Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory...

Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory of the

Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil Watersheds in Douglas Channel

Prepared for: Skeena Sawmills Ltd. 5330 Highway 16 West PO Box 10 Terrace, BC V8G 4A2 May 1999 Prepared by:

1:20K Stream Inventory in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil Watersheds MELP Project # SS-C172-001-1999

Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2728.06/WP T-583 Page ii

PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION

MELP Project Number SS-C172-001-1999 FRBC Project Number 101870-TFL & 101881-North Coast FDIS Project Number 06-KITR-2000-0032-1998 FRBC Region Skeena-Bulkley Region MELP Region Skeena (06) MELP District Kalum District FW Management Unit 6-09 Fisheries Planning Unit North Coast Planning Unit DFO Sub-District 4B Forest Region Prince Rupert Forest District Kalum Forest Licensee and Tenure # Skeena Sawmills Ltd. a division of

West Fraser Mills Ltd. First Nations Claim Area Haisla Nation

WATERSHED INFORMATION

Watershed Group Wathlsto Group Watershed Name Wathlsto Creek, Unnamed Creek ‘Clio

Creek’ and Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil Creek’

Watershed Codes Wathlsto: 910-669300, Clio: 910-667800, Gobeil: 910 -664800

UTM at Mouth Wathlsto: 09.522571.5977705 Clio: 09.523752.5972735 Gobeil: 09.521790.5969947

Watershed Area 4430 ha Total of All Stream Lengths 180 km Stream Order Wathlsto - 4th order NTS Map 103H/15 TRIM Map 103H.097, 103H.098, 103H.087,

103H.088 BEC Zone CWH

SAMPLING DESIGN SUMMARY

Total Number of Reaches 245 Random Sampling Sites 0 Discretionary Sample Sites Total Sample Sites

26 26

Field Sampling Dates November 2-3, 1998


Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2728.06/WP T-583 Page iii

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Project Manager: Name: Dave Gordon, A.Sc. T Address: Triton Environmental Consultants

Box 88, Terrace, B.C., V8G 4A2 Phone: (250) 635-1494 Field crew: Names: S. Buchanan, B. Williams, M. Prins, T.

Millen Data Entry by: Names: M. Prins and S. Buchanan Report prepared by:

Name S. Buchanan, M. Prins and D.Gordon

Maps prepared by:

Name: E. Lem, S. Murphy

Address: Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 120-13511 Commerce Parkway Richmond, BC V6V 2L1

Phone: (604) 279-2093

DISCLAIMER This product has been accepted as being in accordance with approved standards within the limits of Ministry quality assurance procedures. Users are cautioned that interpreted information on this product developed for the purposes of the Forest Practices Code Act and Regulations, for example stream classifications, is subject to review by a statutory decision maker for the purposes of determining whether or not to approve an operational plan.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Funding for this inventory was provided by Forest Renewal BC - a partnership of forest companies, workers, environmental groups, First Nations, communities and government. Forest Renewal BC funding - from stumpage fees and royalties paid by forestry companies for the right to harvest timber on Crown lands - is reinvested in the forests, forest workers and forest communities. We would like to thank Brad Pollard and Stacey Brown of Acer Resource Management who provided assistance throughout the project, quality assurance reviews of the various phases of the project and administered the contract. We would also like to thank Paul Giroux of MELP and Damien Keating of Skeena Sawmills.


Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 2728.06/WP T-583

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 PROJECT SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES........................................................................................................................................ 6 1.2 STUDY AREA AND ACCESS .................................................................................................................................................. 6

2. RESOURCE INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 FIRST NATIONS INTEREST .................................................................................................................................................... 6 2.3 BACKGROUND FISHERIES INFORMATION............................................................................................................................. 8

3. METHODS.......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

3.1 CHANGES TO METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................................................. 9 3.1.1 Phase 2........................................................................................................................................................................ 9

3.2 FIELD ASSESSMENTS............................................................................................................................................................ 9 3.3 FISH SAMPLING.................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION........................................................................................................................................ 10

4.1 LOGISTICS.......................................................................................................................................................................... 10 4.2 INVENTORY DATA SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................ 11 4.3 HABITAT AND FISH DISTRIBUTION ..................................................................................................................................... 11

4.3.1 Wathlsto Creek (WSC 910-669300) .......................................................................................................................... 11 4.3.2 Unnamed Creek ‘Clio Creek’ (WSC 910-667800)................................................................................................... 13 4.3.3 Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil Creek’ (WSC 910-664800)............................................................................................... 14

4.4 FISH PRESENCE UPSTREAM OF BARRIERS.......................................................................................................................... 14 4.5 FISH AGE, SIZE AND LIFE HISTORY.................................................................................................................................... 15 4.6 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES AND FISHERIES OBSERVATIONS ................................................................................................... 16

4.6.1 Fish and Fish Habitat ............................................................................................................................................... 16 4.6.2 Habitat Protection Concerns .................................................................................................................................... 16 4.6.3 Fisheries Sensitive Zones .......................................................................................................................................... 16 4.6.4 Fish above 20% Gradients........................................................................................................................................ 16 4.6.5 Rehabilitation/Enhancement Opportunities.............................................................................................................. 16

4.7 FISH BEARING STATUS....................................................................................................................................................... 17 4.7.1 Fish Bearing Reaches ............................................................................................................................................... 17 4.7.2 Non-Fish Bearing Reaches ....................................................................................................................................... 18 4.7.3 Follow-up Sampling.................................................................................................................................................. 18

4.8 MAPPING ........................................................................................................................................................................... 19

5. REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................................................. 20

6. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS............................................................................................................................... 20



LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Key/overview map of the location of the study area in British Columbia. .............................. 7

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: List of Field Equipment used during inventory sampling in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil watersheds, November 2-3, 1999. .................................................................................................. 10

Table 2: Sites determined to be ‘No Visible Channel’ during field sampling, November 2-3, 1998. .. 11 Table 3: Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found in the study area..................... 15 Table 4: Fish captured, species, stage, age and size range. .................................................................... 15 Table 5: Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil

drainages, November 2-3, 1998.................................................................................................... 17 Table 6: Summary of data from surveyed Non-fish Bearing reaches in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil

Watersheds, November 2- 3, 1998. .............................................................................................. 18

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix I : FDIS Summary and Photographs ...................................................................................... 21 Appendix II: 1:20K Project and Interpretive Maps ................................................................................ 22

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE AT MELP OFFICE (SMITHERS)

Attachment I: Planning Document

Attachment II: Field Notes Attachment III: Fish Voucher Samples Attachment IV: Photodocumentation

Attachment V: Digital Data Attachment VI: Hardcopy FISS Update Forms



1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Scope and Objectives Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. was contracted by Skeena Sawmills Ltd. to conduct stream inventory in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil watersheds. Information was collected on the biological and physical stream characteristics, fish species and fish distribution. The purpose of the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory is to describe watershed-wide fish distributions and habitat characteristics for the project area.

1.2 Study Area and Access The study area is located in Kitimat Arm, approximately 10 km south of Kitimat, and includes Wathlsto Creek and two unnamed drainages known as ‘Clio Creek’ and ‘Gobeil Creek’ (Figure 1). Wathlsto Creek is the largest of the three drainages. The Wathlsto is a 4th order stream flowing 15.6 km west from its headwaters, draining an area of approximately 2700 ha. Indian Reserve # 3 (Haisla Nation Territory) is at the mouth of Wathlsto Creek. Clio Creek is a 2nd order drainage flowing approximately 5 km southwest from a small lake at its headwaters to the ocean at Clio Bay. The Clio drains an area of approximately 768 ha. Gobeil Creek is a 3rd order drainage flowing approximately 7 km southwest from several small lakes at its headwaters into the ocean at Gobeil Bay (Kildala Arm). Gobeil Creek drains an area of approximately 960 ha. Access into the three watersheds for this project was by helicopter from Terrace.

2. RESOURCE INFORMATION

2.1 Development The three drainages within the study area are relatively pristine, although harvesting has occurred between 1900- 1950 (Keating, D. pers. comm.). Alcan hydroelectric transmission lines, extending from Kemano to Kitimat, cross Wathlsto Creek approximately 4 km upstream from the mouth. An Alcan power line service road crosses the Wathlsto at approximately 4.5 km from the mouth. Three proposed cutblocks occur within the project area; limited forest development is planned within the next 5 years by Skeena Sawmills (West Fraser Mills Ltd, TFL 41 Forest Development Plan, 1997-2002).

2.2 First Nations Interest

First Nations interest in the area includes Haisla Nation Indian Reserve #3 at the mouth of Wathlsto Creek. The three drainages are also within the Haisla Nation Traditional Territory, which is currently in Stage 4 of the six stage BC Treaty Negotiations Process (Dobin, K. pers. comm.).



Figure 1: Key/overview map of the location of the study area in British Columbia.



2.3 Background Fisheries Information

SISS catalogue (Subdistrict #6N-Kitimat) information notes that chum salmon are found (presumably spawning) in Wathlsto Creek up to an impassable falls at 0.4 km. There are no escapement data available. No historical fisheries information was located for the Clio or Gobeil drainages.

3. METHODS Standard methodology for performing stream inventories as outlined by the Province of British Columbia Resources Inventory Committee (RIC) in Reconnaissance (1:20 000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (RIC, 1998) was followed. The reconnaissance fish and fish habitat inventory is a sample-based survey covering entire watersheds as defined from 1:20,000 scale maps and air photos. The project covers six phases as listed below: Phase 1: Data Review: A review of all available background information was completed. All

known fisheries information is summarized in this report; new data were transcribed onto the 1:20,000 Terrain Resource Information Management (TRIM) maps and 1:50,000 National Topographic System (NTS) maps to update the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Fisheries Information Summary System (FISS) database.

Phase 2: Classification and Sampling Design: A comprehensive map and air photo review was

completed for all waterbodies identified on 1:20,000 TRIM maps. Reach characteristics (gradient, order, pattern, confinement) were recorded for all streams within the project area and recorded on the Reach Planning Table. These data were used to generate a sample size (a subset of reaches to be sampled) within the working area based on RIC guidelines. The Reach Sampling Summary Report was generated which provides a summary of the number of reaches of each type (based on gradient class, size and pattern/confinement) to be sampled.

Phase 3: Project Plan: A field sampling plan was developed to sample sites in a variety of stream

gradients and stream orders. The Reach Sampling Summary Report was used as a guide in selection of sample sites. The purpose of the plan was to describe watershed wide fish distribution and not necessarily to sample all potential fish bearing reaches. Data from Phases 1 and 2, and the Project Plan were presented to and approved by Paul Giroux, MELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist.

Phase 4: Field Inventory: Field sampling of selected sites was completed in early November,

1998. Phase 5: Data Entry and Analysis: Field sampling data (including site cards, fish cards, and

photodocumentation) were entered into the MELP Field Data Information System (FDIS) database. 1:50,000 scale NTS maps of the study area were updated with new information as per the FISS Data Compilation and Mapping Procedures (DFO, 1997).



Phase 6: Reporting and Final Mapping: Field and office data were mapped using Arc View and Arc Info software, photographs were printed, and draft and final reports were completed. The 4 mapsheets covering the project area were combined onto a single page for easier viewing.

3.1 Changes To Methodology

3.1.1 Phase 2 A reduction in sample sites was proposed for the project due to the small size of the watersheds and budgetary constraints. Sample sites were chosen with bias (rather than randomly) and incorporated biological concerns (fish distribution) and access issues. The field sampling plan and sample site reduction was approved by Paul Giroux, MELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist, prior to completing field work.

3.2 Field Assessments The watershed was surveyed on November 2 and 3, 1998. Field assessments followed procedures outlined in Reconnaissance (1:20 000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (RIC, 1998). Generally, the process followed in the field was to: • assess the watershed during a helicopter overflight to confirm reach boundaries, potential barriers,

identify access points, and photograph reaches at a watershed scale,

• assess each reach on the ground by completing a standard site card, sampling for fish presence, completing a fish collection card and photographing representative habitats,

• identify key features such as barriers to fish migration, spawning locations and bridges, and

• photograph and record features on site cards with a unique numeric identifier (NID). Stream morphology was determined using the Channel Assessment Procedures Guidebook (MoF, 1996) as a guide. Wildlife observations were noted on site cards. Table 1 provides a list of equipment used. Details on cameras, film and lenses used for photodocumentation are on Photodocumentation Form 1, provided in the photodocumentation binder with original slides.

3.3 Fish Sampling Fish presence was determined by electrofishing at least 100m2 or 10 bankfull widths of habitat in each reach using a Smith Root Model 12B electroshocker. Captured fish were measured (fork length) and keyed out to species (when necessary) using the Field Key to the Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia (McPhail and Carveth, 1994). Roe-baited minnow traps were used in lakes as an additional sampling method. Fish sampling, outside of the sampling design (and without site assessments) was conducted in Reach 3 of Wathlsto Creek (electrofishing) and in small lakes in the Clio and Gobeil



systems (minnow trapping). This additional fish sampling was done in order to definitively confirm fish presence/absence in adjacent reaches.

Table 1: List of Field Equipment used during inventory sampling in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil watersheds, November 2-3, 1999.

Measurement Units / Accuracy Instrument Make and Model Channel Width/ Wetted Width m (to nearest 0.1m) Tape measure Eslon 30m tape Gradient % (to nearest 1%) Clinometer Suunto PM5 360 PC Residual Pool Depth m (to nearest .01m) Folding Meter Stick N/A Bankfull Depth m (to nearest 0.1m) Folding Meter Stick N/A Temperature 0 C (to nearest 10 C) Alcohol Field

Thermometer N/A

Water Quality pH to nearest tenth Hand-held pH

meter LaMotte PHTestr 2 (Waterproof)

Conductivity uS/cm Hand-held Conductivity Meter

LaMotte TDSTestr 3 with ATC

Fish Sampling Electroshocker Smith Root Model 12B Minnow Traps Roe baited Gee’s minnow traps

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Logistics Field work was completed in early November and water temperatures were generally below 5 degrees Celsius (ranging from 0.50 C to 6.50 C). Electrofishing efficiency is reduced at colder water temperatures, however we are confident that fish distributions were accurately determined based on a combination of sampling and documentation of obvious physical barriers to fish migration. Fish captures during sampling efforts were low, and we believe that this may be due to low water temperatures, rather than low fish densities. The extent of fish bearing habitat within the study area was also limited, further reducing the potential for fish captures. Fish captures may have been higher if sampling was done during summer months when fish are more active and are using a greater variety of stream habitats. Adult coho were observed in the mainstem of Gobeil Creek Reach 1, and therefore electroshocking effort in this reach was reduced. This also resulted in a lower number of fish captures. Photographs taken during field sampling did not turn out well. Low light conditions in the forest, another drawback of November sampling, resulted in many of the photographs being very dark, with no discernible features.



4.2 Inventory Data Summary Twenty-six sites were sampled within the three drainages (Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil) on November 2 and 3, 1998. Nine sites were completed in the Wathlsto drainage, 4 sites were completed in the Clio drainage and 13 sites were completed in the Gobeil drainage. Three sites were found to be ‘no visible channel’ in the field (Table 2). Fish were captured or observed at 9 sites, 11 reaches were found to be non-fish bearing, and at 3 sites no fish were captured but fish presence was inferred.

Table 2: Sites determined to be ‘No Visible Channel’ during field sampling, November 2-3, 1998.

ILP ILP MAP Drainage Site Reach 3 103H.097 Wathlsto 8005 2 215 103H.087 Gobeil 8011 1 218 103H.087 Gobeil 10 1 Project inventory maps are presented in Appendix II. Individual site and fish card data are presented in Appendix I.

4.3 Habitat and Fish Distribution The presence of impassable falls barriers limits fish use to the lower reaches of Wathlsto and Gobeil watersheds. The Clio drainage was inferred to be fish bearing throughout, based on the capture of cutthroat in a tributary to Reach 3, with no barriers occurring to prevent migration of fish upstream into the lake and throughout the upper watershed. Species captured during sampling were: coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), cutthroat trout (O. clarki), rainbow trout (O. mykiss), Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and prickly sculpin (Cottus asper). Species captured and fish distribution for each drainage are outlined below.

4.3.1 Wathlsto Creek (WSC 910-669300) Wathlsto Creek is a 4th order stream, 15.6 km long with 42 tributaries. The channel is largely entrenched throughout, with many canyon-type stretches with near vertical valley walls. Wathlsto Creek was sampled in reaches 1 and 4, and in tributaries to reaches 2 and 4. Fish sampling (electrofishing) was conducted in Reaches 2 and 3 to confirm fish distribution only (these reaches were not included in the sampling plan and therefore no site data were recorded). Habitat descriptions for reaches 1- 4 of Wathlsto Creek are provided below. Reach 1 is short (0.3 km) and extends from the ocean to the point where the channel becomes entrenched. Reach 1 is tidally influenced, and has an average gradient of 2%. No tributary streams occur in Reach 1. The average channel width is 27m and channel morphology is riffle-pool type with cobble/ boulder substrate dominant. Pockets of spawning gravel occur throughout the reach, and



rearing habitat (cover) amongst cobbles and boulders is moderate. Chum are historically known to occur in Reach 1. Reach 2 is 3.3 km in length, deeply entrenched and has moderate (4.3 %) gradient throughout. An 8m falls in Reach 2 at 1 km is the upstream limit of anadromous fish use. No formal sampling occurred in Reach 2, however the mainstem was briefly electroshocked to determine fish presence upstream of the falls (DV were captured). Suitable habitat for resident fish exists in Reach 2, with deep (>50cm) pools visible throughout. There are 7 tributaries to Reach 2, which are typically very steep with fish habitat limited to short accessible sections near the mainstem. Four tributaries to Reach 2 were sampled, with Dolly Varden found on a low gradient plateau above the canyon walls in one stream (ILP 2), and in the first reach of two others. Reach 2 of ILP 2 does not flow as mapped on the TRIM base; this TRIM anomaly has been noted on the interpretive map (Appendix II). Fish access from the mainstem Wathlsto into Reach 2 of ILP 2 is assumed to be unimpeded, however this was not confirmed in the field. Reach 3 is entrenched and has a series of impassable cascades and falls over the first 800m, including a large falls barrier of 6m. These falls represent the upstream limit of fish use for Wathlsto Creek. No site sampling occurred in Reach 3, however the mainstem was electroshocked at the bridge crossing (at 4.5 km) for over 500 seconds to confirm fish absence upstream of the barrier falls. Average gradient throughout Reach 3 is 4.1%. Reach 4 is 3 km long, entrenched with bedrock walls, and has stepped-pool type morphology with boulder substrate dominant. Site gradient was measured at 10 -12 %, map based reach gradient was 5%. Reach 4 was sampled in the mainstem and in two tributaries, no fish were captured at any sites in Reach 4. Total fish sampling effort in Reach 4 and its tributaries was 1085 seconds.

4.3.1.1 Fish Presence Fish are present in Reaches 1 and 2 and in low gradient reaches of tributary streams to these reaches only. Coho were captured in Reach 1, and Dolly Varden were captured in Reach 2. An 8 m high waterfall barrier at approximately 1 km upstream from the mouth is the upstream limit to anadromous fish use. The upstream limit of resident fish use is a series of falls, including at least one of 6m, at 3 km, just upstream of the Reach 2/3 break. Sampling efforts in Reach 3 and 4, upstream of the falls, resulted in no fish captures, confirming the end of fish use at the 3 km falls. A tributary (ILP 2) to Reach 2 of the Wathlsto was sampled and found to be fish bearing (DV captured) in Reach 2 above an apparent steep section in Reach 1. Reach 1 of ILP 2 was not surveyed, however direct fish access into Reach 2 is assumed although not verified in the field.



4.3.2 Unnamed Creek ‘Clio Creek’ (WSC 910-667800) Clio Creek is a 2nd order drainage, flowing approximately 5 km from a small headwater lake (WBID 02560KITR - Reach 4) and has only 4 small tributary streams. The basin is nested between steep valley walls, and is a catchment area for rainwater. Only 1 short, intermittent inlet stream to the lake exists. Reach 5 is a swampy wetland type area, with no defined channel. It was interesting to find that the lake (Reach 4) drains from both ends. Also of interest is that the northern lake outlet is unmapped and connects the Clio drainage to Reach 2 of the Wathlsto. Although this stream is too steep for fish to migrate upstream from the Wathlsto to the Clio, fish from the Clio drainage could move downstream into the Wathlsto. This connection between the drainages may explain the presence of fish in Reach 2 of Wathlsto Creek, between waterfall barriers. Reaches 1 and 3 of the Clio mainstem were sampled, as well as a tributary to Reach 3, and the northern lake outflow. Minnow traps were set in the lake (Reach 4). Habitat descriptions are provided below. Reach 1 is short (0.3 km) and extends from the ocean to where the stream channel becomes confined. Gradient ranges from 6-8%, with cascade-pool type morphology and cobble/boulder substrate dominant. Spawning habitat occurs in patches throughout the reach. Rearing habitat for juvenile salmonids is of moderate quality, with adequate flow, cover and depth for overwintering. It is also expected that rearing and overwintering occur in the estuary. A large section of the right bank is failing, and the channel appears to be unstable. The main channel appears to have avulsed, and two similar sized channels exist, with mature timber between. Reach 2 was not assessed on the ground. A low level overflight of the mainstem downstream of the lake was conducted to assess Reach 2 for barriers; none were observed. The reach is 2.5 km in length, entrenched, and moderately steep (map gradient of 5.8 %). Reach 3 is 1.1 km long, with an average gradient of 1% . Channel morphology is riffle-pool type with fine and gravel substrate dominant. No spawning habitat was observed within Reach 3, and rearing habitat values are poor. A tributary (ILP 307) however, has good rearing habitat, with many deep pools and a high degree of cover. A 1 m high beaver dam was noted just upstream from the confluence with the mainstem on ILP 307.

4.3.2.1 Fish Presence Fish are assumed to be present throughout the Clio drainage. No barriers to adult or juvenile migration exist. Coho and cutthroat trout were captured in Reach 1 and cutthroat trout were captured in a tributary to Reach 3 (ILP 307). No fish were captured in minnow traps set in the unnamed lake (WBID 02560 KITR) Reach 4, or in the northern outlet (unmapped) to the lake, but fish have unobstructed access to these habitats.



4.3.3 Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil Creek’ (WSC 910-664800) Gobeil Creek is a 3rd order stream, 7 km in length. The stream was divided into 9 reaches, including two small headwater lakes (reaches 6 and 8). The stream can be characterised as steep and entrenched throughout, with the exception of Reach 1 and a short (400m) section of low gradient channel on a sub alpine plateau in Reach 5. The Gobeil mainstem was sampled in Reaches 1, 5 and 7; several low gradient tributaries to reaches 1 and 4 were also sampled. Minnow traps were set in a small headwater lake (Reach 6). Habitat descriptions are provided below. The average channel width in Reach 1 was 11.0 m. Habitat for rearing and spawning salmonids occurs in this reach, although overwintering habitat is limited. The estuary at the mouth of Gobeil Creek probably supplies important rearing habitat. Reach 1 is unconfined, 1.5% gradient, with cobble/gravel substrate dominant. Reaches 2-4 are steep and entrenched, with numerous falls and chutes throughout. These reaches were inaccessible for sampling. Reach 5 is just over 1m wide, 2-4% gradient with cobble and boulder substrate and limited fisheries values (no spawning, limited cover and no overwintering habitats). Access to this reach, and subsequent reaches, is impeded by the numerous falls downstream. Reach 7 is a small (0.75 m wide), sub alpine stream with limited fisheries values, due to its size and location. The reach is 6-8% gradient with gravel and fine substrates dominant. Reach 8 is a small lake that was not sampled, Reach 9 is a short, moderately steep and intermittent inlet stream to the lake.

4.3.3.1 Fish Presence Fish are present in the Gobeil drainage in Reach 1 only. An impassable 15m falls located at 0.8 km from the mouth is the end of fish use for the system. In Reach 1 sculpin, rainbow and cutthroat trout were captured, and adult coho were observed holding. Spawning habitat for coho occurs throughout Reach 1. Cutthroat trout and coho juveniles were captured in a Reach 1 tributary stream (ILP 201). Fish are present in Reach 1 tributary streams to the toe of slope and/or first significant gradient barrier. Reaches 2-4 have a series of impassable chutes, cascades and falls. Reaches 5 - 6 are on a sub-alpine plateau with several small ponds and low gradient tributaries. No fish were captured at any sites upstream of Reach 1, or in minnow traps set in a headwater lake (Reach 6).

4.4 Fish Presence Upstream of Barriers Wathlsto Creek was the only stream within the project area in which fish were captured upstream of a major barrier. Fish were captured in Reach 2 above an 8m falls, but not above a 6m falls in Reach 3. Table 3, below, describes new and historic barriers within the study area. All fish in tributary streams were caught in reaches with direct fish access to the mainstem(s).



Table 3: Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found in the study area.

Basin Stream WSC TRIM Map

Reach Barrier Type

Height of Barrier

Verified in Field

Comments Fish Presence upstream

(Y/N) Wathlsto Wathlsto 910-669300 103H.097 1 Falls 8 m Yes Upstream limit of

anadromous fish use

Y

Wathlsto Wathlsto 910-669300 103H.097 3 Falls 6 m New Upstream limit of resident fish use

N

Wathlsto Wathlsto 910-669300 103H.097 3 Falls/ chutes

Unknown New Series of barriers over a 800m section

N

Wathlsto Unnamed Trib

ILP 7 103H.097 1 Falls 8 m New Downstream of hydro lines, end of fish use.

N

Gobeil Unnamed ‘Gobeil Creek’

910-664800 103H.087 1 Falls 15 m New Loctated at 0.8 km, upstream limit of fish use for system

N


910-664800 103H.087 2 Cascades 280 m rise over 2 km

New Series of steep cascades/falls throughout reach.

N


910-664800 103H.087 3 Cascades 300 m rise over 1.5 km

New Series of steep cascades/ falls throughout reach

N

Gobeil Unnamed ILP 204 103H.087 1 Falls 4 m New At toe of slope, upstream limit of fish use.

N

Gobeil Unnamed ILP 213 103H.087 1 Falls 5 m New At Reach 1/2 break

N

Gobeil Unnamed ILP 214 103H.087 1 Falls 3.5 m New N

4.5 Fish Age, Size and Life History Twenty-two fish were captured during sampling efforts. Fish captures may have been reduced due to low water temperatures during sampling, as mentioned in Section 4.1. Fish captures were insufficient to produce biologically meaningful histograms. Table 4, below, shows species, stage and size range for the 22 fish captured during inventory sampling.

Table 4: Fish captured, species, stage, age and size range.

Species Stage (J- juvenile, A - adult, F- fry)

Age * Total Range (mm)

CAS -- Unk 2 45-80 CO J 1+ 3 95-103 CO A Adult 2 unknown RB J 1+ 1 67 CT J 1+ 6 56-100 CT J 2+ 3 120-130 DV F 0+ 2 40-47 DV J 1+ 2 100-105 DV A 2+ 1 176

* Length-at-age data are inferred only, from Scott and Crossman, 1973 and are not specific to watersheds within this project. Age/length relationships can vary between systems.



4.6 Significant Features and Fisheries Observations

4.6.1 Fish and Fish Habitat Adult coho were observed in Reach 1 of Gobeil Creek, indicating that spawning occurs within this reach and/or in accessible portions of tributaries to this reach. The Clio watershed is connected to the Wathlsto system by an unmapped outlet stream to the unnamed lake (WBID 02560 KITR), Reach 4. The lake drains from both north and south ends. No major inlet streams to this lake were observed. Fish presence in Reach 2 of Wathlsto Creek may be explained by this connection to the Clio drainage.

4.6.2 Habitat Protection Concerns Reach 1 of Clio Creek appears to be an unstable and actively shifting channel. Evidence of a recent channel ‘blow out’ was noted. This should be kept in mind for any road crossings planned within the reach. Coho salmon spawn in Reach 1 of Gobeil Creek. Native coho populations have been in decline in recent years and development planning should consider terrain stability with regard to potential downstream impacts (i.e.: input of suspended sediments) to coho habitats. Best management practices for coastal S5 and S6 streams, as outlined in the RMA guidebook (pages 48 and 49) should be practiced in the non fish bearing reaches of this system to protect downstream fisheries values.

4.6.3 Fisheries Sensitive Zones No fisheries sensitive zones were noted within the study area.

4.6.4 Fish above 20% Gradients Fish were captured upstream of gradient and/or falls barriers as shown in Table 3. No fish were captured in habitats in the 20% gradient range.

4.6.5 Rehabilitation/Enhancement Opportunities Forest harvesting and road building within these watersheds has been minimal within the last 50 years. A road crosses the Wathlsto in Reach 3 at approximately 4.5 km. Hydroelectric power lines cross the Wathlsto in the same reach at 4.1 km. No major impacts to fish habitat were noted at either crossing. No rehabilitation or enhancement works are recommended within any of the three drainages (watershed codes 910-664800, 910-667800 and 910-669300).



4.7 Fish Bearing Status

4.7.1 Fish Bearing Reaches The extent of fish bearing habitat within the study area is limited by falls barriers in the Wathlsto and Gobeil drainages. At several sites no fish were captured but fish presence was inferred based on unimpeded access from known fish bearing waters. Table 5 describes fish bearing reaches sampled within the project area.

Table 5: Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil drainages, November 2-3, 1998.

Channel Stream name Watershed

code Reach Site Species Width

(m) Site

gradient (%)

Follow-up Sampling

(y or n)

Comments

Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil Creek’

910-664800 1 3 CAS, CO, CT, RB

9.1 1.5 N Coho spawning reach

Wathlsto Creek 910-669300 1 8002 CO 27 2 N Tidally influenced reach

Unnamed Gobeil Trib

ILP 201 1 4 CO, CT 2.3 4.5 N

Unnamed Creek ‘Clio Creek’

910-667800 1 13 CO,CT 8.7 7 N No barriers to fish migration.

Unnamed Clio Trib

ILP 307 1 11 CT 2.9 2.5 N

Unnamed Wathlsto Trib

ILP 5 2 6 DV 0.8 4.5 N


ILP 7 1 2 DV 3.8 8.5 N


ILP 2 2 8007 DV 2.2 10 N Access/ barriers downstream unknown

Unnamed Creek ‘Clio Creek’

910-667800 3 12 No fish captured

2.5 1 N No barriers to migration, fish captured in tributary to reach

Unnamed Creek ILP 6 2 8013 No fish captured

5.7 2 N Unmapped outlet from lake in Clio drainage. Fish have unimpeded access to stream from lake.

Unnamed Gobeil Trib

ILP 203 1 8003 No fish captured

1.2 9 N Access unimpeded from ILP 202

Unnamed Gobeil Trib

ILP 204 1 8004 1 fish observed, no fish captured

2.0 13 N Access unimpeded from ILP 202



4.7.2 Non-Fish Bearing Reaches Eleven sites were classified as non-fish bearing and do not require follow-up sampling. Three sites determined to be ‘no visible channel’ in the field are not included in this total. Table 6 describes non- fish bearing (barren) reaches surveyed in the project area. Reaches upstream of those listed are also non-fish bearing.

Table 6: Summary of data from surveyed Non-Fish Bearing reaches in the Wathlsto, Clio and Gobeil Watersheds, November 2- 3, 1998.

Electrofishing Specifications

Other Methods

Stream name Watershed code

Site Reach Gradient(%)

Dist. (m)

Time (s)

Cond (uS)

Temp (C)

Type Effort Comments

Wathlsto Creek

910-669300 7 3 4.1 100 505 20 4.5 Falls and chutes in lower portion of reach prevent fish access into reaches upstream.

Wathlsto Creek

910-669300 8000 4 11 200 550 10 4 Falls in Reach 3 prevent fish access upstream.

Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil

Creek’

910-664800 8 5 3 150 412 10 1.0 Numerous falls and chutes downstream (reaches 2-4), no fish access into reach.

Unnamed Creek ‘Gobeil

Creek’

910-664800 8008 7 7 100 350 0 0 MT 10 hours Traps set in lake, Reach 6.

Unnamed Creek

ILP 216 8009 1 1 100 190 10 0.5 Falls downstream prevent fish access into reach.

Unnamed Creek

ILP 214 8010 1 7 120 130 0 0.5 Falls downstream prevent fish access into reach.

Unnamed Creek

910-664800-67000

8012 2 1 150 400 0 1 Falls downstream prevent fish access into reach.

Unnamed Creek

910-664800-67000

9 3 11 100 280 20 0 Falls downstream prevent fish access into reach.

Unnamed Creek

910-669300-72900

8001 1 20 100 60 20 2.5 Mainstem is barren in this reach

Unnamed Creek

910-669300-71200

1 1 8.5 100 544 20 3.5 Mainstem is barren in this reach

Unnamed Creek

ILP 201 5 2 12.5 100 453 10 6.5

Gradient increases to 30 % at lower end of reach.

4.7.3 Follow-up Sampling No follow up sampling is recommended for the Wathlsto, Clio or Gobeil watersheds. The extent of fish use and fish habitat was determined in each drainage.



4.8 Mapping 1:50,000 FISS map updates were completed under this contract and accompany the final report submission to MELP. The following 1:20,000 scale maps were combined into one sheet and are presented in Appendix II (Fisheries Interpretive Map and Project Map): 103H.087, 103H.088, 103H.097, 103H.098.



5. REFERENCES Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1997. Fisheries Information Summary System Data Compilation

and Mapping Procedures. Federal /Provincial Fish Habitat Inventory and Information Program. Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1991. Fish Habitat Inventory and Information Program Stream

Summary (SISS) Catalogue Subdistrict #6N, Kitimat. North Coast Division Fisheries Branch. MacPhail, J.D. and Carveth, R. 1994. Field Key to the Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia

(draft). Province of British Columbia, Resources Inventory Commitee , Victoria, BC. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1995. Fisheries

Information Summary System (FISS) Maps (1:50,000) Ministry of Forests. 1996. Channel Assessment Procedures Guidebook. Province of British Columbia, Resources Inventory Committee. 1997. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish

and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (1998). Forest Practices Code of British Columbia, 1995. Riparian Management Area Guidebook. BC Ministry of Forests and BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC.

6. PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS Dobin, K. Haisla Treaty Team Member (communications), Haisla Nation. Pers. Comm. 1999. Keating, D. RPF, Administration Forester, Skeena Sawmills, Pers. Comm. 1999.



Appendix I : FDIS Summary and Photographs Index to Reach, Site, Fish Collection Forms and Photos (in order of appearance)

Site Watershed Code/ILP Reach Unnamed ‘Gobeil’ Creek: 910-6648000

3 910-664800 1 8 910-664800 5

8008 910-664800 7 8012 910-664800-6700 2

9 910-664800-6700 3 4 ILP 201 1 5 ILP 201 2

8003 ILP 203 1 8004 ILP 204 1 8010 ILP 214 1 8011 ILP 215 1 8009 ILP 216 1 10 ILP 218 1

Unnamed ‘Clio’ Creek: 910-667800 13 910-667800 1 12 910-667800 3 11 ILP 307 1

Wathlsto Creek: 910-669300 8002 910-669300 1

7 910-669300 3 8000 910-669300 4

1 910-669300-71200 1 8001 910-669300-729 1 8007 ILP 2 2 8006 ILP 3 1 8005 ILP 3 2

6 ILP 5 2 8013 ILP 6 2

2 ILP 7 1



Appendix II: 1:20K Project and Interpretive Maps

Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory...

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