The Skagit Valley in Canada

Home , Ross Lake (Washington)

MEMORANDUM To jEjE+7sQ t.r;.: .; . $.&? THE INTERNATIONAL. JOINT COMMISSION g+gz~>*%. 2: I $?.?.:--+*'; g& -9 I +ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTJIGATIONS rn SKAGIT VALLEY tN CANA!DA I ' AIND INDICATION OF CONSEQUENCES i F 1R-Q M I RAISING THE LEVEL OF ROSS LAKE

*CtTY' OF SEATTLE MEMORANDVM TO THE INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION

ENVIRONMENTAL INYESTIGATIONS SKAGIT VALLEY IN CANADA AND INDICATION OF CONSEQUENCES FROM RAISING THE LEVEL OF ROSS LAKE

June, 1971

CITY OF SEATTLE DEPARTMENT OF LIGHTING

F.F. SLANEY & COMPANY LIMITED Re source Development & Environmental Management Vancouver, B. C.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Key Map

I PART 1 THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY IN CANADA

1. 1 Purpose of Studying the Environment 1. 2 Elements of the Environment 1. 3 Presentation of Data 1.4 Organization of Surveys in Canada 1. 4. 1 Joint Committee 1. 4. 2 Environmental Study Group

PART 2 ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Climate Land Topography Bed Rock Geology of the Skagit Valley Surf i cia1 Geology Kettled Outwash Gravel Terraces Alluvi a1 F an s Alluvial River Deposits Talus Soils Water Ross Lake Vegetation General Description Forest Cover Ground Cover Determination of Natural Habitat Types Study of Vegetation Use by Wildlife in the Skagit Valley Waterfowl Habitats Effect of Grazing Vegetative Changes on the Lowland Meadows The Effect of Deer on the Winter and Spring Range Investigations of Techniques to Compensate for Loss of Vegetation Wildlife Wildlife Studies Page

2. 5. 2 Deer Winter Distribution Winter Food Spring Movements Importance of the Lowland Area Range of Skagit Deer 2. 5. 3 Upland Game Birds Ruffed Grouse 2. 5. 4 Waterfowl 2. 5. 5 Fur Animals Beaver Other Fur-Bearer s 2. 5. 6 Large Carnivores Predator -Prey Relationships 2. 5. 7 General Bird Census Winter Birds Breeding Populations of Birds Spring Migration of Birds 2. 5. 8 Reptiles, Amphibians and Mollusc s 2. 6 Aquatic Life 2. 6. 1 Species Present 2. 6. 2 Previous Studies of the Fishery 2. 6. 3 Fishery Studies in Progress Numbers of Fish Spawning of Fish Tagging Program Food Studies Creel Census Population Dynamics Lake Studies 2. 6. 4 Future of the Fishery

PART 3 - THE HUMAN ELEMENT

3. 1 Historical Aspects 3. 2 Government Administration 3. 3 Resource Use 3. 3. 1 Mining 3. 3. 2 Forestry History Forest Operations Proposed Clearing for Ross Lake 3. 3. 3 Agriculture Page

3. 3. 4 T rapping 3. 3. 5 Water 3. 4 Recreation 3. 4. 1 Relationship of the Skagit Valley in Canada to the Lower Mainland Region 3. 4. 2 Elements of the Environment of the Skagit Valley Relating to Recreation Climate Physiography Water Vegetation Wildlife Fish Life Combined Elements 3. 4. 3 History of Recreation in the Skagit Valley 3. 4.4 Fall Re creation in the Skagit Valley 3. 4. 5 The Current Recreation and Human Use Study 3. 4. 6 Preliminary Estimates of the Recreational Potential of the Skagit Valley in Canada adjacent to Ross Lake Future Regional Recreation Demand Regional Recreational Supply Relationship of the Canadian Skagit to the Park System of the Lower Mainland Current Capacity for Recreation of the Canadian Skagit Valley Adjacent to Ross Lake Recreation Capacity of the Skagit Valley in Canada With The High Ross Lake Relationship of the Canadian Skagit to the Recreation Area and Park System of the U. S. A. and Canada 3. 5 Scientific and Educational Values

PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES FROM RAISING ROSS LAKE

4. 1 The Total Environment 4.2 ConsequencestotheEnvironment 4. 2. 1 Physiography 4. 2. 2 Vegetation 4. 2. 3 Wildlife Deer Upland Game Birds Waterfowl Fur Animals Page

Large Carnivores Birds Reptiles and Amphibians 4. 2. 4 Fish 4. 2. 5 Resource Use 4. 2. 6 Recreation Effect on Basic Elements Influencing Recreation Potential with an Expanded Lake Surface Relationship to Regional Demand Hunting 4. 2. 7 The Total Effect

APPENDICES

Appendix 101 Reference Material Appendix 102 Environmental Newsletters Appendix 201 Geology of the Skagit Valley in Canada Appendix 202 Summary of Areas by Forest Types Appendix 203 Census Sheet for Skagit Valley Wildlife Inventory Appendix 301 Fall User Survey Appendix 302 Provincial Park Use Data LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Elements of the Environment of the Skagit Valley in Canada 2

Skagit Valley Wildlife Inventory, Ruffed and Blue Grouse

Skagit Valley Wildlife Inventory, Beaver and Deer

Regional and Provincial Park Systems of the Lower Mainland Region PART 1

THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY IN CANADA

1.1 PURPOSE OF STUDYING THE ENVIRONMENT The Department of Lighting of the City of Seattle has applied to the U. S. Federal Power Commission, Washington, D. C. for an amend- ment to raise Ross Dam and consequently Ross Lake under the license for its Skagit River Project. The Skagit Valley in Canada is being studied to supply additional data to that in the environment - a1 statement which the City has submitted to the Federal Power Commission. The results of these studies are also being made

, available to organizations responsible for administering the Skagit Valley.

ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT The diagram on the following page indicates some of the complex interrelationships of the elements of the Skagit water shed in Canada. The diagram shows the extent of human influence in the Skagit Valley and the interactions of the biological and physical elements within the system. Due to the complexity of the system a wide base of knowledge is required before a value judgement on the probable environmental effects of raising Ross Lake can be made.

1.3 PRESENTATION OF DATA For convenience of study and presentation, the dominant systems within the Skagit Valley are being investigated and reported as separate units in Parts 2 and 3 of this report. Part 4 outlines the present state of knowledge about the environmental consequences of increasing the size of Ross Lake. Supplementary data are contained in the appendices. Appendix 101 contains a list of reference material and Appendix 102 contains environmental newsletter s about the Skagit system. ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY IN CANADA

Cl TY 0 F SEATTLE Department of Lighting

F. F. SLANEY & COMPANY LIMITED Vancouver, Canada PART 1 THE ENVIRONMENT 3.

1.4. ORGANIZATION OF SURVEYS IN CANADA

1. 4. 1 Joint Committee After approval by the International Joint Commission and completion of the agreement between the Province of British Columbia and the City of Seattle, a committee was formed to jointly plan the development of the proposed High Ross Lake site in the Canadian section of the Skagit Valley.

This committee is composed of the following members and alter-

nate s :

Mr. J. M. Nelson, Mr. P. J. J. Hemphill, Supe rintendent of Lighting, Engineer in Charge of City of Seattle. Engineering Services Division, B. C. Forest Service. Mr. H. D. DeBeck, Comptroller of Water Rights, Mr. D. F. Martin, Water Resources Service. Senior Maintenance Engineer, Department of Highways. Mr. A. H. Ralf s, Surveyor General, Mr. I. L. Withler,. Lands Service. Biologist, Fish and Wildlife Branch. Mr. E. H. Vernon, Chief of Fisherie s Management, Mr. C. J. Velay, Fish and Wildlife Branch. Assistant Director, Parks Branch. Mr. R. H. Ahrens, Director, Mr. A. C. Kinnear, Parks Branch. C o- ordinat or of Lands, Lands Service. Mr. J. A. Dennison, Chief Engineer, Mr. C. R. Hoidal, Department of Highways. Chief Civil Engineer, City of Seattle. PART 1 THE ENVIRONMENT 4.

Mr. E. J. Drobnack, Mr. T. M. Tregear, Supervising Civil Engineer, Power and Major Licensing City of Seattle. Division, Water Resources Services. Mr. H. M. Hunt, Chief, Power and Major Licenses F. F. Slaney, Division, F. F. Slaney and Company Water Resources Service. Limited.

Committee meetings on January 29 and April 28, 1970 tentatively

re solved the following : Definition of the lake boundary Reservoir clearing and cleanup standards Liaison between the various agencies Schedule for construction Valuation of immature timber Relocation of the Silver -Skagit road concepts for development of recreational facilities.

1.4. 2 Environmental Study Group Under the terms of the Agreement between the Province of British Columbia and Seattle City Light, work in the Canadian section of the Skagit Valley must be carried out by residents of the Province. Seattle City Light engaged F. F. Slaney and Company Limited in March, 1970 to assist in completing the environmental studies and engineering and forestry assignments required by various agencies.

F. F. Slaney and Company maintains a multi-disciplined staff of Fish and Wildlife Biologists, Foresters, Engineers, Agrologists, PART 1 THE ENVIRONMENT 5.

Landscape Architects and Recreational Planners. Members of this team carry out assignments in their areas of expertise and work to- gether to resolve complex problems. In addition, as required, the Company obtains expert advice from other consulting firms and leading specialists.

As the project progressed, F. F. Slaney and Company also became involved as a co-ordinator between agencies and groups concerned with the Skagit project in Canada. This phase of the operation in- volves collecting and publishing data on the Skagit project, organ- izing and attending international and interdisciplinary committee s, conferring with various government agencies, the publication of an environmental newsletter and providing basic information requested by interested individuals or groups.

Committees organized to re s olve environmental problems include staff members from: The Fisheries Research Institute of the University of Washington, the Institute of Animal Resource Ecology of the University of British Columbia, The Washington State Game Commission, The Fish and Wildlife Branch and the Parks Branch of the B. C. Department of Recreation and Conservation, The Depart- ment of Zoology of the University of British Columbia and F. F. Slaney and Company Limited. PART 2

ELEMENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

2.1 CLIMATE A knowledge of climate is essential to a fundamental understanding of the plant and animal communities in the Skagit Valley and to as- sessing the recreational potential of the area.

To this end, weather records are being amassed on a continuing basis. Three self-recording Hygrothermographs and 17 snow course stations have been strategically situated in the valley since Octo- ber, 1970, and data from these units have been systematically collected and analyzed for use by the wildlife, plant and fisheries specialists. Preliminary studies indicate that the average rainfall is between 30 and 40 inches annually. In the summer months, high temperatures from 70 degrees to 90 degrees F. are common.

In 1970, the first snow fell in the valley on November 20 and the snowpack reached two peaks during the winter period. The first peak occurred during the first week of February and the second peak during the third week of March. Snow depths in the valley bottom were about the same at the end of March as the depths recorded at the beginning of January.

During 1970 temperatures remained above freezing until the fourth week of November. The coldest recorded temperature was )-10 degrees F. at the north end of the reservoir site. On the average, temperatures were similar throughout the length of the valley bottom. PART 2 ELEMENTS 7.

The humidity at the northern end of the proposed lake site was consistently higher than the humidity near the border. A portion of the valley near the International Boundary appears to lie in a rain shadow having a measurably drier winter climate than the area around the Klesilkwa-Skagit confluence. Further information can be found in Appendix 102.

Seattle City Light has retained the services of a microclimatologist and a limnological consultant to study and analyze the present systems and to predict possible changes that would occur with the proposed High Ross Lake.

The effects of the present aquatic system on the adjacent plant communities are also being studied and analyzed.

I The Skagit drainage lies along the transitional climatic zone that extends through the length of the Cascades. Minor differences in I topography often have noticeable climatic effects and vegetative growth patterns and plant successions are often dramatic in this zone.

2.2 LAND

2.2. 1 Topography The Skagit Valley is a major north-south drainage extending from the Hope-Princeton Highway to Puget Sound.

In Canada, the Skagit is a "U" shaped valley with a flat graveled PART 2 ELEMENTS 8.

floor and steep rocky mountain sides which rise to peaks that often exceed 7000 feet. The widest section of the valley is about a mile across.

The main valley in Canada extends some 22 miles from the Hope - Princeton Highway to the United States/ Canadian border. The valley floor contains an estimated 12, 000 acres of flat or moderately flat lands. The balance of the drainage is generally steep and rocky..

The Skagit River, although of modest size in Canada, develops into I a major system in the United States and is, in fact, one of the larg- I est rivers within the State of Washington flowing into Puget Sound. 1, The two major tributaries of the Skagit River in Canada are the I Sumallo River and the Klesilkwa River. There are also several smaller tributaries of which Nepopekum (Muddy) Creek is the largest.

The Hope-Princeton Highway follows the Sumallo and the head waters of the Skagit into Manning Park. The Silver-Skagit road enters the Skagit system through the Silver-Hope drainage and the head waters of the Klesilkwa drainage.

Ross Lake is the dominant physical feature of the valley south of the U. S. /Canadian border. In Canada, the lake is shallow during the summer, a snow field during the winter and varying combinations of land and water during the spring and fall. PART 2 ELEMENTS 9.

Bed Rock Geology of the Skagit Valley Most of the area of the Skagit Valley was formed during a period of Northwe st -trending, folding and faulting. This was associated with the development of the Custer Gneiss and occurred in the late Paleozoic or early Mesozoic periods. The resulting geological formation is known as the Hozameen Group. The only other activity in the area occurred in the Miocene period and produced the Chilliwa ck batholith intrusions.

The Hozarneen Group, which forms the Skagit Valley in Canada, is comprised of four geological formations: greenstone, chert, limestone chert and argilite greenstone chert, limestone, greenstone The distribution of these formations is shown on the map in Appendix 2 0 1.

Surficial Geology Knowledge of the surficial geology of this area is basic to the de- sign of facilities such as beaches, campsites, boat launching ramps and roads. The information is also required to investigate possible improvements such as ponds, dykes and clearings. The nature of the surface material is also of paramount importance in predicting the stability of the new lakeshore.

Glacial and alluvial actions have produced three distinct formations: kettled outwash gravel terraces, alluvial fans, alluvial river depos - PART 2 ELEMENTS 10.

its. Talus formations have developed at the base of many of the slopes. The valley sides are steep, rocky and thinly mantled. The distribution of these formations is shown in Appendix 102.

2.2.3. 1 Kettled Outwash Gravel Terraces Outwash gravel terraces form a series of terraces above the pres ent flood plain. Most of the terraces are located near the upper end of the proposed lake site. These older formations constitute the remains of the outwash of a large river which flowed from the terminus of glaciers. The material is characterized by large boulders, cobbles and gravel deposits. Large fragments of ice deposited in the outwash gravels during the last ice age melted to form prominent depressions known as kettle holes.

2. 2. 3. 2 Alluvial Fans The larger tributary streams flowing into the Skagit River have formed prominent alluvial fans which project on to the valley floor. Many of these fans have a complex history and contain material ranging from coarse angular gravel to a six-foot thick deposit of sandy silt. St. Alice Creek and Nepopekum Creek have produced the large st and most complex alluvial fans.

2. 2. 3. 3 Alluvial River Deposits Alluvial river deposits form the present flood plains. The deposits are the result of reworking by the Skagit River of the outwash gravels and some of the alluvial fans. The basic deposits are generally of coarse material. A large area near the lower end of the proposed lake site contains a surface layer of silts and organic soils. No clays or extensive deposits of silt are found. PART 2 ELEMENTS 11.

2. 2. 3. 4 Talus Talus deposits mantle the contact between the steep rocky sidehills and the valley bottom. These deposits are common throughout the valley. The material consists of large angular fragments.

2. 2. 3. 5 Soils The soil survey under way in the Skagit Valley is designed to provide the basic data required to classify the plant communities in the Skagit system, to understand the regime of plant successions and to provide basic data for recreational planners.

The soils adjacent to the proposed reservoir site are also being studied to identify sites that would be most suitable for the development of open grasslands if required for wildlife habitat improvement.

The techniques to be used are based on the Bio-Physical Land Classification System as outlined by the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, Canadian Forest Service (Publication 1264 (1969)). The survey will be carried out at Level 4 as outlined in Guidelines of the publication. This system is basically an airphoto interpreta- tion combined with the field survey to record details of the soil such as: Soil morphology Soil drainage class Moisture status Soil texture Gravel and stone content Soil structure and soil consistency Soil material depth PART 2 ELEMENTS 12.

Sample plots in the drawdown area and in the area immediately above the proposed High Ross lake site are being established to obtain basic data on the responses to fertilizer of the important types of plant c ommunit ie s.

WATER The Skagit, an international river, flows southward from head waters in Manning Provincial Park to Puget Sound in Washington State. The Canadian part of the river system is characterized for much of the year by clear, fast-moving water flowing over extensive beds of gravel and boulders. The river channel shifts frequently, eroding banks and toppling trees into the channel. Numerous log jams restrict the channel in the upper reaches of the river. The watershed is steep and rocky. Consequently, the river is subject to rapid rise and fall.

During the periods of low water the exposed gravel beds and quiet pools are extremely attractive. The crystal clear water is aesthetically pleasing. The entire river system in Canada is accessible by road or trail.

2.3.1 Ross Lake Some 20 miles below the United StatesICanadian border the Skagit u River drops through a series of narrow gorges before reaching the coastal plain. Over the past 45 years three dams have been construct- I ed in three gorges by the City of Seattle. Ross Dam is the upper - most structure and forms Ross Lake, the main reservoir in the system. The present lake, at full pool inundates approximately 500 acres of land in Canada. The proposed High Ross Lake at full PART 2 ELEMENTS 13.

I pool would cover an area of approximately 5200 acres In Canada.

The amount of drawdown in the lake is controlled by four factors, namely hydro-electric power production, recreational use and flood control and water released for downstream fisheries. The drawdown usually commences in September for power production and flood control purposes. Maximum drawdown occurs in the early spring after which time the lake gradually refills. Full pool is usually obtained by the end of June.

A nominal amount of storage space for flood control is required in the reservoir from October 1st to March 15th. These requirements are established by the U. S. Corps of Army Engineers.

2.4. VEGETATION

2. 4. 1 General Description The vegetative cover of a region reflects the influence of all the

other factors of the region's environment. The type of vegetation . capable of growing on an area is influenced by the geology and soil, the climate, the micro-climate s, and the topographic relief. Once a vegetation cover is established it undergoes successional changes due to the vegetation itself and to influences of wildlife, human activity, fires, storms and time. F.ar purposes of clarity the vegetation in the Skagit Valley will be divided into the broad categories of forest cover and ground cover, though the two are obviously in- terdependent. See Appendix 202. PART 2 ELEMENTS 14.

2. 4. 2 Forest Cover A large number of tree species is found in the Skagit Valley. Spe- cies representative of both coastal and interior forests are present, albeit in some instances, in limited numbers. Elements of Coastal, Subalpine and Montane forest types can be seen. A preliminary survey of the forest cover in the proposed site of the High Ross Reservoir has been completed. Many different species combinations exist and inventory surveys are being co-ordinated -with studies in the American portion of the system.

2. 4. 3 Ground Cover Little quantitative information is available about the ground vegetation in the Skagit Valley but several studies are currently under way. Basically these studies are concerned with three areas: 1. Determination of habitat types. 2. Determination of the nature and amount of vegetation used for food by wildlife in the area of the $reposed lake. 3. Investigation of possible techniques to mitigate the 10s s of specific plant communities required by various species of wildlife.

2.4. 4 Determination of Natural Habitat Types A knowledge of the nature and distribution of habitat types is fundamental to an understanding of numbers and distribution of most species of wildlife.

A gross classification of habitat types on the basis of forest cover is available from data prepared by the B. C. Forest Service, but I PART 2 ELEMENTS 15.

more detailed information is required.

1 A quantitative vegetation survey is to be carried out during the summer of 197 1 on both the proposed lake site and the surrounding area. I This survey will yield information on tree cover and the density, frequency and canopy cover of shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses I and lichens. One-tenth acre plots (50' x 100') will be permanently delineated on the ground, and the forest cover inventoried. In R young dense stands of willow and cottonwood, five milli-acre plots and one line transect of ten, one -tenth metre quadrats will be used I to survey the vegetation. In meadows and areas with larger tree cover a number of randomly located line transects will be used. The actual number of lines to be used is a function of the number of different species in a given area.

During the survey an annotated list of plant species will be compiled. Some plant identification work has already been completed. Vari- ous other factors such as slope, aspect, soil type and plant land- use will be noted. Photographic records of seasonal changes in each habitat type will be maintained.

2. 4. 5 Study of Vegetation Use by Wildlife in the Skagit Valley The following studies are currently in progress to determine the probable effects on vegetation and wildlife of raising Ross Lake.

2. 4. 5. 1 Waterfowl Habitats In November, 1970, 41 sample plots of 1/40 acre each were located on the present drawdown area and the vegetation analyzed in terms I PART 2 ELEMENTS 16.

of species and extent of ground cover. The general soil type was also noted. These plots will be re-surveyed to ascertain vegetation changes between the fall and spring seasons.

Effect of Grazing Milli-acre plots were enclosed by fences on the important spring feeding areas before deer had begun regular use. The standing crops from those areas will eventually be cut and measured in terms of height and weight and compared with unenclosed plots of equal size.

Vegetative Changes on the Lowland Meadows Plots have been delineated for special observations and sequential photographs of vegetative changes on the lowland meadows.

The Effect of Deer on the Winter and Spring Range The objectives of this study are to obtain information regarding the degree of utilization of deer range and its possible future carrying capacity. In April, 1970, 70 milli-acre plots were located on deer winter range. These plots were analyzed in terms of plant species present, percentage ground cover by species, and degree of utilization of each species by deer. It is intended, in June, 1971, to - perform deer pellet analyses to determine relative deer use.

Investigations of Techniques to Compensate for Loss of Vegetation Experiments are being designed and carried out to improve the native habltat and to create additional lowland meadows. Results are anticipated by autumn, 1971. PART 2 ELEMENTS 17.

In representative sites throughout the. valley, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate fertilizers are being applied to natural vegetation in milli-acre plots. The rate of application is 100 pounds per acre on plots located both inside and outside of fenced enclosures. Both native and previously introduced species of plants are being tested for regrowth both on and outside the proposed High Ross Lake site.

The introduction of tame range grasses, exotic water plants and clover was considered, but with the creation of the two ecological reserves near the proposed High Ross Lake site, the introduction of exotic species was considered undesirable.

Plantings and experiments will be confined to specie s that are now pr e s ent in the valley.

2. 5 WILDLIFE 2. 5. 1 Wildlife Studies Wildlife studies in the Skagit Valley are being carried out with the advice of Dr. J. Bendell. The studies are designed to determine which animal species utilize the proposed Ross Lake site and to describe the degree of their dependence on the site. Fundamental to an under standing of wildlife relationships to the site, is detailed knowledge of the land, climate and vegetation of the site and the adjacent uplands. The basic studies of physical and biotic factors are as yet incomplete. Similarly, although certain aspects have been completed, wildlife studies are continuing. The general results and conclusions of this section are preliminary. PART 2 E LEMENT S 18,

The general procedure of the wildlife study has been to: ::: Inventory the animal species present during each season in relationship to observed utilization of food and cover. ::: Deduce the effect of raising Ross Lake on major species.

:!: Determine need and feasibility of mitigating habitat losses.

Prior to this study no comprehensive survey of the wildlife of the Canadian Skagit Valley had been undertaken. An estimate of probable loss to the trapping industry through inundation of fur -bearing animal habitat was made in 1951 by Dr. J. Hatter. More recently, B. Gates, Regional Wildlife Biologist of the B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, provided an assessment of wildlife in the valley. Data used were from hunter check stations, fur harvest returns and a deer tagging program. During the four year period 1967 -1971 inclusive, the Branch tagged deer in spring on the proposed lake site to obtain an understanding of their seasonal distribution and an estimate of their numbers.

In the current studies, mammals from mice to carnivores and un- gulates; birds from songbirds to game birds and birds of prey; amphibians, reptiles, and some invertebrates are being studied. Em- phasis has been placed on the more interesting and easily observed taxa such as deer, upland game birds, waterfowl, fur-bearers and larger carnivore s.

The "Study Area" includes the proposed 5200 acre site of the enlarged Ross Lake (Reservoir) and a surrounding control area (Con- trol) of similar size. See Appendix 203. PART 2 ELEMENTS 19. I 2. 5.2 -Deer Although elk, moose and deer occur in the proposed development site, moose and elk currently appear only as rarely recorded tran- sients. A single whitetailed deer has been recorded.

Muledeer and blacktailed deer are both resident and transient and I would be directly affected by the project. Effects on deer herds would depend upon the season and duration of use and size of the I herds using the proposed lake site. Through summer and autumn numbers are probably less than five animals per square mile and I in winter almost none are evident. Heaviest use occurs during April, May and June when open grasslands and adjacent forest types are used as spring range.

2. 5. 2. 1 Winter Distribution A team of biologists spent the winter of 1970-1971 in the Canadian Skagit to study the wildlife. Most of the deer observed were on the rocky westerly and southerly facing slopes dominated by stands of mature Douglas ,fir. This type of habitat exists mainly on the east side of the valley from 2000 to 3500 feet elevation. A few deer did live on the open slopes of the west side of the valley, however, and another small group spent part of the winter along the river within the ~ro~osedlake site.

An estimate of the maximum number of deer using the southern half of the Skagit Valley in Canada through the 1970-197 1 winter is 300 animals. The winter distribution of deer is shown on the map on page 27. PART 2 ELEMENTS 20.

Areas utilized in winter were characterized by snow regimes favour- ing easy travel and affording the best opportunity of finding food and escaping predators. When the crust of snow on the slopes was frozen following a thaw, some deer extended their range up to the 4500 foot level and onto the northerly facing slopes.

The flats of the valley bottom were rarely utilized because of the deep soft snow. Deer that ventured onto the flats generally found travel difficult.

I 2. 5.2. 2 Winter Food In early winter when the snow was soft and shallow, the deer browsed mainly on False-box (Pachystima myrsinites). Through the remainder of the winter, deer utilized tree lichens, conifers and some shrubs that protruded through the snow. Lichens were estimated to form more than fifty percent of the winter diet of the herd. Trees and shrubs important as food on the winter range were vine maple, serviceberry, ocean spray, snowberry, red cedar and western yew.

The few deer living along the river fed on aquatic vegetation and shrubs exposed along the water's edge.

~urtherevaluation of winter food habits and the degree to which key plant species were utilized is under way. A browse survey is being carried out in conjunction with other vegetative surveys. Relative deer use of winter and spring ranges by habitat types is being determined through the use of pellet group plots. I PART 2 ELEMENTS 21.

A herd of deer of undetermined origin moved onto the lower slopes of the valley as snow left the ground. Then as new growth occurred on the lowlands, the animals moved onto the flats to feed on grasses and forbs. The exposed drawdown of the present reservoir was the , first area to support growth of grasses and forbs this spring. The I open meadows immediately north of the drawdown area produced new growth about a week later. The present reservoir site and the I. adjacent meadows supported new growth of grasses and forbs about I a month in advance of the area near the Twenty-six Mile Bridge.

Recent estimates of deer population were based on the tagging program carried out by the B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch primarily in 1967 and 1968. The tagging program is being continued and observations of identifiable animals are being recorded to obtain a new estimate of the size of the herd utilizing the lower meadows.

2. 5.2.4 Importance,of the Lowland Area I Studies to determine the relative importance of the meadows to deer are in progress. Factors being analyzed are: 1. Food being utilized above and below elevation 1725 feet. 2. The distribution of deer. 3. The physical condition of deer on the lowlands compared to deer not utilizing the meadows. 4. The reproductive success of deer using the lowlands compared I to that of deer from other parts of the valley north and south of the Canadian-Amer ican border. PART 2 ELEMENTS 22.

To obtain this information direct observations are being made on deer feeding in the open grasslands. Deer are being collected and rumen samples examined as a check on field observations of feeding habits. The physical condition of all collected deer and of deer captured for tagging purposes is being recorded. Ovaries and reproductive tracts from collected does are being examined. Fawn- adult ratios will be determined for deer using the proposed lake site and, if possible, for deer not using the site. The morpholo- gical characteristics of deer seen and handled are being recorded as a basis for understanding the makeup of subpopulations within the valley.

r 2. 5.2. 5 Range of Skagit Deer The summer distribution of deer that have used the spring range will be studied.

This year, to date, 15 deer have been caught and tagged with col- oured streamers. An unknown number of tagged deer have survived from previous years. A selective capture program featuring the use of immobilizing drugs is also being implemented so that blaze orange collars and telemetry equipment can be placed on additional deer.

The slopes will be searched when the animals leave the valley. The general public is being asked to report sightings of tagged animals and observation cards are being provided. American wildlife biologists will be searching the area south of the border.

Signals from the radio equipped deer are to be monitored. 2. 5. 3 Upland Game Birds Ruffed grouse, blue grouse, whitetailed ptarmigan, and franklin grouse occur in the Skagit Valley. The former two are common while the latter two are scarce. Blue grouse, present on the slopes of the valley in spring and summer, have rarely been observed on the valley floor. The following map shows their distribution while on breeding territories in the spring of 1971. While it is possible that adult hens with broods use the development site, it is probably not important range.

2. 5. 3. 1 Ruffed Grouse Ruffed grouse are widely spread throughout the valley lowlands where they are hunted in autumn. Throughout the winter of 1970-1971 data were collected on their distribution and numbers. The map on the following page shows their winter distribution. Most birds were found near the bases of valley slopes in areas of alder and willow. In early spring they were observed to spread throughout the bottomlands where the males established territories. Distribution during the fall hunting season is similar to that of the spring.

Repeated winter observations suggest that in 1970-1971 the wintering population was on the order of two birds per hundred acres throughout the Study Area. An estimated 15-25 adult birds used the proposed lake site. Counts of drumming adult males are currently being run to check the population estimates.

Not all parts of the proposed development area appear to be equally

PART 2 E LEMENT S 2 5.

suitable for ruffed grouse in spring. There are .anestimated.2600 acres of habitable spring and summer range within the reservoir site. The location of drumming males will aid in the assessment of spring habitat.

2. 5.4 Waterfowl Eighteen species of waterfowl have been observed in the Skagit Val- ley. In the fall of 1970, 88 birds of 11 different species were shot by hunters. A precise estimate of the number of waterfowl using the route on southward migration was not obtainable.

A small population of ducks was found to winter in the valley. Ap- proximately 100 birds were seen of which 80 were associated with the open water of the present reservoir and 20 with the river and beaver ponds. Mallards formed approximately half the total.

A few species of ducks have been found to breed in the valley. Mal- lards, common mergansers, buffleheads, and harlequins are the most common breeders. Data are presently being gathered on numbers.

In November an examination of the vegetation of the present drawdown was made in order to determine what habitats are most important. Most ducks were associated with seepages and other wet areas where vegetation was most abundant and varied. I PART 2 ELEMENTS 26.

I 2. 5. 5 Fur Animals The Canadian portion of the Skagit Valley has supported a trapline for over 60 years. The most important species in terms of harvest have been beaver, mink, pine marten, river otter, and ermine. Raccoon, skunk, and bobcat have also been taken.

Thirty-two different centers of beaver activity were found in the Skagit and lower four miles of the Klesilkwa drainage. Twenty- five were within the proposed lake site. (See map on following page). Of these, 23 were along the main river or on associated ponds and side channels. Studies in other parts of North America indicate that about 3. 5 beaver comprise an average family in winter. Hence, within the High Ross site there is an estimated winter population of approximately 80 animals. A number of unoccu- pied dams sugg,ests the figure was recently at least 25 percent higher.

I 2.5. 5.2 Other Fur-Bearers Smaller numbers of other fur-bearing animals were found. These included 12 to 15 raccoon, between four and eight river otter, 15 to 20 bobcat, not less than 15 marten, ten mink, and an undetermined number of ermine. Of these totals, all the raccoon, four or five bobcats, five to seven mink, and four to five marten appeared to live entirely within the High Ross area.

I 2.5.6 Large Carnivores The chief large carnivores present in the valley are the cougar, I bobcat, coyote and black bear. The winter inventory indicated 12

PART 2 ELEMENTS 28.

to 15 adult cougars, three of which lived mainly within the site, and eight to ten coyotes. Black bears, because they were in hiberna- tion, could not be counted.

All species, but particularly the coyote and bobcat, occur on the I bottomlands of the valley during all or part of the year. I 2. 5.6. 1 Predator-Prey Relationships The degree to which the proposed enlargement will affect the large I carnivores and most fur-bearers may depend not only on the area inundated but also on the extent to which their prey, especially deer, hares, grouse, and mice are affected. The relative numbers of prey in the various habitats is being assessed in and out of the High Ross Site.

2.5.7 GeneralBirdCensus The dependence of all birds on the proposed site is being studied throughout the year. As with other groups of animals, their numbers and distribution relative to habitat needs are being assessed b.oth in and out of the lake site.

2. 5. 7. 1 Winter Birds Throughout the winter a total of 44 species were tallied of which eight seemed dependent upon habitat that will be largely lost with the High Ross Lake. (See the following table). The abundance of 14 other species may also be affected. These include downy woodpeckers, dippers, winter wrens, and song sparrows. Species dependent on the lake and the drawdown area (ten) and those living mainly on the slopes (12) will likely not be affected to any great degree. I PART2 ELEMENTS 25.

WINTERING SPECIES OF BIRDS AND THEIR DEPENDENCE ON THE HIGH ROSS SITE

Dependent Dependent Dependent I Mainly or Wholly on on Both Reservoir Site Mainly or Wholly the Reservoir Site and Control Area on the Control Area

1. Great Blue Heron Goshawk Blue Grouse Mallard Red -tailed Hawk Raven Green-winged Teal Ruffed Grouse Clark's Nutcracker 1 Common Goldeneye Ptarmigan Brown Creeper :I: Lesser Scaup Great Horned Owl Pine Grosbeak Bufflehead Pygmy Owl I :k Ring-necked Duck Spotted Owl Hooded Merganser Saw -whe t Owl Killdeer Pileated Woodpecker I WilsonlsSnipe Hairy Woodpecker Belted Kingfisher Northern Three-toed Woodpecker :I: Downy Woodpecker Gray Jay I ::: Black-billed Magpie Steller's Jay

Crow SDD.L I Black-capped Chickadee Dipper Red-breasted Nuthatch I ::: Winter Wren Golden -c rowned Kinglet 0 re gon Junc o t Evening Grosbeak :! Song Spar row + Purple Finch m t Pine Siskin Red Crossbill

:I: Species that are dependent on habitat to be inundated. I t Species occurring both in and out of the reservoir site but likely to be affected by inundation either because of their great abundance or scarcity. PART 2 ELEMENTS 3 0.

2. 5.7. 2 Breeding Populations of Birds An evaluation of the High Ross site as breeding habitat for non-game birds is under way. Twenty-five acre plots in important habitat types are being censused by counting singing males.

2. 5. 7. 3 Spring Migration of Birds The valley formed an important spring migration route for approximately 30 species. Very large numbers of robins, Oregon juncos, rufous hummingbirds, mountain bluebirds and chipping sparrows were seen. Unusual species included the long-billed curlew, lesser yellowlegs, western bluebird, and poorwill. Most new arrivals appeared first near the Canadian-American border where they fed and rested on either the present drawdown or adjacent meadows.

2. 5.8 Reptiles, Amphibians and Molluscs An inventory of reptiles and amphibians is being developed, and the habitats within which they are found, assessed. To May 15, three reptiles and six amphibians have been recorded, (see the following table). A listing of molluscs is also being maintained.

Amphibians Long-toed Salamander Amby stoma macrodactylum Northwe st Salamander A. pracile We,stern Toad Bufo boreas Pacific Tree-frog Hyla regilla Tailed Frog Ascaphus trui

Reptiles We stern Skink Eumec e s skiltoniamis Northern Alligator Lizard Gerrhonotus coeruleur Common Garter Snake Thamnophi s sirtalis PART 2 ELEMENTS 31.

2.6 AQUATIC LIFE

2. 6. 1 Species Present The organisms that live in and around the Skagit River and Ross Lake form an integral part of the Skagit Valley system. Some, such as fish, spend their entire lives in the aquatic environment of the lake or river. Others, such as many insects, spend the major portion of their lives and many stages of their life history in the streams, only to move to a terrestrial habitat near matur- ity. Several species of mammals and birds use the river and its fauna for food or habitat, while man, too, uses the river and its environs for food and recreation.

Previous studies of the aquatic life in the Skagit River have concentrated primarily on the fish in the river. Four species of fish (rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, Eastern brook trout and cutthroat trout) have been reported in the system.

Although Eastern brook and cutthroat trout have been introduced into the system by man in the past, all fish populations are self- sustaining at the present time. No regular introductions or stocking of the system are made by any regulatory agency in the United States or Canada, but some stocking is being contemplated by the Fish and Wildlife Branch of B. C. Populations have been sustained by natural spawning, by regulations as to numbers and sizes of fish taken, and by seasonal closures. PART 2 ELEMENTS 32.

2.6. 2 Previous Studies of the Fishery Rainbow trout are known to use the Skagit River quite extensively for spawning in the spring of the year. There are also reports of Eastern brook trout and Dolly Varden char using the river or some of its major tributaries for spawning. There are no past data, however, on the population sizes or feeding habits of any of these species of fish. Previous data on spawning habits, size of spawning populations, and movements of the fish are limited and primarily anec- dotal. Likewise, as yet, little is known about the population dynamics of the species.

There are previous data on fishing effort and yield to anglers on the Skagit River as a result of a creel census carried out by the B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch in 1962 and 1963. In those years rainbow trout comprised more than 80 percent of the total catch of fish from the system and made up more than 90 percent of the catch in the months of April and May. The remainder of the take con- sisted of Dolly Varden and Eastern brook trout. Approximately 90 percent of the anglers were resident in the Province of British Columbia.

The total estimated catch of fish from the Skagit River for the months of April to August based on the years 1962 and 1963 was 3000-4000 fish. Catch per unit of effort figures were 0.46 and 0. 50 for 1962 and 1963 respectively. These figures indicate that one fish was caught for approximately every two hours of fishing on the river during those years. PART 2 ELEMENTS 33.

2.6. 3 Fishery Studies in Progress The present studies are being executed by several teams of fisheries biologists. The studies in Canada are concentrating primar - ily on the Skagit River, since Ross Lake extends into Canada for less than a mile during the summer months. However, the aquatic ecosystem and the organisms themselves do not respect political boundaries, so the total study must be co-ordinated throughout the Skagit River-Ross Lake system.

The studies under way have been designed to supplement the fisheries data presented in previous reports. The work is scheduled for completion in time for the hearings of the Federal Power Com- mission in Washington, D. C.

2.6. 3. 1 Numbers of Fish Periodic censuses of the fish populations are being undertaken to determine the numbers of fish in the river. A Scuba diver survey team from the B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch floated the river from Silver -tipped Creek to the International Boundary in October, 1970 and recorded a total of 67 fish in the approximately 15 mile distance. Of the total, 55 were sighted downstream of the Twenty-six Mile Bridge. Ten of the 67 were thought to be Dolly Varden char while the remainder were Rainbow trout. Another Scuba float down is planned for the early summer of this year. Censuses will be taken PART 2 ELEMENTS 34,

throughout the summer and fall using electro-fishing gear in the river itself and in tributary streams.

2. 6. 3. 2 Spawning of Fish A survey of the spawning areas and numbers of spawning rainbow trout along the length of the Skagit River is in progress. A team

of biologists is gill-netting and electro-fishing on the river and J its tributaries. The turbidity of the water has made sighting of fish difficult, and results must be obtained mainly from the netting and electro-fishing programs rather than from fish sightings. Similar surveys of the spawning activities of Dolly Varden and East- ern brook trout will be undertaken in the autumn during their spawning runs.

Gravel within the spawning redds will be sampled to determine the mortality of eggs and larvae within the gravel. These data are of particular interest for redds that will be inundated by the rising lake level. The present lake and inundated stream provide a natural setting for an examination of the effects of inundation on redds.

2.6. 3. 3 Tagging Program M,ovements, population size, survival and growth rates of fish, and discreteness of spawning populations are being determined from a tagging program in both the lake and river.

The first tagged fish recovered had been tagged near Lightning Creek on Arpil 13, 1971 and was captured at the Twenty-six Mile Bridge on May 15, 1971. PART 2 . ELEMENTS 3 5.

2. 6. 3. 4 Food Studies The amount of food available in the river is being surveyed through weekly samples of the bottom fauna. The stations are selected at random along the river s length. Sampling is being done with a modified Surber sampler. The analysis of these samples is continuing, but over 100 species of aquatic organisms have been isolated to date. Mayfly and st onefly nymphs and fly and caddis fly larvae have been found in greatest numbers.

The food of the fish is studied by examinations of the fish stomachs collected when fish are sampled. Fish stomachs were also collected in the late summer and early fall of 1970. Analysis of these preliminary samples is proceeding, but indications are that stream- caught fish feed on both terrestrial and aquatic organisms.

2.6. 3. 5 Creel Census A creel census will be carried out throughout the summer of 1971, beginning on opening day of the fishing seas on, June 19. The creel census provides data on man-days of fishing, the success of anglers in catching fish, and the yield of fish to anglers. The creel census is being co-ordinated with the census on the south end of Ross Lake being carried out by the Washington State Department of Game. It will consist of a 20 percent random sample of weekend and weekday days throughout the £ishing seas on. Additional sampling days, including holidays and days of anticipated heavy usage, will be included in the sampling regime. Further effort will also be expended on the creel census of stream fishermen. PART 2 ELEMENTS 36.

2.6. 3. 6 Population Dynamics To understand the dynamics of fish populations, the age and size distributions of the population must be known. Age is determined by reading of fish scales and can be related to fish length and length at previous ages. It also will be possible to calculate the length-weight relationship for the populations and to determine the growth rate of the fish.

2. 6. 3. 7 Lake Studies Other programs being carried on in the Skagit River-Ross Lake system include the study of the food available to the fish in the lake. Surveys of the benthic fauna are being taken with a grab sampler from the lake bottom. Plankton studies will also be undertaken in the lake by means of vertical tows at two stations on the lake. Sonic surveys of the numbers and distribution of fish in the midwater areas of the reservoir are also under way. These lake programs are being carried out by the team from the Fisheries Research Institute, University of Washington.

2. 6.4 Future of the Fishery Although premature to consider at the present time, remedial actions are available for the maintenance and improvement of the stream fisheries should the results of the current studies indicate their de sir ability. PART 3

THE HUMAN ELEMENT

J 3.1 HISTORICAL ASPECTS The earliest known activity in the Skagit area was the trading and transportation of furs by the Hudson Bay Company fur brigade. To provide an alternative to the dangerous Fraser Canyon transportation route, A. C. Anderson located a trail from Hope through the Upper Skagit drainage to the interior of British Columbia in 1846. Further trail construction was done in 186 0 by Edgar Dewdney and the Royal Engineers using the same location from Hope to the Upper Skagit. This portion of the Dewdney Trail later became part of the Southern Trans -Provincial Highway.

3.2 GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION The Province of British Columbia joined the Canadian Confedera- tion in 1871. Since that time, various forms of provincial government legislation and administration have been applied to manage the resources of the area. Over the years, this has included enact- ing legislation for: The Railroad Belt (later returned to the Province) The Skagit Provincial Forest The Dewdney Public Sustained Yield Unit Manning and Skagit River Provincial Parks Wildlife and Ecological Reserves "Buffer zones" bordering roads and rivers Lot 1103 to permit the expansion of Ross Lake into B. C. The Silver-Skagit Logging road as a public road PART 3 HUMAN ELEMENT 38.

Administration relating to this legislation is in the form of: Timber berths, licenses, sales and cutting permits Mining claims, leases and Crown Grants Special Use and Park Use permits The land status is shown on a large scale map which forms part of the display.

3.3 RESOURCE USE

3. 3. 1 Mining By 1859 placer gold was being panned in the Skagit River. The deposits in the Canadian Skagit were not rich, but in 1879 fairly good placer gold was found in Ruby Creek a tributary of the Skagit in the United States. Prospectors used the easier Canadian route from Hope via the Dewdney Trail to reach these workings.

A false report of high grade ore at Shawatum (Steamboat) mountain started a claim staking rush in 1910. By early 1911 over 1200 claims and three townsites were surveyed in the Skagit Valley.

During the 1911 prospecting activities, silver, lead and zinc deposits were discovered near the mouth of the Sumallo River.

In the early 1930's additional discoveries were made at the head of Silverdaisy Creek. Development of these properties resulted in the building in 1934 of an aerial tramway along the north bank of Silverdaisy Creek. The clearing for this tramway can still be seen from the highway.

A serious attempt to mine placer gold was made by Consolidated PART 3 HUMAN ELEMENT 39.

Mining and Smelting Company in 1931-32. Test holes to 150 feet were drilled in the valley bottom just north of the International Boundary .

Mine exploration, which was stimulated by road building in 1946, continues. However,a commercially viable operation is yet to be developed. Some 200 claims, held by 24 individuals or companies are currently in good standing in the Skagit drainage.

All lands in the lower Skagit drainage below 1800 feet elevation to the International Boundary are reserved from mineral claims at this time. This reserve, covering the proposed lake site, was established by Order in Council 3473 on November 24, 1966.

Forestry

3. 3. 2. 1 History Although an application for a timber sale in the Skagit Valley was made as early as 1916, logging in the Skagit drainage was restricted to cutting permits for materials for the three townsites of the Steam- . boat gold rush in 1910-11, the Japanese Internment Camp at Tasme in 1942, mine development, trail bridges, and log cabins for pros- pector s and farmers. Development of large scale logging operations commenced after construction of the Silver -Skagit road in 1946.

The largest timber sale in the drainage covered Lot 1103 where logging took place between 1947'and 1954. The area was selectively logged for merchantable timber in conjunction with reservoir clearing operations south of the border. Several portable mills operated PART 3 HUMAN ELEMENT 40.

within the proposed High Ross Lake site during this period.

Recent logging operations within the proposed lake site include sal- vage timber sales for cutting cedar shakes, a special cottonwood sale and logging of private Lots 221 and 222.

3. 3. 2. 2 Forest Operations The Upper and Lower Skagit Valley are contained within the Dewdney Public Sustained Yield Unit which is administered by the B. C. For - est Service. On a close utilization basis, the allowable annual cut of timber for the Dewdney PSY U is calculated at 60.6 million cubic feet. Less than one -half of one percent of this allowable annual cut is located in the proposed reservoir area.

As of January, 1971, there were 32 established licenses in the Dewd- ney PSYU. One of the major holders, Whonnock Lumber Co. Ltd. has a continuing program of logging operation,^ in the Kle silkwa drainage.

Results of a forest cover survey of all coniferous and deciduous timber on the reservoir site indicate a commercial volume of approximately 11 million cubic feet. Compilations were based on

trees 7. 1" f DBH to a 6" top less decay only. The Government of British Columbia has reserved the right to sell the timber.

3.3.2.3 Proposed Clearing For Ross Lake Rigid clearing specifications have been set by the Province of Brit- ish Columbia to ensure that the proposed lake will be free of trees and

PART 3 HUMAN ELEMENT 41. other+ debris in order to enhance its value as a recreational area. The main features of the specifications are:

1. Areas between elevation 1669, lowest level of water at any time , and 1727 will be cleared as follows:

On flat ground and slopes of less than 40 percent all trees and brush shall be removed to the level of the surrounding ground. All solid, dead and down timber shall be removed. * On slopes of 40 percent and steeper all trees shall be removed to a stump height not exceeding six inches above the ground surface measured on the uphill side. This spe - cification will apply to approximately 3 percent of the area to be cleared.

2. On areas below elevation 1669 feet, all trees shall be removed to a stump height not exceeding 12 inches, or the top diameter of the stump whichever is the greater, above the ground surface measured on the uphill side. All solid down timber larger than four inches in diameter at the butt and/or longer than eight feet shall be removed.

3. In specific areas to be designated before clearing commences, all wood material is to be removed to a depth of two feet below groundline. Theseareaswouldbeforbeachesandotherde- ve lopment.

4. All wood material shall be burned within the reservoir site except that any salvageable material may be removed to place of use, manufacture or storage, prior to burning the residual. PART 3 HUMAN ELEMENT 42.

3. 3. 3 Agriculture Attempts to farm the land in Skagit Valley in Canada have been un- successful, and there is no agricultural industry established in the valley.

During the spring and fall months a few people collect False box (Pachystima myrsinites) for sale to florists.

3. 3.4 T rapping A registered trap line covering both sides of the valley from Twenty- six Mile Bridge to the International Boundary has been held by Mr. F. Bowden of Hope, B. C. since July, 1964. Beaver is the principal species trapped although otter, mink, marten, ermine, bobcat and raccoon are also taken. On the average, less than 20 furs have been taken annually with a total value estimated at under $500.00.

3. 3. 5 Water Under the 1967 Agreement between the Province of British Columbia and The City of Seattle, the province may utilize water from the Skagit watershed for consumptive use, such use to include water for stock, irrigation, mining or industrial purposes.

Present cornrnercial use of water in the Skagit water shed includes two licenses, one at Silverdaisy Creek and one by Sumallo Lodge. Two applications, one for 500, 000 gallons per day by Sunshine De- velopment on an unnamed tributary of the Sumallo River and one by Grant Mascot Mines for 5000 gallons per day on the Snais River are also recorded. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 43.

3.4 RECREATION

3. 4. 1 Relationship of the Skagit Valley in Canada to the Lower Mainland Region The Skagit Valley by reason of its geographical position and its natural attributes is an integral part of the Lower Mainland regional recreation area. The rapidly increasing demand for recreation in the region influences the recreational use of the Skagit. The regional recreation population of the Lower Mainland is a major agent of change affecting the total Skagit environment. The map on the following page shows the location of the Skagit Valley with respect to centers of population and pr ovincial and regional parks.

3. 4. 2 Elements of the Environment of the Skagit Valley Relating to Re creation The principal influences of the basic environmental elements of the Skagit Valley affecting recreation are described in the following sec- tions.

1 3. 4. 2. 1 Climate The climate of the Skagit is a transition between the wet coastal climate and the interior dry climate. As such it represents a clear change for the Lower Mainland population from the humid climate prevailing over most of the Lower Mainland Region.

1 3. 4. 2. 2 Physiography The Skagit Valley provides the visitor with an "open" experience of a mountain valley with excellent views of the surrounding peaks. This experience is especially available in areas where land. has been cleared for logging, road construction, agriculture or reservoirs. , 7Y. --, T

Conservation Areas Regional Parks Provincial Parks

VANCOUVER PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 45.

3. 4. 2. 3 Water The Skagit River, its tributary creeks and Ross Lake, are of major ~ recreational value. There is easy access to the river and hence many opportunities for river side recreation, both within and upstream from the proposed lake site. The river itself has an appealing character of clear water running gently over rock beds with numerous sand banks, gravel bars and small pools.

3. 4. 2. 4 Vegetation The location and nature of the valley have created an interesting range of vegetation. Of particular interest to the visitor are the Rhododen- dr ons, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, Trembling Aspen, White Birch and False Boxwood.

3. 4. 2. 5 Wildlife The valley supports a wide range of species which are of interest to both the observer and the hunter.

3. 4. 2. 6 Fish Life The Skagit River supports two species of trout and two species of char., The area provides a pleasant fishing experience to stream and lake fishermen.

3. 4. 2. 7 Combined Elements The particular combination of all these elements in the Skagit Valley provides a rich and varied range of recreational possibilities for visitors. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 46.

3. 4. 3 Recreational use of the Skagit Valley effectively began in 1946 by the development of a road into the Ross Lake area to facilitate lake clearing operations. The pressure of the Lower Mainland populations for recreation at the time was very slight and for many years the valley was mainly used by slowly increasing numbers of fishermen and hunter s.

During the 1940's and early 1950's the Skagit was four to five hours drive from the center of the mainland population. Added to this, the road was rough and the lake was clogged with floatage. Recreation use was therefore restricted to fishermen, hunters,and campers seek- ing a more remote experience. However, during the late 1950's the Lower Mainland Region experienced very rapid growths in population and income, resulting in a tremendous increase in demand for recreation. The movement of the center of population eastward up the Fraser Valley and the construction of the Trans-Canada Freeway beyond Chilliwack has brought the Skagit within about 3 112 hours driving time from the center of population. This means that the Skagit is now within day-use distance of approximately one million people. The only thing preserving the Skagit from massive day recreation use at the present time is the 38 miles of rough road from the Trans-Canada Freeway into the valley. Adjacent parks, Cultus Lake and Manning Park are presently used to their developed capacity during the entire summer recreation season. At present the lower Skagit Valley in Canada is not being officially managed as a recreation area. Considerable recreation use is being made of the area despite the fact that there are no developed camping facilities on the Canadian side. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 47.

The Skagit River Provincial Park, which is a class A park of 3700 acres, was approved in February, 1970. It is situated immediately north of the proposed High Ross Lake.

3. 4. 4 Fall Recreation in the Skagit Valley User surveys conducted between October and December, 1970 and continuing this year, while far from complete, have provided preliminary data concerning present recreational use of the Skagit Val- ley. A summary of these results is given below. For a detailed breakdown of data, see Appendix 301.

Approximately 6700 people visited the Silver and Skagit Valley during October through December, 1970, staylng on an average for 1. 21 days. Almost half of the visits occurred on Sundays, 66 percent of the visitors originating from Greater Vancouver. 65 per - cent of the visitors actually entered the Skagit Valley. 70 percent of these people are known to have reached Ross Lake.

About 75 percent of all visitors were males, a statistic borne out by the fact that over half of the parties came to the Skagit Valley to hunt and 13 percent to fish. The rate of success in hunting deer was 1. 2 percent in 1970, as compared to 1. 1 percent in 1969 and 4. 4 percent in 1968. The total bag was 30 deer and 83 migratory birds.

A fifth of all visitors came as a result of the controversy over the proposed flooding of the area. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 48.

3. 4. 5 The Current Recreation and Human Use Study Pre1iminary;general estimates have been made of the recreation cap- :. acity of the valley at existing and proposed water levels. Detailed and accurate estimates of the change in recreation potential requires much additional investigation. A Recreation and Human Use Study for this purpose is in progress and completion is scheduled for a presentationlb'f the results at hearings of the Federal Power Commis- sion, U. S. A. A physical inventory of all resources forms the basic ground work for the study. To assess the changes in potential for human use of the Skagit Valley, caused by changes in water level, the existing and future capacities of the Skagit Valley will be deter - mined for the various types of human use.

A regional demand study will ascertain the projected increase of demand for specific recreational activities for the Lower Mainland population.

The physical inventory and the models will be correlated with capacity standards to produce an assessment of the projected changes in human use potential of the Skagit Valley.

Physical resource use models in the form of map series will be made for the Canadian Skagit at existing and proposed wat'er levels. These map models will describe the re sources and human uses applying to the Skagit Valley at present and in the future.

... 1. .

Additional perspective of the effect of changes on the human use potential of the valley could be obtained at this point through evaluation PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 49.

of the specific changes involved. These evaluations would be costed. Intangible factors would be systematically analyzed to provide an es - timate of the total costs and benefits implicit in the resource changes.

Utilizing the data obtained from measurement of the resource s of the Lower Mainland Region, in combination with the human use character - istic s of the Skagit Valley, a detailed assessment will be made of the relative significance of the changes in the Skagit Valley upon the re - gional population, with respect to use for recreation and other resource use.

Development and management procedures will be evolved to maximize the benefits brought about by changes in the water level.

3. 4. 6 Preliminary Estimates of the Recreational Potential of the Skagit Valley in Canada adjacent to Ross Lake Results of past investigations are presented here to provide some per - spective from the limited data presently available. Any or all of the assessments could be changed by detailed examination. A major factor to be consideredis the potential contribution the Skagit Valley could make to the regional recreation resources of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, both in its present state and with the proposed larger lake.

3. 4. 6. 1 Future Regional Recreation Demand The regional population of the Lower Mainland of British Columbia has been estimated at 1, 065, 733 in 1970. Population forecasts for 1971 predict 1, 158, 000 people ; for 1976, 1, 321, 000 people, an increase of PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 50.

24 percent over 1970. In 1981, the population is expected to reach 1, 508, 00.0 people and by 1986, 1, 722, 000 people, approximately 75 percent more than the 1970 population.

The demand for recreation activities listed will grow about twice as fast as the population itself.' This fact combined with substantial population growth expected in the Lower Mainland produces a massive expected demand on the region's recreational resources.

3. 4. 6. 2 Regional Recreational Supply The park needs of the regional population. are also estimated in "A Reglonal Parks Plan for the Lower Mainland". In this plan the re- sponsibility for meeting these needs was assigned to the regional and provincial parks system. In 1966, the existing regional parks of British Columbia in the Lower Mainland provided less than 30 per - cent of the regional park needs. The provincial parks system also fell short of accepted standards, providing only 52 percent of the provincial park needs of Lower Mainland res~dents. The separation between provincial and regional park functions was made on the basis of facilities offered and driving time required to reach the parks. Regardless of the distinction between regional and provincial park functions, the park system which served the inhabitants of the Lower Mainland in 1966 was inadequate. To date, little has been done to re- medy this situation although there has been an 11 percent increase in population since 1966.

Detailed estimates relating the existing supply of recreational facil-

Footnote 1. A Regional Park Plan for the Lower Mainland compiled by the Lower Mainland Regional Planning Board PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 51.

ities to the existing demand are not presently available. However, the Regional Parks.Plan points out that water based recreation facilities, particularly for swimming, are currently in short supply and that "every available beach area and lake in the region will come to have significance far beyond that of today". Secondly, camping facilities are inadequate to meet the demand today and will require considerable expansion to serve future populations. Hiking, perhaps the fastest growing recreation activity in the Lower Mainland, re - quires the development of more trails. There is no evidence to suggest that the provincial parks system in the Lower Mainland Region will undergo any major expansion in the near future. The regional parks system is being expanded, but the park needs of the population

in the Lower Mainland will not be satisfled by the expected expansion of either the provincial or regional parks system. Tourists are also rapidly increasing the demands being placed on the parks of British C olumbia.

3. 4. 6. 3 Relationship of the Canadian Skagit to the Park System of the Lower Mainland The Skagit Valley is approximately a 3$ hour drive from Vancouver, In terms of travelling time, this places it between the four hour drive to Manning Park and the two hour drive to Cultus Lake. Parks at this distance from the center of population tend to attract a hlgher ratio of overnight campers to day users than parks closer to the urban center.

Studies in the U. S. A. show that 90 percent of all outdoor recreation takes place within approximately three hours driving time of the par- ticipant' s home. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 52.

The provincial parks accessible to Lower Mainland residents within a three to four hour dkive are Mount Seymour, Golden Ears, Gari- baldi, Cultus Lake and Manning Park. These parks comprise approximately 20 percent of the entire Provincial Park facilities in British Columbia, but sustain 40 .percent of the Provincial day-use visitations and about 20 percent of the camper use.

These parks already operate at peak capacity. Cultus Lake Provin- cial Park received 440, 936 vislts in 1960, 426, 308 visits in 1965 and 307, 232 visits in 1970. Annual visitation for Cultus Lake over the entire 1960 - 1970 decade averaged approximately 380, 000 visits. This figure reflects the fact that Cultus Lake has been operating beyond an acceptable capacity for many years. The attendance records for Manning Park from 1964 to 1969 indicate that it also has been used to capacity for the past seven years.' It is evident that the number of visitors which provincial parks in the Lower Mainland system receive is presently limited by the capacity of the developed parks. Cultus Lake, Manning Provincial Park and Golden Ears Park must turn away campers on weekends throughout most of the summer. Thus, the demand for some park facllities exceeds the capacity of facllities available.

The existing regional demand determined from records of the B. C. Provincial Parks Branch indicates that: ::: peak day use In the larger parks of the Lower Mainland Region is consistently about 10, 000 people;

- -

Footnote 1. For -Details see Appendix 302 PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 5 3.

::: the demand for campsites tar exceeds the supply; ::: all provincial parks within three to four hours drive of Vancouver are currently operating at peak or near peak capacity.

Consequently, it is estimated that the Skagit Valley recreational area would come under very heavy demand for use once good access is provided, particularly for overnight camping and its related activities of swimming, boating, picnicking and hiking. It is estimated that peak day visitations could reach 10,000 to 12,000 persons per day within five years. It is essential, then, in considering this area for recreational purposes, to assess its capacity to absorb this very heavy projected demand.

3. 4. 6. 4 Current Capacity for Recreation of the Canadian Skagit Valley Adjacent to Ross Lake The Skagit River is not large enough for boating except canoeing and kayaking. Current use of the river for this type of activity is very small except during the spring flood season. The shallow part of Ross Lake in Canada would hold about 100 boats comfortably. This end of the lake is relatively unattractive for boating at present because of shallow water and submerged stumps. The lake, as well as access to it, must be improved before it could attract a capacity number of boaters.

The Skagit River -Ross Lake area currently provides a semi-wilder - ness type of camping experience. The attractive feature is the quality of the natural environment, i. e. the forests of the Upper Skagit, PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 54.

the native rhododendron clumps and the river. The type of use suited to this area is low intensity in character. High intensity use would destroy the attractiveness of the existing area for campers.

The total existing campsite capacity of the area is estimated at a maximum of approximately 700 campsites, a level which will maintain the quality of camping in a natural environment.

Swimming is presently limited to the existing Ros s Lake because the Skagit River is too cold and usually too shallow to attract bathers. Surface temperatures of between 60 and 70 degrees F. have been measured during July and August. About one mile of shoreline on Ross Lake in Canada could be developed into an attractive beach.

At the present time there is not sufficient fish and wildlife data a- vailable to provide a firm basis for estimating fishing and hunting potential, although it is known that the potential is considerable.

To maintain the quality of experience the total present capacity would be about 7000 visitors per day.

Recreation Capacity of the Skagit Valley in Canada With the High Ross Lake The total recreational capacity of the Skagit Valley-Ross Lake area will be limited by the lake area rather than the surrounding land area. The lake produced by the High Ross Project, if properly developed, will be an ideal boating and swimming lake and will thus attract a large number of boat owners. PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 5 5.

The capacity of the expanded Ross Lake for water-oriented recreation is based on the capacity of the water body, rather than on the capacity of the shoreline.

The factor which limits the number of bathers in the area is the amount of developed beach rather than the area of water surface available to swimmer s. Approximately four to five miles of shoreline which could be developed as swimming area will be added to the lake. The water temperature will be comfortable for swimmers. The potential beach area could support a very large number of bathers at any one time.

The potential for hiking in the Skagit River-Ross Lake area will not be appreciably altered by flooding. Most hikers prefer alpine area to bottomland and will be able to gain access more easily to the surrounding mountains by the improved roads and large lake that will result from development. The number of hikers the area could accom- modate is very large, as there are good day hikes along the mountains bordering the valley.

The proposed lake area will become a place for the active pursuit of water -oriented recreation. Boating, camping, bathing and picnicking will be the dominant activities. The recreational experience will have variety; the visitor will move through a natural forest setting to developed beaches, campsites and picnic grounds. Dispersed as well as concentrated use will be part of the total experience.

The character of recreation will change from lower intensity use of a natural stream of small scale to massive demand for use of lake PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 56.

oriented recreational opportunities.

If the, Ross Lake is expanded into Canada, demand for use of the re - sultant opportunities for lake erecreation will be massive and a major input of development and management resources to handle this demand will be required. If this is not done, the area will be quickly ruined through improper use by large numbers of people.

Development of the recreational values created in the area should be staged to ensure proper use from the beginning. Preliminary studies indicate that the potential capacity of the Skagit Valley in Canada with the proposed High Ross Lake will be in excess of 15, 000 visitors per day.

3. 4. 6. 6 Relationship of the Canadian Skagit to the Recreation Area and Park Systems of the U. S. A. and Canada The proposed larger Ross Lake would be adjacent to a Provincial Park and a proposed Park Reserve to the North, close to Manning Park, and would extend into the National Park Recreational Reserve of the North Cascades National Park which is adjacent to wilderness and the Forest Designations in the U. S. A. The entire mountain re - gion repre sents a continuous range of recreational opportunities for Canadians and Americans alike.

3. 5 SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL VALUES Field observations indicate that the Canadian Skagit Valley contains flora and fauna with unique characteristics of potential interest to scientists and students of plant and animal distribution. It is an area PART 3 THE HUMAN ELEMENT 57.

of intergradation between many coastal and interior forms of mammals, birds, and plants. In addition, many species of birds normally considered as residents only east of the Cascades, seem abundant in the valley.

Intergradation between coastal and interior forms of mammals occurs in deer, the white footed mouse, the squirrel and perhaps others. Among birds, the crow and yellow-bellied sapsucker intergrade within the confines of the valley.

Some species of birds found in the Canadian Skagit Valley with centers of distribution east of the Cascade Mountains are the western and mountain bluebirds, long -billed curlew, the poorwill, the yellow - headed blackbird, and the western meadow lark.

The Ponderosa Pine and perhaps the grassland community reflect an eastern and southern influence found no further west at this latitude.

The high incidence of interior forms appears due to the unusual top- ographical and climatic regimes of the valley. Studies are in progress on climate, topography, soils and vegetation.

Two ecological reserves, one in the Rhododendron-Douglas Fir type and one in the Ponderosa Pine type, have been designated by Order in Council. Their location above the proposed higher level of Ross Lake can be seen on the Land Status Map which forms part of the displays. PART 4

INDICATED CONSEQ UENCES

FROM RAISING ROSS LAKE

4.1 THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT The total environment of the Skagit Valley cannot be fully apprec i- ated unless all the elements and their interrelationships are under - stood. The significance of any single element is dependent upon its interrelationships with other elements. Elaboration of one ele - ment, out of context with the total system, has limited value for an assessment of the environment of the Skagit Valley and the consequences of the proposed change in land use.

The significance of such effects as the decreased spring range for deer, the amount of spawning gravel for fish, the alteration of access to the lake and rivers, the change in the area available for recreation, the different regime of water levels, the altered plant successions, the micro-climatic changes, the altered fishing patterns, and the increases or decreases in animal and plant populations, cannot be quantified at this stage of the environmental investigations. A significant part of the data from studies in progress is scheduled to be collected within the next three months and would be available to agencies responsible for the administration and management of the valley.

4.2 CONSEQUENCES TO THE ENVIRONMENT The consequences of increasing the size of Ross Lake can only be described in general terms at this time. A preliminary assessment of the Skagit Valley with the High Ross Lake is presented to PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 59.

indicate the general effect of the higher water levels.

4.2. 1 Physiography About 5200 acres, or about half of the flat ground in the valley, will be inundated. The resulting lake will be about one mile wide and eight miles long. The lake will be clean and free of floatage and underwater obstructions.

An estimated 22 miles of new shoreline and new riparian habitat will be created. The fluctuation in lake levels will be about half that of the present lake. The lake and shores would be suitable for swimming, boating, camping and fishing. The extended shoreline would permit greater dispersion of people around the lake than is currently possible. The drawdown area of the lake could be graded and shaped for a variety of recreational and wildlife purposes.

About ten of the 22 miles of the main Skagit River would be inundated. The remaining 12 miles of the river is both an attractive and a productive fishing stream.

Access into the Skagit will remain essentially unchanged. Eight miles of the public road will be relocated through the timber and along the bench lands on the east side of the valley to leave ample space for recreation development between the road and the lakeshore.

4. 2. 2 Vegetation Grassland communities of approximately 50 acres in extent will be submerged. Livestock grazing and fire associated with ranch- ing practises have probably maintained the grasslands in the past. PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 60.

Observed invasions by tree and shrub species in recent years indicate that these grassland communities would eventually be lost to the forest,

Approximately 3900 acres of forested land will be logged and cleared. A new community of grasses, forbs and water-tolerant shrubs will develop around the perimeter of the lake.

The Provincial Government has preserved representative areas of two of the most attractive and interesting plant communities in two ecological reserves. These reserves are a ponderosa pine community and a Douglas fir -rhododendron association.

Wildlife

4.2. 3. 1 Deer Studies indicate that loss of winter range for deer will be insignificant. Of the five thousand acres of lowland to be inundated, about 1000 acres including 50 acres of grassland are heavily used by deer in April, May and June. The importance of the spring range to deer is yet to be determined by studies in progress. The feasibility of creating equivalent spring range above the proposed high water level is also being investigated.

4. 2. 3. 2 Upland Game Birds Franklin grouse are rare in the valley. Blue grouse occupy the lands above the 1725 level and therefore will be unaffected. Ruffed grouse inhabit an estimated 2000 acres of the proposed site during PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 6 1.

winter and some 2600 acres during the spring, summer and fall. Grouse populations are currently very low. Based on current data less than 50 adult grouse would be displaced by the higher lake. Further study of habitats and populations is continuing.

4. 2. 3. 3 Waterfowl New plant communities attractive to ducks in the fall would probably develop on the drawdown area, particularly if water levels are reduced early. Pools may occur naturally or could be developed. Aquatic plants acceptable to ducks are present in the system.

4.2. 3.4 Fur Animals High Ross Lake would displace most beaver with the result that a potential animal production of approximately 30 animals would probably be lost.

Between 12 and 15 raccoons, four or five bobcats, five to seven mink, four or five marten, plus an undetermined number of ermine and squirrels depend in winter upon the area below elevation 1725 and will be displaced. Additional numbers of each species use the site as part of their winter range. The effect of High Ross on predator s will depend on the extent to which their usual food species are affected.

4.2. 3. 5 Large Carnivores Three of the 12 to 15 adult cougars censused in the valley last winter relied upon food caught within the site for High Ross Lake. PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 62.

Most of the eight to ten coyotes and 15 to 20 bobcats ranged through the lowlands in winter but the extent of their dependency upon them is unknown.

4. 2. 3.6 Birds Of 44 species tallied during the winter, eight seemed largely dependent upon habitat that will be inundated. (Part 2. 5) The abundance of 14 others may be detrimentally afkcted but to a lesser degree. Some of the species dependent on the lake and drawdown area may benefit to some degree.

None of the species most vulnerable are rare or greatly restricted in range. Each one is a common and widely distributed winter resident of the province. The significance of probable effects on breeding of non-game bird species is being assessed.

High Ross Lake could affect spring and fall bird migration patterns detrimentally unless grasslands and open cover types are maintained at the end of the new drawdown area. The impact upon the total populations involved is expected to be minimal.

4. 2. 3. 7 Reptiles and Amphibians The project will reduce habitat and cause permanent population 10s s to an unknown extent. However, none of the species inventoried on the site to date can be categorized as either "rare" or "endan- gered".

4. 2.4 -Fish Studies are continuing and final data is not available, but preliminary PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 63.

investigations indicate there will be adequate spawning gravel remaining in the river at the higher lake level. There is also evidence to suggest that potential spawning areas in tributary creeks now unavailable to fish because of migration blocks may be opened up with the new lake levels.

The creation of the present Ross Lake has had no known detrimental effects on the fish populations of the system. The fish populations are self -sustaining with only minimal management ( seasonal clo - sures and catch limits). No stocking program is carried out at the present time. Indications are that increasing the volume-of the lake should similarly have no detrimental effects on the fish populations of the system.

Other organisms typical of the river environment, such as aquatic insect nymphs and larvae, will be replaced by corresponding lake bottom fauna. Indications from other impoundments are that the numbers of invertebrates and fish increase immediately following impoundment, although population densitie s return to approximately pre-impoundment levels after the initial increase.

Studies on other reservoirs indicate that a reduction in water level fluctuations improves the productivity of the lake. In Ross Lake, the water level fluctuation with the larger lake will be about one- half of the present fluctuation. The reduction in fluctuation can be expected to improve the conditions for the aquatic organisms of the lake. PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 64.

4.2. 5 Resource Use The estimated 11 million cubic feet of merchantable timber on the proposed reservoir site would be sold by the B. C. Forest Service. Other logging sites in the valley would not be affected by increasing the level of the lake. The allowable cut from the Dewdney Sus - tained Yield Unit would be reduced by less than one-half of one per - cent. This loss is a very small part of natural losses in this forest unit.

The mining industry would not be significantly affected by the project.

Agriculture potential of the valley is low and the loss of land will have an insignificant effect on the industry.

The potential for trapping on the same scale as present day use would be little affected by the higher lake levels.

4.2.6 Recreation

4.2.6. 1 Effect on Basic Elements Influencing Recreation ::: Physiography - The replacement of part of the existing flat valley by lake surface will increase the number and variety of open vistas available to visitors both on the lake and along the shoreline s. :r: Water - The increased lake surface will greatly increase water- oriented recreation opportunities but will decrease the amount of river recreation available. PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 65.

Vegetation - Most of the interesting types of vegetation would remain for the appreciation of the recreational visitor. :I: :I: Wildlife and Fish Life - Although definite conclusions cannot be reached at this time, indications are that shifts in wildlife and fish populations will not significantly change the visitors' appre- ciat ion of the valley.

Assessment of changes in recreational opportunities for the Lower Mainland population depends largely on the quality of future road access to the valley. A paved road would open the area to a sub- stantially increased number of rec reationalists. The key to changes in recreational values in the valley will be in the approach taken to receive and manage the large numbers of visitors which could be expected.

4.2.6.2 Potential with an Expanded Lake Surface The raising of Ross Lake would create new opportunities for high density development of water -oriented recreation around the lake shore while leaving the river and forests for low density use. This could produce an overall recreational capacity in the valley of about twice that possible with the existing valley. The increased high intensity use would replace some of the low density semi-wilderness river side opportunities presently available.

4.2.6. 3 Relationship to Regional Demand The regional demand for recreation is clearly weighted in the direction of intensive water-oriented activity. More people prefer opportunities for boating, swimming, lake fishing and picnicking PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 66.

while fewer people prefer opportunities for riverside camping, stream fishing and riverside hiking. Thus the raising of Ross Lake would provide an increased supply of recreation in that sector where demand is the highest. At the same time, the larger lake would decrease the supply of the semi-wilderness, natural types of recreation in a region where the supply of this type of experience is dimini shing.

Raising Ross Lake will tend to change the recreational use of the Skagit Valley from a lower intensity natural type of activity serving fewer people to a higher intensity water-oriented use serving more people.

4.2.6.4 Hunting Some hunting would be affected by the proposed development. The valley is not a major hunting area in terms of the number of animals or birds shot. Eventually, hunting may be restricted to parts of the valley less heavily used for other recreation.

4. 2.7 he Total Effect All systems undergo continuous change and the element of time is of major significance, particularly where the activities of man are concerned. Man has the capability of influencing future changes of the ecosystems.

The resource base of the Skagit Valley in Canada with the High Ross project presents an opportunity for a wide variety of developments. The scenic nature of the valley and the 7000-foot peaks will still PART 4 INDICATED CONSEQUENCES 6 7.

remain. Man's use of the resources will be the major element af - fecting the environment of the valley. The extensive studies in progress in the Skagit drainage should provide a data base for the development of a sound policy of balanced use of the re sources. APPENDIX 101 APPENDIX 10 1

REFERENCE MATERIAL

WILDLIFE

Anderson, Nule A., 1965. Winter deer survey, U. S. Forest Service. Mimeo, 2~.

Beckett, K. R., 1969. Revised check list of the birds of Manning Provincial Park, Parks Branch, B. C.

Carl, G. C., 1952. A natural history survey of the Manning Park area, British Columbia. Occasional Paper s of British Columbia Pr ovin- cia1 Museum. No. 9, Victoria, B. C.

Gates, B. R. & Caverhill, P. A. , 1970. Effects on wildlife of proposed increased water storage levels in Ross Reservoir. Fish & Wildlife Branch, Department of Recreation & Conservation.

Hatter, J., 1951. Effect of flooding on wildlife populations in the Skagit Valley immediately north of the International Boundary.. B. C. Department of Game. 4p.

Hoover, Jay O., 1966. Winter herd counts - Ross Lake, Memorandum, U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Mimeo, lp.

North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan and Ross Lake National Recre- ation areas. Check lists of amphibians and reptiles, birds, mammals, major forest types.

Stirling, D. , 1963. A supplement of a natural history of the Manning Park area, B. C. Parks Branch, B. C. 4p.

Underhill, J. E. , 1967. A preliminary list of the plants of Manning Park, Parks Branch B. C. 71p. APPENDIX 101 - Page 2

FISHERIES

Canada, Department of Fisheries and Forestry, 1970. Annual summary of British Columbia catch statistics. Fisheries Services, Pacific Region. 16p.

Canada, Inland Waters Branch, Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. Skagit River discharges, 1915-1955 plus assorted data from other year s.

, 1968 Surface water data reference index. 1968. British C olumbia.

City of Chilliwack, 1970. . Pamphlet outlining fishing facilities in the area.

City of Squamish, 1970. Pamphlet outlining fishing facilities in the area. 15p.

Clifford, C. G. , Clemens, W. A. , and Lindsey, C. C. , 1959. The fresh-water fishes of British Columbia. B. C. Provincial Museum, Handbook No. 5, 192p., 3rd ed.

DeLair, J. L., 1962, Summary of creel census data. Department of Recrea- tion and Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Branch. 3p.

Eggers, D. M. and Gores, K. X., 1971. A brief description of the American tributaries of Ross Lake Reservoir and notes on their fish populations based on observations in late summer 1970. Fisheries Research Institute, College of Fisheries, University of Washington. 12p.

Larkin, P. A., Northcote, T. G., and Stringer, G. E., 1951. The effects on fisheries of flooding the Skagit River area immediately north of the International Border. B. C. Game Department, Mimeo. 5p and appendix.

McPhail, J. D. and Lindsey, C. C., 1970. Fresh-water fishes of ~orthwestern Canada and Alaska. Bulletin 173, Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Queens Printer, Ottawa. 381p. , illus. APPENCIX 101 - Page 3

Nye, Gene D, and W. Dale Ward, 1967. Washington salmon sport catch report from punch card returns in 1966. State of Washington, Department of Fisheries, Statistics Section, 48p.

, 1968. Washington salmon sport catch report from punch card returns in 1967. State of Washington, Department of Fisheries, Statistics Section, 39p.

, 1969. Washington salmon sport catch report from punch card returns in 1968. Washington Department of Fisheries, Statistics Section. 71p.

, 1970. Washington salmon sport catch report from punch card returns in 1969. Washington Department of Fisheries, Statistics Section 60p.

Province of British Columbia, 196 5. Lower Mainland Fishing Data Sheet, B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, Department of Recreation and Conservation, Mimeo, 13p. , 1965 revision.

Puget Sound Task Force - Pacific Northwest River Basins Commission, 1970. Comprehensive study of water and related land resources, Puget Sound and adjacent waters, State of Washington, Appendix XI: Fish and Wildlife, 26p.

Senn, Harry, 1970. Evaluation of 1965 brood coho released from ten Puget Sound and three coastal hatcheries. Final Progress Report, State of Washington, Department of Fisheries, Hatchery Division. 42p.

State of Washington, 1969. Department of Fisheries, Annual Report. 184p.

Stenton, C. E. , 1963. Analysis of the Skagit River fishery with management recommendations. B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch. Mimeo, 14p.

Straight, L. , ed. 1967. The Sun Fishing Guide. Vancouver .Sun, Vancouver, B. C.

Village of Pemberton, 1970. The End of Highway 99.

Whately, M. R. , September 1970. Effects on sport fisheries of proposed increased water storage levels in Ross Reservoir. Interim Report. Habitat Protection Section, B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, Mimeo, 16p. + 2 appendices. APPENOIX 101 - Page 4

Whately, M. R., Caverhill, P. A. and B. R. Gates, January 1970. Effects of increased water storage levels in Ross Reservoir on fisheries and wildlife - a preliminary report. B. C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, Mimeo, 15p. + appendix. APPENDIX 101 - Page 5

RECREATION

Frontier Publishing Ltd., 1969. A frontier guide to the Dewdney Trail-Hope to Rock Creek. Frontier Book No. 19. 56p.

Hendee, V. , 1966. An evaluation of the North Cascades study report. College of Forestry, Institute of Forest Products. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. 14p.

MacLean, G. H. F. , 1969. A regional parks plan for the Lower Mainland. Vancouver -Fraser Park District, New We stminster. 83p.

North Cascades Study Team, 1965. The North Cascades: A report to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture. U. S. Government Publication, Department of the Interior. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C. 190p.

Parker, V. J. , 1968. Population trends in the ,Lower Mainland - 192 1- 1986. Lower Mainland Regional Planning Board, New We stminster. 43p.

Prittie, R. W. , 1969. Land for leisure. Lower Mainland Regional Planning Board, New We stimster. 60p.

U.S. Department of the Army, 1969. Estimating initial reservoir use. Plan Formulation Studies - Recreation. U. S. Army Engineer District, Sacramento. Technical Report No. 2. , Washington, D. C. 340p.

Vancouver Daily Province, 1967. The Centennial Trail. Vancouver, B. C. 4~.

Wirth, T. J. & Assoc., 1970. Recreation development on the Skagit. A plan and analysis for High Ross Dam. Chevy-Chase, Maryland. 36p. GEOLOGY

B. C. Bulletin, No. 20, Part IV, Lake Gold Deposits, S. W. B. C., 23p.

Cairnes, C. E., 1929. Reconnaissance of Silver Creek, Skagit and Similkameen Rivers, Yale District, B. C. Geol. Surv. Can. Sum. Rept. 1923, Pt. A. pp 46-80.

Camsell, Charles, 1912. Geology of Skagit Valley, Yale District, B. C. Geol. Surv. Can. Sum. Rept. 1911, pp 115-123.

Canada, Dept. of Mines, Geological Survey, 19 12. Map of areal geology (Map 56 A), Skagit Valley, Yale District, B. C. Scale: 1/62, 500.

, 1920 Geologicay Survey. pp 39A-41A.

Davidson, John, 19 16. Vegetation and geology of the Skagit River in: Third Annual Report of the Botanical Office of the Province of British Columbia for 1915. pp 81 -150, Victoria, B. C.

McTaggart, K. C., 1970. Tectonic history of the Northern Cascade Mountains. The Geological Association of Canada, Special Paper No. 6, 1970, pp 127-148.

, and R. M. Thompson, 1967. Geology of part of the Northern Cascades in Southern British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences 4: pp 1199-1228.

Monger, V. W. H. , 1970. Geological Survey of Canada. Paper 6947 Hope Map- Area, West Half (924 W *), British Columbia. Government of Canada, Dept. Energy, Mines and Resources, Ottawa, 75p.

Province of B. C., Report of the Minister of Mines, 1911. pp K 131-132. APFENDIX 101 - Page 7

I Province of B. C., Report of Minister of Mines, 1948. pp A154-A155.

, Mines & Petroleum Resources Report, 196 1, p 86.

Thurber Consultants Ltd., 1970. Shoreline stability study of Ross Lake Reservoir (Canada), Victoria. 13p. APPENDIX 101 - Page 8

I Ramsey, Bruce, 1963. The Sad, Sad Story of Steamboat Mountain. The Vancouver Province, October 21, 196 3.

I Slaney, F. F. & Co. , 1970. Skagit Valley and Ross Lake Reservoir in Canada. Vancouver, B.C. 49p.

I. State of Washington Ecological Commission, 1971. Transcript of hearing re: Application of City of Seattle to Federal Power Commission to raise the height of Ross Dam. Seattle, Washington, March 16, 1971. 242p.

, 1971. Transcript of hearing re: Application of City of Seattle to Federal Power Commission to raise height of Ross Dam. Mt. Vernon, Washington, March 17, 1971. 225p.

I Travellor, 1970. "What's News Outdoors", B. C. Outdoors, Surrey, B. C. , I February, 1970, p20; April 1970, p18 ; August, 1970. p18. APPENDIX 102 An estlimated 2 miles of the shorelline consist of SKAGIT DIARY unstable steep gravel slopes subject to progressive beaching. February 1971

In the worst condmoil analyzed, A three-man field crew of biologists continuled sur- unstable shoreline could regress about 85 feet in 30 years, and would eventually reach an equili- veillance of the wildlife in the lower Skagi~tValley throughout brium at 120 feet beyond the maximum high water mark. A tagged deer was found killled by a cougar. Obser- vations are that the cougars are dependent on Permanent structures be set back beyond the ultimate regression distance. The regression haree, grouse, coyotes, racoons and bobcats as well values for the first 30 vears are a wide to cCearina deer for requirements. By clsaiing to the ;egression bou6 Wan periods with in early follow dary, unnecessary debris problems can be avoided. by heavy frosts, sollidified the snow from val~lev-- -4 Stabilization of Slopes hbttem timberline. As a resullt most of tIhe win. tering deer herd spread out and moved up to the Slope instability should present no danger to per- 3e008 and 4,000 foot elevations* favoring the steep sons using the reservoir either from slides on land slopes- A~Oximatej~a dozen de@rwefW or slide-induced waves. Minor slippage may occur obewed for a period feeding On the aquatlic and in talus slopes duririg the initial filling. river bank vegetation along the banks of the Ska- git Rilver. Where required, beaches can be permanrently sta- bilized by sloping the shore with machines using a snow In the were reached balanced cut and fill procedure. durin'g thlg first weeks of February. Depths in the northern section of the proposed rewryolr site were The geological suwey was carried out by Thurber Over four feet, whille the maximum depth at the Consulltants Limited. U.S. border was 2% feet. Skqi* ~dbyatVd thie uppav d 41- hs p@pos&#&gdr #@- Logging operators continued cutting cedar shakes I C aevrok shNote Wa kwge aBuw&al&am an& BLEW~~term~~~ and hauling cottonwocK1 logs. edlicenl t@ the rb)wweir bw&aryy The tbod line (e~eV~;tr'o~)f725 feet} of tke praptxatl M&h ftewwola sdtg hF Canasla is out!W appoxim&/y on the pbofo- Fishery biologists contilnued sampling the stream I I waphs. Thpm/mtimr of a proposed reEmatkm d th &%wv- bottorn fauna during February. A custam-made one Shag& mil b shown as a braken #in@. sqfuare foot bottorn sampler was used. Fourteen species of mayflies and stoneflies have beam i&n- tlfied to date. Albout mid-February, some hardy fiishermen appeared on the Skag~itRiver durdnlg the weekend. No catches were reported.

The Silwer-Skag~itroad was accessi~bleto trucks durin~gmost of February. In mid-February the Dept. of Highways' had attempted to open the Silver- Skagit Road to all traffic, but heavy snows made travel unaertain again by month end. SURFlClAL GEOLOGY Allwwhl River Depcwrits

Knowledge of the surficial geology of the Skagit Alluvial river deposits form the present fload Valley is basic to designing such facilities as beach- plains. The deposits are the result of rwovking by es, campsites, boat launching ramps and roads. tihe Skagit Riwr of the outwash gravels and some Geological information is also needed in the in- of the alluvial fans. the basic deposits are gener- vestigation of such possible improvements as ally of coarse material, A large alms near the lower ponds, dykes and cleared fields. The relative sta- end of the prajpased reservoir site conta~irrsa swr- bility of the adjacent side hills was also investi- face layer of siltts and organic soils. N~oclays or ex- gated to locate potential slide areas, if any existed. tensive deposits of silt were fsunld.

The surficial geology was determined through the main Skagit Valley from the U.S. border to the Hope-Princeton highway, a distance of some 20 Talw dqposrits mantlre the cantact between the miles. The proposed High Ross Reservoir site is steep rocky side hills and the valley bttmm. These situated in the lower eight miles of the valley. deposits are oornmon, throughout the val~ley.Thle material co~nsbtsof large ang~ularfragments. The valley bottom contains four distinct formations: kettled outwash gravel terraces, alluvial Nature of Shoreline Eraion fans, alluvial river deposits and talus. No topographic evi'denee of largo earth slides was The sides of the valley are steep, rocky and thinly obs;ervad. Alithoolglh steep-sided mountain6 contain mantled. a risk for roak sl~ides,no indications of any major rock slides are in evidence. Kettled Outwash Gravel Terraces A fsw sectio~nsof the new shoreline WHII erode \by Outwash gravel terraces form a series of terraces plragressliw beaching of slopes. The rate and ex- above the present flood plain. Most of the terraces ten~tof regressi~onof the shoreline depends upon are located near the upper end of the proposed re- such factom as the parent materials, &gree of servoir site. These older formations constitute the s~lope,extent of wave actiloln anld reserwolc levels. remains of the outwash of a large river which flowed from the terminus of glaciers. The material is Sllopes exposed to tk~south are oubjw to rnodsr- characterized by large boulders, cobbles and grav- ate nave adion during most of the summer and el deposits. Large fragments of ice deposited in the will1 erode more rapidly than I- exposed slopes, outwash gravels during the last ice age melted to form prominent depressions known as kettle holes. In Canada, the total Sengm of shoreline of the pra- posed mtmnroilr site iml~udingislands, bs about 22 Alluvial Fans miles.

The larger tributary streams flowing into the Ska- Some 4% miles of sh80reIIinscansist of stable, steep git River have formed prominent alluvial fans mkoutcjraps and talus,. which project on to the valley floor. Many of these fans have a complex history and contain material Anather 15% milles of tlhe shoreline consist of ranging from course angular gravel to a six foot stable, glsntle to moderate gravel sllopes. thick deposit of sandy silt. St. Alice Creek and Ne- popekum Creek have produced the largest and most complex alluvial fans. An estimated 2 miles of the shorel'ine colnebt of SKAGIT DIARY

The geologlical survey was carried oult by Thurber over four feet, whille the maxirnu~mdepth at the Consultants Limited. U.S. border was 2% feet. Skagit Vatjey and the upper end of the propoc ied High I 9oss Re- ILogging operators continued cutting cedar shakes servoir site. Note the large aiNwiaI fans and outwash terraces and haulling mttonwood logs. adjacent to the reservoir boundary. The #OMEiRBB febria&Jm1725 ket) ;cpa lfJva ipro&w& High Rms ~st?iwirsit@ tetv Cm& cPa& WIIrfnadapprwhaWy m ~~ato- Fishery biokgists contlnmd sampling the stream graphs. jrhe poiecbhm of a propixad r&m d m~ a$wr- bottom fauna during Febsruary. A custom-made one Stagid row is shown as a brcnkefl dim. squ~arefoot bottom sampler was used. Fourteen species of mayflies and &t:tonefl~ieshave been iiden- tlified to date. About mild-February, some hIardy fishermen appeared on the Skagit River dulring the weelkend. No catches were reported.

The Silver-Skagit road was accessible to trucks during most of February. In mid-February the Dept. of Highways had attempted to open the Silver- Skagit Road to all1 traffic, but heavy snows madie travel uncertain again by month end.

SKAGIT DIARY Each apecies paffo~msa flunction in the biotic cam- March 1971 ~mun~ity.The organ[srn1s role in the community is known as its "ecologlic niche". Species such as Permsopposed to the filoodingl of the Slkagit Val- hares occupy a b~raadecologic niche, other species ley argued that the resulting damage to the envir- such as the dipper occupy a more specialized niche. wnrnent woul'd oluWeigh any benefits. The loss of 'During early March, heavy snows forced the deer stream fishing areas and spawning beds, the flood- back down the slopes to the earlier wintering areas ing of deer browse areas and the destruction of tim- between elevations 2,000 to 3,500 feet. At month lsta~rwere deplored by many witnesses. The term end the deer still avoided the soft snows of the val- of the Wreement between Seattle City Light an~d Weather stations metmum general temperature ley floor. the provinoial government wera ctiticired by vrtrl- wind an'd humildity for a given area at approximate- ous Canadian groupti. lly slx feet aWe ground. Iln or beneath vegetation Snow has covered such early winter browse as false on slaps%,or hilltops or In spaces between rocks ithe box and Oregon grape and the deer now feed most- Persona giving evidence before the Commission climate ici quite diffwmt. Heat, rnoiistu~m~air vnove- ly on vine maple, lichens, ocean spray, huckleberry, included rerpregerntatdves from Ammican Federal, ment and I~bhtail vary a great deal from arm part western cedar and western yew. Stete and Munioipal Government departments, op- of a cmrnwnity to an~the~rcreating a whab range position members of the B.C. Legisldwre, delegates d n'lli$tte" or "micro" cli,matles. Fishermen have tried the river on occasion but no from camservation organ~izatltonsfrom both Cavradh success has been reported. The fishing season in and the United Sate% indepandent mnw~ttanb, the Skagit closed on March 31, 1971 and is to be trade union leaders, representatives of the Cham'- opened again on June 19, 1971, after the rainbow bers of Commerce of several areas, stkldmts and trout have spawned. teachelm of biology, conservakim~btsand many in;- tereated private citizens. A census of hooting b~luegrouse durlng March re- vealed th,at most of these birds omlu~pythe territory north of the Twenty Six Mile Bridge and prefer the southern faclng slopes of the Kleailkwa drainage. ACCESS No blue grouse were observed wilthin the proposed reservoir site. At month end, thie Silver-Skagit road was mostly clear of snow to the Canadian/Arnerican border. Logg~ingaperations continued during March but High snowbanks an'd deep snows limlitsd access to deep snows and poor road conditions curtailed pro- the main road. duction.

At the end of Marah the Skagi~tValley was deep in snow while less than 30 milles to the west in the Fraser Vallmey, farmers were working the land and early plant growth was well advanced. Th'e atmosphere at the upper end of the reselrvolr site was consistently more hurni~dthan that near Publlic hearings were held by the Washington State the bordler. Ecological Carnmiss~ionMa~rch 16 and 17, ta allow organilzatiolns and Indivi~dualsto submit testimony A portion of the valley near the CanadiaWAmeri- on the ecollogical effects of the proposed High Ross can border appears to lile wlithin a rain shacbw and project in the Skagit Valley. Information gathered the winter climate is measurably d~rierthan the from the hearings will1 be used by the Comrnissio~n area in the vicinity of the Twenty Six Mile Bridge. to advise the State Department of Ecology in this matter.

TERMINOLOGY The seven member Commission heard evidence frolm 65 persons March 16 in Seattle, and some 50 submissions were received th'e following day in Mt. Vernon, Washington.

An i~nterdependem~tgroup of organlime woupying Presentations were made by both Canadian and the saline area of land oa water, Ithe habit@$),make American residents and the testimony expressed a up st biotlo aemmupsi.ty. Thh ammbkge ineiuders number of points of view. pllanta, alniimals a~ndmlcrmrganlisms. Witnesses in favor of raising the level of the Ross Ecosystem Dmbased their arguments largely on the need for the additional power and the recreational potential An ecolog~icalsystem or ecosystem includes the of the new resemolr. Some expressed tlhe view that bide cornmsnnity, ,moistLare, rnine~ral nutrient, the long standilng agreements between Canada and tmperature regirns and rurallight and is =If-per- the United States regardling the construction of th'e petwating in a state of natural balartw. High Ross Dam shoulld be honoured. - --

WmnrhsnW W&IW I

SNOW SURVEY OIF THE PROPOSED HIGli ROSS RESERVOIR

CLIMATIC INFLUENCES February and another peak in the third week of March. IUy~r~tlwrmoyo~h Significance Except for ice along the fringe, Ross Reservoir re-

V~II.~gotram mained unfrozen throughout the winter and the Temperature and moisture requirements of various receding reservoir continually exposed a fringe of --#h organisms impose restrictions On the distribution bare ground. Maximum snowpack, in the draw- of species. A study is in progress to determine how down area, at the International Border was 60 Cm. the effects of climate influence the biotic ~0mIn~ni- and snow depths increased to 110 cm. near the ties of the Skagit Valley. north end of the proposed High Ross Reservoir site.

A wide range of microclimates is represented in the The snowpack on the valley bottom of the Klesil- Valley since there are great variations in elevation kwa drainage ranged from a high of 120 cm. at the and topography. The climate of the Skagit Valley Twenty Six Mile Bridge to 90 cm. at the divide be- is influenced by the direction and degree of slope tween the Klesilkwa and Silverhope Creek drain- of the sidehills, paths of air drainage, rain shadow age. effects, proximity to the reservoir or river, and type I I of forest cover. Snow completely left the steep semi open south- facing slopes during February but cold weather and These measurable differences in climate result in heavy snows during the first weeks in March again I I wide variety of ecologic niches occupied by various blanketed these slopes for a period. By month end species of animals. An understanding of the com- most of the slopeswere again free of snow. position and extent of the plant and animal communities is necessary before the effects an In the valley bottom, the rate of snow melt in the enlarged reservoir can .be evaluated or alternative present reservoir area and adjacent open meadows habitats planned for certain wildlife. is appreciably greater than in the more sheltered areas further north. Instrumentation The snow depths on the Valley floor at the end of March were about the same as the depths recorded In the fall of 1970 three self-recording hygrother- at the beginning of January. mographs and 17 snow course stations were in- ~~re~dLed I I stalled to monitor temperature, humidity and snow depth. The locations of the hygrothermographs and nine snow gauges in the open areas are shown on T.mpenMe the map On page four Of this newsletter'The re- MAX~MUMBNQWPACW WINTER Ifil#-Fl Temperatures in the Skagit remained above f-- maining snow gauges were placed under forest Ii,ng until the fourth week of November, 1,970. The 'Over. measurements were taken at random. coldest tem~*~;rUrerecordw was 10 degrees be- law zero near the ~rthend of the reservoir site Snowpack and zero degrees fahrenh,ei,t,at th,e bo'rd~er. The winter storms enter the Skagit Valley from the lD~~rinigperiods of storms, t,he average tempera- north and are influenced by winds from the Silver- tures imar the northsrn end of the reservoir site 1 I hope and Klesilkwa drainage. ware about five degrees below tihe average at th~e bordler, whille d~initigperiods of thaw, ternperaturea The first snow fell in the valley November 20, 1970. at the northern end were the same or a few degrees I Snowpack reached two peaks during the winter, wanner than at me border. On the average. temp- the first peak occurred during the first week of eiratures are similla'r throughout the valll~eybottoim. , . .?; , , , ; F. 'F,r5lcwley & ~anpirnyLirnW, ' ,,, \, 44'2 W. mM@fa, W~~~ 3, B36. 4 Mm and %weda hd C atmas 51k than rtw Hope, wme 90 mPlers ta the neflfmmt,

An estlmbd 25 p-t of &i& dew sJ@~teeJdw~nlng Blpnilwere wed mims, m;~rwwlt & thtr tagging program ~tt3sdmt 'by ah@ &C, F&h and WMildllbf@ &mr& mrtk four flyOm ~~rlmd Igb rn ~atxfrrt Plant specialists have established study plots to measure vegetative growth, determine responses to fertilizers, and assess deer use of various types of habitats in the proposed rgae~oirsite and ad- iacent a~reas.

Wav~d migrating birds were observed moving nolththrough the valley during A~ri~l.8i rd speclei, S~~ITR~YER, ??, of incl'wded note the mountain the greater ~mtof the rivw deposits within t)~dr.wova amd Ross lesser~llOwl'~s, and the 1°ng-billed curlew. Reservoir appear similer to the denasits in tAs unr~cpputafed sectian of the river, The spiring runoff in the Skaait- River started durling the fourth week of Aprill.

There were na observati~onsof fish spewni,ng in the Skagit River during ApniP. &m1plilng proaedures are colntinuing and cmstsn~tsurveillance of spawning areas and fish papulatatiions are being maintained.

The crew of biol~ogistswas inoreased to 12 during April and additional men will1 be moved into the field as required.

Potential spawning sites within the Skagit River system in Can- The Whitworth Ranch mea$ow remained under a foat d snow. In the timber near the northern end of the proposed High Ross ada are being systematically sampled and ana4ysed by a crew I I Reservoir site the snow was about two tee?deeyl. Adis~centslopes

of fishery bkfogisb exposed to the south were clear of ~MJ 1- m -~lr~J

I u 3 I Environmental Newsletter

SKAGlT FISHERY dis fly) larvae and Nematodes. An interesting sapec- 1 I ies, Ascsphus Fruei, tha Tailed Toad, was taken from the gravel in the Sumallo River during Feb- I Studies of the Skagit River fishery and the effect on ruary. wildlife of the proposed High Ross Reservoir in 1 Canada were initiated by the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Durling the fall of 1970 a crew using Scuba gear Branch in 1951. Further studies were undertaken by observed [ess than seven adult fish per mile of the Branch in 1963 and continuous studies have ri~ver. I been underway since 1967. Durilng the summer of 1970 Seattle City Light un- Progress in the U. S. A. dertook to expand the study of the fisheries in the I Ross Resemolr-Skagit Rliver system. In the American portion of the system, biologists usi~ngecho sounders, nets, electro-fishing equip- An internati~onalcommittee known as the Interna- ment and speciallly designed troills are studying fish tionall Skagit-Ross Fisheries Committee was folrmed populatiions and habits. I to coordinate activities. The panisipatng members include the B.C. Fish and Wildlife Branch, the State A fish tagging program is now underway to obtain of Washington Department of Game, the Fisheries adtdition~sul i.nfo~matisonon the migration of fish. I I Research Institute of the University of Washington, F. F. Slanev & Comoanv. and advisers fram thk Most of the major tributaries have been surveyed for potential spawnin~ggravel above anld below elevation 1725 feet.

Progress In Canada Data Processing Creel census data were systematically colllected a during the summer and fall of 1970 to determine Data frolm both si~desof the border are being com- the success rate of anglers. The characteristios and bined and processed by computer. A preliminary habits of flish in the Skagit River-Ross Reservoir printout has bleen completed, but further data are I system were also examined. Surveys of fisnerrnen required b'efore .a judgement of the effects of the +k87 ;I and collections of stomachs and scales from fish High Ross Reservoir on the Skagit fishery can be l.!?taken from the river and the lake are continuling. made with reasonable accuracy. Crews have traversed and mapped the Skagit River from the CanaddUS border to the Hope-Princeton Commercial Fishery Highway, a distance of 22 miles. The map shows stream bottom material, river bank characteriatlcs. The American portion of the Skagit River below tne adjacent forest cover, access trails, log jam, an'd system of dams is an important spawning and rear- stream flow patterns. Information on the base map ing area for all species of Pacific salmon. This fish- is being refi~nedas studi~escontlinue. A section of the ery ismanaged by the Washingtonstate Depalrtment I I map is illustrated on page four. of Fisheries. Eighty-five speoies of fauna h,ave been coillected T~hleSkagit River salmon runs pass througlh Can'a- from tlhe river bottom. The primary species include dlan waters in Juan de Fuca Strait and Canadian I I Ephemeroptera (Mayfly) and Plecoptera (Stonefly) fisthermenparticipate in a significant portion of the nymphs, Diptera (Tirue fly) and Trichoptera (Cad- harvest of the Skagit River salmon stocks. F. F. Slaney & Company Limited, 402 W. Pender St., Vancouver 3, 6. C. APPENDIX 201 GEOLOGY OF THE SKAGIT VALLEY IN CANADA

LEGEND

OLIGOCENE

Skagit Volcanics JURASSIC (?) 8 LOWER CRETACEOUS Ladner and Dewdney Creek Gps. 0 LATE PALEOZOIC (?I

HOZAMEEN GROUP Greenstone . Chert, limestone m Chert B argillite Greenstone Chert, limestone, greenstone E3

INTRUSIONS

MIOCENE (and earlier) Chilliwack Batholith - tonalite etC. L*;l POST - EOCENE (in part ?) Ultramatic rocks mZl CRETACEOUS or later Tonalite etc. rn - bserved Boundary - --.-...... *..

vV"Vvvv,..~.w.~"VVVvv "VVV"<'* * vvvvvv YVVVV * Svvv vvvvv v~ovva;.fjebo#vbwv$v~/v~~ vv""vS..~;v"vvvvvvvyy -..--YY-IIYYII".YOYYV WASHINGTON APPENDIX 202 SUMMARY OF AREAS BY FOREST TYPES

The following summary shows the areas of major forest types within the proposed reservoir site.

FOREST TYPES AREA (acres) PERCENT TOTAL AREA

Deciduous Stands Cottonwood- Cedar- Balsam Cottonwood- Cedar Cottonwood- Fir Birch Total Deciduous Stands Coniferous Stands Fir Fir - Balsam Fir - Cedar Fir- Lodgepole pine Fir- Cedar- Balsam Fir- Cottonwood- Cedar Fir- Cedar- Balsam Fir- Cedar-Hemlock Fir- Hemlock- Cedar- White pine Cedar - Balsam Cedar- Fir-Hemlock Balsam- Fir - Cedar Balsam- White pine- Cedar Lodgepole pine- Fir White pine Total Coniferous Stands Existing Reservoir River and Swamp Roads Non- Commercial Cover Meadow Slash (69-71 Logging)

GRAND TOTAL APPENDIX 203 CENSUS SHEET FOR SKAGIT VALLEY WILDLIFE INVENTORY CITY OF SEATTLE Department of Lighting Project No. S14.i.3 Scale: I in = 2 milts

F.F.SLANEY 8 COMPANY LTD Resource Devtloprnmt 8 Enuirqmentol Manapcmrnt

MANNING

1 . .... CONTROL AREA

I A CENSUS UNITS APPENDIX 301 APPENDIX 301

FALL USER SURVEY

Approximately 676 0 people, not including loggers and prospectors, visited the Silver and Skagit Valleys during October through Decem- ber, 1970. Of this total, about 2500 came in October to the rally organized by S. P. E. C. and R. 0. S. S. to protest flooding of the Skagit Valley. The other 4260 came in 1655 parties. Most visitors came on Sundays (43 percent) and Saturdays (23.9 percent) although holidays (Thanksgiving and Remembrance Days) also attracted large numbers. The number of parties per weekend and weekday varied considerably. A great decrease in numbers of visitors following the final weekend of November coincided with the end of the hunting season for deer and grouse. After December firjst, the number of visitors was very low with none on most days.

The sex and an estimate of the age, was obtained for 2706 visitors. Of the total, 22. 2 percent were female with little variation between the age classes except in the group over 50, where women accounted 'for 30.7 percent of the total. Women and children form a higher proportion of the totals for Sundays than for Saturdays (35.9 vs 28. 10J0)

Visitor age Distribution is shown in the following Table: Teen- 50's Child ager -20's 30's 40's & older 14.970 8.670 17. 37'0 20. 770 25. 770 12. 770

Place of Residence The place of residence of 948 parties was recorded. Of this total 66.7 percent carnefrom Greater Vancouver and 16.6 percent from APPENDIX 301 - Page 2

Hope. Vehicles from the United States were 7.62 percent of the total number and almost all of them came prior to October first, the end of the fishing season in the American portion of Ross Lake.

Destination in the Valley Of 717 parties recorded for destination, 64.8 percent actually entered the Skagit Valley, 25 miles in from the Fraser Valley highway, while 23.7 percent went no farther than Silver Lake, five miles in. Of those entering the Skagit Valley, a minimum of 68.7 percent are known to have reached Ross Lake. Fifty percent of those going only as far as Silver Lake or the Silver Valley had, however, been to the Skagit Valley and/or Ross Lake on other trips.

Purpose of Visit Visitors use areas they visit many different ways. In addition, there is seasonal change. The data gathered for late autumn and winter will differ considerably from that being gathered for this spring and summer. Because parties visiting the Silver Valley had very different reasons for coming than those going on to the Skagit Valley, they were treated separately. Of the parties that went into the Skagit Valley, 128 or 20.6 percent came as a result of the controversy over the proposed flooding of the area. They had not been before and wanted to see the area for themselves.

Hunters were by far the largest group of visitors accounting for 48. 9 percent of all parties and 53. 3 percent of parties to the Skagit. They came to hunt deer, grouse and waterfowl. Fishermen account- e d for 12.8 percent of the visitors with most of those coming in October, that is, before the receding waters of Ross Lake had left APPENDIX 301 - Page 3

Canada. More fishermen visit the Skagit Valley during summer months.

A number of people, 2. 7 percent, entered the Skagit to collect mushrooms. All people who came to photograph, hike and/or camp, Sunday drive, or picnic were grouped as recreational- ists. They were a very important group of visitors to Silver Lake, 34.7 percent, but accounted for only 6 percent of those going to the Skagit. The rough road deterred many in this group from travelling into the Skagit system. A few people came for a variety of other reasons such a.s to collect rocks for home gardens, firewood, driftwood, obtain plants for floral arrangements, to target shoot and to look for property.

Excluding those who came out of curiosity or for the S. P. E. C. Rally, 79 percent of the parties had come before. Nearly all of those coming for the first time came from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. The following table shows the length of visits during the week.

Percent of visits by duration and day. Based on 861 parties. -Sat. -Sun. Weekdays Holidays T ot a1

1 day 93. 3 78. 1 80. 0 ::: 75. 3 +lo0 83. 4 2 days 5.7 18. 0 15. 0 13. 0 0 13. 0 Over2days 1.0 3. 6 5. 0 11. 7 0 3. 6 :: October 12, Thanksgiving t November 11, Remembrance Day APPENDIX 301 - Page 4

Hunter Success A summary of the 1970 road check harvest data for the Skagit area is compared with that for 1968 and 1969 in the following table. In general the totals for 1970 are similar to 1969. Number Days of of Ruffed Blue Wilsons -Year Hunters Hunting -Deer Bear- Grouse Grouse Ducks--- Geese Coots Snipe 1968 974 1147 52 1 2 8 1 84 1 - - 1969 903 1117 12 3 26 3 2 5 - - - 1970 1470 1780 2 1 - 29 1 79 1 8 4

Very few hunters, hunted only grouse. Most grouse were shot by hunters who were hunting deer. The total of 29 Ruffed and one Blue Grouse is probably less than 25 percent of the bag for the season as most were bagged on the first weekends of the hunting season before the census. All except one or two of the 30 grouse were shot within the proposed lake site. The 21 deer included 15 bucks and 6 does. Nine, possibly ten, of the total were shot within the proposed lake area. Not more than five or six deer were bagged in the Skagit prior to October 10. The total bag for the entire season was about 30 animals. The rate of success based on total hunter trips was 1.2 percent and is similar to 1969, 1. 1 percent, but much below the success of 1968, 4.4 percent. APPENDIX 301 - Page 5

Hunter success - migratory birds

Species No. Shot Species No. Shot Widgeon 5 Lesser Scaup 2 Green-winged Teal 14 Blue-winged Teal 1 Mallard 35 Ring-necked Duck 1 Pint ail 7 Canada Goose 1 Shoveler 3 Ame rican Coot 8 Goldeneye 2 W il s on s Snipe 4 TOTAL 66 17

The period of data collection, October to December, places a heavy bias on the study toward hunting activity. Thus, no specific conclusions can yet be drawn concerning existing recreational use of the valley. The User Survey was resumed in May of this year and will be continued to provide a complete seasonal cross-section of recreation activity. APPENDIX 302 APPENDIX 302

PROVINCIAL PARK USE DATA

PEAK DAY VISITATION IN SUMMER MONTHS 1969

Type of -Park Visit May -June July Aug. Sept. Cultus Lake Day Use 7,748 7, 580 7, 000 5, 360 3,784 Campers 1,220 1,220 1,220 1,220 1,220

TOTAL 8,968 8,800 8,220 6, 580 5, 004

Golden Ears Day Use 10,632 11, 044 10,432 7,760 5,880 Campers 828 828 828 828 828

TOTAL 11, 460 11,872 11,260 8, 588 6,708

Mt. Seymour Day Use 4,252 3,912 4, 552 4,224 6,848

LOCATION OF DEVELOPED PARK FACILITIES WITHIN 4 HOURS DRIVE OF THE LOWER MAINLAND POPULATION AND THEIR USE IN 1969

NUMBER OF VISITORS (1969) FACILITIES

No. of Park Region Days Camper Nights Campsites Picnic sites Boat Ramp . Cultus Lake 286, 188 69, 120 305 268 YES Garibaldi 309, 144 33,928 176 109 YES Golden Ears 404, 572 87, 576 2 57 173 YES Manning 128, 018 93, 392 316 119 YES Mt. Seymour 1,029,910 15,777 80 77 YES