A15429 200 Stream Report

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STREAM REPORT

LICENCE A15429

CP 200 BLOCKS 003 and 004

Prepared for: Carrier Lumber Ltd. 4722 Continental Way, Prince George, B.C. V2N 5S5 Telephone 250-563-9271

Prepared by: DWB Consulting Services Ltd. #1A-1750 Quinn Street Prince George, B.C., V2N 1X3 Telephone 250-562-5541

Field work completed by: Brian Aitken, RP Bio, PAg, CPESC Date: July 29, 2009 Brock Campbell, RFT Report by: Brock Campbell, RFT Date: September 25, 2009

A15429 CP 200 Blk 003 / 004 Stream Assessment

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Project Scope ................................................................................................................ 1

2.0 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 1

2.1 Definitions..................................................................................................................... 1

2.1.1 Classifiable Watercourses.............................................................................. 1

2.1.2 Non-Classifiable Watercourses...................................................................... 2

2.1.3 Wetlands ........................................................................................................ 2

2.2 Survey Techniques........................................................................................................ 3

2.3 Stream Assessments...................................................................................................... 3

2.3.1 Fish Sampling ................................................................................................ 3

2.4 Wetland Assessments.................................................................................................... 4

2.5 Riparian Assessments by Forestry Personnel ............................................................... 4

2.6 Mapping ........................................................................................................................ 4

3.0 RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................. 4

3.1 General Riparian Information of the Area .................................................................... 4

3.2 Stream Assessments...................................................................................................... 5

3.2.1 Fish Bearing Streams ..................................................................................... 5

3.2.2 Non-Fish Bearing Streams............................................................................. 6

3.2.3 Non-Classifiable Drainages ........................................................................... 7

3.2.4 Wetlands ........................................................................................................ 7

4.0 CLOSURE ................................................................................................................................ 8


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5.0 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 8

APPENDIX 1 – BLOCK MAP....................................................................................................... 9

APPENDIX 2 – SITE CARDS..................................................................................................... 10

APPENDIX 3 – SITE PHOTOGRAPHS ..................................................................................... 17


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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Stream classification........................................................................................................ 1

Table 2. Wetland Classification commonly found in Carrier Lumber’s Operating Areas. ........... 3


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Scope

In July 2009, DWB Consulting Services Ltd. (DWB) conducted a stream assessment for Carrier Lumber Ltd. (Carrier), Headwaters District, to classify specified watercourses that could potentially be affected while developing Forest License A15429 CP 200 Blocks 003 and 004 located in their McBride (MB) Operating Area. This report includes a description and appropriate classification of the stream features surveyed. 2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 Definitions

All watercourses assessed within and along CP 200 Blocks 003 and 004 were classified according to the following definitions. These definitions have been obtained from the Fish-stream Identification Guidebook (Province of British Columbia 1998), the Riparian Management Area Guidebook (Province of British Columbia 1995), and the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) Regulation 2004 (Quickscribe Services Ltd. 2007).

2.1.1 Classifiable Watercourses Classifiable stream: A watercourse that has a continuous channel bed (is scoured by water, and/or contains deposits of mineral alluvium) and is at least 100m in length, or has a continuous channel bed but is less than 100m in length but has been confirmed to contain fish or flows into a known fish stream or lake, or a watercourse located in a community watershed. Non-fish bearing reach: A watercourse that meets the classifiable stream definition and has been confirmed to have no fish presence. The reach is either disconnected from another watercourse, has poor fish habitat, or contains a hard barrier to fish migration that would prevent fish ascent into the reach. If the lack of fish presence cannot be confirmed, then the reach must be defaulted fish bearing until such time that additional sampling can be undertaken to confirm its classification. These features are classified by the presence or absence of fish, their average channel width, and whether or not the feature is located in a community watershed (Table 1). Table 1. Stream classification The reach is a fish stream or located in a community

watershed The reach is non-fish bearing and is not located in a

community watershed Stream Classification Stream width Stream Classification Stream Width

S1 >20m S5 >3m S2 5-20m S6 ≤3m S3 1.5-5m S4 <1.5m


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2.1.2 Non-Classifiable Watercourses Non-Classifiable Drainage (NCD): A watercourse, which does not meet the FRPA definition of a stream (i.e. continuously defined streambed with presence of alluvium), yet shows signs of significant water flow and therefore has some ability to transport materials downstream. These typically include continuous organic channels, defined non-fish bearing drainages less than 100m long and other non-classifiable watercourses with year around flow. Wet Draw (WD): A draw or depression, often associated with a change in ecotype, which has evidence of seasonal flow. Channel definition is usually very poor. It often consists of an ephemeral, intermittent organic channel separated by flow over sections of terrestrial vegetation. These typically include areas with elevated water tables evidenced by moisture tolerant vegetation such as alder swales, low-lying willow areas, spirea and devil club/fern/horsetail dominated areas. Non-visible Channel (NVC): Features shown on TRIM as watercourses, which when field verified, show complete absence of channel definition. These features are typically found in the bottom of dry draws or depressions, consisting entirely of terrestrial, upland vegetation. Under typical circumstances, evidence of flow is absent, however some flow during spring melt may be expected. Any such flow is small in volume and short in duration such that no sign of water flow (i.e. scour/deposition) remains after spring melt subsides.

2.1.3 Wetlands Classifiable Wetland: An area containing subhydric to hydric soils and containing no less than 20% obligate hydrophytes (vegetation that require water-saturated soils or standing water to grow and reproduce, such species include: marsh cinquefoil, marsh violet, bog arum, bog cranberry, bog laurel, bog rosemary, sedge species, and sphagnum moss). The remaining vegetation generally consist of facultative hydrophytes or vegetation that is able to grow and establish in water-saturated areas and include species such as willow, scrub birch, and pink spirea. Wetlands may contain trees scattered throughout the area, which are often stunted and generally have a low canopy closure (<15%). Classifiable wetlands are generally greater than 1 hectare in size and may contain up to 2m of standing water. Their classification is based on the biogeoclimatic zone in the area and their size (Table 2). Non-Classifiable Wetland (NCW): An area containing obligate hydrophytes and subhydric/hydric soils as outlined for classifiable wetlands but does not meet any of the requirements in Table 2. Non-classifiable wetlands are generally less than 1 hectare in size. Wetland Complex: Two or more classifiable wetland areas that have overlapping Riparian Management Areas and have a combined area greater than or equal to 5 hectares.


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Table 2. Wetland Classification commonly found in Carrier Lumber’s Operating Areas. Wetland Classification Biogeoclimatic Zone Wetland Area

W1 Any BEC Zone >5ha W3 Not in PP, BG, IDFxh/xw/xm, CDF, CWHds/dm/xm, 1-5ha W5 Any BEC Zone ≥5ha

2.2 Survey Techniques

All employees working for Carrier Lumber Ltd. received EMS training and a copy of Carrier Lumber Ltd. – Valemount Forest Products Ltd. Woodlands EMS/SFM Guidebook and the 2009 Fire Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan is brought to the field. All fieldwork was conducted in accordance with Carrier Lumber Ltd.’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Stream assessments followed the procedures outlined in SOP 8, Section 4. Any inaccurate riparian data will be revised and will be mapped correctly. All watercourses assessed are classified using procedures recommended in the Riparian Management Area Guidebook (1995), the Fish Stream Identification Guidebook (1998), and the Fish Stream Crossing Guidebook (2002). All measurements are taken in such a fashion as to comply with Resource Inventory Committee (RIC) Standards (1998) and riparian features were ribboned as per Carrier’s Ribboning and Marking Code.

2.3 Stream Assessments Field investigations were conducted by qualified fisheries personnel (MWLAP 2004) consisting of a one–person crew unless sampling was required. Field staff was equipped with forest survey equipment. Stream channel and wetted widths were measured using a meter tape and multiple channel width measurements were made along each reach. Stream bank heights measurements were also determined using a meter tape and stream gradients were determined using a clinometer along several sections of each stream. Stream channel widths and gradients were averaged for stream classification purposes. Site lengths were determined either by map estimates or with a GPS unit. Barriers or obstacles to fish passage were quantified where applicable. All survey information was recorded on RIC Stream Site Cards and is included in Appendix 2. Overall fish habitat quality for rearing, spawning, and over-wintering was assessed and a habitat rating at the crossings was assigned using the definitions provided in the Fish-stream Crossing Guidebook for any fish-bearing stream (Province of British Columbia 20021).

2.3.1 Fish Sampling All fish sampling was conducted under a valid Fish Collection Permit obtained from the Ministry of Environment (MOE) and a Scientific Licence acquired from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). These fish permits are required to conduct any fish sampling in the province of British Columbia and a copy of these fish permits was brought to the field with the survey crew. All of the fish sampling results will be submitted to the MOE and DFO at the end of the field season as required under the permits. Fish sampling was conducted using a Smith-Root Model 12 backpack electrofisher. Only individuals with a valid electrofishing certificate conducted fish sampling. Stream water


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temperatures, conductivity and pH levels were obtained using a Hanna Watercheck combination meter. During electrofishing sampling efforts, there were no fish captured and this is indicated on the RIC Fish Collection Forms (Appendix 2).

2.4 Wetland Assessments No wetlands were assessed in conjunction with A15429 CP 200 Block 003 and 004.

2.5 Riparian Assessments by Forestry Personnel Some riparian features may be surveyed and assessed by experienced forestry personnel. Riparian features classified by forestry personnel typically include confirming non-visible channels (NVC), wet draws (WD), non-classifiable drainages (NCD), or non-classifiable wetlands (NCW). However, forestry personnel may also identify a confirmed fish-bearing stream if it is known to inhabit fish. Qualified fisheries personnel will survey any riparian feature that is not easily identifiable in the field by forestry personnel.

2.6 Mapping A scanned 1:10000 scale map has been included in Appendix 1 showing the streams and their classifications that were sampled in the field adjacent to the Raush River. 3.0 RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS A comprehensive summary of the riparian features surveyed is included below. Maps, site card, and photo documentation of the surveyed watercourses are included in Appendices 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

3.1 General Riparian Information of the Area The surveyed watercourses assessed in CP 200, flow northeast into Raush River (Watershed Code: 100-856100 ). According to the Ministry of Environment’s fisheries database, no fisheries information is available for the sites surveyed or for the Raush River.


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3.2 Stream Assessments

3.2.1 Fish Bearing Streams

License CP Blk Site ID Nos.

Reach ID Nos. Stream Name UTM Stream Width (m) Bank Height

(m) Average Stream

Gradient (%) Classification Sampled Date Surveyed

Survey Crew

A15429 200 003 3 1 Unnamed Stream (Watershed Code: None Assigned)

None obtained 0.8 0.1 4.8 Default S3

stream Yes 2009/07/29 BA/BC

Site Location and Summary of Fish Habitat

Site 3 is located in the northwest section of Block 003. This stream is considered a side channel to the main S3 stream as it has direct connection both up and downst ream. The Raush Mainline crosses this stream on the west side of the block further upstream with an 11m bridge. The entire gully is braided with signs of old flood channels and multiple braided channels throughout. As this is a side channel to the mainS3 stream, the reach is part of it and therefore classified default S3. The channel itself has poor fish habitat.


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3.2.2 Non-Fish Bearing Streams

License CP Blk Site ID Nos.

Reach ID Nos. Stream Name UTM Stream Width

(m) Bank Height

(m) Average Stream

Gradient (%) Classification Sampled Date Surveyed

Survey Crew


10U 699326

5895659 1.0 0.2 2.5 S6 stream Yes 2009/07/29 BA/BC

Site Location and rationale for non-fish bearing status Site 1 - The headwaters of the reach are located within Block 004 and the stream flows NE to the Raush River. This stream has no fish habitat: no deep pools, no passage, and no spawning or over-wintering habitat. The dominant and subdominant bed material is fines. It has extensive subsurface flow throughout but a continuous channel exists down to Raush River. The stream is classifiable but non-fish bearing. The stream was electrofished for 163 seconds for a length of 100m with no fish capture.


None obtained 1.1 0.3 2.8 S6 stream Yes 2009/07/29 BA/BC

Site Location and rationale for non-fish bearing status Site 2 is located within Block 004. This stream has no fish habitat and flows directly into the Raush River however it has no fish habitat. The continuous channel is shallow and narrow and contains sections of subsurface flow preventing fish passage. The stream is also ephemeral and fines dominate the substrate. The reach has poor rearing habitat and no spawning or over-wintering habitat for fish. The stream was electrofished for 87 seconds for a length of 100m with no fish capture. The stream is classified as S6 non-fish bearing within the block boundary. Perhaps the bottom 20m is accessible to fish within the reserve but not within the block.


10U 6988424 5897245

0.9 0.1 6.7 S6 stream No 2009/07/29 BA/BC

Site Location and rationale for non-fish bearing status Site 4 is located outside of Block 003 and is crossed by the Raush Mainline. This is a shallow, narrow channel with nil to poor fish habitat. The channel becomes undefined 80m downstream of the road crossing and dissipates into the timber with no connection to downstream reaches. The dominant bed material is fines with gravels being subdominant. However there is little spawning habitat within the reach and there is no over-wintering habitat available for fish. The stream was electrofished for 105 seconds for a length of 100m.


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3.2.3 Non-Classifiable Drainages

No NCDs were assessed in block 3.2.4 Wetlands

No wetlands were assessed in block


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4.0 CLOSURE This report was prepared for the exclusive use of Carrier Lumber Ltd. The observations and recommendations presented in this report were based on biological data and observations, along with a review of background information. This report was prepared in accordance with generally accepted biological principals and practice. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made. 5.0 REFERENCES Carrier Lumber Ltd – Valemount Forest Products Ltd Woodlands. 2009. EMS/SFM

Guidebook and 2008 Fire Preparedness and Emergency Response Plan. Carrier Lumber Ltd. 2006. Carrier Lumber SAR management strategies May 2006 (updated

Feb. 28, 2007). McPhail, J.D., and R. Carveth. 1993. Field key to the freshwater fishes of British Columbia.

The Province of British Columbia, Resources Inventory Committee, Vancouver, BC.

Ministry of Environment. 2009. HabitatWizard Database. Available from: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/habwiz/. This database is continually updated by MOE.

Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (MWLAP). April 2004. Region 7 Omineca –

reduced risk timing windows for fish and wildlife. Standards and best practices for instream works. Final draft. Omineca Region Ecosystem. Environmental Stewardship Division. Section 2.8, page 6.

Province of British Columbia. 2002. Fish-stream crossing guidebook. British

Columbia Ministry of Forests and British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Province of British Columbia. 1998. Fish-stream identification guidebook. British

Columbia Ministry of Forests and British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Province of British Columbia. 1995. Riparian management area guidebook.

British Columbia Ministry of Forests and British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1998. Reconnaissance (1:20 000) fish and fish habitat

inventory: Standards and procedures.


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APPENDIX 1 – BLOCK MAP

Figure 1: Map showing the streams assessed on the Raush Mainline in the McBride operating area; A15429 CP 200 Blks 003 and 004.


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APPENDIX 2 – SITE CARDS

Site 1


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Site 2


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Site 3


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Site 4


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APPENDIX 3 – SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1. Site 1 Reach 1 – S6 stream. Typical channel within block near road crossing

Photo 3. Site 3 Reach 1 – S3 stream. Typical step pool within reach.

Photo 2. Site 2 Reach 1 – S6 stream. Typical channel.

Photo 4. Site 4 Reach 1 – S6 stream. Overview of channel where it dissipates into the forest.

Documents

A15429 200 Stream Report