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Good Bridge (No. 7205) Replacement Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Good Bridge Replacement Project April 2020

Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Page i Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

Revision History and Approvals Project Name Good Bridge Replacement Project Project Number 10128-11

Report Title Good Bridge (No. 7205) Replacement - Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment

Document # P4780 Report Author(s) Jen Bond

Date Version Review Type Reviewed by

April 9, 2020 1.0 Senior Neal Foord, R.P. Bio.

April 15, 2020 1.0 Document Christa Porter


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Page ii Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

Disclaimer

This report is rendered solely for the use of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) in connection with the Good Bridge Replacement Project (the Project), and no person may rely on it for any other purpose without Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.’s (Triton) prior written approval. Should a third party use this report without Triton’s approval, they may not rely upon it. Triton accepts no responsibility for loss or damages suffered by any third party as a result of decisions made or actions taken based on this report. This report is based on facts and opinions contained within the referenced documents, including the results of any data collection programs carried out in relation to this report. We have attempted to identify and consider facts and documents relevant to the scope of work, accurate as of the time period during which we conducted this analysis. However, the results, our opinions, or recommendations may change if new information becomes available or if information we have relied on is altered. The objective of this report is to provide an aquatic and terrestrial resources desktop assessment for MOTI regarding the proposed Project. No site visit was completed by Triton for the preparation of this report. Available aerial imagery and documents provided by MOTI was referenced for the purposes of this report. We applied accepted professional practices and standards in developing and interpreting data. While we used accepted professional practices in interpreting data provided by MOTI or third-party sources, we did not verify the accuracy of any such data. This report must be considered as a whole; selecting only portions of this report may result in a misleading view of the results, our opinions, or recommendations.


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Page iii Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Disclaimer .................................................................................................................................. ii 1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Area ............................................................................................................... 1 2.0 Methods ......................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Assessment Results ........................................................................................................ 5

3.1 Aquatic Resources .................................................................................................... 5 3.1.1 Fish Present ............................................................................................................. 5 3.1.2 Fish Habitat ............................................................................................................. 5 3.1.3 At-Risk Fish Species ................................................................................................ 5 3.1.4 Surface Water and Groundwater Sources .......................................................... 8

3.2 Terrestrial Resources .................................................................................................. 8 3.2.1 Aerial Imagery Review and Documentation Review ......................................... 8 3.2.2 At-Risk Ecological Communities ........................................................................... 8 3.2.3 At-Risk Plant and Lichen Species.......................................................................... 9 3.2.4 Invasive Plant Species ......................................................................................... 10 3.2.5 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat................................................................................ 14

4.0 Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Considerations ...................................... 32 5.0 Summary ...................................................................................................................... 33 6.0 References ................................................................................................................... 34

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Project location map ................................................................................................ 2

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. At-Risk Fish Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District ....................................................................................................................... 6 Table 2. At-Risk Ecosystems within the BWBSmw BEC subzone in the Peace Natural Resource District ....................................................................................................................... 9 Table 3. At-Risk Plant Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District ..................................................................................................................... 11 Table 4. At-Risk Wildlife Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District ..................................................................................................................... 15

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Species Conservation Status Definitions


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Page 1 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

1.0 Introduction

Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. (Triton) was retained by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) to conduct an aquatic and terrestrial resources desktop assessment for the planning phase of a bridge replacement project of the Good Bridge which crosses the Alces River on Cecil Lake Road approximately 45 km east of Fort St. John, British Columbia (BC; Figure 1). This study has been conducted to provide:

• A review and summary of background information; and • Baseline environmental information (aquatic and terrestrial resources) within the

identified study area that can be used to identify relevant issues during the planning of future work.

1.1 Project Area

The Project area includes both a primary and secondary study area. The primary study area includes 50 m of the Alces River (25 m upstream; 25 m downstream of the crossing), as well as the existing road right-of-way (ROW) of Cecil Lake Road. The secondary study area is a 50 m buffer on either side of the primary study area in order to encompass any key features that may be impacted by the Project and allow for possible design changes. The Project area is within the Agriculture/Settlement Resource Management Zone (RMZ) of the Fort St. John Land Resource Management Plan (LRMP). The Agricultural/Settlement RMZ focuses on maintaining land (which is mostly private) suitable for agricultural production. The Project area does not fall within any Agricultural Land Reserve Polygons (BC MOECCS 2020a). The Project area lies within the Peace Natural Resource District within in the Northeast Natural Resource Region and is located within the moist warm subzone of the Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBSmw) Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC) zone (BC MOECCS 2020a). This zone covers the plains east of the Rocky Mountains in BC, at elevations between 750-1050 m, from the Beatton River south to near where the Rocky Mountains cross the Alberta border. The mean annual temperature in the BWBSmw is cold and ranges from -2.4 to 3.6 °C and mean annual precipitation ranges from 341 to 897 mm (Delong et al. 2011). The BWBSmw is characterized by diverse forest stands, with mixtures of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia), black spruce (Picea mariana), white spruce (Picea glauca), and tamarack (Larix laricina). Upland forests may be dominated by trembling aspen, lodgepole pine, and white spruce; wetter upland sites may be dominated by white spruce or balsam poplar; and lowland sites are dominated by black spruce or tamarack (DeLong et al. 2011).

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Sources and Disclaimer

This map is a visual aid only to be used together with the accompanying report, including and incorporating any disclaimercontained therein. This map has been prepared to illustrate the results of Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. work, and isnot intended to be used for navigational purposes. Information displayed on this map is based, in whole or in part, ongeographic information that may have been provided by third parties, including government data. Triton EnvironmentalConsultants Ltd. disclaims (without limiting the generality of the foregoing) all responsibility for the accuracy of any such thirdparty information, regardless of the source.

1. Base map Image: ESRI World Topographic Map2. Inset Base map Image: ESRI World Imagery2. Disclaimer:

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Figure 1 - Project Location

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2.0 Methods

The aquatic and terrestrial resources assessment was conducted as a desktop exercise only and no site assessment was completed. The desktop exercise was completed to identify potential environmentally sensitive aquatic and terrestrial resources within the study area. The following resources were consulted to assemble a list of recognized terrestrial and aquatic species of ecological significance known to occur in and adjacent to the Project area:

• The British Columbia Conservation Data Centre (CDC) compiles information on the status and occurrence of provincially rare species and establishes the Provincial Red and Blue lists1 of plants, animals, and ecological communities (ecosystems). For the purposes of this assessment, only Red- and Blue-listed species and ecosystems are considered. The CDC also provides information on species that are Federally listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and those included in Schedule 1 are considered for this assessment. The BC Species & Ecosystems Explorer (BCSEE) web utility (BC CDC 2020) was queried based on the provincial forest district and BEC subzone to compile the lists.

• The Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP; BC MFLNRORD 2020) within the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development (MFLNRORD) compiles information on the distribution and identification of invasive species in the province of BC (available at http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/iapp/). This site was used to compile a list of noxious and nuisance species that have been identified within and adjacent to the Project area.

• iMapBC (BC MOECCS 2020a) allows users to view and analyze hundreds of map data layers compiled from across the BC Government and other public-sector agencies. iMapBC was used to identify various data layers in the Project area, including, but not limited to: BEC zones, Freshwater Atlas (FWA) streams, Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA), Ungulate Winter Range (UWR), and Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) polygons.

• Cross-linked Information Resources (CLIR) search engine (BC MOECCS 2020b). CLIR’s umbrella search application allows users to search multiple sources of environmental and natural resource information:

o EcoCat – Ecological Reports Catalogue

o BCSEE – BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer

o EIRS BD – Biodiversity/Environmental Information Resources e-library

o EIRS EP – Environmental Protection Information Resources e-library

o SIWE – Species Inventory Web Explorer, a component of the Species Inventory Data System (SPI)

1 Conservation status definitions, including “Red” and “Blue” listings designated by the CDC are included in Appendix 1.



o J.T. Fyles Natural Resource Library – a multiple ministry natural resource sector library

• Fisheries Information Data Queries (FIDQ) search tool (BC MOECCS 2020c) is an online tool that allows users to search for fish and fish habitat data on individual lakes or streams, or an entire watershed. This site was used to determined fish and fish habitat information in the Project area.

• Habitat Wizard is a map-based tool (BC MOECCS 2020d) that allows users to spatially access detailed fish, wildlife, and ecosystem information. This site was used to identify any barriers to fish passage and locate any mapped fish points within the Project area.

For each species and ecosystem identified during the desktop review, the potential for each to occur specifically within the Project area was assessed based on the known geographic range and habitat affinities for the species. The data collected during the desktop review will help to focus any future field assessments.



3.0 Assessment Results

3.1 Aquatic Resources

3.1.1 Fish Present

Based on the 1:20,000 scale Freshwater Atlas, the Alces River (Watershed Code [WSC]: 230-702700) is the only mapped watercourse within the Project area (BC MOECCS 2020c). The Alces River is a tributary of the Peace River and is known to contain White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii), Lake Chub (Couesius plumbeus), Longnose Sucker (Catostomus catostomus), Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus), Brook Stickleback (Culaea inconstans), Burbot (Lota lota), Flathead Chub (Platygobio gracillis), Largescale Sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus), Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), Redside Shiner (Richardsonius balteatus), and Troutperch (Percopsis omiscomaycus; BC MOECCS 2020c). There are no known barriers on the Alces River which would prevent fish that are present in the lower Peace River from reaching the crossing location (BC MOECCS 2020c); though many of these species are unlikely to occur based on the potential habitat available and distance upstream from the Peace River mainstem.

3.1.2 Fish Habitat

Fish and fish habitat surveys were conducted in 2014 by DWB Consulting Services Ltd. (DWB). At the time of the survey, the Alces River had an average channel width of 8.47 m and an average bankfull depth of 1.1 m. The streambed comprised 30% fines, 20% gravel, 20% cobble, and 30% boulders. Overwintering habitat was classified as good based on the suitable depth of pools. Spawning habitat was found to be poor for salmonids due to the lack of gravels suitable for spawning and high percentage of sand and silt at the crossing. Overall, the fish habitat was rated as important according to criteria in the Fish-stream Crossing Guidebook and has been given a S2 classification (DWB 2015a).

3.1.3 At-Risk Fish Species

The CDC identifies two Red-listed and three Blue-listed fish species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District (BC CDC 2020) (Table 1). None of the species listed have been recorded within the Alces River watershed (BC MOECCS 2020d).



Table 1. At-Risk Fish Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District

Scientific Name Common Name BC List

SARA, Schedule

1 Habitat Description

Potential Habitat Present

Potential Project Interaction with Limiting Habitat

Chrosomus eos x Chrosomus negaeus

Northern Redbelly Dace x Finescale Dace

Red Not Listed

Found in lakes, ponds, and sluggish pools of headwaters, creeks, and small rivers; usually over silt and near vegetation (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Possible, though this hybrid or either parent species are not known to occur in the watershed. Preferred habitat types are present in the project area; however, it is not limiting within the region. Proposed project activities will not degrade instream habitat.

Hiodon alosoides

Goldeye Blue Not Listed

Habitat includes quiet turbid water of medium to large lowland rivers, the small lakes, ponds, and marshes connected to them, and muddy shallows of larger lakes (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Possible, however the Alces River is relatively small in comparison to the medium to large river habitat that is preferred by this species. Proposed project activities will not degrade instream habitat potential for this species.

Notropis hudsonius

Spottail Shiner Red Not Listed

Found in large rivers and lakes, usually over sandy or rocky shallows with scant vegetation. Spawns in aggregations over areas of gravelly riffles near mouths of brooks, or along sandy shoals of lakeshores (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Native populations in BC occur in the Liard River watershed. Populations in the lower Peace River watershed are introduced, and they are not known to have spread into the Alces River watershed. Preferred habitat types are present and it is possible that non-native



populations could be supported, however, such habitats are not limiting within the region. Proposed project activities will not degrade instream habitat.

Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi

Cutthroat Trout, lewisi subspecies

Blue Special

Concern

Habitat includes small mountain streams, main rivers, and large natural lakes; requires cool, clean, well-oxygenated water; in rivers, adults prefer large pools and slow velocity areas. Spawning occurs in small tributary streams on clean gravel substrate (BC CDC 2020).

No

Only non-native, introduced populations exist in the Peace River watershed in BC, and none occur in the Alces River watershed. No project interactions are anticipated.

Salvelinus confluentus, Pop. 10

Bull Trout, Western Arctic populations

Blue Special

Concern

Habitat includes the bottom of deep pools in cold rivers and large tributary streams, often in moderate to fast currents; also, large coldwater lakes and reservoirs. Spawning usually occurs in gravel riffles of small tributary streams, including lake inlet streams (BC CDC 2020).

No None anticipated.



3.1.4 Surface Water and Groundwater Sources

Within the Project area, no surface water sources other than the Alces River were found during the desktop assessment. It is possible that any low depression areas may hold water temporarily during spring melt and significant rainfall events. This will need to be verified prior to construction. A search of iMapBC indicated that there are no water wells within 250 m of the proposed works (BC MOECCS 2020a).

3.2 Terrestrial Resources

3.2.1 Aerial Imagery Review and Documentation Review

A review of aerial imagery using Google Earth software and information included in the reports completed by DWB (2015a and 2015b), indicates that the majority of the proposed Project area has been previously disturbed by anthropogenic activities (maintained road and pipeline ROW). At the time of the assessment in 2014 species documented within the ROW included immature spruce (Picea spp.), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), birch (Betula spp.), willow (Salix spp.), alder (Alnus spp.), white sweet clover (Melitotus alba), clover (Trifolium spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum spp.) and grasses. Upstream of the bridge, riparian vegetation between the bridge and an existing beaver dam primarily consisted of immature trembling aspen and birch, immature spruce, willow and red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), strawberry (Fragaria spp.), showy aster (Eurybia conspicua), and grasses. Mature spruce trees are located at the top of the bank approximately 30 m upstream of the bridge crossing. Downstream riparian vegetation was comprised of 3 m tall alder shrubs, black twinberry (Lonicera involucrata), immature birch, mature and immature spruce, spruce seedlings, rose (Rosa spp.), horsetail (Equisetum spp.), red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), and sedge (Carex spp.; DWB 2015a).

3.2.2 At-Risk Ecological Communities

Red- and Blue-listed ecosystems known to occur within the BWBSmw were identified using the BC CDC’s BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer (BCSEE) web utility (BC CDC 2020). The BC CDC has adopted plant associations from the BEC system (site series) as the unit for defining terrestrial ecosystems. Two Red-listed and nine Blue-listed ecosystems were identified as potentially occurring within the BWBSmw in the Peace Natural Resource District (Table 2). There is a moderate to high potential that areas within the Project area will contain listed site series polygons; however, it is unlikely that pristine, mature examples of any listed vegetation community type would occur within the Project area given the historical disturbances and maintained ROW.



Table 2. At-Risk Ecosystems within the BWBSmw BEC subzone in the Peace Natural Resource District

Scientific Name Common Name Site Series Global Rank* BC List

Betula nana / Carex aquatilis

scrub birch / water sedge BWBSmw/Wf02 G4 Blue

Juncus arcticus - Puccinellia nuttalliana - Suaeda calceoliformis

arctic rush - Nuttall's alkaligrass - seablite BWBSmw/00 G3? Red

Larix laricina / Betula nana / Menyanthes trifoliata

tamarack / scrub birch / buckbean BWBSmw/Wf18 GNR Blue

Larix laricina / Carex aquatilis / Tomentypnum nitens

tamarack / water sedge / golden fuzzy fen moss

BWBSmw/Wb06 GNR Blue

Muhlenbergia richardsonis - Juncus arcticus - Poa secunda ssp. juncifolia

mat muhly - arctic rush - Nevada bluegrass

BWBSmw/00 GNR Red

Picea glauca / Gymnocarpium dryopteris – Aralia nudicaulis

white spruce / oak fern – wild sarsaparilla BWBSmw/110 G3 Blue

Picea glauca – Picea mariana / Rhododendron groenlandicum / Aulacomnium palustre

white spruce – black spruce / Labrador-tea / glow moss

BWBSmw/Ws15 GNR Blue

Picea glauca / Ribes triste / Equisetum spp.

white spruce / red swamp currant / horsetails

BWBSmw/111 G4 Blue

Picea mariana / Vaccinium vitis-idaea / Sphagnum spp.

black spruce / lingonberry / peat-mosses

BWBSmw/Wb03 GNR Blue

Populus balsamifera – Picea glauca / Alnus incana / Cornus stolonifera

balsam poplar – white spruce / mountain alder – red-osier dogwood

BWBSmw/112 GNR Blue

Typha latifolia Marsh common cattail Marsh BWBSmw/Wm05 G5 Blue

Note: * Global Rank applies to an ecological community across its entire range. Ranks have the following meaning: G2 = Imperiled, G3 = Vulnerable to extirpation or extinction, G4 = apparently secure, GNR = unranked – Global Rank not yet assessed, ? = denotes inexact numeric rank.

3.2.3 At-Risk Plant and Lichen Species

A search of the BCSEE utility for Red- and Blue-listed plant and lichen species identified nine Red-listed and 17 Blue-listed plant species with the potential to occur in the BWBS



BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District. None of the listed species are listed under the SARA (BC CDC 2020). These species are summarized with the likelihood of occurrence within the Project area based on habitat requirements (Table 3). Utilizing Habitat Wizard, a query of Red- and Blue-listed species near the Project area was conducted and resulted in the identification of a mapped occurrence of the Blue-listed vascular plant, meadow willow (Salix petiolaris), at or near the Project location. (BC MOECCS 2020d). The occurrence was identified in 1969 by the Royal British Columbia Museum, and details on the exact location are sparse. However, given this species’ preference for wet thickets and riparian areas, there is a high probability that it occurs (or formerly occurred) within the riparian area of the Alces River. No site visit was completed by Triton and the field assessment conducted by DWB in 2014 indicated that no at-risk plant or lichen species were present within the Project area (DWB 2015a). However, it is recommended that a search for at-risk species, specifically meadow willow, be conducted prior to any vegetation clearing.

3.2.4 Invasive Plant Species

A desktop search of available data from the IAPP indicated no reported invasive species within a 500 m buffer of the Project area. Given the proximity of the Project area to well-established residential and agricultural areas, there is high potential for exotic plant species, including species listed as noxious under the Weed Control Act, to be present. No invasive species were observed in the 2014 field survey conducted by DWB (DWB 2015a).



Table 3. At-Risk Plant Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District

Scientific Name Common Name

BC List1 Habitat Description

Potential Habitat Present2


Vascular Plants Alopecurus magellanicus

alpine meadow-foxtail

Red Found in moist meadows in the subalpine zone (Klinkenberg 2020a). No None anticipated.

Atriplex gardneri var. gardneri

Gardner’s sagebrush

Red

Found along dry grassy slopes in the montane zone; multiple locations along the Peace River near Fort St. John (Klinkenberg 2020a).

Yes No, though potential habitat exists, habitat for this species is widespread and not limited near the Project area.

Carex bicolor two-coloured sedge

Blue Moist to wet meadows and shorelines in the montane to alpine zones (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Carex torreyi Torrey’s sedge Blue Found in mesic to moist meadows and shrublands in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Carex xerantica dry-land sedge Blue Dry slopes and open forests in the steppe and montane zones (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Lomatium foeniculaceum var. foeniculaceum

fennel-leaved desert-parsley

Blue Dry grassy slopes in the montane zone. (Klinkenberg 2020a). Yes

No, though potential habitat exists, habitat for this species is widespread and not limited near the Project area.

Oxytropis campestris var. davisii

Davis’ locoweed

Blue

Found in dry to mesic sandy, gravelly, or rocky sites including grassy slopes, meadows, clearings, roadsides in the steppe, montane, subalpine, and alpine zones (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Penstemon gracilis

slender penstemon

Blue Found in dry to moist, sandy, or rocky grasslands; rare in NE BC (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Piptatheropsis canadensis

Canada ryegrass

Red Dry slopes, grasslands, and open forests (BC CDC 2020). Yes








Polemonium boreale

northern Jacob’s-ladder

Blue

Found in mesic to dry meadows, tundra, scree slopes, and rock outcrops in the montane to alpine zones (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Polygala senega

Seneca-snakeroot

Red Moist to mesic grassy slopes in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a). Yes


Polygonum ramosissimum spp. prolificum

proliferous knotweed

Red Moist to dry shorelines, ditches and waste places (BC MOF 1990). Yes


Prenanthes racemosa

purple rattlesnake-root

Red Found in dry, grassy slopes in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a). Yes


Ranunculus cardiophyllus

heart-leaved buttercup

Red Moist to mesic grasslands, meadows, and forest openings in the montane zone (BC CDC 2020).


Ranunculus rhomboideus

prairie buttercup

Blue Dry grasslands, thickets, and open forests in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Salix petiolaris meadow willow Blue Wet thickets in the lower montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a). Yes

Yes. Preferred habitat is present and there is a mapped occurrence which overlaps with the Project area. No observations were made during the 2014 field assessment.

Sarracenia purpurea ssp. purpurea

common pitcher-plant

Red Bogs and fens in the montane zone. (BC CDC 2020). No None anticipated. No mapped wetlands

are located within the Project area.

Selaginella rupestris

rock selaginella Red Found in dry, grassy ridges in the montane zone; rare in NE BC. (Klinkenberg 2020a).








Tephroseris palustris

marsh fleabane Blue

Found in wet to moist stream banks, lakeshores, ponds, and marshes in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a).

Yes

Possible. Potential habitat exists. Riparian and wet habitats are widespread in the region but occupy a relatively low proportion of the overall landscape.

Utricularia ochroleuca

ochroleucous bladderwort

Blue Found in low nutrient lakes in the montane zone (Klinkenberg 2020a). No None anticipated. No mapped lakes are

located within the Project area. Non-vascular Plants/Fungus

Amblyodon dealbatus

amblyodon moss Blue

Found on peaty soil, sometimes on logs, in wet places such as calcareous fens, sometimes on river banks (Crum and Anderson 1981).

Yes Possible, potential habitat exists along the bank of the Alces River.

Byrobrittonia longipes Blue

Occurs in sandy silty soil along streams or rivers just above the water level where the substrate is consistently moist (BC CDC 2020).

Yes Possible, potential habitat exists along the bank of the Alces River.

Bryum uliginosum Blue

Found on wet, calcareous soil or humus at the edge of springs or brooks, on seepy banks, or in rock crevices (Crum and Anderson 1981)


Meesia longiseta

meesia moss Blue

Grows in calcareous fens or boggy woods (Crum and Anderson 1981); associated with deep bogs and sphagnum bogs (Klinkenberg 2020a).


Orthotrichum speciosum var. elegans

Blue

Found on the bark of trees, both coniferous and hardwood, less commonly on logs, fence rails, and rocks (Crum and Anderson 1981).


Schistidium pulchrum Blue

No known habitat information. Confident or certain it occurs within the Peace Forest District in the BWBSmw BEC zone (BC CDC 2020).

Unknown Unknown habitat information.

1 Refer to Appendix 1 for Species Conservation Status Definitions 2 Potential Habitat Present rating based on review of Google Earth imagery (2020) and 2014 field assessment by DWB (2015a).



3.2.5 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

The BWBS zone has a wide range of wildlife niches. The Project area does not occur within any Wildlife Habitat Areas or Ungulate Winter Range (BC MOECCS 2020a). This zone contains important habitat for Moose (Alces americanus), Elk (Cervus elaphus), Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus), White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Grey Wolf (Canis lupus), American Beaver (Castor canadensis), and Common Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus).

3.2.5.1 At-Risk Wildlife Species

A search of the BCSEE web utility for listed wildlife species in the BWBS BEC zone in the Peace Natural Resource District resulted in the identification of one amphibian, 25 birds, 11 mammals, and 20 invertebrates with the potential to occur in the Project area (BC CDC 2020). Eighteen of these species are listed under Schedule 1 of the SARA. These listed species are summarized in Table 4 along with the likelihood of occurrence within the Project area, based on known habitat requirements and habitat ranges. No at-risk species were observed during the field assessment conducted by DWB in 2014 (DWB 2015a). Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) is listed in Schedule 1 of SARA as Special Concern. It is known to utilize riparian and wetland/ponded habitats adjacent to forest habitats. Overall, the Project is considered a high risk to Western Toad due to the riparian areas adjacent to the Project area. No observations were made during the 2014 field assessment by DWB (DWB 2015a). Numerous at-risk migratory and nesting birds have the potential to utilize the forested and riparian areas within or near the proposed project footprint, as well as settled areas with existing infrastructure (e.g., bridge). For example, the Barn Swallow can be found in a diverse array of habitats including suburban areas, over water, beaches, wetlands, right-of-ways, fields, and orchards. Breeding occurs primarily near human settlements and agricultural areas, where manmade structures are often used. It also utilizes cliffs, tree cavities, caves, and other protected areas (Campbell et al. 1997). Construction of new infrastructure and reconstruction and renovation of existing infrastructure in the Project area, has high potential to disturb active nests and could result in a loss of potential nesting sites in the local area. The majority of the listed mammal species have known ranges that do not encompass the Project area or are highly unlikely to occur based on habitat affinities. Habitats within and adjacent to the Project are considered to be of low quality for species dependent upon undisturbed areas and are likely avoided to some extent due to human/vehicle activity in the area. The Little Brown Myotis is listed under SARA and was given a moderate potential to occur given its habitat preferences. This species of bat utilizes a wide range of habitats and is known to roost in tree cavities, rock crevices, under tree bark, and man-made structures (such as the existing bridge; Klinkenberg 2020b).



Table 4. At-Risk Wildlife Species within the BWBS BEC zone of the Peace Natural Resource District


BC List1

SARA, Schedule 11 Habitat Comments



Amphibians

Anaxyrus boreas Western Toad Yellow Special

Concern

Western Toad can be observed in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It breeds in shallow, littoral zones of lakes, temporary and permanent pools and wetlands, bogs and fens, and roadside ditches. Toads utilize riparian areas and lotic habitats with little to no flow. Small, moist depressions may be used for rehydration. Toads utilize a variety of terrestrial habitats in BC, including all forest and woodland types, shrubland/chaparral, savanna, cropland/hedgerow, grassland/herbaceous cover, old fields, and suburban/ orchard. Hibernacula are located in areas with loose soils and burrows (BC CDC 2020; Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

Yes. Incidental observations of Western Toads are likely at various locations within the Project area. Preferred habitat types are widespread and not limiting in the region, and the area provides low potential for breeding. No wetlands are present within the Project area.




BC List1




Birds

Accipiter gentilis atricapillus

Northern Goshawk, atricapillus subspecies

Blue Not Listed

Found in mountainous forested regions and forests of all types, from coniferous and mixed forests to pure deciduous forests. Tend to be associated with mature or old growth stands when they are available, at least during the breeding season. Wintering habitats are more diverse and can include parks, agricultural areas, airports, orchards, wetlands, and occasionally residential areas (Klinkenberg 2020a).

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in the Project area; however, preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area.

Ammospiza nelsoni

Nelson’s Sparrow Red Not Listed

Found in wetland habitats with dense emergent vegetation or damp areas with wet grasses. Nests are usually built in stands of grasses with litter that is persistent from year to year (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Yes, suitable habitat is likely present in the Project area. Preferred habitat types are widespread but occupy a relatively small proportion of the surrounding landscape. The Project may result in temporary disturbance but will not diminish the long-term presence of potentially suitable breeding habitat for this species. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.




BC List1




Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl Blue

Special Concern

Nests in open areas such as fallow fields, dry marshes, and grasslands with ground cover sufficient to cover nests (BC MWLAP, 2004). In BC, nests tend to be found in shrubby fields within agricultural areas (BC CDC, 2020). Known locations near Fort St. John and Charlie Lake.

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in the Project area; however, preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.

Bartramia longicauda

Upland Sandpiper Red Not Listed

Open tracts of short grassland habitat. Nest in native prairies, dry meadows, pastures, domestic hayfields, short-grass savanna, plowed fields, along highway rights-of-way, on airfields, peatlands, and scattered woodlands near timberline (BC CDC 2020).

Yes


Botaurus lentiginosus

American Bittern Blue Not Listed

Habitat preferences include wetlands, lakeshores, and riparian areas, particularly with tall emergent vegetation such as cattail (BC CDC, 2020). It is a seasonal resident and possible breeder in the Peace Forest District (BC CDC, 2020).

Yes

Possible. Preferred habitat types are widespread but occupy a relatively small proportion of the surrounding landscape. The Project may result in temporary disturbance but will not diminish the long-term presence of potentially suitable breeding habitat for this species. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.




BC List1




Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk Blue Not Listed

Species was not recorded in BC until 1965 but is now known to breed in the Peace River District (Campbell and Kennedy, 2009). Habitat includes deciduous forest and trembling aspen which form an important component (BC CDC, 2020).

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in vicinity of the Project area; however, preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution and key attributes (mature deciduous forest) will not be affected. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.

Buteo swainsoni Swanson’s Hawk Red Not Listed

Typical nesting habitat in BC includes open agricultural areas, grasslands, and wetlands with nearby woodlands; returns to nest year after year. Listed as a seasonal resident and confirmed breeder in the Peace Forest District (BC CDC, 2020).

Yes


Cardellina canadensis

Canada Warbler Blue Threatened

Habitat includes wet unstable slopes in deciduous or mixed forests with well-developed shrub layer with woody debris (Campbell et al., 2001).





BC List1




Chondestes grammacus Lark Sparrow Blue Not Listed

Breed in open situations with scattered bushes and trees, shortgrass, mixed-grass, and tall grass prairie with a shrub component and sparse litter, parkland, sandhills, barrens, old fields, cultivated fields, shrub thickets, shrub steppe, woodland edges, shelterbelts, orchards, parks, riparian areas, brushy pasture, overgrazed pastures, and savannas. Nest close to the ground or on the ground (BC CDC 2020).

Yes


Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk

Yellow Threatened

Found in a variety of habitats including mountains and plains in open and semi-open areas, coniferous forests, grasslands, and near cities/towns. Nesting occurs on bare sites in open areas (BC CDC 2020).

Yes


Coccothraustes vespertinus

Evening Grosbeak

Yellow Special Concern

Breeds in coniferous woodlands but utilizes a wide variety of habitat for foraging and migration, including near human settlements (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, the species is adapted to a wide variety of habitat types, and breeding habitat is not anticipated to be present.




BC List1




Contopus cooperi

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Blue Threatened

Breed in forests and woodlands; taiga, subalpine coniferous, mixed coniferous-deciduous, burned-over forest, spruce or tamarack bogs, and other forested wetlands, along forested edges of lakes, ponds, and streams. Nest in areas with dead standing trees 2 to 15 m from ground (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in the Project area; however, preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area. Key attributes such as dead standing snags, are not anticipated to be affected. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.

Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow Rail Red

Special Concern

Prefers shallow marshes and wet meadows with thick sedge cover; very secretive species (BC CDC, 2020). Rare in the Peace River lowlands, may only be present in wetter years (Klinkenberg, 2020b).





BC List1




Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird Blue

Special Concern

Habitat includes moist woodlands (primarily coniferous), bushy bogs and fens, wooded edges of watercourses, and beaver ponds. Nests are in trees or shrubs, usually in or near water, frequently in conifers up to 6 m above ground. During migration and winter, habitat is primarily wooded wetlands and riparian areas but also includes various open woodlands, scrub, pastures, and cultivated lands (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Possible. Preferred habitat types that are present are widespread but occupy a relatively small proportion of the surrounding landscape. Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Blue Not Listed

Preferred habitat includes open situations, less frequently in partly open habitats, frequently near water; nests in barns or other buildings, under bridges, in caves or cliff crevices, usually on vertical surfaces close to ceiling (Campbell et al. 1997).

Yes

Possible, suitable nesting sites on anthropogenic structures are present (bridge). Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.

Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole Blue Not Listed

Habitat includes open woodland, deciduous forest edge, riparian woodland, partly open situations with scattered trees, and orchards. Known locations in the throughout the Peace Forest District (BC CDC, 2020).

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in the Project area. Preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area.




BC List1




Limnodromus griseus

Short-billed Dowitcher Blue Not Listed

Non-breeding habitat includes mudflats, estuaries, shallow marshes, pools, ponds, flooded fields and sandy beaches. Nesting habitat includes grassy or mossy tundra and wet meadows in the muskeg (BC CDC 2020).


Melanitta perspicillata Surf Scoter Blue Not Listed

Primarily in marine littoral areas, less frequently in bays, freshwater lakes, and rivers. Nests on the ground in an area protected by vegetative cover (BC CDC 2020).


Oporornis agilis Connecticut Warbler Blue Not Listed

Breeds in spruce and tamarack bogs, dry ridges, poplar and aspen woods, moist areas with low shrubby growth, thick undergrowth, or sapling thickets. Nests on ground, in small hollow, on moss mound in bog, or in grasses or weeds, or at a base of shrub (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

Moist, shrubby thickets that support potential nesting are present, but this habitat type is generally widespread and the Project will not reduce the availability of this habitat type in the long-term (though a short (1-season) disruption is possible). Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of breeding individuals.




BC List1




Podiceps nigricollis

Eared Grebe Blue Not Listed

Habitats include marshes, ponds, and lakes; during winter and migration season, habitats will also include salt lakes, bays, estuaries, and seacoasts (Campbell et al. 1990b).


Recurvirostra americana

American Avocet Blue Not Listed

Preferred habitat includes lowland marshes, mudflats, ponds, alkaline lakes, and estuaries (Campbell et al., 1990).


Setophaga castanea

Bay-breasted Warbler Red Not Listed

Prefer boreal coniferous forest, occasionally adjoining second growth or deciduous scrub. In migration and winter season, in various forest, woodland, scrub, and thicket habitats (BC CDC 2020).


Setophaga tigrina

Cape May Warbler Blue Not Listed

Found almost exclusively in white spruce forests and/or fir, stands that are greater than 50 years old with well-developed crowns. Closest known location southwest of Pouce Coupe (BC CDC 2020).





BC List1




Setophaga virens Black-throated Green Warbler Blue Not Listed

Breeds in mixed forests of maturing spruce and aspen, with mixed understory shrubs, particularly in riparian areas. The closest known location is Bear Mountain, southwest of Dawson Creek (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, suitable habitat may be present in the Project area. Preferred habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area.

Troglodytes hiemalis Winter Wren Blue Not Listed

Prefer coniferous forest (mostly spruce and fir) and mixed forests, primarily with dense understory; in migration and winter seasons, also in deciduous forest and woodland with dense undergrowth and tree-falls, dense hedgerows, and brushy fields (AOU 2010).


Invertebrates

Carterocephalus palaemon mandan

Arctic Skipper, mandan subspecies

Red Not Listed

Has been found on several substrates, including the undersides of rocks in shallow water, submerged wood, and decaying (cattail) leaves. It has also been found in slow-moving rivers (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

No, potential habitat is present however, preferred habitat types are not limiting within the region.




BC List1




Cercyonis pegala nephele

Common Wood-nymph, nephele subspecies

Blue Not Listed

Found in a variety of habitats, including grassy forest openings, clear-cuts, roadsides, meadows, and stream banks (Guppy and Shepard 2001). The majority of the known locations are along the Peace River valley (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, potential habitat exists such as roadsides and stream banks; however, these habitat types are not limited in distribution near the Project area.

Coenagrion angulatum Prairie Bluet Blue Not Listed

Common in grassland ponds, forest marshes, and slow streams on the Great Plains and adjacent boreal forest (BC CDC 2020).


Coenonympha tullia benjamini

Common Ringlet, benjamini subspecies

Blue Not Listed

Found in meadows and grasslands at all elevations across southern BC and at low elevations in the Peace River area (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

No, potential habitat exists; however, preferred habitat types have been recorded mostly along the Peace River valley.

Hesperia assiniboia

Assiniboine Skipper Red Not Listed

Found within the Peace River corridor in open grassy areas and on hill tops (BC CDC 2020). Threats to this species include agriculture, recreational activities, wind turbines, and grazing livestock (BC CDC 2020).

No

No, potential habitat is present; however, preferred habitat types are not limiting within the region.




BC List1




Lycaena hyllus Bronze Copper Blue Not Listed

Marshes, sedge meadows, moist to wet grassy meadows, ditches, fens, streamside or pond shore wetlands, or roads and right-of-ways through marshlands (BC CDC 2020).

Yes


Lymnaea atkaensis

Frigid Lymnaea Blue Not Listed Species occurs in clear, cold, oligotrophic lakes (BC CDC 2020).


Oeneis alberta Alberta Arctic Red Not Listed

Grasslands, prairies, meadows, openings, sandy undisturbed prairie ridges and hills, grassy areas (Layberry et al. 1998). In BC, confined to grasslands of the Peace Region and a restricted range in the Dawson Creek-Fort St. John and Clayhurst areas (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, potential habitat exists; however, preferred habitat types have mostly been recorded along the Peace River valley.

Oeneis uhleri Uhler's Arctic Blue Not Listed

Dry, sandy prairie, lightly grazed areas, open woods, and hill tops with bunch grasses. The majority of the known locations are along the Peace River valley (BC CDC 2020).

Yes

No, potential for suitable habitat is somewhat low (but not nil), and they are unlikely to be of high value for this species.

Papilio machaon pikei

Old World Swallowtail, pikei subspecies

Red Not Listed

Inhabit open, dry grass slopes along the Peace River canyon, the dry grasslands of the Southern and Central Interior, and east Kootenay (Klinkenberg 2020b).





BC List1




Phyciodes batesii Tawny Crescent Blue Not Listed

Found in mature, open aspen woodland and adjacent mesic meadows (Klinkenberg 2020b).


Pisidium fallax River Peaclam Blue Not Listed

Mollusc. Habitat includes both streams and lakes. In lakes, this species is found on sandy bottoms and in streams on coarse sand and gravel, sandy gravel, and sand deposited between large rocks and stones (BC CDC 2020).

Yes Possible.

Planorbula campestris

Meadow Rams-horn Blue Not Listed

Mollusc. This species is found in vegetated vernal ponds, swamps, and springtime flooded portions of permanent water bodies (Clarke 1981, Prescott and Curteneau 2004).


Plebejus glandon lacustris

Arctic Blue, lacustris subspecies

Blue Not Listed

Known to inhabit subalpine and alpine above the treeline, tundra, mountainous areas, open grassland and dry sandy areas, small rocky outcrops and within Jack pine sandhills in the Peace River area (Layberry et al. 1998). In BC, it is found at elevations from 500 to 2,000 m (Klinkenberg 2020).


Satyrium liparops Striped Hairstreak Red Not Listed

Found in BC only on the north banks of the Peace River canyon and some of its tributaries. Has a strong association with chokecherry (Klinkenberg 2020).

Yes

Potential for habitat to occur is low, but not nil. Chokecherry was not noted in DWB (2015) but has moderate to high potential to be present.




BC List1




Satyrium titus titus Coral Hairstreak, titus subspecies

Red Not Listed

Found in riparian areas and on the banks of large rivers where the larval floodplant, chokecherry is found (Klinkenberg 2020).


Speyeria aphrodite manitoba

Aphrodite Fritillary, manitoba subspecies

Blue Not Listed Associated with mesic meadows in aspen woodland habitat (Klinkenberg 2020).


Speyeria cybele pseudocarp-enteri

Great Spangled Fritillary, pseudocarp-enteri subspecies

Red Not Listed Found at the edges of and in open, mature aspen woodland (BC CDC 2020).


Sphaerium striatinum

Striated Fingernailclam Blue Not Listed

Mollusc. Occurs in both lotic and lentic environments and on mud, sand, gravel and rock substrates and is most abundant at water depths of less than 2 m, although it has been found down to 13.5 m depths (BC CDC 2020).

Yes


Valvata tricarinata

Threeridge Valvata Red Not Listed

Freshwater mollusc. Found among vegetation only in perennial-water habitats including lakes, kettle lakes, rivers, streams, and muskeg pools; rare in ponds (BC CDC 2020).

Yes





BC List1




Mammals

Bos bison athabascae Wood Bison Red Threatened

Inhabits the Boreal Forest Region of northeastern BC where the natural vegetation includes open Trembling Aspen or conifer forests, and shrub lands with extensive wet and dry open meadows (Klinkenberg 2020b).


Bos bison bison Plains Bison Red Not Listed Prefer open habitats provided by meadows and grasslands (BC CDC 2020).


Gulo gulo luscus Wolverine, luscus subspecies

Blue Special

Concern

Wide ranging species that occupies a wide variety of habitat types; generally associated with areas of high prey abundance (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

No, low likelihood that species could be transient in the area due to lack of ideal habitat and the proximity of anthropogenic activities.

Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis

Yellow Endangered

Utilizes a wide range of habitats, including arid grasslands, humid coastal forests, and northern boreal forests; hibernates in caves and abandoned mines; roosts in manmade structures, tree cavities, rock crevices, and under tree bark (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

Yes, suitable roosting sites on anthropogenic structures are present (existing bridge). Project timing and execution should consider the potential presence of individuals.




BC List1




Myotis septentrionalis

Northern Myotis

Blue Endangered

Generally associated with old-growth forests composed of trees 100 years or older; relies on intact interior forest habitat, with low edge-to-interior ratios. Hibernation occurs in caves, mines, and tunnels (BC CDC 2020).


Oreamnos americanus

Mountain Goat

Blue Not Listed

May seek shelter and food in stands of spruce or hemlock in the winter. Young are born on rock ledges or steep cliffs. Most frequently occupy alpine and subalpine meadows, and steep forested slopes (BC CDC 2020).


Pekania pennanti Fisher Blue Not Listed

Prefers late successional forests and riparian areas; large-diameter black cottonwood trees are preferred den sites (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

No, riparian areas are present but late-successional forests are lacking. The species tends to utilize areas away from human settlements.

Rangifer tarandus pop. 14

Caribou (Boreal population)

Red Threatened Use large peatlands to crater for terrestrial lichens throughout the year (BC CDC 2020).

No

Project area unlikely to form core part of any home range due to lack of ideal habitat and the proximity of anthropogenic activities.

Rangifer tarandus pop. 15

Caribou (northern mountain population)

Blue Special Concern

Winter in low elevation forests or windswept alpine ridges. Summer habitats include mountainous terrain (BC CDC 2020).

No

Project area unlikely to form core part of any home range due to lack of ideal habitat and the proximity of anthropogenic activities.




BC List1




Sorex palustris American Water Shrew Blue Not Listed

Associated with wet habitats, most abundant near fast flowing mountain streams and streams below beaver dams where there are many rapids and small riffles (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Possible

Possible, a beaver dam was documented 30 m upstream of the bridge crossing by DWB (DWB 2015a).

Ursus arctos Grizzly Bear Blue Special

Concern

Wide ranging species that occupies a wide variety of habitat types (Klinkenberg 2020b).

Yes

No, Grizzly Bears may use the habitat types found in the Project area, but they generally avoid areas of human habitation and the Project area is unlikely to provide any critical habitat elements. Unlikely to use Project area due to the proximity to anthropogenic activities.

1 Refer to Appendix 1 for Species Conservation Status Definitions 2 Potential Habitat Present rating based on review of Google Earth imagery (2020) and 2014 field assessment by DWB (2015a).



4.0 Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Considerations

Based on the environmental sensitivities noted during this desktop assessment, the following sections outline some of the environmental permitting and regulatory requirements that should be considered. Bridge construction (other than a clear-span bridge) requires approval under Section 11 of the Water Sustainability Act. A Change Approval will be required from the BC MFLNRORD prior to any instream works. The Alces River contains important fish habitat and fish are likely to be present during construction. It is anticipated that no harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction (HADD) of fish or fish habitat will occur and it is not anticipated that an authorization under sections 34.4(2)(b) or 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act will be required for the Project. Once the final design is approved, the project will be referred to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) for a review. The Freshwater Fish Regulation prohibits a person from possessing, transporting, or trafficking live fish unless authorized by a permit or licence. A fish collection permit will be obtained from the MFLNRORD prior to any site isolation and fish salvages. A General Wildlife permit is required for the collection, transfer/salvage, and release of amphibian species. As amphibians were given a moderate potential to occur within the Project area and depending on construction timelines, approval and a permit from the BC MFLNRORD may be required. The federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA) prohibits incidental take, which is the killing or harming or birds, or the disruption/disturbance of nests and eggs. Likewise, the BC Wildlife Act prohibits the disturbances or destruction of a bird, nests, or eggs. Portions of the Project area have the potential for providing habitat for nesting birds during the breeding season. The nesting period for birds that may utilize habitats in the Clear Hill Upland Ecodistrict is anticipated to be between April 15 and September 12 (Rousseu and Drolet 2015).



5.0 Summary

The bridge replacement project footprint is expected to be contained primarily within the existing MOTI ROW. Based on the assessment results, the Project has a moderate potential of impacting rare or endangered aquatic, terrestrial, or wildlife species. The blue-listed plant, meadow willow, was given a high potential to be located within the project area and as no recent site visit has been conducted, it is recommended that field verification of the results of this report be completed prior to construction. Design will consider the findings within this report and it is recommended a separate Environment Management Plan (EMP) be developed prior to any works occurring in this area. A site-specific EMP along with standard best management practices will provide effective mitigation measures for the majority of potential adverse environmental effects.



6.0 References

[BC CDC] British Columbia Conservation Data Centre. 2020. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer [web utility]. BC Ministry of Environment, Victoria, BC. Accessed April 2020 from: http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ [BC MFLNRORD] British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. 2020. Invasive Alien Plant Program. Accessed April 7, 2020 from: https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/iapp/ [BC MOECCS] British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. 2020a. iMapBC Web Application. Accessed April 2020 from: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc/ [BC MOECCS] British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. 2020b. Cross-Linked Information Resources. Accessed April 2020 from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/research-monitoring-reporting/libraries-publication-catalogues/cross-linked-information-resources-clir [BC MOECCS] British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. 2020c. Fisheries Inventory Data Queries. Online database utility. Accessed April 2020 from: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/fidq/ [BC MOECCS] British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. 2020d. Habitat Wizard Web Application. Accessed April 2020 from: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/habwiz/ [BC MOF and BC Environment] BC Ministry of Forests and BC Environment. 1995. Riparian Management Area guidebook. Forest Practices Code of British Columbia guidebook. Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, and M.C.E. McNall. 1990a. The Birds of British Columbia. Volume 1. Nonpasserines: Introduction, Loons through Waterfowl. Royal BC Museum, Victoria BC, in association with Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service). Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, and M.C.E. McNall. 1990b. The Birds of British Columbia. Volume 2. Nonpasserines: Diurnal Birds of Prey through Woodpeckers. Royal BC Museum, Victoria BC, in association with Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service). Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, M.C.E. McNall, and G.E.J. Smith. 1997. The Birds of British Columbia. Volume 3: Passerines: Flycatchers through Vireos. UBC Press, Vancouver, BC in association with Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service), BC Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks (Wildlife Branch and Resources Inventory Branch), and the Royal British Columbia Museum.

http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/

https://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/iapp/

http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/imapbc/

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/research-monitoring-reporting/libraries-publication-catalogues/cross-linked-information-resources-clir

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/research-monitoring-reporting/libraries-publication-catalogues/cross-linked-information-resources-clir

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fish/fidq/

http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/hm/habwiz/



DeLong, C., A. Banner, W.H. MacKenzie, B.J. Rogers, and B. Kaytor. 2011. A field guide to ecosystem classification for the Boreal White and Black Spruce Zone of British Columbia. B.C. Min. For. Range, For. Sci. Prog., Victoria, BC. Land Manag. Handb. No. 65. Available online from: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/Lmh65.htm Demarchi, D.A. 2011. Boreal Plains Ecoprovince. Accessed April 6, 2020 from: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/distdata/ecosystems/wis/ecoregions/BOP%202010%20Edit.doc [DWB] DWB Consulting Services Ltd. 2015a. Good Bridge Environmental Assessment. Prepared for Yellowhead Road and Bridge (North Peace) Ltd. [DWB] DWB Consulting Services Ltd. 2015b. Hydrotechnical Summary Report – Good Bridge Crossing – Cecil Lake Road (No. 103 Rd.) LKI#1178. Prepared for Yellowhead Road and Bridge (North Peace) Ltd. Google Earth Pro. 2020. Aerial layer. Viewed daily between April 6 and 8, 2020. Guppy, C.S., and J.H. Shepard. 2001. Butterflies of British Columbia. UBC Press in collaboration with Royal B.C. Mus. 414pp. Klinkenberg, B. (Editor). 2020a. E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. Accessed April 2020 from: http://www.eflora.bc.ca/ Klinkenberg, B. (Editor). 2020b. E-Fauna BC: Electronic Atlas of Fauna of British Columbia. Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. Accessed April 2020 from: http://www.efauna.bc.ca/ Layberry, R. A., P. W. Hall, and J. D. LaFontaine. 1998. The butterflies of Canada. University of Toronto Press. 280pp. + color plates.

http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfd/pubs/Docs/Lmh/Lmh65.htm

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/distdata/ecosystems/wis/ecoregions/BOP%202010%20Edit.doc

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/distdata/ecosystems/wis/ecoregions/BOP%202010%20Edit.doc

http://www.eflora.bc.ca/

http://www.efauna.bc.ca/


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Appendix 1 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd.

APPENDIX 1

SPECIES CONSERVATION STATUS DEFINITIONS


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Appendix 1 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 1

British Columbia Conservation Status Red List Includes any ecological community, and indigenous species and subspecies that is extirpated, endangered, or threatened in British Columbia. Extirpated elements no longer exist in the wild in British Columbia, but do occur elsewhere. Endangered elements are facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened elements are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Red-listed species and sub-species may be legally designated as, or may be considered, candidates for legal designation as Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened under the Wildlife Act. Not all Red-listed taxa will necessarily become formally designated. Placing taxa on these lists flags them as being at risk and requiring investigation. Blue List Includes any ecological community, and indigenous species and subspecies considered to be of special concern (formerly vulnerable) in British Columbia. Elements are of special concern because of characteristics that make them particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Blue-listed elements are at risk, but are not Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened. The RED and BLUE lists serve two purposes:

1. To provide a list of species for consideration for more formal designation as Endangered or Threatened, either provincially under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, or nationally by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

2. The rankings highlight species and ecological communities that have particular threats, declining population trends, or restricted distributions, that indicate they require special attention. These lists serve as a practical method to assist in making conservation and land-use decisions and prioritize research, inventory, management, and protection activities. For example, Operational Planning Regulations in the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act use the Red and Blue lists in the development of the list of Identified Wildlife.

Species at Risk Definitions used by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Extinct (X) – No longer in existence Extirpated (XT) – No longer existing in the wild in a jurisdiction (e.g., country, province, state), but existing elsewhere. Endangered (E) – Facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened (T) – Likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. Special Concern (SC) – Particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events but not yet endangered or threatened.


Aquatic and Terrestrial Resources Desktop Assessment Appendix 1 Prepared by Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Page 2

Legal Designations Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA): SARA is federal legislation that aims to protect species at risk from becoming extinct or lost from the wild. It covers all wildlife species listed as being at risk nationally (and their critical habitats). The values for SARA Schedule numbers are as follows: 1 = Schedule 1 - the official list of wildlife species at risk 2 = Schedule 2 - species that had been designated by COSEWIC prior to the adoption of the new criteria as endangered or threatened, and that as of the end of 2001 had not been reassessed by COSEWIC 3 = Schedule 3 - species previously designated by COSEWIC in the Special Concern category that have not yet been reassessed using the new criteria Provincial Identified Wildlife Under the Forest and Range Practices Act of British Columbia, species at risk can be designated as Identified Wildlife by the Deputy Minister of Environment, if the species requires special management to address the impacts of forest and range activities. The terms "wildlife" and "species at risk" have been defined in the Act so that endangered, threatened, or vulnerable species of vertebrates and invertebrates, endangered or threatened plants and plant communities, and regionally important vertebrates may be designated as Identified Wildlife. The Identified Wildlife Management Strategy is a component of the Forest and Range Practices Act of British Columbia. Its goals are to minimize the effects of forest and range practices on Identified Wildlife, and to maintain their limiting habitats throughout their current ranges and, where appropriate, their historic ranges. Identified Wildlife are managed through the establishment of wildlife habitat areas (WHAs) and implementation of general wildlife measures (GWMs), or through other management practices specified in strategic or landscape level plans. Provincial Wildlife Act British Columbia has no stand-alone endangered species act. The provincial Wildlife Act protects virtually all vertebrate animals from direct harm, except as allowed by regulation (e.g., hunting or trapping). Legal designation as Endangered or Threatened under the Act increases the penalties for harming a species, and also enables the protection of habitat in a Critical Wildlife Management Area.

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