AR100031 Supporting Documents ~EDI Hall/Agendas/2016/2016-11-21/do… · AR100031 Supporting Documents ~EDI . ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS INC. Summary of Agricultural Use for a Proposed

301 George Street

Prince George, BC V2L 1R4

P: (250) 562-5412

October 05, 2016

EDI Project No: 16P0356

Rob Clarke 1218 Kluss Road Prince George, BC V2M 7C6

Attention: City of Prince George

RE: Summary of Agricultural Use for a Proposed Subdivision in the Agricultural Land

Reserve – 1218 Kluss Road

EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc. (EDI) was retained by Rob Clarke to complete a summary of the

agricultural land use associated with the proposed subdivision of the North ½ of District Lot 10232 Cariboo

District – PID: 015-289-303 (1218 Kluss Road). The property is within the Agricultural Land Reserve

(ALR) and zoned for Agriculture and Forestry (AF) by the City of Prince George. The current parcel of land

is 40 acres (16.2 ha) in size and spans from Kluss Road east to Kueng Road. The landowner would like to

subdivide the property to create two, 5 acre (2.0 ha) parcels on the east side of the property for Agricultural

Rural (AR) residential development (Figure 1 – Attachment 1). The proposed lots would be for immediate

family members (son and daughter of the landowner).

EDI completed a site visit of the property on October 3, 2016. A desktop summary of the site conditions

including review of agricultural capability, biogeoclimatic (BEC) zone and soil series was completed prior to

the site visit. The site visit was used to confirm site conditions, document land use, soil and vegetation. This

letter outlines existing site conditions and provides a summary of land use within the 16.2 ha parcel. This

letter is intended to provide information to assist City staff with rezoning decision making, and form a

component of an Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) subdivision application, if required.

Site Description

Land Use

In discussion with the landowner, the property has been in the family for three generations, and over that

time there have been a number of agricultural improvements, including the original clearing of the land.

Currently the property consists of two existing residences, a number of out buildings for equipment storage

(Photo 1 – Attachment 2), two fenced pasture fields (Photo 2), two hay fields (Photo 3), and a forested area

occasionally used for pasture (Photo 4). The forested area is where the proposed lots would be located.

Figure 1 provides the location and size of the various land use features on the property.

AR100031 Supporting Documents

~EDI ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS INC.

Summary of Agricultural Use for a Proposed Subdivision in the Agricultural Land Reserve – 1218 Kluss Road Oct 05, 2016

EDI Project No: 16P0356 EDI ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS INC. 2

The residential area, located in the northwest corner of the property, occupies 1.3 ha of the 16.2 ha land

parcel. The two hay fields, one 1.3 ha and the other 5.1 ha in size, are actively used and had been harvested

this season. The property also consists of two fenced in pasture fields, 2.1 ha and 2.0 ha is size. The farm

currently supports a small heard of 3 cattle, which at the time of the site visit were located in the west

pasture. The eastern most portion of the property consists of a 4.4 ha forested area. Past agricultural

improvements in the forested area include clearing and piling of brush and blowdown to improve forested

grazing. According to the landowner the forested site has been used for cattle grazing in the past, but hasn’t

been for several years.

Agricultural Capability

Agricultural classification is outlined by the Land Capability Classification for Agriculture in BC (Ministry of

Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Food 1983), which describes the limitation of land in various

classes and subclasses. There are seven classes within the classification system according to agricultural

limitations, where the range of suited crops decreases from Class 1 to Class 7. Subclass indicates similar

kinds of lands, but varying intensities of limitations and hazards.

From provincial agricultural capability mapping, the 1218 Kluss Road property consists of two Classes

(Figure 1). The west portion of the property is Class 4, Subclass T. The east side of the property, and

location of the proposed subdivision sites, is Class 5 (60%) Class 7 (40%), Subclass T,P.

According to the Land Capability Classification for Agriculture in BC (Ministry of Environment and

Ministry of Agriculture and Food 1983), Class 4 soils have severe limitations that restrict the range of crops

or require special conservation practices. Unless planted with specially adapted crops, the soils have low to

fair productivity. Soils in Class 5 lands have very severe limitations that restrict their capability of producing

perennial forage crops. Soils in Class 7 land have no capability for arable agriculture or permanent pasture.

Subclass P indicates the presence of stones which hinder tillage, planting and harvesting operations. Subclass

T indicates there are topographic limitations (e.g. percent of slope and the pattern or frequency of slopes)

which affect farming, uniformity of crops, and are at risks of erosion.

The proposed subdivision area was considered Class 5 land. Based on the field investigation, topography

was not considered a limitation on either the Class 4 or Class 5 portions of the property. However within

the proposed lot subdivision area (Class 5) surficial stones were present in the forested area (Photo 5) and

soils consisted of coarse textured soil with high gravel/cobble content (Photo 6). This is consistent with the

Stoniness (P) Subclass.

Vegetation and Topography

The property is within the Stuart Dry Warm Sub-Boreal Spruce (SBSdw3) BEC zone. Vegetation within the

hay and pasture portions of the property consisted primarily of agronomic forages species, such as timothy

(Phleum pretense) and clover (Trifolium spp.). Vegetation within the forested area consisted of a mixed forest

stand of white spruce (Picea gluaca), sub alpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), and paper birch (Betula papyrifera).




Understory vegetation consisted primarily of black twinberry (Lonicera involucrata), prickly rose (Rose

acicularis), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), highbush cranberry (Viburnum edule), and bluejoint (Calamagrostis

canadensis). Oak fern (Gymnocarpium dryopteris) and lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) were also present and are

indicators moist to wet forests.

Topography of the property currently in agricultural production was generally flat or very gently sloping,

slopes <2%. Topography within the forested proposed subdivision area was undulating with very gentle

slopes (2-5%) in an east facing direction.

Soil Series

The property boundary was overlaid in GIS with the provincial soil classification map from the soil survey

of the Prince George-McLeod area (Ministry of Environment 1989). Based on soil survey information, the

proposed subdivision area was within the Gunniza soil series unit, subgroup Degraded Dystric Brunisols.

These soils are gravelly and stony glaciolacustrine beach deposits located along the margins of the Prince

George glacial lake basin (Ministry of Environment 1989). Based on the field investigation, soils within the

proposed subdivisions had an organic leaf litter (LFH) layer overlaying a loam Ah (organic matter) and Ae

(eluviated) horizon. Subsoils were composed of a sandy loam Bm horizon. Course fragment content of the

soil was considered high, with 5-15% in the topsoil and 30+% in the subsoil. Due to the high course

fragments, soils were considered very well drained. Soil characteristics also matched with the soils associated

with the SBSdw3 BEC zone. Although the soils are coarse and considered well-draining, typically resulting

in a relatively dry site, indicator species observed during the vegetation assessment suggest that portions of

the site are actually relatively moist. The site may be a receiving environment from minor upslope or sub-

surface seepage.




Closure

Of the land on the 1218 Kluss Road Property, the agricultural capability of the land within forested area,

and proposed location of the lot subdivision was the poorest. This is likely one of the reasons why it is has

not been developed or currently in active agricultural production. Stones present on the surface and within

the upper subsoil would hinder tillage, planting and harvesting operations. The forested area would support

use as a pasture with modifications, but unlikely to support perennial forage crops. Land available for

forested or cleared pasture is not typically limited in the Prince George area.

This document represents the summary of land use and agricultural capability for the proposed subdivision

in the North ½ of District Lot 10232 Cariboo District.

Please feel free to contact the undersigned should you have any further questions or comments.

Yours truly,

EDI Environmental Dynamics Inc.

Primary Author Senior Review

Ryan Buck, A.Ag Tim Antill, M.Sc., R.P.Bio., P.Ag.

Environmental Scientist Senior Biologist

References:

Ministry of Environment. 1989. Soils of the Prince George-Mcleod Lake Area - MOE Technical Report 29. Ministry of

Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Victoria, BC.

Ministry of Environment. 2014. Soil_Data.gdb (Geodatabase containing Soil spatial data and attributes, as compiled from BC soil

surveys). Available from: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/esd/distdata/ ecosystems/Soil_Data/SOIL_DATA_FGDB/

Accessed: October 2016.

Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Food. 1983. Land Capability Classification for Agriculture in British

Columbia. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/documents/techpub/moe1/moem1.pdf.

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. 2006. BECWeb. Accessed October 2016.

https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hre/becweb/resources/maps/FieldMaps.html

Attachments: Attachment 1 – Figure 1. Land Use Map Attachment 2 –Site Photos


Agricultural Capability = 5 (6)T, PAgricultural Capability = 4 (8)

T

Lot 12.0 ha (5 ac)

Lot 22.0 ha (5 ac)

Hay Field5.08 haPasture

2.11 haForested Pasture

4.37 haPasture2.00 ha

Hay Field1.30 ha

Residence1.30 ha

Map Scale = 1:5,000 (printed on 11" x 17")

NORTH ½ DISTRICT LOT 10232 CARIBOO DISTRICT(1218 KLUSS ROAD)

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LegendLand Use FeaturesProposed SubdivisionPrince George ParcelAgricultural Capability

Drawn:D. Wiens

Checked:T. Antill

Date:10/6/2016

Data Sources:Parcel boundaries fromCity of Prince George

Map Projection:NAD 1983 UTM Zone 10N

EDI Project Number:16P0356

0 100 20050Meters

FIGURE 1. LAND USE MAP

Site Location

Land use features and proposed subdivision locations are approximate.

AR100031 Supporting Documents11

Prince . George

~EDI ENVIRONMENTAL DYNAMICS INC.



Photo 1. Out buildings located near the residences on the property, photo taken from

western most hay field (October 3, 2016).

Photo 2. Overview of pasture area with hay field and houses in the background

(October 3, 2016).




Photo 3. View facing east at the 5.1 ha hay field with the proposed subdivisions area

located in the forested area in background (October 3, 2016).

Photo 4. Overview of forested area where the two proposed subdivisions will be

located (October 3, 2016).




Photo 5. Example of surface stone observed with the forested portion of the property

(October 3, 2016).

Photo 6. View of gavel/cobble material located in the upper subsoil (B Horizon)

(October 3, 2016).


AR100031 Supporting Documentsl!R I 0003/

Provincial Agricultural Land Commission -Applicant Submission Application ID: 55112 Application Status: Under LG Review Applicant: DAVID KUENG , LEA ANN KUENG Agent: Robert Clarice Local Government: City of Prince George Local Government Date of Receipt: -03/18/2016 ALC Date of Receipt: This application has not been submitted to ALC yet. Proposal Type: Subdivision Proposal: To subdivide 4 hectares from the East end of the current parcel into two 2 hectare parcels located off ofKueng Road. The two parcels would be gifted to the property owners children. The owner's children would be the 3rd generation to call this area home. Kueng Road is named after the applicants father, one of the original farmers on Cranbrook Hill.

Agent Information

Agent: Robert Clarke Mailing Address: 8219 18 Street Dawson Creek, BC V1GOG4 canada Primary Phone: "I Email: -lf

Parcel Information

Parcel(s) Under Application

1. Ownership Type: Fee Simple Parcel Identifier: 015-289-303 Legal Description: THE NORTH 1/2 OF DISTRICT LOT 10232 CARIBOO DISTRICT Parcel Area: 16.2 ha Civic Address: 1218 KLUSS ROAD PRINCE GEORGE, BC V2M 7C6 Date of Purchase: 11/26/1991 Farm Classification: Yes Owners

1. Name: DA YID KUENG Address: 1218 KLUSS ROAD PRINCE GEORGE, BC V2M7C6 Canada Phone: . iS

2. Name: LEA ANN KUENG Address:

Applicant: DAVID KUENG , LEA ANN KUENG


1218 KLUSS ROAD PRINCE GEORGE, BC V2M7C6 Canada Phone: ; *

Current Use of Parcels Under Application

1. Quantify and describe in detail all agriculture that currently takes place on the parcel(s). 6 hectares is used for seasonal cattle grazing. 6 head of cattle.

2. Quantify and describe in detail all agricultural improvements made to the parcel(s). There is one barn that is used to hold hay to feed cattle. 6 hectares is fenced off to contain cattle.

3. Quantify and describe all non-agricultural uses that currently take place on the parcel(s). The property contains the owners principal residence, a secondary dwelling and storage sheds.

Adjacent Land Uses

North

Land Use Type: Residential Specify Acdvity: The property to the North has a residential house.

East

Land 'Cse Type: Transportation/Utilities Specify Activity: Kueng Road is located to the East of the subject property.

South

Land Use Type: Agricultural/Farm Specify Activity: The property to the South is a hay field.

West

Land Use Type: Residential Specify Activity: The property to the West bas a residential house.

Proposal

1. Enter the total number oflots proposed for your property. 12.2 ha 2ha 2ha

2. What is the purpose of the proposal? To subdivide 4 hectares from the East end of the current parcel into two 2 hectare parcels located off of Kueng Road. The two parcels would be gifted to the property owner~ children. The owner's children would be the 3rd generation to call this area home. Kueng Road is named after the applicants father, one of the original farmers on Cranbrook Hill.

Applicant: DAVID Ku"El\G , LEA ANN Kl.JENG


3. Why do you believe this parcel is suitable for subdivision? This parcel is suitable for subdivision because the proposed area of subdivision has never been cleared of old growth timber and is not conducive to any farming activity. The subdivision will have no impact on the current agriculture use of the parcel. The proposed subdivision is al.so accessible by Kueng Road which makes accessibility of the property suitable for subdivision. The subdivision would also be consistent to existing neighbouring parcels.

4. Does the proposal support agriculture in the short or long term? Please explain. The proposal supports long term agriculture as the intention is for the owner'.s children to live near by and maintain the current farming operation and potentially expand in the future.

5. Are you applying for subdivision pursuant to the ALC Homestte Severance Policy? H yes, please submit proof of property ownersblp prior to December 21, 1972 and proof of continued occupancy in the "Upload Attachments" section. No

Applicant Attachments

• Agent Agreement - Robert Clarke • Proposal Sketch - 55112 • Site Photo - Proposal Maps • Certificate of Title - 015-289-303

ALC Attachments

None.

Decisions

None.

Applicant: DA YID KUENG , LEA ANN KUENG


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