howe sound crest trail re-alignment · 2015-08-06 · 1 introduction bc parks has commenced the...
TRANSCRIPT
Howe Sound Crest Trail
Re‐alignment
Environmental Assessment
Prepared for: Ministry of Environment Parks and Protected Areas Lower Mainland Region
Prepared by: Sartori Environmental Services Inc. & Gebauer and Associates Ltd.
October 2008
1 Introduction 1 Introduction
BC Parks has commenced the planning, design and reconstruction of the Howe Sound Crest Trail to the West Lion. This reconstruction project will involve approximately 15km of trail and is proposed to be completed over the next 3 years.
BC Parks has commenced the planning, design and reconstruction of the Howe Sound Crest Trail to the West Lion. This reconstruction project will involve approximately 15km of trail and is proposed to be completed over the next 3 years.
The Howe Sound Crest Trail Project has been broken down into three construction phases. The first phase will involve the realignment of the existing Howe Sound Crest trail from the Cypress Mountain downhill ski lodge to an area known as Strachan Meadows. In this section a new section of trail and a new viewing area will be constructed and will allow for four season access to the view point. The second phase will see the reconstruction of the existing trail from the West Lion back to an area known as St. Marks. The third and final phase will connect the previously constructed sections of trail.
The Howe Sound Crest Trail Project has been broken down into three construction phases. The first phase will involve the realignment of the existing Howe Sound Crest trail from the Cypress Mountain downhill ski lodge to an area known as Strachan Meadows. In this section a new section of trail and a new viewing area will be constructed and will allow for four season access to the view point. The second phase will see the reconstruction of the existing trail from the West Lion back to an area known as St. Marks. The third and final phase will connect the previously constructed sections of trail.
The general intent of the project is to improve the overall safety of the Howe Sound Crest Trail. The general intent of the project is to improve the overall safety of the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
Sartori Environmental Services has been retained to assess the environmental implications of installing the new section of trail in Phase 1 and to determine if environmentally sensitive ecosystems and species reside within its proposed alignment. Design recommendations and construction mitigation are also presented within this assessment report.
Sartori Environmental Services has been retained to assess the environmental implications of installing the new section of trail in Phase 1 and to determine if environmentally sensitive ecosystems and species reside within its proposed alignment. Design recommendations and construction mitigation are also presented within this assessment report.
Study Area
Figure 1. Study Area Location Map Figure 1. Study Area Location Map
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Proposed Trail Design
The proposed trail will consist of a 770 metre section on new trail alignment beginning at the base of the valley, approximately 100 northwest of Montizambert Creek. The start of the new trail is proposed to cross a linear wetland and continue upslope in a series of switchbacks to gain elevation in a northwest alignment along a reasonably gentle grade to a point where it meets the existing Bowen Lookout spur trail and the existing Howe Sound Crest Trail beyond.
At the top end of this new trail, a short 100 metre spur trail is also being proposed to access a new view point area.
Clearing for the trail between the valley bottom and the view point will consist of a 6 metre wide cut. The clearing for the trail to the existing Bowen Look‐out spur trail will be 2‐3 metres wide. The actual summer trail trend will be 1.5 metres wide and will have a 0.75” crushed rock topping, approximately 10 cm in depth to provide long term durability.
2 Methodology
A brief field reconnaissance of the proposed new trail alignment was conducted on 10 October 2008. The primary objective of the field visit was to determine the potential for rare and endangered wildlife species and to document environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, wildlife species were identified by sight, sound and sign, and plant species were recorded. The trail alignment was also recorded with the use of a GPS for final alignment and mapping purposes.
A search of the Conservation Data Centre’s (CDC) web‐based database of rare element occurrences was conducted on 16 October 2008 to determine whether rare or endangered species have previously been identified on or in the immediate vicinity of the study area. Only one rare species was reported, Nuttall’s Quillwort (Isoetes nuttallii), which is found along the Yew Lake trail and outside the current study area.
3 Field Assessment Results
Trail Alternatives
A trail alignment through an area previously assessed for the “Snow making Reservoir” site was considered by BC Parks. This alternative which would have started between the existing ski area water treatment plant and the current project site would have required a trail to be cut through a known environmentally sensitive area northwest of Montizambert Creek. This area contains numerous seepage zones that provide clean, clear groundwater to wetland areas at the base of the valley and to a known Black Petaltail dragonfly (Tanypteryx hageni) breeding area. Consequently, this trail alignment option was abandoned due to the environmentally sensitive nature of this area.
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Habitat Description Habitat Description
The proposed trail alignment leaves an existing gravel roadway/trail, crosses a small wetland reclamation area, and continues up a hill to a bluff through a regenerating clearcut characterized by dense conifer and shrub growth. No crossings of watercourses or other wetland areas are necessary along the alignment. The wetland reclamation area is sensitive to disturbance and contains locally significant wetland species including Chamisso’s Cottongrass (see Appendix 1 for scientific names), Bog St. John’s‐Wort, and Streambank Arnica. Common tree and shrub species present in the regenerating clearcut include Yellow‐Cedar, Mountain Hemlock, Amabalis Fir, Western Hemlock, Alaska Blueberry, and Sitka Mountain‐Ash. Swordfern, Queen’s Cup and Running Clubmoss are common herb and moss species.
The proposed trail alignment leaves an existing gravel roadway/trail, crosses a small wetland reclamation area, and continues up a hill to a bluff through a regenerating clearcut characterized by dense conifer and shrub growth. No crossings of watercourses or other wetland areas are necessary along the alignment. The wetland reclamation area is sensitive to disturbance and contains locally significant wetland species including Chamisso’s Cottongrass (see Appendix 1 for scientific names), Bog St. John’s‐Wort, and Streambank Arnica. Common tree and shrub species present in the regenerating clearcut include Yellow‐Cedar, Mountain Hemlock, Amabalis Fir, Western Hemlock, Alaska Blueberry, and Sitka Mountain‐Ash. Swordfern, Queen’s Cup and Running Clubmoss are common herb and moss species.
Wetland habitats are present along the road accessing the beginning of the new trail alignment. A locally rare species, Bog Clubmoss, is present here and needs to be protected during trail construction activities.
Wetland habitats are present along the road accessing the beginning of the new trail alignment. A locally rare species, Bog Clubmoss, is present here and needs to be protected during trail construction activities.
None of the habitats within the study area are listed as Red or Blue by the Conservation data Centre and all record trees reported by the CDC (see Table 1 below) are well outside the study area. None of the habitats within the study area are listed as Red or Blue by the Conservation data Centre and all record trees reported by the CDC (see Table 1 below) are well outside the study area.
Photo 1. Proposed trail start and crossing of linear wetland.Photo 1. Proposed trail start and crossing of linear wetland.
Photo 2. Location of proposed trail viewpoint. Photo 2. Location of proposed trail viewpoint.
Table 1. Record‐sized trees identified in the vicinity of the Proposed Howe Crest Trail New Alignment.
Species Record # Description
Amabalis Fir 2720 ‐ on Black Mountain; with a wood volume of 63 m3, is the largest known living Amabalis Fir
Yellow‐Cedar 2738 ‐ on west side of Cypress Parkway; 5th largest known Yellow‐Cedar with a wood volume of 103 m3 and age of ~1,200 years
Yellow‐Cedar 4092 ‐ on Hollyburn Mountain; 468 AFA points*
Mountain Hemlock
2764 ‐ on Black Mountain; 374 AFA points
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Mountain Hemlock
2766 ‐ on Hollyburn Mountain; 391 AFA points
* AFA: American Forestry Association – total points are awarded on the basis of combined measurements of circumference, height and crown spread.
Wildlife Description
Bird species observed during the field visit included Chestnut‐backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens; 1), Dark‐eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis; 2), Golden‐crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa; 3), Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis; 2); Pine Siskin (Carduelis pinus; 1); Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri; 1), Varied thrush (Ixoreus naevius) and the locally rare Northern Pygmy‐Owl (Glaucidium gnoma).
Many other bird species, as well as mammal species such as Black Bear (Ursus americanus), Keen’s Mouse (Peromyscus keeni), Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) and Douglas’ Squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii), are likely to be present within the study area.
Rare and Endangered Species
Given the small size and relatively disturbed nature of the study area, few rare and endangered wildlife species are likely to occur. The tracking list for rare and endangered species in the Chilliwack Forest District was reviewed and a summary of potential species occurring within the lower property is provided in Table 2 below. One confirmed species, the Black Petaltail, a blue‐listed dragonfly, is known to occur along the reclamation wetland and is sensitive to disturbance.
Table 2. Potential rare and endangered wildlife species occurring within the proposed alignment of the new Howe Crest Trail.
Common and Scientific Names Status1 Potential for Occurrence
BIRDS
Band‐tailed Pigeon
Patagioenas fasciata Blue
MODERATE –shrub‐dominated habitats in regenerating clearcut areas provide good foraging areas; snags may be used for perching
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus ssp. anatum and pealei
SC; Red
SC; Blue
LOW – may occasionally fly or forage over the site, particularly during the migratory period; snags may be used for perching
AMPHIBIANS
Coastal Tailed Frog
Ascaphus truei SC; Blue
LOW ‐ expected to occur within Montizambert Creek and associated riparian habitats and wetlands; regenerating clearcut habitats are not particularly suitable
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Western Toad
Bufo boreas SC
LOW – although suitable breeding habitat is not available within the site, some individuals may reside within or disperse across the site
MAMMALS
Wolverine
Gulo gulo SC; Blue
LOW ‐ may occur at higher elevations and could occasionally wander through the study area
INVERTEBRATES
Black Petaltail
Tanypteryx hageni
Blue HIGH – known to occur in narrow wetland habitats at base of hill where new trail is proposed
1 Federal designation of SC = Special Concern
Recommendations
1. During trail construction activities, ensure that inadvertent disturbance of the locally rare population of Bog Clubmoss (Lycopodium inundatum) is avoided by erecting log barriers along the edge of the access roadway (similar to the barriers further along the trail).
2. To avoid possible contravention of the Wildlife Act, guidelines have been established to avoid land‐clearing activities between 01 May and 31 July (however at the project elevation, nesting may be later in the season) the sensitive nesting period for breeding birds and other wildlife. Tree clearing of the trail should be conducted in the late fall to avoid any possible active nests. All active bird nests are fully protected under the B.C. Wildlife Act and it is an offence to destroy nests occupied by a bird, its eggs or its young. If clearing and site preparation activities are necessary during the breeding bird window, a survey for active nests will need to be undertaken prior to disturbance.
3. Minimize impacts to the small wetland reclamation area and associated locally significant plant species and rare dragonfly species by using a bridge with abutments. Abutments should be placed outside wetted areas. The bridge should be approximately 1.8 metres in length to clearly span the wetland area and provide sufficient space for placement of the abutments.
4. Avoid removal of existing snags, which provide roosting opportunities for raptors such as Red‐tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and Northern Pygmy‐Owl, nesting opportunities for cavity‐nesting species, and foraging habitat for woodpeckers (e.g., Northern Flicker [Colaptes auratus]).
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Summary
The majority of the proposed Howe Crest trail alignment is within a regenerating clearcut, a habitat that is widespread in the area and not of ecological concern. More sensitive habitats, such as wetland seepages and ponds, are avoided all together. The primary area of concern is the wetland reclamation area near the beginning of the proposed trail. Impacts can be mitigated by installing a bridge and carefully locating bridge abutments. Although some rare and endangered species use the site, none are likely to be significantly impacted by the proposed trail development.
We trust this report meets your requirements for the present time. Should you have any questions lease don’t hesitate to contact the undersigned. p
Yours truly
Sartori Environmental Services Inc.
J. Alex Sartori, R.P.Bio
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Appendix I: Plant species identified on or adjacent to the proposed Howe Crest Trail alignment.
Common Name Scientific Name TREES Amabalis Fir Abies amabalis Paper Birch Betula papyrifera Mountain Hemlock Tsuga mertensiana Western Hemlock Tsuga heterophylla Yellow-Cedar Chamaecyparis nootkatensis SHRUBS Alaskan Blueberry Vaccinium alaskaense Bittercherry Prunus emarginata Copperbush Cladothamnus pyroliflorus Dull Oregon-Grape Mahonia nervosa False Azalea Menziesia ferruginea Hardhack Spiraea douglasii Oval-leaved Blueberry Vaccinium ovalifolium Red Elderberry Sambucus racemosa Salal Gaultheria shallon Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis Sitka Alder Alnus crispa Sitka Mountain-Ash Sorbus sitchensis Thimbleberry Rubus parviflorus Willow sp. Salix sp. HERBS Alaska Saxifrage Saxifraga ferruginea Bog Clubmoss Lycopodium inundatum Bog St. John’s-Wort Hypericum anagalloides Bracken Fern Pteridium aquilinum Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis Chamisso’s Cottongrass Eriophorum chamissonis Common Horsetail Equisetum arvense Deer Cabbage Fauria crista-galli Deer Fern Blechnum spicant Five-leaved Bramble Rubus pedatus Foamflower Tiarella trifoliata Grass sp. Graminae sp. Hawkweed sp. Hieracium sp. Lady Fern Athyrium filix-femina Leafy Aster Aster foliaceus Narrow-leaved Cottongrass Eriophorum angustifolium Queen’s Cup Clintonia uniflora Smooth Alumroot Heuchera glabra Streambank Arnica Arnica amplexicaulis
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