DFO - Library i MPO - Bibliothèque ^''entffique • Protection et conservation des ressources • Bénéfices aux Canadiens I IIII III II IIIII II IIIIIIIIII II IIIIIIII 12020070 INDIAN AND NON-NATIVE USE OF THE BULKLEY RIVER AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE by Brendan O'Donnell Native Affairs Division Issue I Policy and Program Planning Ir, E98. F4 ^ ;.;^. 035 ^ no.1 ;^^; D ^^.. c.1 Fisher és Pêches and Oceans et Océans Cariad'â. I I Scientific Excellence • Resource Protection & Conservation • Benefits for Canadians I Excellence scientifique • Protection et conservation des ressources • Bénéfices aux Canadiens I I INDIAN AND NON-NATIVE I USE OF THE BULKLEY RIVER I AN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE 1 by Brendan O'Donnell ^ Native Affairs Division Issue I 1 Policy and Program Planning 1 I I I I I E98.F4 035 no. I D c.1 I Fisheries Pêches 1 1*, and Oceans et Océans Canada` INTRODUCTION The following is one of a series of reports onthe historical uses of waterways in New Brunswick and British Columbia. These reports are narrative outlines of how Indian and non-native populations have used these -rivers, with emphasis on navigability, tidal influence, riparian interests, settlement patterns, commercial use and fishing rights. These historical reports were requested by the Interdepartmental Reserve Boundary Review Committee, a body comprising representatives from Indian Affairs and Northern Development [DIAND], Justice, Energy, Mines and Resources [EMR], and chaired by Fisheries and Oceans. The committee is tasked with establishing a government position on reserve boundaries that can assist in determining the area of application of Indian Band fishing by-laws.
    [Show full text]
  • Community Profile
    COMMUNITY PROFILE Community Profile October 2008 48 COMMUNITY PROFILE Preamble Town of Smithers The Town of Smithers is located in the heart of the Bulkley Valley in Welcome to Smithers. Ours is a community of friendly people, incredible surroundings, small-town charm and northwestern British Columbia. Many people and businesses relocate to economic prosperity. Safe, clean and beautiful, our town is a Smithers for the high quality of life and the low cost of living. Friendly wonderful place to live, start a business and raise a family. We know that whatever your interests and hobbies, you will people, countless recreation opportunities and a strong, diverse find many outlets for your creative and recreational energy in economy make Smithers a destination of choice in which to invest, Smithers. work, play and live. Smithers offers a competitive business climate, with a great location and a skilled labour force. Smithers is a regional centre, housing services and businesses used by residents of the entire Bulkley Valley. Our town is home to a number of industries, and the majority of Smithers’ businesses are locally-owned. Economic development initiatives, such as a runway extension at the airport and proposed ski hill expansion, will further develop our economy. The Town of Smithers has prepared this Community Profile to give the reader an idea of what life is like as a resident of Smithers. You will likely notice that some themes—the natural beauty, the downtown charm, and the positive economic outlook—are repeated frequently throughout the profile. This is not done in exaggeration. We genuinely believe, and hope you will discover, that Smithers is simply exceptional.
    [Show full text]
  • Conserving Skeena Fish Populations and Their Habitat 2002
    Conserving Skeena Fish Populations and their Habitat Allen S. Gottesfeld, Ken A. Rabnett, and Peter E. Hall November, 2002 Skeena Fisheries Commission Box 229, Hazelton, BC 250 842-5670 © Skeena Fisheries Commission 2002 The authors’ opinions do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Skeena Fisheries Commission. Comments, corrections, omissions, and information updates are welcome and may be forwarded to the authors. Cover: Coho at Stephens Creek, Kispiox Watershed September 2001. Photo Credit: A. S. Gottesfeld Back Cover: Skeena Watershed Map, Scale 1:2,000,000 Cartography by Gordon Wilson, Gitxsan Watershed A uthorities GIS Dept. Skeena Stage I Watershed-based Fish Sustainability Plan Conserving Skeena Fish Populations and Their Habitat Allen S. Gottesfeld, Ken A. Rabnett, and Peter E. Hall Skeena Fisheries Commission Table of Contents Abstract...................................................................................................................1 The Skeena WFSP Process.....................................................................................2 Context................................................................................................................2 Scope.......................................................................................................................3 Skeena WFSP Planning Process.............................................................................4 Stage I: Establishing Skeena Watershed Priorities.................................................5 Biophysical Profile:
    [Show full text]
  • Rangifer Tarandus Caribou) in BRITISH COLUMBIA
    THE EARLY HISTORY OF WOODLAND CARIBOU (Rangifer tarandus caribou) IN BRITISH COLUMBIA by David J. Spalding Wildlife Bulletin No. B-100 March 2000 THE EARLY HISTORY OF WOODLAND CARIBOU (Rangifer tarandus caribou) IN BRITISH COLUMBIA by David J. Spalding Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks Wildlife Branch Victoria BC Wildlife Bulletin No. B-100 March 2000 “Wildlife Bulletins frequently contain preliminary data, so conclusions based on these may be sub- ject to change. Bulletins receive some review and may be cited in publications. Copies may be obtained, depending upon supply, from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Wildlife Branch, P.O. Box 9374 Stn Prov Gov, Victoria, BC V8W 9M4.” © Province of British Columbia 2000 Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Spalding, D. J. The early history of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia (Wildlife bulletin ; no. B-100) Includes bibliographical references : p. 60 ISBN 0-7726-4167-6 1. Woodland caribou - British Columbia. 2. Woodland caribou - Habitat - British Columbia. I. British Columbia. Wildlife Branch. II. Title. III. Series: Wildlife bulletin (British Columbia. Wildlife Branch) ; no. B-100 QL737.U55S62 2000 333.95’9658’09711 C00-960085-X Citation: Spalding, D.J. 2000. The Early History of Woodland Caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in British Columbia. B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Wildl. Branch, Victoria, BC. Wildl. Bull. No. 100. 61pp. ii DISCLAIMER The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. In cases where a Wildlife Bulletin is also a species’ status report, it may contain a recommended status for the species by the author.
    [Show full text]
  • Landforms of British Columbia 1976
    Landforms of British Columbia A Physiographic Outline bY Bulletin 48 Stuart S. Holland 1976 FOREWORD British Columbia has more variety in its climate and scenery than any other Province of Canada. The mildness and wetness of the southern coast is in sharp contrast with the extreme dryness of the desert areas in the interior and the harshness of subarctic conditions in the northernmost parts. Moreover, in every part, climate and vegetation vary with altitude and to a lesser extent with configuration of the land. Although the Province includes almost a thousand-mile length of one of the world’s greatest mountain chains, that which borders the north Pacitic Ocean, it is not all mountainous but contains a variety of lowlands and intermontane areas. Because of the abundance of mountains, and because of its short history of settlement, a good deal of British Columbia is almost uninhabited and almost unknown. However, the concept of accessibility has changed profoundly in the past 20 years, owing largely to the use of aircraft and particularly the helicopter. There is now complete coverage by air photography, and by far the largest part of the Province has been mapped topographically and geologically. In the same period of time the highways have been very greatly improved, and the secondary roads are much more numerous. The averagecitizen is much more aware of his Province, but, although knowledge has greatly improved with access,many misconceptions remain on the part of the general public as to the precise meaning even of such names as Cascade Mountains, Fraser Plateau, and many others.
    [Show full text]
  • CATASTROPHIC ROCK AVALANCHES, WEST-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA James W
    CATASTROPHIC ROCK AVALANCHES, WEST-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA James W. Schwab, BC Forest Service, Smithers, B.C. Marten Geertsema, BC Forest Service, Prince George, B.C. Stephen G. Evans, Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. ABSTRACT The Bulkley and Babine Ranges of the Hazelton-Skeena Mountains, west-central British Columbia, have experienced three recent large catastrophic rock avalanches: Howson, 19 September 1999; Zymoetz, 8 June 2002; Harold Price, 22 or 23 June 2002. These landslides are large relative to contemporary landslides, although many large prehistoric landslides are evident within the Hazelton-Skeena Mountains. The recent landslides may be a result of climate change. Climate warming has resulted in: a pronounced thinning and recession of mountain glaciers causing debutressing of unstable rock slopes; possible degradation of mountain permafrost; and, an apparent increase in precipitation (rain and snow) over the past few years. Large rock avalanches place utilities and transportation routes in the mountain valleys at a significant risk. In addition, risks are increased to forest workers and recreation users in the valleys. The tremendous down valley travel distance of these landslides suggest some communities may also be at risk. RESUME Les chaînes Bulkley et Babine situées dans les montagnes Hazelton-Skeena, au centre-ouest de la Colombie- Britannique ont récemment éprouvé trois grandes avalanches rocheuses catastrophiques, soient à Howson, le 19 002 et à Harold Price, le 22 ou 23 juin, 2002. On considère que ces glissements de terrain sont plus importants que d’autres avalanches rocheuses contemporaines. Par contre, il y a plusieurs glissements de terrain préhistoriques qui sont comparables. Il e terrain soient provoqués par le changement climatique.
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Bibliographic Index of B.C. Geological Survey Publications 1874-1997 Open File 1998-11
    Digital Bibliographic Index of B.C. Geological Survey Publications 1874-1997 Open File 1998-11 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page NTS Mapsheet 082: 082 Southeast B.C..............................................................1 082E Penticton.....................................................................2 082F Nelson.........................................................................6 082G Fernie........................................................................11 082J Canal Flats.................................................................15 082K Lardeau.....................................................................16 082L Vernon.......................................................................17 082M Seymour Arm............................................................19 082N Golden.......................................................................22 NTS Map Sheet 083: 083D Canoe River...............................................................23 083E Mount Robson...........................................................24 NTS Map Sheet 092: 092 Southwest B.C...........................................................25 092B Victoria.....................................................................26 092C Cape Flattery.............................................................28 092E Nootka Sound...........................................................30 092F Alberni.......................................................................31 092G Vancouver.................................................................35
    [Show full text]
  • 1969 Mountaineer Outings
    The Mountaineer -- The Mountaineer 1970 Cover Photo: Caribou on the move in the Arctic Wildlife Range­ Wilbur M. Mills Entered as second-class matter, April 8, 1922, at Post Office, Seattle, Wash­ ingt-0n, under the Act of March 3, 1879. Published monthly and semi-monthly during June by The Mountaineers, P.O. Box 122, Seattle, Washington, 98111. Clubroom is at 719Vz Pike Street, Seattle. Subscription price monthly Bulletin and Annual, $5.00 per year. EDITORIAL STAFF: Alice Thorn, editor; Mary Cox, assistant editor; Loretta Slater, Joan Firey. Material and photographs should be submitted to The Mountaineers, at above address, before February 1, 1971, for consideration. Photographs should be black and white glossy prints, 5x7, with caption and photographer's name on back. Manuscripts should be typed doublespaced and include writer's name, address and phone number. Manuscripts cannot be returned. Properly identified photos will be returned sometime around June. The Mountaineers To explore and study the rrwuntains, forests, and watercourses of the Northwest; To gather into permanent form the history and traditions of this region; To preserve by the encouragement of pro­ tective Legislation or otherwise the natural beauty of Northwest America; To make expeditions into these regions in fulfillment of the above purposes; To encourage a spirit of good fellowship arrwng an Lovers of outdoor Life. Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium) is the Yukon Territorial Flower-Mickey Lammers The Mountaineer Vol. 64, No. 12, October 1970-0rganized 1906-Incorporated 1913 CONTENTS Yukon Days, John Lammers . 6 Climbing in the Yukon, M. E. Alford 29 The Last Great Wilderness, Wilbur M.
    [Show full text]
  • BC Geological Survey Assessment Report 34669
    Progress Report ________________________________________________ Interpretation of Regional Geophysical and Stream Geochemical Surveys on the Thomlinson South Property Omineca Mining Division Tenure Numbers: 1015431 NTS: 093M/093M/05, 06, 11, 12 UTM Zone 09 (NAD 83) 595000E 6151000N Work performed December 22, 2012-December 19, 2013 For Ken Galambos Ralph Keefe By Ken Galambos, P.Eng. KDG Exploration Services 1535 Westall Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8T 2G6 March 19, 2014 Progress Report - Thomlinson South Project 19-March-2014 Table of Contents TITLE Item 1: Summary……………………………………………………………………………..1 Item 2: Introduction…………………………………………………………………………. 1 2.1 Qualified Person and Participating Personnel................................................. 1 2.2 Terms, Definitions and Units............................................................................ 2 2.3 Source Documents........................................................................................... 2 2.4 Limitations, Restrictions and Assumptions....................................................... 2 2.5 Scope............................................................................................................... 2 Item 3: Reliance on Other Experts………………………………………………………… 3 Item 4: Property Description and Location…………………………………………...…... 3 Item 5: Accessibility, Climate, Local Resources, Infrastructure and Physiography….. 5 Item 6: History……………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Item 7: Geological Setting and Mineralization……………………………………………. 6 7.1 Regional Geology…………………………………………………………………..
    [Show full text]
  • TOP EXPLORATION INC. FORM 2A LISTING STATEMENT February 28
    TOP EXPLORATION INC. FORM 2A LISTING STATEMENT February 28, 2020 FORM 2A – LISTING STATEMENT January 2015 Page 1 1. Table of Contents 1.1 Include a table of contents with the following headings: 1. Table of Contents ................................................................................................... 2 2. Corporate Structure ................................................................................................ 3 3. General Development of the Business ................................................................... 3 4 Narrative Description of the Business ..................................................................... 5 5. Selected Consolidated Financial Information ......................................................... 42 6. Management's Discussion and Analysis ................................................................. 43 7. Market for Securities ............................................................................................... 43 8. Consolidated Capitalization .................................................................................... 43 9. Options to Purchase Securities .............................................................................. 43 10. Description of the Securities ................................................................................... 44 11. Escrowed Securities ............................................................................................... 44 12. Principal Shareholders ..........................................................................................
    [Show full text]