Species At Risk Training - British Columbia · 2019-04-29 · Provincial Species at Risk Legislation The Province of B.C. currently has 231 species listed under the federal Species

Strait of Georgia Business AreaUpdated 2019 By Graham/Wall Consulting Ltd.

Species At Risk Training

Welcome

What are species at risk?

Why protect species at risk?

Approaches to protection

2019 Species At Risk Training Updates

Focus List vs Awareness List

Animal species Focus List and Awareness List

Plant species and Awareness Lists

Outline of Presentation

Welcome

This presentation has been created by BC Timber Sales and updated by Graham/Wall Consulting and BCTS for the 2019 Species at Risk Training for the

Strait of Georgia Business Area

The information to be presented is predominantly from

Ministry of Environment “BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer” BC Conservation Data Center COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) status

reports Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural

Development, Ecosystem Branch and Best Management Practices Ministry of Environment, Wildlife Branch Status Reports

What are Species at Risk?

A "species at risk" is any naturally‐occurring animal, plant, or plant community in danger of extinction or extirpation

because they are:Naturally rare Live in inhospitable places Have life cycles that increase their vulnerability On the northern limit of their geographic ranges Overwinter elsewhere

Impact of Humans Loss of habitat Introduced species competition Climate change

Why Protect Species at Risk?

Species are indicators of ecosystem integrity and productivity Species at Risk are a genetic resource

BCTS is bound by: Federal and provincial legal requirements to protect species at

risk and/or their habitats Due diligence under their:

• Environmental Management System (EMS) and • Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) Certification

requirements to address Species at Risk (SAR) within their operating areas.

Professional due diligence and Code of Ethics

Legislative Framework

Jurisdiction Agency Legislative Framework Protection RankingGlobal • NatureServe • Advisory • Global (G)

• Provincial (S)

Federal

• Environment Canada • Migratory Bird Convention Act • Lists birds (and their nests)

protected under the act

• Environment Canada

• Parks Canada• Fisheries and

Oceans Canada

• Species at Risk Act (SARA)

• Status Reports• Recovery Strategies• Action Plans• Regional Implementation

Groups (RIG)

• Extirpated• Endangered• Threatened• Special Concern

• COSEWIC • Advisory

Provincial(British Columbia)

• Conservation Data Centre • Advisory

• Red‐listed• Blue‐listed• Yellow‐listed

• Conservation Framework

• Advisory • Prioritizes species and ecosystems for conservation and set targets for retention of habitat

• MoE

• Wildlife Act• Wildlife Amendment Act• Fish Protection Act (Riparian Areas

Regulations)

• Protection from being killed, wounded, hunted or transported.

• Provides increased protection for species at risk • can legally designate species

• MoFLNRO• MoE

• Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA)

• Section 7 Notices• Government Action Reg.

• Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS)• Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA)• Ungulate Winter Ranges (UWR)• General Wildlife Measures (GWM)• Higher Level Plans (HLP)

Provincial Species at Risk Legislation

The Province of B.C. currently has 231 species listed under the federal Species atRisk act but no comprehensive legislation for their protection. (George Heyman, Minister of ENV& CCS)

Three‐Staged Approach to Engagement First Stage – Understanding perspectives

Consultations to understand the perspectives and concerns of Indigenous peoples and stakeholders

Second Stage – Identifying Solutions Discuss problems, concerns and potential impact identified in Stage 1 and to

find ways to address them Based of feedback from first and second stages of engagement, Government

will write an intentions paper Third Stage – Refining Solutions

Use feedback from intentions paper to further refine the legislation.

Environmental Management Systems

Environmental Management System Know what aspects of job can affect SAR. (i.e. know your job/have a plan). Know what measures to take to avoid impacting SAR (i.e. have a plan) Pre‐works should cover SAR Commitment to implement coarse and fine filter management strategies for SAR,

Identified Wildlife (IW), and biodiversity (details in following slides).Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) Implement a SAR program to train staff and contractors Multiphase contractors vs other contractors

Multiphase are trained as they are delivering our field program for BCTS Others such as road or silviculture contractors are advised through pre‐

works. Implement a program to protect SAR Implement program to locate and protect sites with G1/G2 ranked species and

communities. Tracking of SAR information Tracking forms at to be completed. Occurrences of SAR, Invasive Plants (IP)

and Invasive Species (IS) are to be stored within LRM Tracking is proof of due diligence

Protection of Species at Risk in BC

Coarse Filter

Maintain biodiversity on a broad scale.

Parks and Protected Areas.

Provisions for managing seral distribution.

Management of riparian areas.

Landscape‐level planning.

Old Growth Management Areas (OGMA).

Wildlife Tree Retention Areas / Patches (WTRA / WTP)


Fine Filter

Managing specific habitats and wildlife features

Identified Wildlife Management Strategy (IWMS).

Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA) and Features (WHF).

Ungulate Winter Ranges (UWR).

Stand‐level measures – professional reliance & due diligence.


Stand Level MeasuresManaging specific habitats elements and wildlife Features

WTP or single tree retention protect forest structure throughout the rotation.

Retain Wildlife Trees (snags and live trees): > 80 vertebrate species are known to depend on wildlife trees.

Retain deciduous and shrub component. Retain varying sizes of CWD (larger is better). Retain a cross‐section of tree species.

What Species Should BCTS Be Concerned With?

BCTS Focus ListGoal: Produce a concise list of key species potentially impacted by terrestrial forestry practices. A management strategy for each species will be developed.

1. Initial list: Include only species occurring in BCTS TSG operating areas and only species listed on a minimum of one of the following:

2. Filtered list: Filter this list to only include species with all of the following:

3. Also remove species with broad habitat requirements or that have a low probability of being identified in the field.

4. Add species that are very commonly encountered and must be managed for, but are not on list (e.g. Eagle, Black Bear, Mountain Goat, and Elk).

SARA Schedule 1BC Red List (CDC)

COSEWIC (Endangered, Threatened, Special Concern)FRPA Identified Wildlife

• Habitat is affected by forestry practices• Ranges overlap with BCTS tenures• Have moderate to high habitat and geographic

overlap

• Are not protected through coarse filter measures or Higher Level Plans (need specific retention)

What Species Should BCTS Be Concerned With?

Those species that do not meet Focus List criteria are placed on an Awareness List

BCTS Awareness ListGoal: Create awareness for Species at Risk that can not be practicably managed as with Focus List species, so that more information can be collected.Criteria

1. Species at risk that meet the criteria (Initial List and Filtered List) of the Focus List, but that were removed based on broad habitat requirements and/or a low probability of being identified in the field.

2. Species that are data deficient but known to be high conservation priority.

3. Species that have been down listed but can be managed for under normal FRPA practices; e.g., (Schedule 1(2)) and reported to CDC to continue to improve species population distribution knowledge.

Species at Risk

D. Barnard

E. Wind

Focus List: Species Identification

Focus Species : Animal Species

The BCTS Strait of Georgia BA (Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts) Focus List is comprised of:

1 insect

1 amphibian

1 reptile

8 birds

5 mammals

The BCTS Strait of Georgia BA (Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts) Focus List for Log Handling Facilities is comprised of:

1 gastropod

1 bivalve mollusk

1 mammal (2 populations)

The BCTS Strait of Georgia BA (Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts) Species List for bridges and infrastructure is comprised of:

1 Awareness List bird species (Barn swallow)

1 Focus List Mammal species (Little Brown Myotis bat)

2019 Species at Risk Training Updates

Changes to Focus list Two amphibian species were down listed

– Coastal Tailed Frog has been downgraded to CDC yellow list and moved from the BCTS focus list to the awareness list

– Western Toad has been downgraded to CDC yellow list and moved from the BCTS focus list to the awareness list

Three birds have been moved from the BCTS focus list to the awareness list– Cassin’s Auklet– White‐tailed Ptarmigan– Olive sided flycatcher

Three birds have been moved from the awareness list to the focus list– Marbled Murrelet– Peregrine Falcon– Osprey

One insect was added to the Focus list– Johnson’s Hairstreak

Changes to Awareness List Coastal Tailed Frog, Western Toad Cassin’s Auklet, White‐tailed Ptarmigan, Barn Swallow and Olive sided

flycatcher added

Species Class: Insects

Forest District Scientific Name English Name LUO IWMS CDC SARA

DSI Callophrys johnsoni Johnson’s Hairstreak Y Red ‐

Johnson’s Hairstreak: Callophrys johnsoniStatus: BC: Red‐listed and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Not at Risk

Habitat and Range: Old‐growth Western hemlock forest with some infestation of western

dwarf mistletoe Known from only a few sites on southeastern Vancouver Island

Distinguishing Characteristics: 2.5‐ 3cm long Chocolate or reddish brown with thin white band Adults fly late May to early July Similar species: other resident hairstreaks have greyish‐violet or blue

color castsAction Required: Notify BCTS and document location of suspected breeding area.

Consult a qualified professional (if necessary) to verify identification and breeding area.

Biologist will work with field team staff to design a reserve around dwarf mistletoe infected trees within or adjacent to the location of the confirmed sightings.

Species Class: Amphibians


DCR, DSI Rana aurora Northern Red‐legged Frog Y Blue 1‐SC (2005)

Northern Red-legged Frog: Rana aurora

Status: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife

Species in B.C. Canada: Special Concern (SARA Schedule 1)

Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island forest districts Adults are often found in damp wooded areas. Red‐legged Frog adults are relatively common, but their breeding sites

are rare and influence the distribution of adults. During breeding season, which is winter to early spring, they may be

found in ponds, wetlands and streams.

Distinguishing Characteristics: A mid‐sized frog with long hind legs and webbed feet. Adults reach 40‐

80 mm length. Colouration consists of a tan to brown dorsal surface with irregular dark

spots, a tan or cream coloured throat with back specks, and the characteristic red colouration with mottling in the groin area (young may lack the red colouration).

Action Required: Consult the BCTS SOG Red‐legged Frog and Western Toad Management

Protocol (updated 2012). Notify BCTS and document location of suspected breeding area. Consult a qualified professional to verify identification and to confirm

probability of breeding habitat. Biologist will work with field team staff to design a riparian buffer

between and around occupied breeding ponds or wetlands within or adjacent to the cutblock

Species Class: Reptiles


DCR, DSI Chrysemys picta pop. Western Painted Turtle ‐ Red 1‐E

Western Painted Turtle: Chrysemys picta

Status: BC: Red‐listed (Threatened or Endangered). Canada: Endangered (SARA Schedule, 1 2007), COSEWIC,

Threatened (2016)

Habitat and Range: Margins and shallows of lakes, ponds, ditches, slow and muddy‐

bottomed streams. Nest in nearby (up to 150m away) open areas with soft soils. Can migrate several hundred meters over land, usually during

fall/spring migrations. Found in the South Island Forest District.

Distinguishing Characteristics: 10‐ 25cm diameter Yellow‐stripes on head, red on plastron (underside of shell) Only extant native species of turtle Similar species: introduced red‐eared slider‐ has noticeable red

‘ears’ or striped on the head

Action Required: Notify BCTS and document location of suspected breeding area. Consult a qualified professional to verify identification and to

confirm probability of breeding habitat.

Species Class: Birds

Forest District Scientific Name English Name LUO IWMS CDC Listing SARA

DCR, DSI Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bald Eagle ‐ Yellow ‐

DCR, DSI Pandion haliaetus Osprey ‐ Yellow ‐

DCR, DSI Falco peregrinus pealei & anatum Peregrine Falcon ‐ Blue and Red 1‐SC

DCR, DSI Accipiter gentilis laingi Northern Goshawk Y Red 1‐T

DCR, DSI Ardea herodias fannini Great Blue Heron Y Blue 1‐SC

DCR, DSI Brachyramphus marmoratus Marbled Murrelet Y Blue 1T

DCR, DSI Glaucidium gnoma swarthi Northern Pygmy‐Owl, swarthi subspecies Y Blue ‐

DCR, DSI Megascops kennicottii kennicottii Western Screech‐Owl Y Blue 1‐T

Bald Eagle: Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Adult: Mature adults have white head and tail,

and a large bright yellow beak, elsewhere the plumage is dark.

Juvenile: Immature eagles are dark with blotches of light feathers Young first fly at 10‐12.5 weeks, cared for by adults and

may remain around nest for several weeks after fledging Generally reach sexual maturity at 5‐6 years.

Status: BC: Yellow‐listed (Not at Risk); nest tree is protected year round under the Wildlife Act, Section 34(b). Canada: Not at Risk.

Occurrence: Most of Canada's breeding population of Bald Eagles is found along the BC coast. Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts.

Bald Eagle: Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Ecology: Commonly roosts communally, especially in winter Clutch size is 1‐3 (usually 2), incubation lasts about

5 weeks, by both sexes Second hatched young often dies Average length 79‐94 cm Wingspan varies between 178‐ 229 cm

Action Required:If nest is found: Retain the nest tree (which is protected under the BC Wildlife Act) with a 200 m vegetative

buffer. Notify BCTS, document and mark the location of the nest tree and whether the nest is

occupied. Contact a qualified professional if you are uncertain about occupancy. Stop work within 200 m of a nest when occupied (mid February to Aug. 31). MoE recommends that helicopter logging and blasting activity maintain a 1 to 1.5 km buffer

during the breeding season. Retain older trees within the vicinity of the nest tree as potential nest, perch and roost trees.

Osprey: Pandion haliaetusStatus: BC: Yellow‐listed (Not at Risk); nest tree is protected year round under the

Wildlife Act, Section 34(b). Canada: Not at Risk.Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Primarily found along rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and seacoasts. Typically build large stick nests on living or dead trees, also utilize man‐made structures

such as utility poles. Nearly cosmopolitan, with holo‐arctic breeding distribution. Fairly common breeder throughout BC from March to October before migrating south

for the winter. Ospreys eat almost exclusively fish, capturing prey with a feet‐first plunge into shallow

water, usually by flight hunting, sometimes from perch.Distinguishing Characteristics: Long narrow wings, dark brown upperparts, white underparts. White head with a prominent dark eye streak, and dark wrist patches.Action Required:If nest is found: Retain the nest tree (which is protected under the BC Wildlife Act) with a 200 m

vegetative buffer as a default. A timing window of restricted disturbance stimuli from April to August may be

applicable. Notify BCTS, document and mark the location of the nest tree and whether the nest is

occupied. Contact a qualified professional for specific guidance that may vary from the default

200mbuffer.

UVic osprey‐cam

Peregrine Falcon: Falco peregrinus anatum & pealei spp

Status: BC: anatum Red‐listed, pealei Blue‐listed; nest tree is protected year round

under the Wildlife Act, Section 34(b). SARA schedule 1 listed.

Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Peregrines fund on eastern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are known

to be hybrids of the two sub‐species. Peregrine Falcons typically nest on rock cliffs above lakes or river valleys

where abundant prey is nearby. Breeds on British Columbia’s coastal islands and the adjacent mainland.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Peale's Peregrines are darker and larger than the two other subspecies that

occur in British Columbia. Approximately 50‐60cm in length

Biology: Peregrines are habitat specialists (normally use high cliffs for nesting) but are

quite flexible in bird prey taken In British Columbia 2‐4 fledglings is common Concentrated populations of shorebirds, waterfowl, pigeons and songbirds are

important prey Require an ample supply of suitable prey species in areas that permit aerial

hunting

Northern Goshawk: Accipiter gentilis laingi

Status: (Queen Charlotte subspecies, Accipiter gentilis laingi) BC: Red‐listed (Threatened or Endangered) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Threatened (SARA Schedule 1). In 2018 Federal Recovery Strategy finalized and Provincial Implementation Plan

introduced.

Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Live in even aged forests with relatively closed canopy and open understory (easy

flight paths) Require large tracts of fairly contiguous forested stands Avoids building nests within 100‐200m of a forest edge Large stick nests (platform) approximately 1 meter in diameter and 0.4 m deep,

usually built on lateral branches against tree trunk in lower portion of main canopy

Action Required: as per the Management Protocol for Goshawk Nests Discovered on BCTS Strait of Georgia Operating Areas – version 1.0 (updated July 2015)If nest of bird is found: Notify BCTS and document location and occupancy Contact a qualified professional to verify the species and assist in retention design Retain the nest tree within a 12 ha WTRA (200 m radius) and monitor (typically

May/June/July) If occupancy is not detected for 5 consecutive years, the reserve can be removed, Refer to the Management Protocol for Goshawk Nests Discovered on BCTS Strait

of Georgia Operating Areas – version 1.0 (updated July 2015)

Northern Goshawk Adult

Description: Approx. 50‐70 cm tall, 1.1m

wide wingspan Blue‐grey dorsal plumage

with grey streaking (mottling) on chest and belly

Tail is dark‐coloured, long, and narrow

Wings are short and round Light stripe over yellow or

red eye

Juvenile

Description: Brown instead of

grey and has yellow eye

Cooper’s hawk is similar looking but mostly brown and lacking the white stripe above the eye

Great Blue Heron: Ardea herodias fannini

Status: (Fannini subspecies, Ardea herodias fannini) BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C., nest

tree is protected year round under the Wildlife Act, Section 34(b). Canada: Special Concern (SARA Schedule 1). Migratory Bird Convention Act species

Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Foraging habitat includes aquatic areas generally less than 0.5m deep (marine

intertidal zones, estuaries, riparian areas, wetlands, freshwater lakes, and muskegs)

Nests colonially in in mature deciduous or conifer forests usually within ~8 kms of their foraging habitat.

Nests, usually 20‐30 m high in trees, large stick platforms, ~ 1.0m diameter. Both the nest and the ground beneath are messy with droppings, old food etc. Resides along the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to Washington. Action RequiredIf nest or nest trees are found: Notify BCTS and document occupancy and location. Retain the nest tree or trees within a WTP with a 200 m buffer and a 300m

management zone From Feb. 15 – Aug. 31 maintain a quiet buffer within 500 m of the nest site, if

occupied. Contact a qualified professional to verify the species and assist in retention design

Marbled Murrelet: Brachyramphus marmoratus

Status: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Threatened. Species under Migratory Birds Convention Act.Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Nests up to 30‐80 km inland. Prefer old growth forest (Sitka spruce, with an abundance of mossy platforms for landing and nesting

purposes) Forage in coastal areas, mainly in salt water within 2 km of shore (Marshall 1988), including bays and

sounds, not uncommon up to 5 km offshore.Distinguishing Characteristics: A chunky seabird with a black bill and an entirely dark tail. Breeding adult is dark brown above, heavily mottled below. In winter, plumage is white below with white scapular streak on

otherwise dark upperparts.Ecology: Clutch size 1, incubation lasts up to 30 days. Young fledge in 27‐40 days. Solitary or in pairs, generally does not flock with other birds.Action Required: Managed under higher level planning, FRPA, WHA’s OGMA’s etc.

Winter plumage

Summer/breeding plumage

Northern Pygmy Owl: Glaucidium gnoma swarthi

Status: (swarthi subspecies) BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Not listed.Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts widely but sparsely

distributed. Secondary cavity nester utilizing holes excavated by woodpeckers or natural

cavities Nests in older forests where cavities are more common, forages in openings and

along edgeDistinguishing Characteristics: Very small owl (maximum 80 g), slightly smaller and darker than the mainland

species. Yellow eyes; also has pair of vertical black patches (resembling eyes) on nape Grey‐brown colour with whitish underbelly. Length: 6 inches Wingspan: 15 inches Large, rounded head, crown spotted white Dark streaking on under parts, long, dark tail with thin, white bars Ecology: Crepuscular (active dawn and dusk) hunter Preys on small rodents Series (60‐80/min) of single or double “toot” notes. Non‐migratoryAction Required If an active nest is found: Document location of sighting and/or nest tree. Immediately notify BCTS & contact qualified professional to verify species and

assist in retention Retain the nest tree within a WTP with a 200m buffer around the nest tree and

leave other snags or trees with cavities within the WTP. An active nest should not be disturbed between April 1st and August 31st

Western Screech-Owl: Megascops kennicottii kennicottii

Status: (Megascops kennicottii kennicottii subspecies) BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in

B.C Canada: Threatened (COSEWIC 2012), SARA Schedule 1.Habitat and Range: Found in Campbell River and South Island Forest Districts. Estimated extent of occurrence in British Columbia is 150,000km2. Breeds on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the mainland coast Found in a variety of coniferous and mixed forests, but is often associated with

riparian zones with bigleaf maple or black cottonwood Found at low elevations in Pacific coastal forests, and at lower elevations from

the southern interior of BC south through mountain valleys to northwestern Mexico.

Distinguishing Characteristics: A small owl with distinct “ear” tufts and yellow eyes; sexes are alikeAction Required If an active nest is found: Document location of sighting and/or nest tree. Notify BCTS and contact a qualified professional (if necessary) to verify species

and assist in retention design. Retain the nest tree within a WTP with a 200m buffer around the nest tree

and leave other snags or trees with cavities within the WTP. An active nest should not be disturbed between March 15th and August 31st.

Species Class: Mammals


DCR, DSI Sorex navigator brooksi

American Water Shrew Y Blue ‐

DCR, DSI Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis ‐ Yellow 1‐E

DCR Ursus arctos Grizzly Bear GBRO Y Blue ‐

DCR, DSI Ursusamericanus Black Bear GBRO (DCR) ‐ Yellow ‐

DCR, DSI Marmota vancouverensis

Vancouver Island Marmot Y Red 1‐E

DCR, DSI Cevrus elaphusroosevelti Roosevelt Elk ‐ Blue ‐

DCR Oreamnosamericanus Mountain Goat ‐ Blue

American Water Shrew: Sorex navigator brooksiStatus: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Not listed.Habitat and Range: Previously known as the Vancouver Island Water Shrew, Sorex paulustris

brooksi Restricted to Vancouver Island The majority of occurrences are from the southern and eastern parts of the

island Water shrews are habitat specialists, living at the water's edge. They are

dependent on the presence of high‐quality intact riparian systems. They live in a diverse range of stream habitats, from narrow to wide streams, from slow‐moving to moderately‐fast flowing waters.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size, distinctly bi‐coloured with dark dorsal pelage and silvery white

ventral surface, hind feet with long digits and a margin of stiff hairs readily distinguish Sorex navigator brooksi from other shrews found on Vancouver Island.

Ecology: Shrews can live up to 18 months and mature in their first winter Water Shrews have two or three litters, averaging six young, before dying

prior to their second winterAction Required: Notify BCTS, contact a qualified professional to verify species and assist in

retention design. Maintain a 5m buffer along streams in the vicinity of where the shrew was

found.

Ibis.geog.ubc.ca

American water shrew Chris Lee

Little Brown Myotis: Myotis lucifugus

Status: BC: Yellow‐listed (Not at Risk) Canada: Endangered, SARA Listed Schedule 1 (2014)Habitat and Range: Wide range of habitats and often use human‐made structures for resting and

maternity sites; they also use caves and hollow trees Winter hibernacula typically have stable temperatures between 2‐10°C and

relative humidity >80%.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Cinnamon‐buff to dark brown above, buffy to pale gray below. Hairs on back have long glossy tips. Ear when laid forward reaches approximately the nostril.

Biology: Winter concentrations may include tens of thousands of individuals. Survival rate is low during the first winter, higher in subsequent years.

Action Required: Hibernacula are protected as Critical Habitat during winter (October 1‐May

31) under the Species at Risk Act. All karst features should be considered potential hibernacula and assessed

for use by a qualified Professional Biologist.

Grizzly Bear: Ursus arctos

Status: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Special Concern (COSEWIC 2002 – SARA Schedule 1, 2018).

Habitat and Range: Occupies a variety of habitats from dense forests, to subalpine meadows Found throughout the coast forest region, except the islands, and the southwest portion of the province Populations found in Campbell River (mainland portions) Forest District‐ occasionally individuals on

Vancouver Island

Distinguishing Characteristics: Large hump on back Small pointy ears, snout is slightly concave

Biology: Mate May‐June, gestation is 63‐70 days; cubs are born in January or February in the den Hibernate for 5‐8 months, usually did their dens on north‐facing slopes to ensure good snow cover Are omnivorous, consuming both plants and animalsAction Required If a den, pad trail or significant feeding area is observed within or near a block notify BCTS and document

location. Maintain the ecological integrity of important seasonal habitats or features within a WTP, buffered

retention or a WHA. Contact a qualified professional if you are uncertain about retention requirements.

Grizzly Bear: Ursus arctos

Great Bear Rainforest Objectives OrderPortions of the Campbell River Forest district fall within the Great Bear Rainforest. Selected highlights.Under the GBRO Part 3‐South Central Coast, Division 5‐Wildlife, 18. Objectives for grizzly bear habitat (1) Maintain 100% of Class 1 Grizzly Bear Habitat shown in Schedule D. 19. Objectives for grizzly and black Bear Dens (1) Protect grizzly Bear Dens and black Bear Dens. (2) Adjacent to grizzly Bear Dens, maintain a Reserve Zone with a minimum width of 50 metres. (4) In addition to subsections (1) and (2), adjacent to any Reserve Zone required in subsection (2), maintain a Management Zone with an average width equal to 1.0 Tree Length, measured from the outer edge of the Reserve Zone, to protect the integrity of the Reserve Zone. (6) All found Bear Dens must be documented and this documentation must be submitted to the Applicable First Nations and the Province of British Columbia at the end of each calendar year.

Black Bear: Urus americanus

Status: BC: Yellow‐listed (Not at Risk) Canada: Not at Risk (COSEWIC 1999).Habitat and Range: Found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests, to subalpine meadows. Important feeding areas are estuaries, skunk cabbage swamps, wetlands, berry producing sites and salmon

spawning reaches. Found throughout the coast forest region including the islands, and the southwest portion of the province. Distinguishing Characteristics:• Large round ears• No shoulder hump• Snout is straight or slightly convex in side viewBiology: Opportunistic omnivores, consuming both

plant and animal foods. Reliant on large woody structures for security and thermal

cover during winter denning period. Breeding occurs in June‐July, gestation lasts 7‐7.5 months Females give birth every 2 years at most. Young are born in maternal dens in January‐February. Litter size is usually 1‐2 cubs (rarely up to 5)

D. Vey

Black Bear: Urus americanus

Great Bear Rainforest Objectives OrderPortions of the Campbell River Forest district fall within the Great Bear Rainforest. Selected highlights.Under the GBRO Part 3‐South Central Coast, Division 5‐Wildlife, 19. Objectives for grizzly and black Bear Dens (1) Protect grizzly Bear Dens and black Bear

Dens. (6) All found Bear Dens must be documented and this documentation must be submitted to the Applicable First Nations and the Province of British Columbia at the end of each calendar year.

Action Required: as per BCTS SOG bear den protocol Notify BCTS and document location of the den and whether it is occupied.

Contact a qualified professional if you are uncertain about occupancy.

Retain den site within a wind‐firm Wildlife Tree Retention Area (WTRA) (preferably 1ha if possible or tied to ariparian reserve); ensure that there is security and thermal cover around the den, some larger trees or snagwhere adult females and cubs can “escape” to and a healthy shrub layer for forage.

If den is active, do not harvest around the retention patch between November 1 and May 15.

Vancouver Island Marmot: Marmota vancourverensis

Status: BC: Red‐listed (Threatened or Endangered) and Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Endangered (SARA Schedule 1).

Habitat: The Vancouver Island Marmot lives in subalpine meadows between 900‐1500 meters above

sea level. They require suitable soil to construct burrows and grass‐forb

vegetation for food.

Biology: Were ~350 in 1980s, <100 in 1998, <30 in 2003, and now due to

captive breeding program have 350‐400 marmots on 28 mountains in the wild. (2011)

Relatively long‐lived (10 years in the wild) and reproduce infrequently.

Construct burrows for hibernation. They also give birth, hide from predators and take cover in their burrows.

Hibernation generally takes place from early October to late April.

Voice: their most frequent call is a high‐pitched whistle, which warns colony members of danger.

Vancouver Island Marmot: Marmota vancourverensis

Occurrence: Endemic to Vancouver Island, these marmots

are found on a small number of mountains on the island.

Prior to reintroductions, they were only on five mountains within the areas of Nanaimo Lakes and Mount Washington. They are now known from 28 mountains.

Found in the South Island and Campbell River (Vancouver Island portion) Forest Districts.

Action Required: Notify BCTS and document any sightings or

burrows. Inform the Ministry of Environment of sighting. If the area is within a WHA, follow all GWMs. If the area of the sighting or burrow is outside

any protection; consult with a qualified professional to determine appropriate measures of protection.

Roosevelt Elk: Cervus elaphus roosevelti

Status: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern). Canada: Not listed.

Habitat: DCR and DSI Prefer open conifer stands, stands dominated by deciduous trees (>50% deciduous), non‐forested wetlands, riparian areas, vegetated slides on summer ranges, and borders of south‐facing rock outcrops on winter and spring ranges. In winter prefer stands that provide security and shelter.

Occurrence: The majority of the population in BC resides on Vancouver Island. The smaller mainland population was transplanted to the Sechelt Peninsula, and Powell River. Population estimates are approximately 6900 in BC, approximately 5500 of which are on Vancouver Island.

Action Required: Consult the BCTS SOG Roosevelt Elk Management Protocol. This protocol refers only to the Pacific Timber

Supply Area (formerly TFL 44 West). Document any high use foraging and wintering areas. Determine if the landscape unit you are working in requires a specific management strategy to protect or

enhance forage, security cover or winter thermal cover (e.g. visual cover in Sayward LU). Design the block accordingly.

Mountain Goat: Ormeanos americanus

Status: BC: Blue‐listed (Species of Special Concern) and

Identified Wildlife Species in B.C. Canada: Not listed.

Habitat: Campbell River Forest District (mainland portion) Habitat is almost always steep. They often stay in lower

elevations in the spring to forage on the earliest green vegetation, and migrate to higher elevations as new growth develops.

In winter, they prefer steeper sites and mature cover that shed snow and have a warm south to west exposure.

Action Required: UWR are regulated under FRPA Government Action Regulations (GAR). Under GAR, General Wildlife

Measures can be outlined for specified areas. Campbell River Forest District (mainland portion) No primary forest activities within UWR except for worker safety, or exemption. Road building activities only permitted when for maintenance or deactivation. If primary forest activities are to occur within 100m of the UWR, must ensure that adjacent UWR is

not adversely affected by foreseeable impacts.

Focus List: Log Handling Facilities


DCR, DSI Haliotiskamtschatkana Northern Abalone ‐ Red 1‐E

DCR, DSI Ostrea conchaphila Olympia Oyster ‐ Blue 1‐SC

DCR Orcinus orca pop. 6

Northern Resident Killer Whales ‐ Red 1‐E

DSI Orcinus orca pop. 5

Southern Resident Killer Whales ‐ Red 1‐E

Species Class: Gastropods


DCR, DSI Haliotis kamtschatkana Northern Abalone ‐ Red 1‐E

Northern Abalone: Haliotis kamtschatkana

Status: BC: Red Listed (Threatened or Endangered) Canada: Endangered (2009) SARA listed

Schedule 1,Habitat and Range: Habitat is predominantly kelp beds along outer

well‐exposed coasts Occurs in a wide range of habitats from fairly

sheltered bays to exposed coastlines Populations with the highest densities are found

in areas with high wave exposureEcology: Can take up to 7 years to reach 100mm in shell

size The age composition of Northern Abalone is

unknown as the species cannot be agedAction Required Contact a Qualified Registered Professional

to develop mitigation strategy

Species Class: Bivalve


DCR, DSI Ostrea conchaphila Olympia Oyster ‐ Blue 1‐SC

Olympia Oyster: Ostrea conchaphila

Status: BC: Blue Listed (Species of Special Concern) Canada: Special Concern (2012) SARA listed

Schedule 1 Habitat: Found in suitable habitats in DCR and DSI Smallish oyster, maximum size is 90mm diameter, average is 60mm diameter Primarily found in lower intertidal and subtidal areas of estuaries and saltwater

lagoons Also found on mud‐gravel tidal flats, splash pools, near fresh water seepage and in

tidal channels Outer coast found only in protected locations Documented to be found from intertidal to 50m depth

Action Required: Contact a Qualified Registered Professional to develop mitigation strategy

Species Class: Mammals


DCR Orcinus orca pop. 6

Northern Resident Killer Whales ‐ Red 1‐E

DSI Orcinus orca pop. 5

Southern Resident Killer Whales ‐ Red 1‐E

Killer Whale: Orcinus orca pop. 5 & 6

Status: BC: Red listed (Threatened or Endangered) Canada: Southern Resident – Endangered (2008); Northern Resident – Threatened (2008)

Habitat/Occurrence: Canadian Range of Southern Resident Pod: Strait of Georgia to Esperanza Inlet Canadian Range of Northern Resident Pod: Dixon Entrance – Johnstone Straits (East Coast of

Vancouver Island) and Barkley Sound (W Coast Van Island)

Biology: Southern Resident population:

Approximately 75 individuals Northern Resident population:

Approximately 310 individuals Primarily feed on salmon (preference Chinook) Threats include environmental contaminants, reduced prey availability, disturbance (acoustic

and boat traffic), oil spills, and incidental mortalities in fisheries

Action Required: Must be given consideration when developing and operating log handling facilities Contact a Qualified Registered Professional to develop mitigation strategy as a part of the log

dump plan or re‐activation plan

Focus Species : Plants, Ferns, Mosses and Lichens

The BCTS Strait of Georgia BA (Campbell River and South Island

Forest Districts) Focus List is comprised of two species:

1 Vascular Plant‐ Gymnosperm/Conifer

1 Vascular Plant‐Monocot

Species Class: Gymnosperm/Conifer


DCR Taxus brevifolia Western yew GBRO (DCR) ‐ Yellow ‐

Taxus brevifolia

Status: BC: Yellow‐listed (Not at Risk) Canada: Not at Risk (COSEWIC 1999). Objectives for retention of Western yew established under GBROHabitat and Range: An understory tree of Pacific Northwest forests, found in light to

deep shade. Somewhat moist forests, especially along streams and on slopes. In poorly drained mixed conifer forests at the northern extent of its range.

Action Required: Under the GBRO9. Objectives for retention of western yew

(1) In Development Areas, retain western yew trees. (2) Despite subsection (1), western yew trees may be altered or harvested if:

(a) alteration or harvesting is required to accommodate operational requirements for road and bridge construction and there is no practicable alternative; or

(b) the retention of all western yew trees in a Cutblock would make harvesting economically unviable and measures are implemented to provide for use of the altered or harvested western yew trees by Applicable First Nations.

(3) Where practicable, include western yew trees in Stand Retention. (4) All areas retained or managed in accordance with subsections (1), (2) and (3) must be documented and submitted as digital spatial data at the end of each calendar year to the Applicable First Nation and the Province of British Columbia.

Western yew:

Species Class: Vascular Plants- Monocots


DCR, DSI Platantheraephemerantha

White‐lip rein orchid

‐ Red ‐

White-lip rein Orchid: Platanthera ephemerantha

Status: BC: Red Listed (Threatened or Endangered) Canada: Not listedHabitat and Range: Known to occur in the South Island forest district Dry conifer forests and Garry oak woodlands CDFmm, CWHvh

Distinguishing Characteristics: Perennial herb from tubers, 1‐2.5 cm long, with a few

fibrous roots; stems 20‐55 cm tall. Leaves:

Basal 2 or 3 (4), linear to mostly oblanceolate, 10‐18 cm long, 2‐3.5 cm wide, dull to glossy green below, glossier above, withering before or during flowering; stem leaves bract‐like, mostly 3 or 4 (2‐10).

Flowers:Inflorescence terminal, spike‐like, 7‐30 cm long, usually densely‐flowered, the flowers small, white.

Action Required: When found, notify BC Timber sales, who will report

occurrence info to CDC

Focal Species

Questions?

Documents

Species At Risk Training - British Columbia · 2019-04-29 · Provincial Species at Risk Legislation The Province of B.C. currently has 231 species listed under the federal Species