PORT MELLON RECONNAISSANCE (1:20,000) FISH ANDa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r610/port-mellon... · 2003-11-21 · APPENDIX I: FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX II: HARDCOPY

PORT MELLON RECONNAISSANCE (1:20,000) FISH ANDFISH HABITAT INVENTORY

McNAB CREEK : 900-106300POTLATCH CREEK : 900-104300

Prepared for:Canadian Forest Products Ltd.Box 110Port Mellon, BCV0N 2S0

Prepared by:M.A. Whelen and Associates Ltd.Fisheries Resources Services20466 93A AvenueLangley, BCV1M 1B9

Approved by:

.

Mike Whelen, R.P. Bio

December 31, 1999

Volume 2 of 2

ii

PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION

MELP Project Number CSAG99-06FRBC Project Number PAM98303FDIS Project Number 02-SMAR-100000001-1998FRBC Region Pacific RegionMELP Region 02 - Lower MainlandFW Management Unit 2-5Fisheries Planning Unit Squamish Planning Unit (P.U. 5)Forest Region Vancouver Forest RegionForest District Sunshine Coast Forest DistrictForest Licensee and Tenure # Canfor Ltd., TFL FLA19223First Nations Claim Area Squamish Nation (MoAA, 1998a)

WATERSHED INFORMATION (McNab Creek)

Watershed Group Squamish RiverWatershed Name(s) McNab CreekWatershed Codes 900-106300UTM at Mouth 10.472990.5490010Watershed Area 68.7 km2

Total of All Stream Lengths 199.0 kmStream Order 5th orderNTS Map 92 G/11TRIM Maps 092G .053, 092G.054, 092G.063, 092G.064BEC Zone CWH, MHAir Photos 30BCB95095: 9-18, 34-44, 62-72

WATERSHED INFORMATION (Potlatch Creek)

Watershed Group Squamish RiverWatershed Name(s) Potlatch CreekWatershed Codes 900-104300UTM at Mouth 10.477155.5492065Watershed Area 27.3 km2

Total of All Stream Lengths 126.0 kmStream Order 4th orderNTS Map 92 G/11TRIM Maps 092G.054, 092G.064BEC Zone CWH, MHAir Photos 30BCB95095: 85-93; 30BCB95097: 51-59

SAMPLING DESIGN SUMMARY

Total Number of Reaches 596Random Sampling Sites 49Discretionary Sample Sites 5Total Sample Sites 54Field Sampling Dates Oct. 14-21, 1998; Aug. 9-10, 1999

iii

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

Project Manager: Johny Ellis

Recipient: Canadian Forest Products Ltd.Box 110, Port Mellon, BC V0N 2S0(604) 884-5264

Inventory Sub-contractor: M.A. Whelen and Associates Ltd.20466 93A Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 1B9(604) 888-1573

Field Crew: Mike Whelen Kirby OttenbreitHeidi Walsh Dave GummasonShawna Reed Graham Fraser

Data Entry by: Kirby OttenbreitHeidi Walsh

Report Prepared by: Kirby Ottenbreit

Report Edited by: Mike Whelen, R.P. Bio.

Maps Prepared by: Ground Control GeoTechnologies Inc.#500-1045 Howe StreetVancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2A9(604) 519 - 6277

GIS Services Ground Control GeoTechnologies Inc.

Water Chemistry Norwest LaboratoriesAnalysis by: 203-20771 Langley By-Pass, Langley, B.C. V3S 8P8

(604) 514-3322

Fish Aging by: North/South Consultants Inc.2nd Floor, 1475 Chevrier Blvd., Winnipeg, MBR3T 1Y7(204) 284-3366

DNA Analysis by: Susan PollardFisheries Branch2nd Floor, 781 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8V 1X4(250) 356-6127

Voucher Species ID by: Alex PedenLiparis Biological Services1555 Mount Douglas Cross RoadVictoria, BC V8N 1Z4(250) 721-4356

iv

DISCLAIMER

This product has been accepted as being in accordance with approved standards withinthe limits of Ministry quality assurance procedures. Users are cautioned that interpretedinformation on this product developed for the purposes of the Forest Practices Code Actand Regulations, for example stream classifications, is subject to review by a statutorydecision maker for the purposes of determining whether or not to approve an operationalplan.

v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Forest Renewal BC (FRBC), provided funding for this Inventory.

Johny Ellis, Canfor Ltd. (Port Mellon), provided administrative support for the project.

Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Port Mellon) provided boat access to the projectwatersheds.

D. Jesson (Ministry Representative) and other FRBC staff at MoELP, Surrey, reviewedthe report and provided helpful comments throughout the pre- and post-field (data entryand reporting) phases of the study.

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION --------------------------------------------------------------------- ii

WATERSHED INFORMATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii

SAMPLING DESIGN SUMMARY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ii

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------iii

DISCLAIMER--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ v

LIST OF TABLES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- viii

LIST OF FIGURES-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ix

LIST OF APPENDICES--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- x

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS (Available at MoELP Office) ---------------------------------------------------- x

1.0 INTRODUCTION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1.1 PROJECT SCOPE/OBJECTIVES-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11.2 LOCATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1.2.1 McNab Creek ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11.2.1.1 Access ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

1.2.2 Potlatch Creek -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31.2.2.1 Access ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3

2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3

3.0 METHODS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

3.1 Sampling Plan----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43.2 Habitat Assessment---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53.3 Biological Sampling ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63.4 Data Compilation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8

4.1 LOGISTICS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 84.2 HABITAT AND FISH DISTRIBUTION --------------------------------------------------------------------- 9

4.2.1 McNab Creek --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 94.2.2 Potlatch Creek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12

4.3 WATER QUALITY RESULTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 154.3.1 McNab Creek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 154.3.2 Potlatch Creek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 15

4.4 FISH AGE, SIZE AND LIFE HISTORY------------------------------------------------------------------ 164.4.1 McNab Creek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 164.4.2 Potlatch Creek ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17

4.5 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES AND FISHERIES OBSERVATIONS--------------------------------- 194.5.1 Fish and Fish Habitat --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 194.5.2 Habitat Protection Concerns ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20

4.5.2.1 Fisheries Sensitive Zones--------------------------------------------------------------------- 204.5.2.2 Fish Above 20% Gradients ------------------------------------------------------------------- 204.5.2.2 Restoration and Rehabilitation Opportunities -------------------------------------------- 20

vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

4.6 FISH BEARING STATUS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 204.6.1 Fish Bearing Reaches -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

4.6.1.1 McNab Creek------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 204.6.1.2 Potlatch Creek ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

4.6.2 Non-Fish Bearing Reaches-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 214.6.2.1 McNab Creek------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 214.6.2.2 Potlatch Creek ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

4.6.3 Follow-up Sampling Required----------------------------------------------------------------------- 214.6.3.1 McNab Creek------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 214.6.3.2 Potlatch Creek ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

BIBLIOGRAPHY

APPENDICES

APPENDIX I - FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHSAPPENDIX II - HARDCOPY MAPSAPPENDIX III - WATER QUALITY SUMMARY TABLE

viii

LIST OF TABLES

3.1 Inaccessible stream sample sites and substitute sample sites; 4Port Mellon Reconnaissance Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory, 1998

3.2 EMS numbers for designated water sample locations within 5the Port Mellon study area, 1998

4.1 Stream sites for which no fish sampling was conducted 8

4.2.1 Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found 10in the McNab Creek Watershed

4.2.2 Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found 13in the Potlatch Creek Watershed

4.3.1 Results from field water quality sampling in the McNab Creek 15watershed

4.3.2 Results from field water quality sampling in the Potlatch Creek 16watershed

4.4.1.1 Summary of length-at-age data from cutthroat trout sampled in the 16McNab Creek Watershed, October, 1998

4.4.1.2 Summary of length-at-age data from rainbow trout sampled in the 17McNab Creek Watershed, October, 1998/August 1999

4.4.2 Summary of length-at-age data from fish sampled in the Potlatch 18Creek Watershed, October, 1998

4.6.1.1 Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches 22recommended for follow-up sampling in the McNab CreekWatershed, October, 1998

4.6.1.2 Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches 24recommended for follow-up sampling in the Potlatch CreekWatershed, October, 1998

4.6.2.1 Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the 26McNab Creek Watershed, October, 1998

4.6.2.2 Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the 27Potlatch Creek Watershed, October, 1998

4.6.3.1 Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing 28reaches in the McNab Creek Watershed

4.6.3.2 Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing 29reaches in the Potlatch Creek Watershed

ix

LIST OF FIGURES

1.1 Key/overview map of the location of the Port Mellon study 2area in British Columbia, 1998

4.4.1.1 Length-frequency histogram of sampled cutthroat trout from 17the McNab Creek Watershed, October 1998

4.4.1.2 Length-frequency histogram of sampled rainbow trout from 18the McNab Creek Watershed, October 1998/August 1999

4.4.2 Length-frequency histogram of sampled Dolly Varden from 19the Potlatch Creek Watershed, October 1998

x

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX I: FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

APPENDIX II: HARDCOPY MAPS

APPENDIX III: WATER QUALITY SUMMARY TABLE

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT I: PLANNING DOCUMENT (Port Mellon Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat. Project Plan, July 31, 1998)McNAB CREEK TRIM MAPS: 092G .053, 092G.054, 092G.063,

092G.064POTLATCH CREEK TRIM MAPS: 092G.054, 092G.064

ATTACHMENT II: FIELD NOTES (54 Site Cards completed; 49 Fish CollectionCards completed)

ATTACHMENT III: COLLECTED FISH AGING STRUCTURES (McNab Creek: 28cutthroat trout fin ray and scale samples and 16 rainbow troutscale samples; Potlatch Creek: 29 Dolly Varden fin ray samples)

ATTACHMENT IV: VOUCHER/DNA SAMPLES (DNA Samples: 11 cutthroat trout; 10Dolly Varden; 9 rainbow trout) (VOUCHER Samples: 2 cutthroattrout, 3 Dolly Varden, 3 rainbow trout)

ATTACHMENT V: PHOTODOCUMENTATION (Overflight and Field ProgramPhotobinder with Photo Survey Form 1, Photograph Index, CDThumbnail Images, Photographs and Negatives; CDs 1-4)

ATTACHMENT VI: DIGITAL DATA (Disk 1 - Project Plan - Excel and Word 97; Disk 2- FDIS Files - MSAccess; Disk 3 - Report Files - Excel and Word97)

ATTACHMENT VII: HARDCOPY FISS AND UPDATE DATA FORMS (NTS Map - 92G/11

ATTACHMENT VIII: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Air photos supplied/retained byCanfor; McNab Creek - 30BCB95095: 9-18, 34-44, 62-72; PotlatchCreek - 30BCB95095: 85-93; 30BCB95097: 51-59. Flight Date:09/13/95; Altitude: 4,953 m; Scale (Average): 1:18790.

1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project Scope/Objectives

The purpose of this Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory is todescribe watershed-wide fish distributions and habitat characteristics for all basins andsub-basins within five watersheds draining into Howe Sound/Thornbrough Channel. Theproject area encompasses the mainstem and all tributaries visible at a scale of 1:20,000in Dakota, McNab, McNair, Potlatch and Rainy Creek watersheds. The project wasinitiated in 1996 (pre-planning) at which time the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish andFish Habitat Inventory Standards differed significantly from their present form. HatfieldConsultants Ltd. completed pre-field planning for all study drainages and carried out fieldsampling during 1997 in Rainy River (lake and streams), Dakota Creek (lake andstreams) and McNair Creek (streams only) watersheds.

In June 1998, the FRBC Fisheries Inventory Specialist requested that pre-field planning(Stage 1, Phases 1 to 3) for the remaining drainages (McNab Creek, Potlatch Creek;Figure 1) be updated to current inventory standards and the database made compatiblewith the current version of the Field Data Inventory System (FDIS; version 6.5). Thesampling plan for McNair Creek lakes were also to be reviewed and included in the newproject plan. An overflight of the project area was conducted on July 23, 1998.

Lake sampling was not scheduled for 1998. Stream sampling was carried out in theMcNab Creek and Potlatch Creek watersheds between October 14 and October 21,1998 and on August 9 and 10, 1999. The 1998/99 inventory is intended to provideinformation related to fish species characteristics, distributions and relative abundance(including identification and mapping of all fish-bearing stream reaches using existingand new field information) as well as stream reach biophysical data (channelclassification, identification and characterization of stream reaches, fish migrationobstructions, riparian area properties, and critical habitats) for interpretation of habitatsensitivity and fish production capabilities within the project area.

1.2 Location

1.2.1 McNAB CREEK

McNab Creek (Figure 1) is approximately 13.0 kilometres in length and drains an area of68.7 km2 between Mount Wrottesley, Mount Varley and Thirty-nine Mountain on thenorthwest side of Howe Sound (B.C. Watershed Atlas, 1998). The lower five (5)kilometres of McNab Creek support anadromous populations of chum salmon(Oncorhynchus keta), coho salmon (O. kisutch), pink salmon (O. gorbuscha), cutthroattrout (O. clarki) and steelhead trout (O. mykiss; FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

1.2.1.1 ACCESS

Access to the McNab Creek watershed is obtained by boat or helicopter only. During the1998/99 field program, field crews traveled to and from the watershed by boat and/orhelicopter from Port Mellon, B.C. and within the watershed by 4-wheel drive trucksupplied by Canfor Ltd.

3

Directions from the Langdale Ferry Terminal are as follows:• After disembarking from the Langdale ferry turn right at the first intersection on to

Highway 101. Drive for 11.4 kilometers on Highway 101 to the Port Mellon Pulp Mill.• From Port Mellon, it is a 7.3 kilometre boat ride to the lumber camp at the mouth of

McNab Creek.

1.2.2 POTLATCH CREEK

Potlatch Creek (Figure 1) originates near the headwaters of Sechelt Creek and flowssoutheast for approximately 10 kilometres before entering Howe Sound near AnvilIsland. The watershed covers an area of about 27.3 km2 (B.C. Watershed Atlas, 1998).The lower sections of Potlatch Creek contain important spawning areas for severalanadromous salmonid species (chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroatand steelhead trout). Resident cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden (Salvelinusmalma) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) are also present in the Potlatchwatershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

1.2.2.1 ACCESS

Access to the Potlatch Creek watershed is obtained by boat and four-wheel drive vehicleor by helicopter. During the 1998/99 field program, field crews either traveled to andfrom the lumber camp at the mouth of McNab Creek by boat from Port Mellon, B.C. andthen by four-wheel drive to the Potlatch watershed, or by helicopter from Port Mellon,B.C.

Directions from the Langdale Ferry Terminal are as follows:• After disembarking from the Langdale ferry turn right at the first intersection on to

Highway 101. Drive for 11.4 kilometers on Highway 101 to the Port Mellon Pulp andPaper Mill.

• From Port Mellon, it is a 7.3 kilometre boat ride to the lumber camp at the mouth ofMcNab Creek.

• Drive from the lumber camp for 2.9 kilometres on the McNab mainline and take theright fork and stay on this 4-WD road for approximately 8.9 kilometres to thePotlatch mainstem.

2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION

The study area lies within the Squamish Nation Treaty claim area (MoAA, 1998a).Current treaty negotiations are at the “Table Ready” stage and have been since Feb.,14, 1995. There are no treaty meetings scheduled for 1998 (MoAA, 1998b).

Both McNab and Potlatch Creek watersheds are actively being logged (Canfor Ltd., PortMellon, B.C.). Logging in the McNab Creek watershed began in the late 1800's. Currentlogging operations in both watersheds began in the 1960's. Approximately 35% of theMcNab drainage has been cut and about 28% of the Potlatch Creek watershed (J. Ellis,pers. comm.).

Westcoast Gas Services Inc. has plans to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG)storage facility on the west side of upper McNab Creek. The development would coverapproximately 24 hectares between the McNab mainstem and the McNab mainline justnorth of Cascara Creek. The facility is designed to store natural gas drawn from the

4

Central Vancouver Island Pipeline that runs through the northwest portion of thewatershed (Westcoast Gas, 1997).

Level 2 Watershed Restoration Program (WRP) assessments have been completed onPotlatch and Box Canyon creeks. No works have been completed in either watershed.Off channel habitat (approx. 1.5 kilometre channel) is being developed in reach 1 ofMcNab Creek. Salmonids have been observed utilizing the newly created habitat (J.Ellis, pers. comm.).

The lower five (5) kilometres of McNab Creek support anadromous populations of chumsalmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout. Residentcutthroat trout and Dolly Varden have also been documented in the McNab Creekwatershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998; ENKON, 1997).

The lower sections of Potlatch Creek contain important spawning areas for severalanadromous salmonid species (chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroatand steelhead trout). Resident cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and starryflounder are also present in the Potlatch watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

3.0 METHODS

3.1 Sampling Plan

Field sampling was conducted on October 14 to 16, 1998, October 20 to 21, 1998 andAugust 9 to 10, 1999. Low cloud cover and fog prevented helicopter access to thewatersheds from October 17 to October 19, 1998.

Fifty-four stream sites (49 random sites and 5 discretionary sites) were scheduled forsampling (M. A. Whelen and Associates Ltd., 1998). Reasonably safe access could notbe obtained for six (6) of the stream sample sites during the 1998 field program.Reaches with same/similar characteristics were substituted for those inaccessible sitesand sampled in August 1999 (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1. Inaccessible stream sample sites and substitute samples sites; Port MellonReconnaissance Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory, 1998.

INACCESSIBLE SAMPLE SITES SUBSTITUTE SAMPLE SITESWSC Reach Grad.

(%)Order Pat. Samp.

No.WSC Reach Grad.

(%)Order Pat. Samp.

No.900-104300 2 14.8 4 SI 1 900-106300 8 16.3 4 SI 1900-104300 3 10.5 4 SI 2 900-106300-45400 1 15.2 4 SI 2

900-106300-18700-68900

3 29.4 2 SI 34 900-104300-43100 1 20.9 2 SI 34

900-106300-40535 1 20.0 1 SI 45 900-104300-33828 1 23.8 1 SI 45900-106300-51000-

732001 25.2 1 ST 37 900-104300-41204 1 22.4 1 ST 37

900-106300-61200 2 20.6 4 SI 39 900-106300-63600 2 22.5 3 SI 39

5

3.2 Habitat Assessment

Inventory methods followed those established in the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fishand Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (1998) and associated ResourceInventory Committee (RIC) manuals, Forest Practices Code Guidebooks and FieldGuides.

Designated stream sample sites were located using the 1:20,000 interim maps and1:15,000 air photos. Physical habitat characteristics have been described on Site Cardssupplied by Crown Publications.

Habitat sampling at pre-selected stream sites included in-stream measurements of thefollowing physical and water quality attributes: site length, channel and wetted widths,residual pool depth, bankfull depth, stream gradient, water temperature, pH andconductivity. The following physical and water quality parameters have been estimatedat each site: stream stage, percentage and location of cover (swd, lwd, boulder, cutbank,deep pool, overstream vegetation and instream vegetation), crown closure, bank shape,bank texture, predominant riparian vegetation species and stage, turbidity, dominant andsub-dominant bed materials, D95, D, channel morphology, disturbance indicators,channel pattern, islands, bars, coupling and confinement.

Flood signs, special features and obstructions, fisheries sensitive zones (FSZs;tributaries, side-channels, flood channels, swamps/sloughs and beaver dams), wildlifesigns, potential fish production limiting factors and habitat restoration have beenidentified and recorded. Significant habitat quality components (rearing, spawning,overwintering and cover) and concerns have been noted for fish species (salmonids) thatoccupy the particular reach or watershed.

Photographs were taken of all accessible stream sample sites (upstream anddownstream), stream riparian areas, features, fish barriers, erosion sites, lake settings,lake inlets and outlets, fish voucher samples, and reach-specific representative habitat.

Water samples were collected for laboratory analysis at three locations within the projectarea. EMS numbers for each water sample site have been obtained from the MoELPFisheries Inventory Specialist (Table 3.2). Water samples were collected in pre-washed500 ml sample bottles and sent to Norwest Laboratories (Langley, BC) for analysis (totalalkalinity, conductivity, pH, and total dissolved solids).

Table 3.2. EMS numbers for designated water sample locations within the Port Mellonstudy area, 1998.

Location EMS No.McNab Creek (WSC 900-106300) - Reach 1 E233144Box Canyon Creek (WSC 900-106300-18700) - Reach 1 E233145Potlatch Creek (WSC 900-104300) - Reach 1 E233146

All site/habitat feature locations, raw data, observations and photograph comments wererecorded in-field on stream site cards and, at day’s end, pertinent information wastransferred to 1:20,000 TRIM interim project maps. Site and habitat information hasbeen digitally entered into the most current version of the FDIS (version 6.5).

6

The following list details specific equipment used to complete habitat sampling for thisinventory:

• SUUNTO Clinometer and/or Abney Level• 50 metre Eslon tape• hip chain and or surveyor’s chain• graduated metre stick• Bushnell laser range finder (+ 1.0 m)• field notebook with waterproof site cards• flagging (orange)• Pentax MZ 10 35 mm SLR and/or Pentax P30-T 35 mm SLR• 1:15,000 scale aerial photographs of project area• 1:20,000 TRIM, UTM Projection, Interim maps• hand-held alcohol thermometers (+ 0.5o C)• Hanna Instruments pH meter; + 0.2 units• Hanna Instruments DiST WP 3, 10 - 1990 µS/cm• water sample bottles• Styrofoam coolers

All water quality instruments were calibrated with standard solutions prior to each fieldday.

3.3 Biological Sampling

Fish collection and sampling followed procedures described in the Reconnaissance(1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (April 1998) andFish Collection and Methods (Resource Inventory Committee, 1998).

Fisheries distribution and species composition sampling was conducted at all designatedstream sample sites with two sampling methods where conditions and logisticspermitted. Fish sampling was conducted over a minimum of the greater of 100 linearmetres of stream or 10 times the average channel width at each stream sample site.The preferred methods for sampling in stream reaches were electrofishing and baitedminnow traps. Where conditions did not allow the use of these methods (too shallow,too deep, poor conductivity), other more appropriate methods of sampling were utilized(ie. pole seining, dip netting and/or angling).

In 1998, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) did not permit electrofishing inwatercourses or anadromous reaches that are known/suspected to support cohosalmon. Sampling in anadromous reaches of lower Potlatch and McNab Creekstherefore consisted of baited minnow traps (24-hour sets), pole seining, dip nettingand/or angling. During 1999, all sites sampled were located in the non-anadromoussections of Potlatch and McNab watersheds. As such electrofishing was not an issuewith DFO in 1999.

Care was taken to ensure a representative range of all habitat types present within thereach was sampled. All fish data has been recorded on fish collection forms and digitallyentered using the FDIS data entry tool (version 6.5).

7

Fish species identification, life stage, and fork-length (mm) measurements werecompleted at each productive fish sampling site. Fish weights (to the nearest 0.1 gram)were taken over a representative range of lengths (up to 30 per watershed on a perspecies basis) using a calibrated electronic balance. Up to 30 aging structures (scales,fin rays, otoliths; non-lethal structures preferred) were collected from anadromoussalmonids and freshwater game fish on a per species basis from each watershed.Aging structures were sent to North/South Consultants Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, forexpert age determination. Analysis includes delivery of labeled microfiche reader printsof magnified fish scales with annuli marked.

Voucher specimens (three (3) individuals/species, except for coho salmon) werecollected from the study area, preserved in 10% buffered formalin, catalogued anddelivered to the Liparis Biological Services, in leak-proof polyethylene containers.Voucher specimens were collected from varied habitats within the project area, as theybecame available. Representative fish captures have been photographed to augmentvoucher documentation.

Fish tissue samples for DNA analysis were collected from each watershed as specifiedby the MoELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist:

• up to 30 cutthroat trout samples from anadromous reaches• up to 10 char samples• up to 10 rainbow trout samples

The following list details specific equipment that was required to complete biologicalsampling for this inventory.

• 1995 Smith-Root BP 15-C electrofisher• 1997 Smith-Root BP 12-C electrofisher• Gee minnow traps and bait (canned pink salmon)• angling gear• sample collection bucket• anesthetic (Alka Seltzer and or clove oil)• Field Key to the Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia, RIC (1996)• length scale (mm)• scale sample envelopes and slides• electronic weight scale (+ 0.1 gram)• 10% formalin solution and 95% ethanol solution• fin clippers• tissue sample vials

3.4 Data Compilation

All physical habitat, site description and fish data collected in the field were digitallyadded to the existing Microsoft Access fdisdat.mdb (Attachment 6) file using the FDISdata entry tool (version 6.5) downloaded from the MoELP, IDSS web page (IDSS, 1997).Post field results of fish identification and fish age analysis has also been entered intoFDIS (version 6.5). A hardcopy summary of FDIS reach, site and fish information isincluded in Appendix 1 along with associated photographs. Interim Location Points(ILP's) have been replaced with watershed codes and waterbody identifiers supplied bythe Ministry of Fisheries in Victoria and imported into the FDIS tool (version 6.5).

8

All original photographs were compiled, labeled, referenced and arranged in a binderalong with the negatives (Attachment 5). An indexed digital copy (Kodak CD) of allphotographs has also been compiled and cross-referenced with hard copy images.Thumbnail images of the Kodak CD's have been included in each CD as well as in thephoto binder.

Mapping followed standardized format as per the Standards for Fish and Fish HabitatMapping (RIC, 1998).

All information obtained in this inventory has been summarized for addition to the FISSdatabase (Attachment 7). A clean 1:50,000 NTS map has been annotated with newdata and FISS data forms prepared.

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Logistics

Reasonably safe access was not available for six (6) of the scheduled stream samplesites (Table 3.1: section 3.1). Substitute reaches were designated for sampling andcompleted in August 1999.

Dry conditions or extremely low water levels precluded fish sampling at three (3) samplesites (Table 4.1). No visible/distinct channel was evident at two (2) sample sites andchannel conditions (confined canyon) did not permit fish sampling at one further streamsample site (Table 4.1).

Table 4.1. Stream sites for which no fish sampling was conducted

SITE NO. COMMENT20 No visible channel24 McNab mainstem; entire reach is confined canyon; no safe method of fish

sampling35 Dewatering channel; water levels too low for fish sampling47 Dry channel50 No defined channel; creek spreads out into boggy wetland52 Dry channel

Road accessible sites were completed from October 14 to 16, 1998 and August 9 and10, 1999. Helicopter accessible site sampling began on October 16 1998, butcloudy/foggy conditions delayed further helicopter sampling until October 20, 1998.Helicopter accessible sites were completed on October 21, 1998. Water levelsthroughout the field program were at low to moderate levels.

9

4.2 Habitat and Fish Distribution

4.2.1 McNAB CREEK

McNab Creek mainstem is characterized by moderate channel widths (10 - 20m),moderate gradients (4 - 9%), cascade-pool morphology and predominantly boulder andlarge cobble substrates. The channel is frequently confined to confined and in shortsections (reach 3) entrenched in bedrock. Moderate cover is afforded primarily byboulders and deep pools. The watershed has been heavily logged along both sides ofthe mainstem for most of its length.

Several falls occur along the McNab Creek mainstem (Table 4.2.1). The 10 metre fallsat 5.0 kilometre marks the upstream limit of anadromous fish species. The 10 metre fallsat 8.0 kilometre marks the upstream limit of all fish species observed/captured during the1998/99 field program.

Fish species in the lower 5.0 kilometres of McNab Creek (reaches 1 and 2) include chumsalmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout (FISS, 1998;MoELP, 1998). Relatively dense populations of cutthroat trout reside throughout theMcNab mainstem to the falls at 8.0 kilometres. Dolly Varden have been observed in theMcNab watershed as far upstream as the falls at 8.0 kilometres (ENKON, 1997). (Basedon field observations of char morphology made during the current study we determinedthat all char sampled/identified in-field are Dolly Varden and not bull trout (ie. bluntsnouts and crowded dorsal surface spotting).

First and second order tributaries to the McNab mainstem typically have short, lowgradient (< 20%) reaches for the first few hundred metres with dramatically steeperupper reaches (> 30%). The larger sub-basins (3rd and 4th order) generally have short,low gradient sections adjacent to the McNab mainstem, then climb steeply to highelevation hanging valleys where the channel gradient flattens out somewhat. Largersubstrate (boulder/cobble) and cascade-pool or step-pool morphology characterizesthese sub-basins. Shallow lakes occur in two sub-drainages (WSC's 900-106300-03600and 900-106300-61200). Low pH and a lack of overwintering habitat may be the limitingfactors for fish in most higher elevation sub-basins in the McNab watershed.

Rainbow trout were sampled downstream of (reach 3; 13 fish) Lost Lake (00755SQAM)located in the McNab tributary 900-106300-03600. Numerous rainbow trout were alsoobserved feeding and rising in the lake. The lake provides excellent rearing andoverwintering habitat for these rainbow trout. Good spawning areas exist inwatercourses both upstream and downstream of Lost Lake.

Cutthroat trout were observed/captured in one small tributary to the McNab mainstem(900-106300-70966). It is likely that cutthroat trout use the downstream ends of lowgradient reaches of most tributaries entering the McNab mainstem as holding andrearing areas during freshet conditions and after precipitation events. No fish werecaptured/ observed in the upper reaches of McNab Creek's sub-drainages.

It appears that fish presence is limited to the McNab mainstem (to the falls at 8.0kilometres), the lower sections of McNab tributaries and in Lost Lake and the lowgradient watercourses around the lake. All sites where fish were captured have agradient less than 9%.

10

Table 4.2.1. Summary of historic and newly identified barriers to fish migration found in the McNab Creek Watershed.

StreamName

Watershed Code TRIMmap #

Reach ObstructionType

EstimatedHeight

(m)

Verification Description of Obstruction

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.054 2 Falls 5 AerialVerification

Falls over bedrock; difficult passage;passable to steelhead trout

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.053 3 Falls 10 Aerialverification

Falls over bedrock; impassable to all fish

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.063 5 Falls - No From historic data; couldn't locate from air;perhaps obscured by vegetation

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.063 5 Cascade - No From historic data; couldn't locate from air;perhaps obscured by vegetation

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.063 5 Log Jam 4 Aerialverification

Does not pose barrier; channel has movedaround the log jam

McNabCreek


Bedrock falls; impassable to fish; no fishcaptured/observed above falls in 1998/99

McNabCreek

900-106300 92G.063 8 Falls 4 No From existing information (1996 projectplan)

Box CanyonCreek

900-106300-18700 92G.053 3 Falls 30 Aerialverification

In steep reach with series of falls overbedrock; impassable to fish

Box CanyonCreek

900-106300-18700 92G.053 7 Falls - No Headwaters of Box Canyon Creek; FromExisting Information (1996 project plan)

Un-named 900-106300-18700-68900

92G.053 1 Falls 2 Groundverification

Falls over bedrock; impassable at mostwater levels

Un-named 900-106300-18700-68900

92G.053 1 Falls 5 Groundverification

Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish

Un-named 900-106300-45400 92G.053 1 Falls 10 GroundVerification

10 metre rock chute/falls; impassable to fish

Un-named 900-106300-51000 92G.063 1 Falls 46 Groundverification


Un-named 900-106300-61200 92G.063 1 Falls 8 Aerialverification

Falls over bedrock; first barrier on tributary;impassable to all fish

Un-named 900-106300-61200 92G.063 1 Cascade - Aerialverification

Point of difficult passage; cascade overbedrock and boulder substrate

11

Table 4.2.1. Continued

StreamName



EstimatedHeight

(m)
















CascaraCreek

900-106300-63600 92G.063 2 Falls 4 Aerialverification


12


The Potlatch Creek mainstem is characterized by moderate channel widths (8 - 21m),low to moderate gradients (2 - 6.5%), cascade-pool morphology and predominantlyboulder and large cobble substrates. Some lower gradient sections of the channel havesmaller cobble/gravel substrates suitable for spawning. The channel is generallyoccasionally confined becoming more confined in upper reaches. Moderate cover isafforded primarily by boulders and deep pools with some functional LWD (large woodydebris). The watershed has been heavily logged along both sides of the mainstem formost of its length.

Several falls occur along the Potlatch Creek mainstem (Table 4.2.2). The 10 metre fallslocated 700 metres upstream from the mouth marks the upstream limit of anadromousfish species.

Fish species in the lower 700 metres of Potlatch Creek (reaches 1 and 2) include chumsalmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead trout (FISS, 1998;MoELP, 1998). Relatively dense populations of Dolly Varden reside throughout thePotlatch mainstem. Resident rainbow trout and cutthroat trout have also been observedin the Potlatch watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

Tributaries to the Potlatch mainstem typically have short, low gradient (< 20%) reachesfor the first few hundred metres with dramatically steeper upper reaches (> 30). Largersubstrates (boulder/cobble) and cascade-pool or step-pool morphology characterizesthese watercourses. The majority of first and second order tributaries are likely dry orfrozen for long periods, flowing only during freshet periods and after precipitation events.

A dense population of Dolly Varden (22 fish captured in 100 linear metres of channel)was noted in a first order tributary to the Potlatch mainstem (900-104300-44959) whereno previous Dolly Varden observations have been recorded. (Field observations of fishmorphology indicated that all char sampled in-field are Dolly Varden and not bull trout(based on the presence/appearance of blunt snouts and crowded dorsal surfacespotting)).

One Dolly Varden was also captured in a second order tributary (900-104300-65898)where no previous Dolly Varden observations have been recorded. It is likely that DollyVarden use the downstream ends of low gradient sections of most tributaries enteringthe Potlatch mainstem for holding and rearing during high water levels. No fish werecaptured/observed in the upper reaches of Potlatch Creek's sub-drainages.

It appears that fish presence is limited to the Potlatch mainstem (to reach 7; 11.9kilometres upstream of the mouth) and the lower sections of its tributaries. Fish werecaptured at 6 sites. Eighty-three percent (83%; 5 sites) of these sites have a gradientless than 10%. The maximum gradient where fish were captured/observed was 13%.

13

Table 4.2.2. Summary of historic and newly identified barriers to fish migration found in the Potlatch Creek Watershed.

StreamName



EstimatedHeight

(m)


PotlatchCreek


Bedrock falls at reach 1/2 break; passableto fish at certain water levels

PotlatchCreek


Bedrock chute/falls; may pose a barrier tofish passage

PotlatchCreek


Bedrock falls at reach 2/3 break;impassable to all fish; upstream boundaryof anadromous fish

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 92G.054 3 Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan; RABaquatic biophysical maps); couldn't locatefrom air

PotlatchCreek


Bedrock falls; likely passable to fish atsome water levels

PotlatchCreek


From historic data; occurs at reach 3/4break; impassable to fish

PotlatchCreek


From historic data (1996 project plan; RABaquatic biophysical maps)

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 92G.064 4 Cascade - Aerialverification

Cascade chute through bedrock; likelypassable to fish

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 92G.064 5 Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan; RABaquatic biophysical maps); couldn't locatefrom air

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 92G.064 5 Log Jam 2 Groundverification

Does not pose a barrier to fish passage

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 92G.064 7 Log Jam 2 Groundverification

Partial log jam; does not pose a barrier tofish passage

PotlatchCreek


Stepped falls over bedrock in headwaters ofPotlatch mainstem; impassable to fish


Long falls over bedrock; impassable to fish



14

Table 4.2.2. continued

StreamName



EstimatedHeight

(m)






Un-named 900-104300-19600 92G.054 3 Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan)

Un-named 900-104300-19600 92G.054 4 Falls 10 Groundverification


Un-named 900-104300-44959 92G.064 1 Log Jam 3 Groundverification

Log jam in creek at confluence with Potlatchmainstem; passable to fish

15

4.3 Water Quality Results

4.3.1 McNAB CREEK

Water temperature, pH, conductivity and turbidity were measured/estimated at all streamsample sites with water present (Table 4.3.1). Measured pH was below recommendedvalues for salmonids (6.5) at 16 sites in the McNab Creek drainage and below toxiclimits (5.0) at one site (Sigma, 1983). Measured conductivity was low (< 10 uS/cm) at allsites, however this is typical of coastal British Columbia streams (T. Wilkinson, pers.comm.). All other parameters measured were within acceptable limits for salmonids(Sigma, 1983).

Table 4.3.1 Results from field water quality sampling in the McNab Creek watershed.

Site Temp.(oC)

pH Cond.(uS/cm)

Turbidity Site Temp.(oC)

pH Cond.(uS/cm)

Turbidity

1 8.5 6.0 < 10 Clear 39 9.0 7.0 < 10 Clear2 10.0 6.6 < 10 Clear 40 9.0 5.5 < 10 Clear23 9.5 6.2 < 10 Clear 41 9.0 5.6 < 10 Clear24 9.5 5.9 < 10 Clear 42 8.0 5.1 < 10 Clear25 9.5 5.9 < 10 Clear 43 8.5 5.2 < 10 Clear26 9.0 5.9 < 10 Clear 44 6.5 7.8 < 10 Clear27 7.5 6.4 < 10 Clear 46 7.0 7.3 10 Clear28 8.5 6.4 < 10 Clear 47 Dry channel29 18.0 7.5 < 10 Clear 48 8.5 6.7 < 10 Clear30 20.0 6.1 < 10 Light 49 10.0 5.3 < 10 Clear31 5.5 7.8 < 10 Clear 50 No distinct channel - wetland32 5.5 7.4 10 Clear 51 10.0 6.2 < 10 Clear33 4.5 8.1 < 10 Clear 52 Dry channel35 Dry channel 53 10.0 5.6 < 10 Clear36 9.0 8.2 < 10 Clear 54 6.5 4.9 < 10 Clear38 8.0 6.6 < 10 Clear

Water samples were collected at two sites – outlets of McNab Creek and Box CanyonCreek (reach 1) - for more detailed laboratory water quality analysis (Appendix III). pHand electrical conductivity values of water samples analyzed by the laboratory aresimilar to field results (pH: 6.04 - 6.14; EC: 13 - 14 uS/cm).


Water temperature, pH, conductivity and turbidity were measured/estimated at all streamsample sites with water present (Table 4.3.1). Measured pH was below recommendedvalues for salmonids (6.5) at 5 sites in the Potlatch Creek drainage Sigma, 1983).Measured conductivity was low (< 10 uS/cm) at all sites, however this is typical ofcoastal British Columbia streams. All other parameters measured were within acceptablelimits for salmonids (Sigma, 1983).

One water sample collected at the mouth of Potlatch Creek for laboratory analysis hadlow pH (5.67) and electrical conductivity (15 uS/cm) values (Appendix III).

16

Table 4.3.2 Results from field water quality sampling in the Potlatch Creek watershed.

Site Temp.(oC)

pH Cond.(uS/cm)

Turbidity Site Temp.(oC)

pH Cond.(uS/cm)

Turbidity

3 7.5 7.2 < 10 Clear 15 8.0 7.5 10 Clear4 7.0 6.6 10 Clear 16 8.0 6.9 < 10 Clear5 6.0 7.5 < 10 Clear 17 7.5 7 10 Clear6 8.0 7.8 10 Clear 18 Dry channel7 6.0 6.4 < 10 Clear 19 7.5 6.4 < 10 Clear8 6.0 7.2 < 10 Clear 20 8.0 7.7 10 Clear9 Dry channel 21 6.0 5.6 < 10 Clear10 8.0 6.6 10 Clear 22 8.5 6 < 10 Clear11 7.5 7.4 < 10 Clear 34 10.0 7.2 <10 Clear12 7.0 6.8 < 10 Clear 37 12.0 5.7 10 Clear13 9.0 6.3 < 10 Clear 45 11.0 6.6 <10 Clear14 8.0 6.5 < 10 Clear

4.4 Fish Age, Size and Life History

4.4.1 McNAB CREEK

Fish were observed/captured at seven (7) sites in the McNab Creek watershed, four ofwhich are located in the McNab Creek mainstem. Coho and rainbow/steelhead troutwere captured in the anadromous section (reach 2) of the McNab mainstem. Existinginformation confirms the presence of these species as well as chum and pink salmonand cutthroat trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

Resident cutthroat trout were observed/captured throughout the McNab mainstem to the10 metre falls 8,000 metres upstream of the mouth. Cutthroat trout were also capturedin one small tributary (900-106300-70966) that enters McNab Creek immediatelydownstream of the falls at 8,000 metres. Rainbow trout were captured/observed in theMcNab tributary 900-106300-03600 in Lost Lake (00755SQAM) and in the low gradientreaches (reaches 3 to 5) downstream of the lake.

No char were observed/captured during the 1998 field program although Dolly Vardenhave been reported as far upstream in the watershed as the falls at 8,000 metres(ENKON, 1997).

Twenty-eight (28) cutthroat trout sampled in the McNab Creek Watershed range from 0to 2 years in age, 48.0 mm to 179.0 mm in length and 0.9 g to 58.5 g in weight (Table4.4.1.1). Mean fork length for all ages of sampled cutthroat trout is 106.4 mm with a95% confidence interval between 52.7 mm and 166.9 mm (Figure 4.4.1.1).

Table 4.4.1.1. Summary of length-at-age data from cutthroat trout sampled in theMcNab Creek Watershed, October, 1998

StreamName

WatershedCode

Spp. Age Number ofFish

MeanLength(mm)

Range of MeasuredLengths (mm)

McNab Creek 900-106300 CT 0+1+2+

1477

72.6120.9159.6

48.0 - 99.0106.0 - 138.0151.0 - 179.0

17

Figure 4.4.1.1. Length-frequency histogram of sampled cutthroat trout from the McNabCreek Watershed, October 1998.

Six (6) rainbow/steelhead trout were captured at one site in the anadromous section ofthe McNab mainstem and ten (10) rainbow trout were captured in the un-named tributary900-106300-03600, near Lost Lake (00755SQAM). Sampled rainbow trout rangebetween 0 and 2 years in age, 45.0 mm to 132.0 mm in length and 0.9 g to 24.4 g inweight. Mean fork length for all ages of sampled rainbow/steelhead trout is 85.6 mmwith a 95% confidence interval between 48.8 mm and 126.4 mm.

Table 4.4.1.2. Summary of length-at-age data from rainbow trout sampled in the McNabCreek Watershed, October, 1998/August 1999.

StreamName

WatershedCode


MeanLength(mm)


McNab Creek 900-106300 RB 0+1+2+

826

6098

115

45 – 7696 – 100

104 – 132

One coho salmon was captured at the sample site in the anadromous section of theMcNab mainstem. The fish had a fork length of 82 mm and weighed 6.8 grams.


Dolly Varden were observed/captured at six (6) sites in the Potlatch Creek watershed,four of which are located in the Potlatch Creek mainstem. Field sampling in 1998extended the known distributions of Dolly Varden in the Potlatch mainstem (FISS, 1998;MoELP, 1998) to 11.9 kilometres upstream of the mouth. Dolly Varden were alsocaptured in two tributaries to the Potlatch mainstem, where no previous observationshad been documented.

0

1

2

3

4

5

30-3

9

40-4

9

50-5

9

60-6

9

70-7

9

80-8

9

90-9

9

100-

109

110-

119

120-

129

130-

139

140-

149

150-

159

160-

169

170-

179

180-

189

Fork Length (mm)

Num

ber

of F

ish

n = 2 8m e a n fo rk le n g t h = 1 0 6 . 4 m m

9 5 % c o n fid e n c e lim it s = 5 2 . 7 m m t o 1 6 6 . 9 m m

18

Figure 4.4.1.2. Length-frequency histogram of sampled rainbow trout from the McNabCreek Watershed, October 1998/August 1999.

No other fish species were observed in the Potlatch watershed during the 1998 fieldprogram, though existing information reports observations of resident rainbow andcutthroat trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Fish sampling was not conducted in theanadromous reaches of Potlatch Creek (reaches 1 and 2), during the 1998 fieldprogram. Chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead troututilize these sections of the Potlatch mainstem (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998).

Seventy-four (74) Dolly Varden sampled in the Potlatch Creek Watershed range from 0to 4 years in age, 56.0 mm to 185.0 mm in length and 1.4 g to 60.2 g in weight (Table4.4.2). Mean fork length for all ages of sampled cutthroat trout is 132.1 mm.

Table 4.4.2. Summary of length-at-age data from fish sampled in the Potlatch CreekWatershed, October, 1998

StreamName

WatershedCode


MeanLength(mm)


Potlatch Creek 900-104300 DV 0+1+2+3+4+

61336181

62.7111.2135.4160.8185.0

56.0 - 74.095.0 - 139.0112.0 - 165.0133.0 - 179.0

185.0

0

1

2

3

4

5

30-3

9

40-4

9

50-5

9

60-6

9

70-7

9

80-8

9

90-9

9

100-

109

110-

119

120-

129

130-

139

140-

149

Fork Length (mm)

Num

ber

of F

ish

n = 1 6m e a n fo rk le n g t h = 8 5 .6 m m

9 5 % c o n fid e n c e lim it s = 4 8 . 8 m m t o 1 2 6 .4 m m

19

Figure 4.4.2. Length-frequency histogram of sampled Dolly Varden from the PotlatchCreek Watershed, October, 1998.

4.5 Significant Features and Fisheries Observations

4.5.1 FISH AND FISH HABITAT

The lower five (5) kilometres of McNab Creek contain important spawning and rearinghabitat for several anadromous salmonid species (chum, coho and pink salmon, andcutthroat and rainbow trout). Lost Lake (00755SQAM), and the low gradient watercourses around the lake, provide rearing, spawning and overwintering habitat for arelatively dense population of rainbow trout. Also, though fish populations are relativelysparse, the low gradient sections of tributaries near both the McNab and Potlatchmainstems contain valuable rearing and holding habitat for resident populations of DollyVarden, cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Good sport fishing opportunities for several anadromous salmonid species (coho, chum,cutthroat trout and steelhead trout) exist in the McNab Creek mainstem to the barrier atthe top of reach 3. Resident cutthroat trout offer additional sport fishing opportunities inthe middle reaches ( 4 to 7) of the McNab mainstem.

Sport fishing for anadromous species is limited to the first several hundred metres of thePotlatch mainstem. Resident Dolly Varden however, provide for some sport fishingthroughout almost the entire length of the Potlatch mainstem.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

30-3

9

40-4

9

50-5

9

60-6

9

70-7

9

80-8

9

90-9

9

100-

109

110-

119

120-

129

130-

139

140-

149

150-

159

160-

169

170-

179

180-

189

190-

199

Fork Length (mm)

Num

ber

of F

ish

n = 7 4m e a n fo rk le n g t h = 1 3 2 .1 m m

9 5 % c o n fid e n c e lim it s = 5 9 .7 m m t o 1 7 6 .5 m m

20

4.5.2 HABITAT PROTECTION CONCERNS

4.5.2.1 FISHERIES SENSITIVE ZONES

One fisheries sensitive zone has been identified in reach 6 of Potlatch Creek. A smallwetland area in reach 6 of the Potlatch mainstem was noted in both the project overflight(photos 101-12 and 101-13) and during field sampling (site 4) (TRIM Map No. 92G 064;Appendix 2).

Another wetland area was observed in reach 4 of Box Canyon Creek (photo 101-20)during the project overflight, however absence of resident fish precludes classification asa fisheries sensitive zone.

4.5.2.2 FISH ABOVE 20% GRADIENTS

No fish were observed/captured in reaches with stream gradient greater than 20%.

4.5.2.3 RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION OPPORTUNITIES

Numerous barriers occurring along the lengths of the McNab and Potlatch mainstems(primarily falls) and their tributaries (falls and high gradient reaches) define fishdistributions within the study area. Removal or modification of significant barriers(upstream limits of anadromous and/or resident fish) would likely be expensive due tolimited access, steep topography of the watersheds and bedrock soils. Habitat gainedby the removal of those barriers would be limited by the occurrence of further upstreamobstructions (falls and cascades). Further, isolated populations of Dolly Varden may beimpacted through species competition if some barriers were removed.

Poor access, bedrock soils and the steep topography of the project watersheds wouldsimilarly limit the expansion of off-channel habitat. The current development of off-channel development in reach 1 of McNab Creek exploits the only suitable area in theproject area.

4.6 Fish Bearing Status

4.6.1 FISH BEARING REACHES

4.6.1.1 McNAB CREEK

All fish captures/observations in the McNab Creek watershed occurred in the McNabmainstem (below the falls at 8.0 kilometres), in and around Lost Lake (00755SQAM) andin reach one of a first order tributary to the mainstem (Table 4.6.1.1). Lost Lake in theun-named tributary 900-106300-03600 provides the only good high elevationoverwintering area in the McNab sub-drainages. It seems likely that the lowelevation/low gradient sections of tributaries flowing directly into the McNab mainstemare used by salmonids for resting and feeding during peak flows. All sites where fishwere captured have a gradient less than 9%.

21

4.6.1.2 POTLATCH CREEK

All fish captures/observations in the Potlatch Creek watershed occurred in the mainstem(reaches 1 to 7) and in two tributaries that flow directly in to the mainstem (Table4.6.1.2). It seems likely that the low elevation/low gradient sections of tributaries flowingdirectly into the Potlatch mainstem are used by salmonids for resting and feeding duringpeak flows. The maximum gradient where fish were captured/observed was 13%.

4.6.2 NON-FISH-BEARING REACHES

4.6.2.1 McNAB CREEK

No fish were captured at several sample sites located in two major sub-basins (4samples each in Box Canyon Creek and 900-106300-61200) within the McNab Creekwatershed. Sampling indicates that no resident fish populations are present. Thesedrainages have very steep lower reaches with numerous bedrock falls that limitupstream passage of fish and a lack of suitable overwintering habitat in upper reaches.Non-fish-bearing status has been assigned to sampled reaches within the upstreamareas of these sub-drainages (Table 4.6.2.1).

Typically, the smaller tributaries (first and second order creeks) have high gradientmiddle and upper reaches (>30%) often with one or more falls that present a barrier tofish passage. Non-fish-bearing status has been assigned to sampled reaches in thesetributaries that are located upstream of a barrier or high gradient lower reach (Table4.6.2.1).


Sub-drainages within Potlatch Creek watershed typically a have short, low gradient firstreach with high gradient middle and upper reaches (>30%) having one or more falls thatpresent a barrier to fish passage. Non-fish-bearing status has been assigned tosampled reaches in these tributaries that are located upstream of a barrier or highgradient lower reach (Table 4.6.2.2).

4.6.3 FOLLOW-UP SAMPLING REQUIRED

4.6.3.1 McNAB CREEK

Follow-up sampling is recommended for all reaches in which no fish were captured butsampling effort and timing were not sufficient to suggest non-fish-bearing status (Table4.6.3.1). Follow-up sampling has also been recommended in the lower sections oftributaries flowing directly into the McNab mainstem. Re-sampling should occur athigher water levels (April/May) in these ephemeral watercourses.


Follow-up sampling is recommended for all reaches in which no fish were captured butsampling effort and timing were not sufficient to propose non-fish-bearing status (Table4.6.3.2). Primarily, follow-up sampling is suggested for the lower sections of tributariesflowing directly into the Potlatch mainstem. Re-sampling should occur at higher waterlevels (April/May) in these ephemeral watercourses.

22

Table 4.6.1.1. Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches recommended for follow up sampling in McNabCreek Watershed, October, 1998.

ChannelStreamName

Watershed Code Reach Spp.* Avg.Width(m)

Avg. SiteGradient

(%)

Follow upSampling(y or n)

Comments

McNabCreek

900-106300 2 CT 19.3 4.5 N

McNabCreek

900-106300 3 NS 10 8 N

McNabCreek

900-106300 4 CT 15.4 6.5 N

McNabCreek

900-106300 5 CT 14.7 6 N

McNabCreek

900-106300 6 CT 15.7 6.5 N

McNabCreek

900-106300 7 NFC 10.3 8.5 Y More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/earlysummer); above barrier but may be resident cutthroat or DollyVarden

McNabCreek

900-106300 8 NFC 5.4 7 Y More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/earlysummer); above barrier but may be resident cutthroat or DollyVarden

Un-named 900-106300-03600 3 NFC 7.5 - N

Un-named 900-106300-03600 5 NFC 8 - N Fish observed in lake above reach

Un-named 900-106300-03600-98156 1 NFC 3 2 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-106300-18700-57743 1 NFC 2.2 31 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-106300-45400 1 NFC 47.5 18 Y More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/earlysummer); above barrier but may be resident cutthroat or DollyVarden

Un-named 900-106300-51000 1 NFC 12.2 9 Y Re-sample at lower water levels in spring when rainbow troutmay be more abundant

Un-named 900-106300-52728 1 NFC 1.3 6 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

* CT = cutthroat trout; NFC = no fish captured; NS = not sampled

23

Table 4.6.1.1. continued

ChannelStreamName


Avg. SiteGradient

(%)


Comments

Un-named 900-106300-60209 3 NFC 1.7 23 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-106300-61200 1 NFC 14 10.5 Y Re-sample during early summer low flowsUn-named 900-106300-63600 2 NFC 12.1 17.5 Y More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/early

summer); above barrier but may be resident cutthroat or DollyVarden

Un-named 900-106300-63600-14066-1305 1 NFC 3.3 17.5 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-106300-70966 1 CT 2.5 12 N

Un-named 900-106300-71903-17450 1 NS 7 20 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in McNabmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-106300-75800 2 NFC 10.1 13 Y Re-sample at lower water levels in spring when rainbow troutmay be more abundant

* CT = cutthroat trout; NFC = no fish captured; NS = not sampled

24

Table 4.6.1.2. Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches recommended for follow up sampling in thePotlatch Creek Watershed, October 1998.

ChannelStreamName


Avg. SiteGradient

(%)


Comments

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 4 DV 20.5 5 N

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 5 DV 17.5 6.5 N

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 6 DV 11.3 2 N

PotlatchCreek

900-104300 7 DV 8.1 4 N

Un-named 900-104300-33828 1 NFC 3.6 19.5 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-104300-39985 1 NFC 3.5 22 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-104300-41204 1 NS 4.5 28 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers



Un-named 900-104300-44959 1 DV 5.6 7 NUn-named 900-104300-44959-30258 1 NFC 2.7 16 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this

reach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers



* DV = Dolly Varden; NFC = no fish captured; NS = not sampled

25

Table 4.6.1.2. continued

ChannelStreamName


Avg. SiteGradient

(%)


Comments






Un-named 900-104300-65898 1 DV 2.1 13 N

Un-named 900-104300-72100-40597 1 NS 1.1 18 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers

Un-named 900-104300-73530 1 NS 5 6 Y Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of thisreach (at high water levels) due to presence of fish in Potlatchmainstem and absence of barriers


* DV = Dolly Varden; NFC = no fish captured; NS = not sampled

26

Table 4.6.2.1. Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the McNab Creek Watershed, October, 1998.

Electrofishing SpecificationsOther* Methods

StreamName

Watershed Code Reach AverageGradient

(%)Dist.(m)

Time(sec.)

Cond(uS)

Temp(C)

Type EffortJustification for Non-fish Bearing Status

Un-named 900-106300-03600 11 14 100 104 <10 6.5 - - Low fish value; very narrow, shallow, alpinecreek above extremely steep lower reaches; nooverwintering habitat; one method used ascreek was too shallow.

Box CanyonCreek

900-106300-18700 4 7.5 150 478 <10 5.5 MT 2 traps x31 hrs.

No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovesteep lower reach with numerous falls.

Box CanyonCreek

900-106300-18700 6 10 100 401 10 5.5 MT 2 traps x31 hrs.

No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovesteep lower reach with numerous falls

Un-named 900-106300-18700-68900 1 20 - - - - - - No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovesteep lower reach with numerous falls; reachnot sampled due to access problems

Un-named 900-106300-42700-28715 1 21 - - - - - - Low fish value; dry for long periods; relativelylong steep ascent from McNab mainstem; notsampled - dry channel with 5 to 15 year oldalder growing in it.

Un-named 900-106300-42700-39734 1 11 100 203 10 7 - - Low fish value; flows into channel that is dry forlong periods; relatively long steep ascent fromMcNab mainstem; low fish value; too shallow forminnow traps

Un-named 900-106300-45400 2 23 - - - - - - Low fish value; dry for long periods; relativelylong steep ascent from McNab mainstem; notsampled - dry channel

Un-named 900-106300-61200 4 1.5 100 302 <10 9 - - No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovenumerous bedrock falls; low fish value; low pH(5.5)

Un-named 900-106300-61200 6 10.5 100 294 <10 9 - - No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovenumerous bedrock falls; low fish value; low pH(5.5)

Un-named 900-106300-61200-76815-2004

1 - - - - - - - No fish caught within sub-basin (4 sites); abovenumerous bedrock falls; low fish value; low pH(5.5); undefined channel

* VO = visual observation; MT = minnow trap

27

Table 4.6.2.2. Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the Potlatch Creek Watershed, October, 1998.

Electrofishing SpecificationsOther* Methods

StreamName

Watershed Code Reach AverageGradient

(%)Dist.(m)

Time(sec.)

Cond(uS)

Temp(C)

Type EffortJustification for Non-fish Bearing Status

Un-named 900-104300-19600 4 19 100 391 <10 6.0 - - Poor habitat; isolated reach between steepreaches with numerous bedrock falls; highelevation; no minnow traps set (last day ofhelicopter access)

28

Table 4.6.3.1. Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing reaches in the McNab Creek Watershed.

Stream Name Watershed Code Reach Timing Methods* CommentsMcNab Creek 900-106300 7 Spring/ Early

SummerEF/MT More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/early summer); above

barrier but may be resident cutthroat or Dolly VardenMcNab Creek 900-106300 8 Spring/ Early

SummerEF/MT More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/early summer); above

barrier but may be resident cutthroat or Dolly VardenUn-named 900-106300-03600 3 Spring/ Early

SummerEF/MT Re-sample when more time intensive sampling is possible; long hike in; outlet

of shallow lakeUn-named 900-106300-03600 5 Spring/ Early

SummerEF/MT Re-sample when more time intensive sampling is possible; long hike in; inlet of

shallow lakeUn-named 900-106300-03600-98156 1 Spring EF Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high

water levels) due to presence of fish in McNab mainstem and absence ofbarriers

Un-named 900-106300-18700-57743 1 Spring EF Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at highwater levels) due to presence of fish in McNab mainstem and absence ofbarriers

Un-named 900-106300-45400 1 Spring/ EarlySummer

EF/MT More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/early summer); abovebarrier but may be resident cutthroat or Dolly Varden

Un-named 900-106300-51000 1 Spring EF/MT Re-sample at lower water levels in spring when rainbow trout may be moreabundant

Un-named 900-106300-52728 1 Spring EF Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at highwater levels) due to presence of fish in McNab mainstem and absence ofbarriers


Un-named 900-106300-61200 1 Early Summer EF/MT Re-sample during early summer low flowsUn-named 900-106300-63600 1 Spring EF/MT More intensive sampling at different time of year (spring/early summer); above

barrier but may be resident cutthroat or Dolly VardenUn-named 900-106300-63600-147066-

13051 Spring EF Fish use assumed (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high

water levels) due to presence of fish in McNab mainstem and absence ofbarriers


Un-named 900-106300-75800 2 Spring EF/MT Re-sample at lower water levels in spring when rainbow trout may be moreabundant

* VO = visual observation; MT = minnow trap; EF = electrofishing

29

Table 4.6.3.2. Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing reaches in the Potlatch Creek Watershed.

Stream Name Watershed Code Reach Timing Methods* CommentsUn-named 900-104300-51800 1 Spring EF Likely fish use (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high water

levels)Un-named 900-104300-56500 1 Spring EF Likely fish use (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high water



levels)Un-named 900-104300-44959-30258 1 Spring EF Likely fish use (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high water






levels)Un-named 900-104300-72100-40597 1 Spring EF Likely fish use (feeding and resting) in lower areas of this reach (at high water






levels)

* VO = visual observation; MT = minnow trap; EF = electrofishing

BIBLIOGRAPHY

British Columbia Watershed Atlas, 1998. B.C. Watershed Atlas via MoELP FTP site,URL: ftp://www.env.gov.bc.ca/dist/arcwhse/watershed_atlas/. BC Ministry ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch.

ENKON Environmental Limited, 1997. Westcoast LNG Stream Survey McNab Creek.Prepared for Jacques Whitford Environment Limited. Vancouver, B.C.

FISS, 1998. FISS database on-line, URL: http://habitat.pac.dfo.ca/heb/fhiip/. Departmentof Fisheries and Oceans, British Columbia.

Hatfield Consultants Ltd., 1996. Port Mellon Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and FishHabitat Inventory - Project Plan, 1996. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks,Surrey, B.C.

IDSS Home Page, 1997. URL: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca:80/fsh/ids/. Ministry ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks, British Columbia.

M.A. Whelen and Associates Ltd., 1998. Port Mellon Reconnaissance (1: 20,000) Fishand Fish Habitat. Project Plan, July 31, 1998. Prepared for Canfor Ltd.

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MoAA), 1998a. Treaty Negotiations in British Columbia;Statements of intent to negotiate treaties accepted by the British Columbia TreatyCommission as of October, 1998 [map]. Victoria, B.C.

Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs (MoAA), 1998b. Present Status of the BCTC Process; URL:http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/aaf/treaty/status.htm#North_West_Coast. Victoria , B.C.

MoELP, 1998. Region 2 Fisheries Section, Surrey District Office Fisheries InventoryFiles. Surrey, B.C.

Resources Inventory Committee (RIC), May 1998. Standards for Fish and Fish HabitatMapping: Version 2.0, BC

Resources Inventory Committee (RIC), April 1998. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish andFish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures, Version 1.1.

Resources Inventory Committee (RIC), January 1997. Fish Collection Methods andStandards: Version 4.0. British Columbia.

Sigma Resource Consultants Ltd., 1983. Summary of Water Quality Criteria forSalmonid Hatcheries. Prepared for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. SECL 8067,revised edition, October 1983.

Westcoast Gas Services Ltd., 1997. Application for Project Approval Certificate forWestcoast Gas Services Inc. - LNG Storage Facility. Westcoast Energy Ltd., B.C.

31

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS

Johny Ellis, Project Supervisor, Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Port Mellon, B.C.)

Tom Wilkinson, Habitat Inventory Specialist, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks(Williams Lake, B.C.)

APPENDIX I

FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

APPENDIX I: INDEX

WATERSHED CODE REACH SITE NO. PAGE

900-104300 ................................................4 ........................................ 6...............................1

900-104300 ................................................5 ........................................ 3...............................6

900-104300 ................................................6 ........................................ 4..............................10

900-104300 ................................................7 ........................................ 5..............................14

900-104300-19600 .....................................4 ........................................ 7..............................18

900-104300-33828 .....................................1 ....................................... 45.............................22

900-104300-39985 .....................................1 ....................................... 10.............................26

900-104300-41204 .....................................1 ....................................... 37.............................30

900-104300-43100 .....................................1 ....................................... 34.............................33

900-104300-43412 .....................................1 ....................................... 11.............................37

900-104300-44959 .....................................1 ....................................... 12.............................41

900-104300-44959-30258..........................1 ....................................... 13.............................46

900-104300-51800 .....................................1 ........................................ 8..............................50

900-104300-54319 .....................................1 ....................................... 14.............................54

900-104300-55232 .....................................1 ....................................... 15.............................58

900-104300-56328 .....................................1 ....................................... 16.............................62

900-104300-56500 .....................................1 ........................................ 9..............................66

900-104300-60044 .....................................1 ....................................... 17.............................70

900-104300-65086 .....................................1 ....................................... 18.............................74

900-104300-65898 .....................................1 ....................................... 19.............................78

900-104300-72100-40597..........................1 ....................................... 20.............................82

900-104300-73530 .....................................1 ....................................... 21.............................84

900-104300-74214 .....................................1 ....................................... 22.............................87

900-106300 ................................................2 ....................................... 23.............................90

900-106300 ................................................3 ....................................... 24.............................95

900-106300 ................................................4 ....................................... 25.............................98

900-106300 ................................................5 ....................................... 26............................103

900-106300 ................................................6 ....................................... 27............................107

900-106300 ................................................7 ....................................... 28............................112

900-106300 ................................................8 ........................................ 1.............................116

900-106300-03600 .....................................3 ....................................... 29............................120

900-106300-03600 .....................................5 ....................................... 30............................124

900-106300-03600 ....................................11 ...................................... 54............................128

900-106300-03600-98156..........................1 ....................................... 43............................132

APPENDIX I: INDEX (continued)

WATERSHED CODE REACH SITE NO. PAGE

900-106300-18700 .....................................4 ....................................... 31............................136

900-106300-18700 .....................................6 ....................................... 32............................140

900-106300-18700-57743..........................1 ....................................... 44............................144

900-106300-18700-68900..........................1 ....................................... 33............................148

900-106300-42700-28715..........................1 ....................................... 47............................152

900-106300-42700-39734..........................1 ....................................... 46............................155

900-106300- ...............................................1 ........................................ 2.............................159

900-106300-45400 .....................................2 ....................................... 35............................163

900-106300-51000 .....................................1 ....................................... 36............................166

900-106300-52728 .....................................1 ....................................... 48............................170

900-106300-60209 .....................................3 ....................................... 49............................174

900-106300-61200 .....................................1 ....................................... 38............................178

900-106300-61200 .....................................4 ....................................... 40............................182

900-106300-61200 .....................................6 ....................................... 41............................186

900-106300-61200-76815-2004.................1 ....................................... 50............................190

900-106300-63600 .....................................2 ....................................... 39............................193

900-106300-63600-14066-1305.................1 ....................................... 51............................197

900-106300-70966 .....................................1 ....................................... 53............................201

900-106300-71903-17450..........................1 ....................................... 52............................204

900-106300-75800 .....................................2 ....................................... 42............................207

Documents

PORT MELLON RECONNAISSANCE (1:20,000) FISH ANDa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r610/port-mellon... · 2003-11-21 · APPENDIX I: FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX II: HARDCOPY