Vegetation and Wetlands - Alberta...Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Table of Contents December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. Page ii List of Tables Table 2.1-1 Alberta

Environmental Baseline Study:

Vegetation and Wetlands

Total E&P Canada Ltd.Calgary, Alberta

Binder Section Pages.indd cover9 12/11/2007 1:53:23 PM

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Table of Contents

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page i

Table of Contents

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1-1 1.1 Background .................................................................................................................................. 1-1 1.2 Focus of Baseline Investigations .................................................................................................. 1-1 1.3 Study Areas .................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.3.1 Local Study Area ............................................................................................................. 1-1 1.3.2 Regional Study Area ....................................................................................................... 1-1

2 Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Local Study Area .......................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Review of Historical Data ............................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.2 Local Study Area Vegetation Characterization, Classification and Mapping ................. 2-1 2.1.3 Rare Plants ....................................................................................................................... 2-2 2.1.4 Rare Ecological Communities ......................................................................................... 2-3 2.1.5 Weeds .............................................................................................................................. 2-4 2.1.6 Species Nomenclature ..................................................................................................... 2-5

2.2 Regional Study Area .................................................................................................................... 2-5 2.2.1 Regional Study Area Vegetation Characterization and Mapping ................................... 2-5

2.3 Quality Assurance and Quality Control ....................................................................................... 2-6 3 Results ......................................................................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Local Study Area .......................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Local Study Area Vegetation Characterization, Classification and Mapping ................. 3-1 3.1.2 Rare Plants ....................................................................................................................... 3-8 3.1.3 Rare Plant Communities .................................................................................................. 3-9 3.1.4 Weeds .............................................................................................................................. 3-9

3.2 Regional Study Area .................................................................................................................... 3-9 3.2.1 Regional Study Area Vegetation Characterization and Mapping ................................... 3-9

4 Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.1 Local Study Area .......................................................................................................................... 4-1 4.2 Regional Study Area .................................................................................................................... 4-1 5 References ................................................................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 Literature Cited............................................................................................................................. 5-1 5.2 Personal Communication ............................................................................................................. 5-2 5.3 Internet Sites ................................................................................................................................. 5-2 Appendix A Vegetation Survey Sites................................................................................................ A-1 Appendix B Diversity Data by Vegetation Class ............................................................................. B-1

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Table of Contents

December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.Page ii

List of Tables

Table 2.1-1 Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Rankings .................................................. 2-2 Table 2.1-2 Rare Ecological Community Provincial Rankings .......................................................... 2-3 Table 3.1-1 Land Units in the Local Study Area ................................................................................ 3-2 Table 3.1-2 Rare Plant Occurrences in the Local Study Area ............................................................ 3-8 Table A-1 Vegetation Survey Sites ................................................................................................. A-3 Table B-1 Vegetation Species Observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance ......................... B-3 Table B-2 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance ......................... B-8 Table B-3 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce-Mixed Evergreen Woodland

Alliance ......................................................................................................................... B-11 Table B-4 Vegetation Species Observed in the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance........................ B-16 Table B-5 Vegetation Species Observed in the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance ......................... B-17 Table B-6 Vegetation Species Observed in the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance ......................... B-19 Table B-7 Vegetation Species Observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class ........................ B-21 Table B-8 Vegetation Species Observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class ........................ B-24 Table B-9 Vegetation Species Observed in the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class ........................... B-27 Table B-10 Vegetation Species Observed in the Semi-Permanent Marsh Wetland Class ............... B-32 Table B-11 Vegetation Species Observed in the Pasture-Prairie Alliance ....................................... B-33

List of Figures

Figure 1.1-1 TOTAL Lands ................................................................................................................. 1-2 Figure 1.3-1 Vegetation Local Study Area .......................................................................................... 1-3 Figure 1.3-2 Vegetation Regional Study Area ..................................................................................... 1-4 Figure 3.1-1 Vegetation Land Units and Survey Sites in the Local Study Area .................................. 3-3 Figure 3.2-1 Vegetation Landforms Sensitive to Air Emissions in the Regional Study Area ........... 3-11 Figure B-1 Site-Species Curve for the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance ........................................ B-7 Figure B-2 Site-Species Curve for the White Spruce Woodland Alliance ...................................... B-11 Figure B-3 Site-Species Curve for the White Spruce-Mixed Evergreen Woodland Alliance ......... B-15 Figure B-4 Site-Species Curve for the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance ...................................... B-17 Figure B-5 Site-Species Curve for the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance ....................................... B-19 Figure B-6 Site-Species Curve for the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance ........................................ B-21 Figure B-7 Site-Species Curve for the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class ....................................... B-23 Figure B-8 Site-Species Curve for the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class ....................................... B-26 Figure B-9 Site-Species Curve for the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class .......................................... B-31 Figure B-10 Site-Species Curve for the Semi-Permanent Marsh Wetland Class .............................. B-33 Figure B-11 Site-Species Curve for the Pasture–Prairie Alliance ..................................................... B-37

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Abbreviations

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page iii

Abbreviations

ANHIC .............................................................. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre EIA ...................................................................................... environmental impact assessment LSA .................................................................................................................. local study area RSA ............................................................................................................ regional study area SQL ................................................................................................. structured query language TOTAL ........................................................................................... TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Abbreviations

December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.Page iv

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 1: Introduction

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page 1-1

1 Introduction 1.1 Background

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. (TOTAL) owns a parcel of land in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta (see Figure 1.1-1). The parcel is situated in the following portions of Township 55, Range 21, West of the 4th Meridian:

• Section 18: • portions of legal subdivisions (LSDs) 11, 12 • all of LSDs 13 and 14

• Section 19 • Section 20:

• portion of LSD 3 • all of LSDs 4, 5 and 6 • northwest quarter

The proposed site secured by TOTAL is in an area zoned for heavy industrial development.

Throughout this document, this land (including small inholdings that TOTAL is intending to acquire) is referred to as the TOTAL lands.

1.2 Focus of Baseline Investigations Baseline vegetation investigations included reviewing existing vegetation studies (including baseline studies for other recent, filed applications), aerial photographs and relevant regulatory publications, as well as field surveys in 2007. Spring and summer rare plant and vegetation mapping surveys were done in June 2007 and August 2007.

The focus of baseline vegetation investigations was to:

• characterize, classify and map natural and disturbed land units • delineate wetlands • identify rare plant species and rare ecological communities • identify locations of existing weeds

1.3 Study Areas 1.3.1 Local Study Area

The local study area (LSA) for the vegetation baseline studies consists of the TOTAL lands, as well as some adjacent lands (i.e., buffer). The LSA includes a buffer to the TOTAL lands to the south where isolated wetlands or surface water drainages to isolated wetlands are bisected by the TOTAL lands boundary. The vegetation LSA is 471 ha (see Figure 1.3-1).

1.3.2 Regional Study Area The vegetation regional study area (RSA) is a 100 km by 100 km area air centred on the TOTAL lands (see Figure 1.3-2). The vegetation RSA is 1,000,000 ha.

TITLE

FIGURE 1.1-1TOTAL LANDS*

SCALE

North Saskatchewan River

Redwater River

Sturgeo

n River

ManawanLake

CookingLake Beaverhill

Lake

Lamont

TofieldBeaumontDevon

GibbonsBonAccord

Legal

Bruderheim

Redwater

Morinville

Leduc

Edmonton

21

28A2

831

45

637

16

FortSaskatchewan

STURGEONMUNICIPAL DISTRICT

LAMONTCOUNTY

BEAVERCOUNTY

STRATHCONACOUNTY

LEDUCCOUNTY

COUNTY OFTHORNHILD NO.7

WESTLOCKCOUNTY SMOKY LAKE

COUNTY

IMPROVEMENTDISTRICT 13

North Saskatc

hewan

River

15

RR 22

0

830TWP RD 552

TWP 55RGE 21

W4M

TWP 55RGE 22

W4M

TWP 56RGE 21

W4MTWP 56RGE 22

W4M

Sturgeon River

Astoti

n Cree

k

RR 21

5

RR 21

4

TWP RD 554

5 0 5 10 15

Distance in Kilometres

500 0 500 1,000 1,500

Distance in Metres

TOTAL LandsPaved Access - DividedPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWatercourse

Alberta Industrial HeartlandMunicipal BoundaryTOTAL LandsPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWatercourseUrban Area

*includes small inholdings TOTAL intends to acquire

A B

A

B

Fort Saskatchewan

North Saskatchewan

River

15

RR 22

0

830TWP RD 552

TWP 55RGE 21

W4M

TWP 55RGE 22

W4M

TWP 56RGE 21

W4M

TWP 56RGE 22

W4M

358500

358500

361000

361000

363500

363500

5956

000

5956

000

5958

500

5958

500

5961

000

5961

000

5963

500

5963

500

FIGURE 1.3-1 500 0 500 1,000 1,500

Distance in Metres

Local Study AreaTOTAL LandsPaved Access - DividedPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWatercourseUrban Area

TITLE SCALE

VEGETATION LOCAL STUDY AREA


Redwater River

Sturgeo

n River

ManawanLake

CookingLake

BeaverhillLake

Mundare

Lamont

TofieldBeaumontDevon

Gibbons

BonAccord

Legal

Smoky Lake

Bruderheim

Millet

Redwater

Morinville

Leduc

Edmonton

21

28A2

2

831

45

637

15

Elk IslandNational Park

16

FortSaskatchewan

TWP60

TWP59

TWP58

TWP57

TWP56

TWP55

TWP54

TWP53

TWP52

TWP51

TWP50

TWP49

TWP61

RGE17RGE18RGE19RGE20RGE21RGE22RGE23RGE24RGE25RGE26

RGE15W4M

322000

322000

362000

362000

402000

402000

5882

000

5882

000

5922

000

5922

000

5962

000

5962

000

6002

000

6002

000

FIGURE 1.3-25 0 5 10 15


Regional Study AreaTOTAL LandsPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWater CourseProtected AreaNatural AreaUrban Area

TITLE SCALE

VEGETATION REGIONAL STUDY AREA

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 2: Methods


2 Methods 2.1 Local Study Area

2.1.1 Review of Historical Data

Site-specific historical data collected in the LSA were identified from information on rare plant and rare plant communities archived by Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre (ANHIC). Historical data from recent applications (i.e., Shell 2007) do not overlap with the LSA.

2.1.2 Local Study Area Vegetation Characterization, Classification and Mapping

A preliminary land unit map was constructed for the LSA from interpretation of aerial photographs at a scale of 1:20,000 using PurVIEW™. Land unit polygons were identified and mapped based on dominant canopy species, aspect, topographic position, crown closure and inferred moisture regimes. Land units include:

• upland native vegetation classes • lowland native and non-native (i.e., cultivated) wetland classes • upland agricultural lands including areas under cultivation or used as pasture • industrial lands Polygons were digitized onto an orthorectified black-and-white digital photomosaic. A minimum polygon size of 0.25 ha was used to map all land units. Information collected during subsequent field surveys, including information gathered during the soils survey, was used to verify and refine the preliminary land map units.

Vegetation survey sites were identified from preliminary mapping to include a minimum two sites in each land unit except for industrial and cultivated lands. Vegetation survey sites were restricted to TOTAL lands and did not extend into the buffer. Vegetation was characterized and classified at all sites surveyed in the LSA in 2007. For a list of sites surveyed in 2007 by land unit, see Appendix A.

Characterization included identifying dominant tree and shrub species and percent cover or dominance within the different physiognomic structures (i.e., canopy, subcanopy, tall shrub and low shrub). Distinctive dominant graminoid and herbaceous species were identified and percent cover was estimated using a four-part scale (dominant, common, rare, trace). Physical aspects of each site were also noted, including soil moisture and soil nutrient regime, as well as slope and aspect. Vegetation characterization surveys were done June 18 to 21 and August 14 to 16, 2007.

A vegetation class (i.e., alliance) was assigned to each upland site based on the dominant tree, shrub and herb constituents, as described by Wheatley and Bentz (2002). If the upland vegetation class did not fit well with the communities identified by Wheatley and Bentz (2002), a vegetation class was generated. An alliance represents a vegetation class identified by its canopy structure. A vegetation class was assigned to each graminoid-dominated wetland site (i.e., marshes) based on water permanence and water chemistry following Stewart and Kantrud (1971).

For a list of species identified during 2007 vegetation surveys, see Appendix B.


December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.Page 2-2

2.1.3 Rare Plants

Rare plants are species that exist in small numbers or have a limited global or provincial distribution (Lancaster 2000). Rare plants that occur in Alberta are ranked, mapped and tracked by ANHIC (Gould 2006). For this baseline study, ANHIC definitions were used to rank rare species as S1, S2 and occasionally S3 or S4 species (see Table 2.1-1). Some species were given a composite rank (i.e., S2/S3) to reflect uncertainty in their status. Species ranked S1 to S3 are included on ANHIC’s tracking list. Additional species for which ANHIC recommends that more information be collected are placed on watch lists. Species included on watch lists have S3 to S4 ranks.

ANHIC regularly evaluates species ranking and placement on tracking and watch lists. Because species included on watch lists typically have restricted distributions but are common within their range, population declines can result in reclassifying a species from the watch list to the tracking list (Gould 2006). The Alberta rare plant tracking and watch lists were updated in July 2006.

Table 2.1-1 Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Rankings Provincial

Rank Global Rank Definition

S1 G1 Five or fewer recorded occurrences, or with few individuals remaining. S2 G2 Six to 20 occurrences, or with many individuals in fewer occurrences. S3 G3 Twenty-one to 100 occurrences and might be rare and local throughout its

range, or its range might be restricted (might be abundant at some locations or might be vulnerable to extirpation because of some factor of its biology).

S4 G4 Apparently secure under present conditions and typically with more than 100 occurrences or could be fewer with many large populations. Might also be rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.

S5 G5 Demonstrably secure under present conditions with more than 100 occurrences but might be rare in part of its range, especially at the periphery.

SOURCE: Gould 2006

The following provincial and federal resources were checked for previous observations of rare plants in the LSA:

• ANHIC’s element occurrence database (Rintoul 2007, pers. comm.) • Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Species At Risk

Database (Environment Canada 2006, Internet site) A spring rare plant survey for vascular plants and bryophytes was done on TOTAL lands from June 18 to 21, 2007. A late summer rare plant survey for vascular plants and lichens was done on TOTAL lands from August 14 to 16, 2007.



At each vegetation survey site, the vascular rare plant specialists conducted a random meander walk within a plant community and compiled a species list until no new species were found. A UTM location was recorded at all sites. Specimens requiring further examination or species confirmation were collected, with the exception of plants where seed heads or flowers required for identification to species level were unavailable or where plant populations were small (i.e., fewer than 20) (Lancaster 2000). For surveying bryophytes and lichens, the surveyor focused on sampling all microhabitats at the site and completed subsequent species identification in the lab. A list of all rare plant sites identified during the 2007 vegetation field programs will be submitted to ANHIC.

2.1.4 Rare Ecological Communities

Rare ecological communities are defined as “community types that have been described as unusual, uncommon, of limited extent or encountered infrequently, or described by vegetation experts as in decline or threatened” (Allen 2006). Communities with restricted distribution in Alberta are ranked, mapped and tracked by ANHIC. The ANHIC list was reviewed before the rare plant surveys. For the definitions for provincial rankings of rare plant communities, see Table 2.1-2.

Observations for rare ecological communities were included in rare plant surveys.

If a community was identified as unique or unusual, sampling was done to document its composition and condition. The sampling standard included:

• sampling tree species and cover within a 20 by 20 m plot • sampling shrubs and understorey species within a 10 by 10 m plot • recording the UTM • photographing the community • recording aspect, slope, moisture regime and drainage regime

Table 2.1-2 Rare Ecological Community Provincial Rankings Provincial

Rank Definition S1 Five or fewer occurrences or very few remaining hectares. S2 Six to 20 occurrences or few remaining hectares. S3 Twenty-one to 80 occurrences. Might be rare and local throughout its range or found locally, even

abundantly, in a restricted range. S4 Apparently secure provincially though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the

periphery. S5 Demonstrably secure provincially though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the

periphery. SNR Element is not yet ranked. SU Unrankable – Currently unrankable due to lack of information or due to substantially conflicting

information about status or trends. SNA Not Applicable – A conservation status rank is not applicable because the species is not a

suitable target for conservation activities.



Table 2.1-2 Rare Ecological Community Provincial Rankings (cont’d) Provincial

Rank Definition S#S# Range Rank* – A numeric range rank (e.g., S2S3) is used to indicate any range of uncertainty about

the status of the species or community. Ranges cannot skip more than one rank (e.g., SU is used rather than S1S4).

MODIFIERS ? Can be added to any rank to denote an inexact numeric rank (e.g. S1? = Believed to be five or fewer

occurrences, but some doubt exists concerning status).

NOTE: *Ranks can be combined to indicate a range (e.g. S2S3 = Between 6 and 80 occurrences throughout Alberta, but the exact status is uncertain). Combined ranks indicate a larger margin of error than ranks assigned a "?" qualifier.

SOURCE: Allen (2006)

2.1.5 Weeds

Weeds are:

• all species listed as restricted, noxious or nuisance in Alberta’s Weed Control Act regulations

• weed species considered to be problematic in Strathcona County (Strathcona County 2007, Internet site; Wells 2006, pers. comm.)

Following is a list of 13 weed species of concern in Strathcona County (Strathcona County 2007, Internet site; Wells 2006, pers. comm.). Asterisks (*) indicate species of special concern due to increased prevalence or establishment of the weedy species. Stork’s bill (Erodium cicutarium) is not listed on the Strathcona County site because it is not prevalent, though it is also a weed species of concern (Wells 2006, pers. comm.). Species of concern in Strathcona County include:

• Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) • field scabious (Knautia arvensis) • leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) • ox-eye daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum)* • perennial sow thistle (Sonchus arvensis)* • scentless chamomile (Matricaria perforata)* • tall buttercup (Ranunculus acris)* • tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)* • toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)* • white cockle (Silene pratensis)* • purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) • cleavers (Galium aparine and Galium spurium) • stork’s-bill (Erodium cicutarium) While no field surveys specifically targeted identification of weeds such species were noted during all field surveys.



2.1.6 Species Nomenclature

Taxonomic nomenclature follows ANHIC (2006) for vascular species, Anderson et al. (1990) for bryophytes and ANHIC (2002) for lichens.

2.2 Regional Study Area

2.2.1 Regional Study Area Vegetation Characterization and Mapping

RSA vegetation characterization and mapping focused on identifying landforms that support a high diversity of plant species with a high sensitivity to air emissions. The sensitivity of plants to emissions also depends on the type of plant and the community in which it is found.

Lichens and bryophytes respond to airborne pollutants sooner than vascular plants due to morphology and physiological processes. Lichens and bryophytes do not have a waxy protective coating, nor do they always interact with the soil to derive nutrients (Conti and Cecchetti 2001; Onianwa 2001). Rather, they obtain chemicals directly from the air or through precipitation. Chemicals enter surface cells via diffusion and ion exchange (Onianwa 2001).

Filamentous, fruticose and epiphytic lichens containing cyanobacteria are the most pollution-sensitive lichens (Brodo et al. 2001; WHO 2000). Bryophytes accumulate substances in their tissue and show changes in growth rate (Jäger 2001). Therefore, lichens and bryophytes act as excellent indicator species for effects of air emissions, including fumigation and effects from acid deposition (see Conti and Cecchetti 2001; Vitt et al. 2003 for examples).

In the RSA, lichen and bryophyte diversity and cover is high in areas of dune landforms and in peatlands. Regional spatial information on the distribution of landforms that support a high diversity of species sensitive to air emissions included historical information on the distribution of:

• dune landforms (from David 1977) • peatlands (from Vitt et al. 1996)



2.3 Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Quality assurance and quality control methods used to ensure high-quality data collection during field programs and high-quality data processing during data analyses included:

• using qualified staff for field surveys • selecting sites in areas of homogeneous vegetation for ecosite phase and wetland

class survey • ensuring quality assurance and quality control checks were not done by the botanist

who generated the data • reviewing data sheets to ensure that:

• they were complete, legible and accurate, e.g., metric units and species’ names • site photographs were included • specimens collected were appropriately and clearly labelled

• incorporating historical data in a regional structured query language (SQL) database • incorporating baseline field data in a regional SQL database • verifying field data entries • checking for synonyms to ensure consistent nomenclature • using aerial photographs in PurVIEW™ to supplement field upland vegetation type

and wetland classification modifications on the LSA map

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 3: Results


3 Results 3.1 Local Study Area

The LSA is in the Central Parkland Subregion of the Parkland Natural Region of Alberta (Achuff 1994; ANHIC 2006, Internet site). This subregion is a transition zone between the drier Grassland Natural Region to the south and the Boreal Forest Natural Region to the north. Native vegetation in the Central Parkland Subregion consists of groves of aspen intermixed with grasslands, with occasional wetlands in depressions. A large portion of the Central Parkland Subregion, and in particular, the Fort Saskatchewan area, has been converted to agricultural, residential and industrial use (Prairie Conservation Forum 2001).

The LSA is situated east of the North Saskatchewan River on existing industrial and agricultural lands, with small pockets of wetland, grassland and forested vegetation communities.

3.1.1 Local Study Area Vegetation Characterization, Classification and Mapping

Land units are distinctive and mappable disturbance areas, agricultural lands or vegetation types as defined by the:

• Preliminary Classification of Plant Communities in the Central Parkland Natural Subregion of Alberta (Wheatley and Bentz 2002) for uplands

• Classification of Natural Ponds and Lakes in the Glaciated Prairie Region (Stewart and Kantrud 1971) for graminoid-dominated wetlands (i.e., marshes)

Land units were mapped as part of baseline investigations in the LSA.

For land units identified in the LSA, see Figure 3.1-1, and for descriptions of the land units, see Table 3.1-1. A total of 124 survey sites were examined with most (88 sites) located in wetlands. Vegetated land covers about 96% of the LSA (Land Units 1 to 13) but most of these land units represent agricultural lands or pasture–prairie alliance. Native vegetation is represented by Land Units 1 through 11, with uplands including Land Units 1 through 6 and wetlands including Land Units 7 through 11.

3.1.1.1 Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance

The aspen poplar (Populus tremuloides) woodland alliance is composed of a canopy of trembling aspen. A shrub understorey consists of various species, including Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia), prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), snowberry (Symphoricarpus albus) and other shrubs including aspen poplar. In some cases, the canopy layer is the shrub layer, with aspen poplar dominating. The herb layer is diverse and variable and includes smooth brome (Bromus inermis), cream-coloured vetchling (Lathyrus ochroleucus), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), dwarf raspberry (Rubus pubescens) and western Canada violet (Viola americana). Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities within this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.



The aspen poplar woodland alliance land unit occupies 47.3 ha (10.1%) of the LSA (see Table 3.1-1). Detailed species information associated with this alliance is provided in Appendix B.

Table 3.1-1 Land Units in the Local Study Area Land Unit Number

Land Unit

Area (ha)

Area (% of LSA)

Number of Survey Sites

Uplands 1 Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance 47.3 10.1 10 2 White Spruce Woodland Alliance 7.9 1.7 4

3 White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance 40.5 8.6 5

4 Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance 4.8 1.0 1 5 Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance 2.1 0.4 2 6 Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance 2.1 0.5 2 Upland Subtotal 104.7 22.2* 24

Wetlands 7 Ephemeral Marsh (Class1 Wetland) 12.7 2.7 47 8 Temporary Marsh (Class 2 Wetland) 5.8 1.2 7 9 Seasonal Marsh (Class 3 Wetland) 33.5 7.1 29 10 Semi-permanent Marsh (Class 4 Wetland) 0.3 0.1 2

11 Shrubby Willow Swamp (Palustrine Emergent Scrub–Shrub Broad-Leaved Deciduous Wetland) 2.8 0.6 3

Wetland Subtotal 55.0 11.7 88 Agricultural Land

12 Cultivated Land 91.5 19.4 0 13 Pasture–Prairie Alliance 200.3 42.5 12 Agricultural Land Subtotal 291.8 62.0* 12

Industrial Land 14 Industrial Land 19.34 4.1 0 Industrial Land Subtotal 19.4 4.1 0 Total 471 100 124

NOTE: * Subtotal value is accurate, however differs from apparent summation of the components due to rounding.

15

RR 22

0 830

TWP 55RGE 21

W4M

TWP 55RGE 22

W4M

Astot

in C r

eek

RR 21

5

RR 21

4

TWP RD 554

N67

N66

N64

N62N61N60

N59N57N56

N55

N54N53N52

RN05

RN36

RN35

RN34RN33

RN32

RN31RN30

RN29

RN28

RN26

RN23

RN21

RN18

RN16

RN14

RN13

RN10

RN09

RN08

RN06RN04

RN03

RN01

LH749LH748

LH747 LH750

LH747

LH746LH745

LH743 LH742 LH741

LH740LH739

LH738

LH737

LH736LH735

LH734LH732

LH731LH730

LH729

LH728

LH727

LH726

LH725

LH724

LH722LH721

LH720

LH719

LH716

LH715

LH714

LH713

LH712

LH711 LH710

LH709

LH708

LH706LH705

LH704

LH703

LH701

RN19-4

RN27-2RN27-1

RN25-3RN25-2

RN25-1

RN24-2RN24-1

RN22-2RN22-1

RN20-2

RN20-1

RN19-3

RN19-2

RN19-1

RN07-2RN07-1

RN02-3RN02-2

RN02-1

LH723b

LH723a

LH733-2

LH715-4

LH715-2LH715-3

LH729-3LH729-2

LH744-2

LH719-2

LH717-3

LH744-1

LH733-1

LH717-2 LH717-1

LH707-2LH707-1

LH702-2

LH702-1LH713-2

LH719-1

RN29b RN29c

360000

360000

5960

000

5960

000

Survey SiteVegetation Land UnitUplands

(4) Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance(1) Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance(2) White Spruce Woodland Alliance(3) White Spruce -Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance(6) Rose Shrubland Alliance(5) Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance

Wetlands(7) Ephemeral Marsh (Class 1 Wetland)(8) Temporary Marsh (Class 2 Wetland)(9) Seasonal Marsh (Class 3 Wetland)(10) Semi-Permanent Marsh (Class 4 Wetland)(11) Shrubby Willow Swamp

Agricultural Land(12) Cultivated Lands(13) Pasture-Praire Alliance

Disturbed Land(14) Industrial Lands

Local Study AreaTOTAL LandsPaved Access - DividedPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWatercourseUrban Area

TITLE

FIGURE 3.1-1 150 0 150 300 450

Distance in MetresVEGETATION LAND UNITS AND SURVEY SITES IN THE LOCAL STUDY AREA

SCALE



3.1.1.2 White Spruce Woodland Alliance

The white spruce (Picea glauca) woodland alliance is composed of a canopy of white spruce and supports a diverse assemblage of understorey shrub species that includes beaked hazelnut (Corylus cornuta), northern gooseberry (Ribes oxyacanthoides), red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) and Saskatoon berry (Amelanchier alnifolia). The herb layer frequently includes species such as bishop’s-cap (Mitella nuda), common yarrow (Achillea millifolium), wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense), wild sarsaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis) and wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities in this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.

The white spruce woodland alliance land unit occupies 7.9 ha (1.7%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.3 White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance

The white spruce mixed–evergreen deciduous ecological land unit has a forest canopy dominated by white spruce. Aspen and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) can be present as subdominant species within the tree canopy. An open shrub layer consisting of some combination of species that includes Saskatoon berry and wild rose as well as tree canopy species is typical. Understorey species include common yarrow, cream-coloured vetchling, creeping thistle (Circium arvense), dandelion, northern bedstraw (Galium boreale), tall lungwort (Mertensia paniculata) and wild lily-of-the-valley. Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities within this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.

The white spruce–mixed evergreen deciduous woodland alliance land unit occupies 40.5 ha (8.6%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.4 Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance

Aspen shrubland stands represent a young, shrub-level successional stage of the aspen poplar woodland alliance that was previously logged. Northern gooseberry is often present in the subcanopy with common herbs including purple oat grass (Schizachne purpuscens), star-flowered Solomon’s-seal (Smilacina stellata) and wild red raspberry (Rubus idaeus). Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities within this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.

The aspen poplar shrubland alliance land unit occupies 4.8 ha (1.0%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.5 Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance

The chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) shrubland alliance has a tall shrub canopy that is dominated by chokecherry with minor amounts of Manitoba maple (Acer negundo) and white spruce and a low subcanopy of prickly rose. Frequent herb species include common yarrow, field mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium arvense) and star-flowered Solomon's-seal (Smilacina stellata). Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities within this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.



The chokecherry shrubland alliance land unit occupies 2.1 ha (0.4%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.6 Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance

The prickly rose shrubland alliance in the LSA does not fit well with descriptions in Wheatly and Bentz (2002). This shrubland alliance has a low shrub canopy that is dominated by prickly rose but also includes additional shrub species such as beaked hazelnut, bristly black currant (Ribes lacustris), chokecherry, red-osier dogwood, snowberry and wild sarsaparilla. Scattered individuals of aspen polar might also be present in the shrub layer. Frequent herbs include common nettle (Urtica dioica), common yarrow, meadow and woodland horsetail (Equisetum pratense and E. sylvaticum), northern bedstraw and wild strawberry. Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify vegetation communities within this alliance as common in the Central Parkland Region.

The prickly rose shrubland alliance occupies 2.1 ha (0.5%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.7 Ephemeral Marsh

Ephemeral marshes (Class 1 wetlands) are dominated by wetland low-prairie vegetation in the deepest part of the pond basin. Ephemeral marshes in the LSA have largely been cultivated. When not in cultivation this wetland class is dominated by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa palustris) or quack grass (Agropyron repens). Marshes are common in the Central Parkland Subregion (see Vitt et al. 1996) though many ephemeral marshes have been tilled for agricultural purposes.

The ephemeral marsh wetland class occupies 12.7 ha (2.7%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.8 Temporary Marsh

Temporary marshes (Class 2 wetlands) are dominated by wet meadow vegetation in the deepest part of the pond basin. Species such as yellow cress (Rorippa islandica) and foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum) dominate. Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), wild mint (Mentha arvensis) and yellow avens (Geum aleppicum) may also be frequently present. Marshes are common in the Central Parkland Subregion (see Vitt et al. 1996) though many temporary marshes have been tilled for agricultural purposes.

The temporary marsh wetland class occupies 5.8 ha (1.2%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.9 Seasonal Marsh

Seasonal marshes (Class 3 wetlands) are dominated by shallow marsh vegetation in the deepest part of the pond basin. Shallow marsh vegetation includes moisture-loving grasses and sedges, including awned sedge (Carex atherodes), beaked sedge (Carex retrorsa), turned sedge (Carex rostrata), small bottle sedge (Carex utriculata) common tall manna grass (Glyceria grandis), spangletop (Scolochloa festucacea) and other species that prefer moist conditions (wild mint, yellow avens and creeping thistle).



Some seasonal marshes have a peripheral ring of willows. Marshes are common in the Central Parkland Subregion (see Vitt et al. 1996) though the margin of many seasonal marshes have been tilled for agricultural purposes.

The seasonal marsh wetland class occupies 33.5 ha (7.1%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.10 Semi-Permanent Marsh

One semi-permanent marsh (Class 4 wetland) was found in the LSA. This semi-permanent marsh is dominated by deep marsh vegetation characterized by the presence of cat tail (Typha latifolia). Other wetland species present include celery-leaved buttercup (Ranunculs scleratus), common tall manna grass, reed canary grass (Phlaris arundinacea) and water parsnip (Sium suave). Some semi-permanent marshes have a peripheral ring of willows. Marshes are common in the Central Parkland Subregion (see Vitt et al. 1996) though the margin of many semi-permanent marshes have been tilled for agricultural purposes.

The semi-permanent marsh wetland class occupies 0.3 ha (0.1%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.11 Shrubby Willow Swamp

Shrubby willow swamp (palustrine emergent scrub–shrub broad-leaved deciduous wetland) was found in isolated basins in the LSA or along the margin of seasonal to semi-permanent marshes. Shrubby swamps are common in the Central Parkland and frequently occur around the margin of marshes (Vitt et al. 1996). This wetland land unit is characterized by willows (Salix spp.) including basket willow (Salix petiolaris), beaked willow (Salix bebbiana) and pussy willow (Salix discolour) with occasional red-osier dogwood individuals present. The herb layer frequently includes species typical of the wet meadow marsh zone including arrow-leaved coltsfoot (Petasites sagittatus), common nettle, creeping thistle, wild mint and yellow avens. Wheatly and Bentz (2002) identify shrubby willow swamps as common in the Central Parkland Region.

The shrubby willow swamp land unit occupies 2.8 ha (0.6%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.12 Cultivated Land

All cultivated land (Land Unit 13), including land with vegetated modifications such as windrows, is included in the agricultural land unit. This includes land used for planting crops such as barley and oats, and hayfields used for baling or silage in the fall. Some rights-of-way are present in areas of cultivated land.

This land unit occupies 91.5 ha (19.4%) of the LSA.

3.1.1.13 Pasture–Prairie Alliance

The pasture–prairie alliance (Land Unit 13) comprises land used for pasture. Although a large component of the vegetation community consists of agronomic and weed species, prairie species were also documented. Dominant agronomic species include smooth brome (Bromus inermis).



Dominant weed species include butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris) and quack grass (Agropyron repens). The most common native species include common horsetail (Equisetum arvense), prickly rose and American vetch (Vicia americana). Some rights-of-way are present in areas of pasture–prairie that have revegetated either naturally or through reclamation.

This land unit occupies 200.3 ha (42.5%) of the LSA. For species information associated with this alliance, see Appendix B.

3.1.1.14 Industrial Land

Industrial land includes land where vegetation has been removed for structures such as roads, trails and buildings.

This land unit occupies 19.4 ha (4.1%) of the LSA.

3.1.2 Rare Plants

Two rare plant species occurrences were identified in the LSA (see Figure 3.1-1 and Table 3.1-2). Occurrences included the vascular plant species:

• green saxifrage (Chrysosplenium tetrandrum) • long-leaved bluet (Hedyotis longifolia)

Table 3.1-2 Rare Plant Occurrences in the Local Study Area Common

Name Scientific Name (with Authority)

Track or Watch List

Site Number Easting Northing Zone

Provincial Rank

Global Rank

Green saxifrage

Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Lund.) T. Fries.

Track RN32 360539 5960231 12 S3 G5

Long-leaved bluet

Hedyotis longifolia (Gaertn.) Hook.

Track LH739 360642 5959082 12 S2 G4G5

3.1.2.1 Green Saxifrage – Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Lund) Th. Fries

Green saxifrage (Chrysosplenium tetrandrum) is a perennial herb that grows on moist, shady banks and ledges from Ellesmere Island to Alaska and south into the United States (Moss 1983). Green saxifrage is listed on Alberta’s tracking list and has a rank of S3. It is considered globally secure with a listed rank of G5 (Gould 2006).

One occurrence of this species was identified (at Site RN32) on the TOTAL lands during the 2007 spring rare plant survey.

3.1.2.2 Long-leaved Bluet – Hedyotis longifolia (Gaertn.) Hook.

Long-leaved bluet (Hedyotis longifolia) is a herbaceous perennial that grows on sandy soil on dunes and in open woods (Kershaw et al. 2001; Moss 1983). This species has a rank of S2 on ANHIC’s tracking list and is considered to be apparently to demonstratively secure on a global basis (G4G5) (Gould 2006).



One occurrence of this species was identified (at Site LH739) in the TOTAL lands during the 2007 late summer rare plant survey.

3.1.3 Rare Plant Communities

No rare plant communities were identified in the LSA from historical sources or baseline surveys.

3.1.4 Weeds

While no restricted weeds were identified in the LSA, several noxious and nuisance species were identified during vegetation field surveys. Weed species were observed in the interior of all native vegetation patches. Species observed included:

• noxious species of concern to Strathcona County – butter-and-eggs (Linaria vulgaris), bladder campion (Silene cucubalus), creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), perennial sow-thistle (Sonchus arvensis) and white cockle (Silene pratensis)

• nuisance species – common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), European stickseed (Lappula squarrosa), field mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium arvense), quack grass (Agropyron repens), rough cinquefoil (Potentilla norvegica), stinkweed (Thlaspi arvense) and wild mustard (Brassica kaber)


3.2.1 Regional Study Area Vegetation Characterization and Mapping

The RSA (see Figure 3.1-1) is the area within the 100 km by 100 km area centred on the TOTAL lands.

The RSA is in the Central Parkland and Boreal Dry Mixedwood subregions. As discussed in Section 3.1, native vegetation of the Central Parkland consists of groves of aspen interspersed with grasslands and occasional wetlands in depressions. The south–central portion of the RSA lies in the Boreal Dry Mixedwood Subregion with a disjunct area on the Cooking Lake Moraine (Achuff 1994). Vegetation in the Boreal Dry Mixedwood consists of aspen and balsam poplar forests, as well as white spruce and balsam fir forests. Native vegetation is relatively restricted in this area with most of the land base cleared of native vegetation for agriculture, industry and transportation. Remaining areas of native vegetation tend to be restricted to riparian areas and river valleys, dune landforms, wetlands including peatlands and moraines not suitable for tilling or in protected areas.

Vegetation that is particularly sensitive to air emissions includes bryophytes and lichens. Bryophyte and lichen species have high cover and diversity on dune landforms and peatlands. Dune landforms and peatlands are found in the RSA (see Figure 3.2-1).



Several dune landforms are found in the RSA, including Eastgate Sand Hills, Redwater River Sand Hills and Beaverhill Creek Sand Hills (see Figure 3.2-1) (David 1977). Dune uplands consist mainly of Primula soils and can provide habitat for diverse lichen communities in open jackpine (Pinus banksiana) forests with bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), low bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilloides), bog cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and prickly rose (Rosa acicularis) (Achuff 1994). Dune landforms comprise about 28,209 ha (2.8%) of the RSA. Peat-accumulating wetlands are often found in small interdune basins (Vitt et al. 1996).

A variety of wetlands are found in the RSA. Wetlands in the Boreal Dry Mixedwood Subregion include marshes and swamps as well as peat-accumulating fens and bogs (Nicholson and Vitt 1994). Peatlands in the Cooking Lake Moraine occur largely as perched systems whereas peatlands in the southern part of the Boreal Dry Mixedwood also occur in areas of groundwater discharge. Peatland complexes comprise about 74,152 ha (7.4%) of the RSA, excluding those present in dune landforms.

Landforms that support vegetation sensitive to air emissions (i.e., dune landforms and peatlands) represent a total area of 102,361 ha (10.2%).

16

FortSaskatchewan

BeaverhillLakeCooking

Lake

ManawanLake

Sturgeo

n River

Redwater River


Edmonton

Leduc

Camrose

Morinville

Westlock

Redwater

Millet

Calmar

Bruderheim

Smoky Lake

Legal

BonAccord

Gibbons

Devon Beaumont

StoneyPlain

Tofield

Lamont

Mundare

EastgateSand Hills

Beaverhill CreekSand Hills

Redwater RiverSand Hills

15

637

45

831

2

228A

21

Elk IslandNational Park

322000

322000

362000

362000

402000

402000

5882

000

5882

000

5922

000

5922

000

5962

000

5962

000

6002

000

6002

000

FIGURE 3.2-15 0 5 10 15


Dune LandformPeatland

≤ 30% Fen or Bog40-60% Fen or Bog≥ 70% Fen or Bog

Natural SubregionCentral MixedwoodCentral ParklandDry Mixedwood

Regional Study AreaTOTAL LandsPaved AccessUnpaved AccessRailwayWatercourseProtected AreaNatural AreaUrban Area

TITLE SCALE

VEGETATION LANDFORMS SENSITIVETO AIR EMISSIONS IN THE REGIONAL STUDY AREA



Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 4: Summary


4 Summary

4.1 Local Study Area

The LSA is characterized by:

• an area of 471 ha that is dominated by agricultural and industrial land • native vegetation, including six upland vegetation alliances that cover 104.7 ha

(22.2%) of the LSA and five wetland classes that cover 55 ha (11.7%) • all native vegetation land units are considered common in the Central Parkland

Region • the presence of two rare plants: green saxifrage (Chrysosplenium tetrandrum) and

long-leaved bluet (Hedyotis longifolia) • the presence of weeds in the interior of all native vegetation stands, including

noxious and nuisance weed species


The RSA comprises an area of 1,000,000 ha and includes 102,361 ha (10.2%) of dune landforms and peatlands that support vegetation sensitive to air emissions.

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 4: Summary


Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 5: References


5 References

5.1 Literature Cited

Achuff, P. 1994. Natural Regions, Subregions and Natural History Themes of Alberta (Revised). Alberta Environmental Protection, Parks Service. Edmonton, Alberta.

Alberta Native Plant Working Group. 2000. A Rogue’s Gallery of Non-native Invasive Plants. Alberta Native Plant Council, Edmonton, Alberta.

Allen, L. 2006. Preliminary Ecological Community Tracking List. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre. Parks and Protected Areas Division, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.

ANHIC (Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre). 2002. List of all Lichen Elements. Parks and Protected Areas Division, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.

ANHIC. 2006. List of all Vascular Plant Elements. Parks and Protected Areas Division, Alberta Community Development. Edmonton, Alberta.

Anderson, B.W., H.A Crum and W.R. Buck. 1990. List of the mosses of North America north of Mexico. The Bryologist 93: 448–499.

Brodo, I., M. Sylvia, D. Sharnoff and S. Sharnoff. 2001. Lichens of North America. Yale University.

Conti, M.E. and G. Cecchetti. 2001. Biological monitoring: lichens as bioindicators of air pollution assessment – a review. Environmental Pollution 114: 471–492.

Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. U.S. Department of the Interior. Fish and Wildlife Service. Office of Biological Services. Washington, D.C.

David, P.P. 1977. Sand Dune Occurrences of Canada. A Theme and Resource Inventory Study of Eolian Landforms of Canada. Produced for Indian and Northern Affairs, National Parks Branch. File Number 90/7-P.1 Eolian Landforms 74–230.

Gould, J. 2006. Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre Tracking and Watch Lists – Vascular Plants, Mosses, Liverworts and Hornworts. Alberta Community Development, Edmonton, Alberta.

Jäger, H.H. 2001. Monitoring of air pollution effects on vegetation – Methods and problems: Experiences from European monitoring programs. In: Wood Buffalo Environmental Association. 2001. Direct Effects Workshop: Proceedings. Wood Buffalo Environmental Association and Terrestrial Environmental Effects Monitoring Program. Calgary, Alberta.

Lancaster, Jane (ed.). 2000. Alberta Native Plant Council Guidelines for Rare Plant Surveys in Alberta. Alberta Native Plant Council. Edmonton, Alberta.

Moss, E.H. 1983. Flora of Alberta. 2nd Edition (revised by J. G. Packer). University of Toronto Press. Toronto, Ontario.

Nicholson, B.J. and D.H. Vitt. 1994. Wetland development at Elk Island National Park, Alberta, Canada. Journal of Paleolimnology 12: 19–34.

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Section 5: References


Onianwa, P.C. 2001. Monitoring atmospheric metal pollution: a review of the use of mosses as indicators. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 71: 13–50.

Prairie Conservation Forum. 2001. Alberta Prairie Conservation Action Plan: 2001-2005. Published by the Prairie Conservation Forum. Lethbridge, Alberta.

Shell (Shell Canada Ltd.). 2007. Application for Approval of the Scotford 2 Upgrader Expansion Project. Submitted to Alberta Energy and Utilities Board and to Alberta Environment. July 2007.

Stewart, R. E. and H.A. Kantrud. 1971. Classification of Natural Ponds and Lakes in the Glaciated Prairie Region. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Washington, D.C.

Vitt, D.H., L.A. Halsey, M.N. Thormann and T. Martin. 1996. Peatland Inventory of Alberta. Network of Centres of Excellence, Sustainable Forest Management Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.

Vitt, D.H., K. Wieder, L.A. Halsey and M. Turetsky. 2003. Response of Sphagnum fuscum to nitrogen deposition: A case study of ombrogenous peatlands in Alberta, Canada. The Bryologist 106: 235–245.

Wheatley, M. and J. Bentz. 2002. A Preliminary Classification of Plant Communities in the Central Parkland Natural Subregion of Alberta. Geowest Environmental Consultants Ltd. Edmonton, Alberta.

WHO (World Health Organization). 2000. Air Quality Guidelines for Europe, 2nd Edition. WHO Regional Publications, European Series, No. 91. WHO Regional Office for Europe.

5.2 Personal Communication

Rintoul, J. June 2007. Electronic Element Occurrence Report. Section Head and Information Coordinator, Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre, Heritage Protection and Recreation Management Branch, Parks and Protected Areas Division, Alberta Community Development.

Wells, D. Assistant Agricultural Officer; Weed Specialist. Strathcona County. Conversation. September 14, 2006.

5.3 Internet Sites

ANHIC (Alberta Natural Heritage Information Centre). 2006. Natural Regions: Parkland Subregion. Available at: http://tprc.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/naturalregions/parkland.aspx. Accessed July 2007.

Environment Canada. 2006. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Species at Risk Database. Available at: http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm. Accessed: July 2007.

Strathcona County. 2007. Weeds and Their Control. Available at: http://www.strathcona.ab.ca/Strathcona/Departments/Transportation+and+Agriculture+Services/Agriculture+Services/Weeds/default.htm. Accessed July 2007.

http://tprc.alberta.ca/parks/heritageinfocentre/naturalregions/parkland.aspx

http://www.cosewic.gc.ca/eng/sct1/searchform_e.cfm

http://www.strathcona.ab.ca/Strathcona/Departments/Transportation+and+Agriculture+Services/Agriculture+Services/Weeds/default.htm

Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Appendix A: Vegetation Survey Sites

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page A-1

Appendix A Vegetation Survey Sites


December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.Page A-2



Table A-1 Vegetation Survey Sites Survey

Site Easting Northing Zone Alliance or Wetland Class

LH701 360517 5960398 12 Upland: White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance

LH702-1 360753 5960444 12 Wetland: Semi-permanent Marsh

LH702-2 360733 5960451 12 Wetland: Semi-permanent Marsh

LH703 360772 5960322 12 Upland: Rose Shrubland Alliance

LH704 360779 5960148 12 Wetland : Shrubby Willow Swamp

LH705 360761 5960058 12 Upland: Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance


LH707-1 360539 5960040 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh



LH709 361447 5960327 12 Upland: Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance

LH710 361580 5960008 12 Upland: Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance

LH711 361385 5959960 12 Upland: White Spruce Woodland Alliance




LH714 362418 5959841 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh

LH715 362418 5959659 12 Wetland: Temporary Marsh

LH715-2 362331 5959477 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh


LH715-4 362373 5959337 12 Wetland : Shrubby Willow Swamp





LH719 361314 5958907 12 Agricultural Land: Pasture-prairie Alliance




LH721 361081 5959097 12 Agricultural Land: Pasture–prairie Alliance


LH723a 360920 5959117 12 Wetland: Temporary Marsh

LH723b 360900 5959248 12 Wetland: Temporary Marsh


LH725 360962 5959512 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh




Table A-1 Vegetation Survey Sites (cont’d) Survey

Site Easting Northing Zone Alliance or Wetland Class LH727 361574 5959117 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh
















LH740 360745 5959148 12 Upland: Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance













RN01 360512 5958314 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh

RN02-1 360367 5958621 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh



RN03 360064 5958700 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh

RN04 360421 5958941 12 Upland: Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance

RN05 360100 5959300 12 Agricultural Land: Pasture–prairie Alliance






Site Easting Northing Zone Alliance or Wetland Class =RN07-2 361406 5958989 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh


RN09 360730 5959483 12 Upland: White Spruce Woodland Alliance


RN13 360510 5960260 12 Upland: White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance

RN14 360709 5960055 12 Upland: Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance

RN16 361178 5960340 12 Wetland : Shrubby Willow Swamp









RN22-1 360349 5959649 12 Agricultural Land: Pasture–prairie Alliance

RN22-2 360341 5959673 12 Agricultural Land: Pasture–prairie Alliance












RN29b 361050 5959350 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh

RN29c 361133 5959320 12 Wetland: Seasonal Marsh



RN32 360539 5960231 12 Upland: White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance








Site Easting Northing Zone Alliance or Wetland Class N52 360272 5958494 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh

N53 360457 5958475 12 Wetland: Ephemeral Marsh












Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Appendix B: Diversity Data by Vegetation Class

TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. December 2007 Page B-1

Appendix B Diversity Data by Vegetation Class


December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd.Page B-2



B.1 Introduction This appendix provides information on:

• vegetation species collected from individual upland vegetation alliances and wetland classes

• site-species curves for individual upland vegetation alliances and wetland classes • species richness (i.e., number of species), the Shannon Diversity Index (H’=-∑pi ln

pi, where pi is the proportion of occurrences of the ith species) and Evenness (E=H’/Hmax =H’/ln S, where S is the total number o species) for individual upland vegetation alliances and wetland classes where site species -curves indicate that sampling of the overall population was sufficient to identify all species occurring within the vegetation type

B.2 Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-1. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-1. As the site-species curve for this alliance plateaus (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), species richness and diversity indices were determined. There were 92 vegetation species observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance. This alliance has a Shannon Diversity Index of 3.93 and an Evenness of 0.95.

Table B-1 Vegetation Species Observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance

Latin Name Common Name

Vascular – Tree

Betula papyrifera Marsh. White birch

Picea glauca (Moench) Voss White spruce

Populus tremuloides Michx. Aspen

Vascular – Shrubs

Alnus crispa (Ait.)Pursh Green alder

Amelanchier alnifolia Nutt. Saskatoon berry

Cornus stolonifera Michx. Red-osier dogwood

Corylus cornuta Marsh. Beaked hazelnut

Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. Silverberry

Linnaea borealis L. Twinflower

Lonicera dioica L. Twining honeysuckle



Table B-1 Vegetation Species Observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance (cont’d)


Vascular – Shrub (cont’d)

Lonicera involucrata Richards. Bracted honeysuckle, black twin berry

Prunus virginiana L. Choke cherry

Ribes hudsonianum Richards. Northern black currant

Ribes lacustre (Pers.) Poir. Bristly black currant

Ribes oxyacanthoides L. Northern gooseberry

Rosa acicularis Lindl. Prickly rose

Rosa woodsii Lindl. Common wild rose

Rubus idaeus L. Wild red raspberry

Salix bebbiana Sarg. Beaked willow

Salix petiolaris Sm. Basket willow

Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt Canada buffaloberry

Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake Snowberry

Vascular – Graminoids

Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. Quack grass

Bromus inermis Leyss. Awnless brome, smooth brome

Bromus pumpellianus Scribn.

Carex deweyana Schwein Dewey's sedge

Carex sp. L. Sedge species

Glyceria striata (Lam.) A.S. Hitchc. Fowl manna grass

Hierochloe odorata L. Beauv. Sweet grass

Juncus balticus Willd. Wire rush

Oryzopsis asperifolia Michx. White-grained mountain rice grass

Poa palustris L. Fowl bluegrass, fowl meadow grass

Poa pratensis L. Kentucky bluegrass





Vascular – Graminoid (cont’d)

Schizachne purpurascens (Torr.) Swallen Purple oat grass

Vascular – Forbs

Achillea millefolium L. Common yarrow

Anemone multifida Poir. Cut-leaved anemone

Aralia nudicaulis L. Wild sarsaparilla

Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. Prairie sagewort

Aster ciliolatus Lindl. Lindley's aster

Aster laevis L. Smooth aster

Campanula rotundifolia L. Harebell

Cerastium arvense L. Field mouse-ear chickweed

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Creeping thistle

Cornus canadensis L. Bunchberry

Epilobium angustifolium L. Common fireweed

Epilobium sp. L. Willowherb species

Equisetum arvense L. Common horsetail

Equisetum pratense Ehrh. Meadow horsetail

Equisetum sylvaticum L. Woodland horsetail

Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Wild strawberry

Galium boreale L. Northern bedstraw

Galium triflorum Michx. Sweet-scented bedstraw

Geum aleppicum Jacq. Yellow avens

Hieracium umbellatum L. Narrow-leaved hawkweed

Lappula squarrosa (Retz.) Durmort. Bluebur

Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook. Cream-coloured vetchling





Vascular – Forbs (cont’d)

Linaria vulgaris Hill Butter-and-eggs

Maianthemum canadense Desf. Wild lily-of-the-valley

Mentha arvensis L. Wild mint

Mertensia paniculata (Ait.) G. Don Tall lungwort, bluebell

Moehringia lateriflora (L.) Fenzl. Blunt-leaved sandwort

Potentilla anserina L. Silverweed

Pyrola asarifolia Michx. Common pink wintergreen

Ranunculus macounii Britt Macoun's buttercup

Rubus pubescens Raf. Dewberry, dwarf raspberry

Scutellaria galericulata L. Marsh skullcap

Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf. Star-flowered Solomon's-seal

Sonchus arvensis L. Perennial sow-thistle

Stellaria longifolia Muhl. ex Willd. Long-leaved chickweed

Stellaria longipes Goldie Long-stalked chickweed

Taraxacum officinale Weber Common dandelion

Thalictrum venulosum Trel. Veiny meadow rue

Thermopsis rhombifolia Nutt. Richards. Golden bean

Trifolium hybridum L. Alsike clover

Urtica dioica L. Common nettle

Vicia americana Muhl. ex Willd. Wild vetch, American vetch

Viola canadensis L. Western Canada violet

Viola renifolia Gray Kidney-leaved violet





Bryophytes and Lichens

Amblystegium serpens (Hedw.) Schimp.

Brachythecium salebrosum (Web. & Mohr.) Schimp. in B.S.G.

Cladina mitis (Sandst.) Hustich Green reindeer lichen

Flavopunctelia flaventior (Stirton) Hale Lichen

Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) B.S.G. Stair-step moss

Leptodictyum riparium (Hedw.) Warnst. Streamside leptodictyum moss

Orthotrichum obtusifolium Brid.

Physcia adscendens (Fr.) H. Olivier Hooded lichen

Plagiomnium cuspidatum (Hedw.) T. Kop.

Pleurozium schreberi (Brid.) Mitt. Schreber's moss

Pylaisiella polyantha (Hedw.) Grout

Usnea alpina Mot. Old man's beard

Xanthoria fallax (Hepp) Arnold

Figure B-1 Site-Species Curve for the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance



B.3 White Spruce Woodland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-2. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-2. There were 59 species observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.

Table B-2 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance


Vascular – Trees



Populus balsamifera L. Balsam poplar


Vascular – Shrubs


Betula pumila L. Dwarf birch



Lonicera dioica L. Twining honeysuckle





Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake Snowberry

Vaccinium myrtilloides Michx. Common blueberry

Vaccinium vitis-idaea L. Bog cranberry



Table B-2 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance (cont’d)



Carex rostrata Stokes Beaked sedge

Carex utriculata Boott Small bottle sedge





Vascular – Forbs



Chenopodium album L. Lamb's -quarters


Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt. Bastard toadflax


Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb Flixweed





Geocaulon lividum (Richards.) Fern. Northern bastard toadflax

Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook. Cream-colored vetchling






Table B-2 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce Woodland Alliance (cont’d)



Petasites palmatus (Ait.) Gray Palmate-leaved coltsfoot



Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf. Star-flowered solomon's-seal





Viola adunca Sm. Early blue violet

Viola nephrophylla Greene Bog violet





Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) B.S.G. Stair-step moss


Orthotrichum speciosum Nees in Sturm



Ptilium crista-castrensis (Hedw.) De Not. Knight's plume moss




Figure B-2 Site-Species Curve for the White Spruce Woodland Alliance

B.4 White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Woodland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-3. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-3. There were 89 species observed in the White Spruce–Mixed Evergreen Deciduous Woodland Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.

Table B-3 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce-Mixed Evergreen Woodland Alliance


Vascular – Trees


Larix laricina (Du Roi) K. Koch Tamarack




Vascular – Shrubs


Betula pumila L. Dwarf birch



Table B-3 Vegetation Species Observed in the White Spruce-Mixed Evergreen Woodland Alliance (cont’d)


Vascular – Shrubs (cont’d)











Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt Canada buffaloberry

Viburnum edule (Michx.) Raf. Low-bush cranberry


Agrostis scabra Willd. Rough hair grass

Agrostis stolonifera L. Redtop


Carex aenea Fern. Silvery-flowered sedge


Carex disperma Dewey Two-seeded sedge









Vascular – Forbs


Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd. Red and white baneberry

Antennaria sp. Gaertn. Pussytoes species






Chrysosplenium tetrandrum (Lund) Th. Fries Green saxifrage



Dryopteris assimilis S. Walker Broad spinulose shield fern


Equisetum pratense Ehrh. Meadow horsetail

Equisetum scirpoides Michx. Dwarf scouring-rush

Erigeron philadelphicus L. Philadelphia fleabane




Geocaulon lividum (Richards.) Fern. Northern bastard toadflax












Mitella nuda L. Bishop's-cap


Petasites palmatus (Ait.) Gray Palmate-leaved coltsfoot

Petasites sagittatus (Pursh) A. Gray Arrow-leaved coltsfoot

Potentilla norvegica L. Rough cinquefoil



Rumex sp. L. Dock species


Senecio eremophilus Richards. Cut-leaved ragwort




Thalictrum sp. L. Meadow rue species














Cladina mitis (Sandst.) Hustich Green reindeer lichen

Cladonia pyxidata (L.) Hoffm. Brown pixie-cup

Drepanocladus aduncus (Hedw.) Warnst. Brown moss, common hook moss

Lecidella euphorea (Florke) Hertel Lichen

Parmelia sulcata Taylor Waxpaper lichen


Physcia aipolia (Ehrh. ex Humb.) Furnr. Grey-eyed rosette




Figure B-3 Site-Species Curve for the White Spruce-Mixed Evergreen Woodland Alliance



B.5 Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-4. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-4. There were 15 species observed in the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.

Table B-4 Vegetation Species Observed in the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance


Vascular – Trees



Vascular – Shrubs







Vascular – Forbs


Artemisia campestris L. Plains wormwood









Figure B-4 Site-Species Curve for the Aspen Poplar Shrubland Alliance

B.6 Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-5. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-5. There were 23 species observed in the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.

Table B-5 Vegetation Species Observed in the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance


Vascular – Trees

Acer negundo L. Manitoba maple


Vascular – Shrubs






Table B-5 Vegetation Species Observed in the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance (cont’d)





Triticum aestivum L. Common wheat

Vascular – Forbs


Agoseris glauca (Pursh) Raf. Yellow false dandelion

Anemone patens L. Prairie crocus

Artemisia frigida Willd. Pasture sagewort






Gaillardia aristata Pursh Gaillardia


Lycopodium clavatum L. Running club-moss

Silene cucubalus Wibel Bladder campion





Figure B-5 Site-Species Curve for the Chokecherry Shrubland Alliance

B.7 Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-6. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-6. There were 30 species observed in the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.

Table B-6 Vegetation Species Observed in the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance


Vascular – Trees



Vascular – Shrubs






Carex aenea Fern. Silvery-flowered sedge



Table B-6 Vegetation Species Observed in the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance (cont’d)


Vascular – Forbs



Artemisia sp. L. Sage species


Bidens cernua L. Nodding beggarticks


Chenopodium rubrum L. Red goosefoot

Clematis occidentalis (Hornem.) DC. Purple clematis

Dracocephalum parviflorum Nutt. American dragonhead




Heracleum lanatum Michx. Cow parsnip




Solidago canadensis L. Canada goldenrod



Candelariella vitellina (Hoffm.) Mull. Arg. Lichen

Cladonia pyxidata (L.) Hoffm. Brown pixie-cup






Figure B-6 Site-Species Curve for the Prickly Rose Shrubland Alliance

B.8 Ephemeral Marsh For a list of vegetation species observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class on TOTAL lands, see Table B-7. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-7. As the site-species curve for this alliance plateaus (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), species richness and diversity indices were determined. There were 41 vegetation species observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class. This alliance has a Shannon Diversity Index of 3.22 and an Evenness of 0.86.

Table B-7 Vegetation Species Observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class


Vascular – Shrubs






Alopecurus aequalis Sobol. Short-awned foxtail

Beckmannia syzigachne (Steud). Fern. Slough grass



Table B-7 Vegetation Species Observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class (cont’d)


Vascular – Graminoids (cont’d)


Carex atherodes Spreng. Awned sedge

Carex bebbii Olney ex Fern. Bebb's sedge


Glyceria grandis S. Wats. Common tall manna grass

Hordeum jubatum L. Foxtail barley

Phleum pratense L. Timothy



Triticum aestivum L. Common wheat

Vascular – Forbs







Brassica kaber (DC.) L.C. Wheeler Wild mustard




Epilobium palustre L Marsh willowherb


Melilotus alba Desr. White sweet-clover



Table B-7 Vegetation Species Observed in the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class (cont’d)




Plantago major L. Common plantain

Polygonum amphibium L. Water smartweed


Rorippa islandica (Oeder) Borbas

Sagittaria cuneata Sheldon Arum-leaved arrowhead


Silene pratensis (Rafn) God. & Gren. White cockle





Figure B-7 Site-Species Curve for the Ephemeral Marsh Wetland Class



B.9 Temporary Marsh For a list of vegetation species observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class on TOTAL lands, see Table B-8. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-8. As the site-species curve for this alliance plateaus (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), species richness and diversity indices were determined. There were 44 vegetation species observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class. This alliance has a Shannon Diversity Index of 3.58 and an Evenness of 0.95.

Table B-8 Vegetation Species Observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class


Vascular – Shrubs

Juniperus horizontalis Moench Creeping juniper




Salix discolor Muhl. Pussy willow





Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. Bluejoint reed-grass

Carex canescens L.

Carex disperma Dewey Two-seeded sedge

Carex siccata Dewey Hay sedge



Phalaris arundinacea L. Reed canary grass




Table B-8 Vegetation Species Observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class (cont’d)


Vascular – Forbs





Cicuta maculata L. Water-hemlock










Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. Marsh cinquefoil

Rorippa islandica (Oeder) Borbas


Silene cucubalus Wibel Bladder campion




Thlaspi arvense L. Stinkweed





Table B-8 Vegetation Species Observed in the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class (cont’d)



Bryum sp. Hedw.

Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. Purple horn-toothed moss



Figure B-8 Site-Species Curve for the Temporary Marsh Wetland Class

B.10 Seasonal Marsh For a list of vegetation species observed in the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class on TOTAL lands, see Table B-9. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-9. As the site-species curve for this alliance plateaus (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), species richness and diversity indices were determined. There were 100 vegetation species observed in the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class. This wetland class had the most diversity of all vegetation types. This alliance has a Shannon Diversity Index of 4.15 and an Evenness of 0.9.



Table B-9 Vegetation Species Observed in the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class


Vascular – Trees



Sorbus scopulina Greene Western mountain-ash

Vascular – Shrubs


Prunus pensylvanica L.f. Pin cherry






Salix sp. L. Willow species




Agrostis stolonifera L. Redtop




Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. Water sedge

Carex atherodes Spreng. Awned sedge


Carex rostrata Stokes Beaked sedge

Carex sp. L. Sedge species



Table B-9 Vegetation Species Observed in the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class (cont’d)


Vascular – Graminoids (cont’d)


Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. Creeping spike-rush



Hierochloe odorata L. Beauv. Sweet grass







Scolochloa festucacea (Willd.) Link Spangletop

Typha latifolia L. Common cattail

Vascular – Forbs


Achillea sibirica Ledeb. Many-flowered yarrow

Anemone canadensis L. Canada anemone

Antennaria sp. Gaertn. Pussytoes species

Asclepias ovalifolia Dcne. Low milkweed




Epilobium palustre L Marsh willowherb







Equisetum hyemale L. Common scouring-rush

Equisetum sylvaticum L. Woodland horsetail




Galium trifidum L. Small bedstraw


Habenaria sp. (Willd.) sp Orchid species


Hippuris vulgaris L. Common mare's-tail

Lemna minor L. Common duckweed


Lycopus uniflorus Michx. Northern water-horehound

Medicago lupulina L. Black medick



Menyanthes trifoliata L. Buck-bean





Polygonum coccineum Muhl. Water smartweed


Potentilla gracilis Dougl. ex Hook. Graceful cinquefoil







Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. Marsh cinquefoil

Ranunculus cymbalaria Pursh Seaside buttercup


Ranunculus sceleratus L. Celery-leaved buttercup


Rumex occidentalis S. Wats Western dock

Rumex sp. L. Dock species


Sisyrinchium montanum Greene Common blue-eyed grass

Sium suave Walt. Water parsnip

Solidago sp. L. Goldenrod species




Thlaspi arvense L. Stinkweed



Veronica americana Schwein. ex Benth. American brooklime, American speedwell

Vicia americana Muhl. ex Willd. Wild vetch, american vetch

Viola canadensis L. Western canada violet









Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.) Schwaegr. Tufted moss

Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. Purple horn-toothed moss






Figure B-9 Site-Species Curve for the Seasonal Marsh Wetland Class

B.11 Semi-Permanent Marsh For a list of vegetation species observed in the Semi-Permanent Marsh Wetland Class on TOTAL lands, see Table B-10. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-10. There were 17 species observed in the Semi-Permanent Marsh Alliance. As the site-species curve for this alliance does not plateau (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), diversity indices were not determined.



Table B-10 Vegetation Species Observed in the Semi-Permanent Marsh Wetland Class


Vascular – Shrubs





Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. Bluejoint reed-grass

Carex bebbii Olney ex Fern. Bebb's sedge



Typha latifolia L. Common cattail

Vascular – Forbs

Cicuta maculata L. Water-hemlock


Lycopus uniflorus Michx. Northern water-horehound







Usnea subfloridana Stirton Old man's beard



Figure B-10 Site-Species Curve for the Semi-Permanent Marsh Wetland Class

B.12 Pasture-Prairie Alliance For a list of vegetation species observed in the Pasture–Prairie Alliance on TOTAL lands, see Table B-11. For a site-species curve, see Figure B-11. As the site-species curve for this alliance plateaus (i.e., no new species are found at some point along the curve), species richness and diversity indices were determined. There were 75 vegetation species observed in the Aspen Poplar Woodland Alliance. This alliance has a Shannon Diversity Index of 4.35 and an Evenness of 0.97.

Table B-11 Vegetation Species Observed in the Pasture-Prairie Alliance


Vascular – Trees




Vascular – Shrubs


Juniperus horizontalis Moench Creeping juniper

Lonicera involucrata Richards. Bracted honeysuckle, black twin berry





Table B-11 Vegetation Species Observed in the Pasture-Prairie Alliance (cont’d)


Vascular – Shrubs (cont’d)




Agropyron pectiniforme Roemer & J.A. Schultes Crested wheat grass






Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. Water sedge


Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. Creeping spike-rush

Festuca rubra L. Red fescue


Melampyrum lineare Desr. Cow-wheat




Scirpus microcarpus J. & K. Presl. Small-fruited bulrush

Vascular – Forbs

















Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb Flixweed

Descurainia sophioides (Fisch.) O.E. Schulz






Galium trifidum L. Small bedstraw

Geum macrophyllum Willd. Large-leaved yellow avens

Hedyotis longifolia (Gaertn.) Hook. Long-leaved bluets





















Tragopogon dubius Scop. Common goat's-beard





Viola sp. L. Violet species








Pylaisiella polyantha (Hedw.) Grout



Figure B-11 Site-Species Curve for the Pasture–Prairie Alliance



Documents

Vegetation and Wetlands - Alberta...Environmental Baseline Study: Vegetation and Wetlands Table of Contents December 2007 TOTAL E&P Canada Ltd. Page ii List of Tables Table 2.1-1 Alberta