moosecall title page - a100.gov.bc.caa100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r2243/finalreport...west...

Reconnaissance Inventory of

Moosecall Lake

WSC: 230-809800-10900-23100 Waterbody Identifier: 01057UPCE

Prepared for: Canadian Forest Products Ltd.

Chetwynd Division Box 180

Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0

Prepared by: Hatfield Consultants Ltd.

201-1571 Bellevue Ave. West Vancouver, BC

V7V 1A6

Approved by:

________________________________ Alan Stockwell, R.P.Bio.

February 15, 2000

i

Project Reference Information

MELP Project Number Canfor Chetwynd 1998/1999 FRBC Standards Agreement

FRBC Project Number 99840014/OPM98703 FDIS Project Number 07-MURR-2000-0001-1999 FRBC Region Omineca-Peace Region MELP Region 07 (Omineca-Peace) MELP District Not Applicable FW Management Unit 7-31 Fisheries Planning Unit Not Applicable DFO Sub-District Not Applicable Forest Region Prince George Forest Region Forest District Dawson Creek District Forest Licensee and Tenure # Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor), TFL 48 First Nations Claim Area Treaty 8 – West Moberly First Nation

Watershed Information

Watershed Group Upper Peace River Group Watershed Code 230-809800-10900-22100 Waterbody Identifier 01057UPCE UTM at Lake Outlet 10.55199.6199388 Order at Lake Outlet 2nd Number of Tributaries 6 Drainage Area 5.35 km2 (535 ha) Magnitude 5 Elevation 697 m NTS Map 93 O/16 TRIM Map 093O.100 BEC Zone BWBS Airphotos 30BCC95097: 063, 064, 065, 153

Lake Sampling Summary

Lake Survey Type Primary (98/99 RIC Standards) Surface Water Area 873,576 m2 (87.4 ha) Maximum Depth 2.1 m Mean Depth 1.14 m Secchi Depth 0.17 m Volume 995,877 m3 Area Above 6 m Contour 0 Shoreline Perimeter 4,282 m Lake Length 1,510 m

ii

Number of Islands 2 Fish Species Present in Lake No Fish Caught

Contractor Information

Project Manager: Name: Alan Stockwell, R.P.Bio. Company: Hatfield Consultants Ltd.

Address: #201-1571 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver, BC V7V1A6

Phone: (604) 926-3261

Field Crew: Names: Alan Stockwell and Garth Taylor Data Entry: Name: Dan Moats and Jason Baird Report Prepared by: Name: Alan Stockwell Report Edited by: Name: Andrew Allan and Malcolm Winsby

Maps Prepared by: Name: Susan Cho Hatfield Consultants Ltd.

GIS Services: Name: Susan Cho Hatfield Consultants Ltd.

Water Chemistry: Name: Analytical Services Laboratories Ltd. (ASL) Address: 1988 Triumph Street, Vancouver, BC Phone: (604) 253-4188

Aging sample No fish Caught analysis by:

Genetic sample Not Required analysis by:

Voucher Species ID by: No fish Caught

iii

Disclaimer

“This product has been accepted as being in accordance with approved standards within the limits of Ministry quality assurance procedures. Users are cautioned that interpreted information on this product developed for the purposes of the Forest Practices Code Act and Regulations, for example stream classification, is subject to review by a statutory decision maker for the purposes of determining whether or not to approve an operational plan.”

Acknowledgements

Funding for this reconnaissance survey was provided by Forest Renewal BC.

The contractors (Hatfield Consultants Ltd.) would like to express their appreciation to Mr. Andrew de Vries, Habitat Forester at CANFOR, Chetwynd Division, and Mr. Jeff Burrows, MELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist for the Peace Sub-Region, for their informed technical guidance and administrative assistance during the implementation of this project.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION .....................................................................................i

WATERSHED INFORMATION .......................................................................................................i

LAKE SAMPLING SUMMARY ........................................................................................................i

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION ...................................................................................................ii

DISCLAIMER.................................................................................................................................. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................................................. iii

LIST OF TABLES .......................................................................................................................... vi

LIST OF FIGURES ..........................................................................(see Figures section of report)

LIST OF APPENDICES ................................................................................................................ vii

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE AT MELP OFFICE.......................................................viii

1.0 INTRODUCTION ..........................................................................................................1/1

1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE........................................................................1/1

1.2 LOCATION.....................................................................................................................1/1 1.2.1 Access ............................................................................................................1/1

2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION.......................................................................................2/1

3.0 METHODS ....................................................................................................................3/1

3.1 INVENTORY METHODS................................................................................................3/1

3.2 DEVIATIONS FROM THE PROJECT PLAN .................................................................3/2

3.3 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT ...............................................................................................3/2

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION.....................................................................................4/1

4.1 LOGISTICS....................................................................................................................4/1

4.2 IMMEDIATE LAKE SHORELINE....................................................................................4/1

4.3 SURROUNDING TERRAIN AND VEGETATION...........................................................4/1

4.4 AQUATIC FLORA...........................................................................................................4/2

4.5 SITE SUMMARY.............................................................................................................4/2

v

4.6 BATHYMETRY ...............................................................................................................4/3

4.7 LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING..........................................................................................4/4

4.8 INLETS AND OUTLETS.................................................................................................4/5

4.9 FISH AGE, SIZE AND LIFE HISTORY...........................................................................4/6 4.9.1 Fish Sampling Summary ................................................................................4/6

4.10 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES AND FISHERIES OBSERVATIONS...................................4/7 4.10.1 Fish and Fish Habitat ......................................................................................4/7 4.10.2 Habitat Concerns ............................................................................................4/8

4.10.2.1 Restoration and Rehabilitation Opportunities ...............................4/8

4.11 WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS .........................................................................................4/8

5.0 BIBLIOGRPAHY...........................................................................................................5/1

5.1 CITED REFERENCES..................................................................................................5/1

5.2 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES........................................................................................5/2

5.3 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS..................................................................................5/2

FIGURES

APPENDICES

vi

LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1 Major equipment items used during the field data collection program ..............3/2

Table 2 Coordinates and characteristics of Moosecall Lake sampling sites. ................4/2

Table 3 Statistics derived from bathymetric survey of Moosecall Lake..........................4/3

Table 4 Field and laboratory results of limnological sampling on Moosecall Lake .........4/4

Table 5 Summary of inlet/outlet sampling site characteristics.......................................4/6

Table 6 Summary of fish sampling for Moosecall Lake, July-August 1998 (streams), 1999 (lake)..........................................................................................................4/7

vii

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A1 Lake Survey Form for Moosecall Lake

Appendix A2 Water Chemistry Analysis for Moosecall Lake

Appendix A3 Fish Data Collection Forms for Moosecall Lake

Appendix A4 Reach/Site Summary Report for Moosecall Lake

Appendix A5 Photographs

Appendix A6 Bathymetric Map

viii

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE AT MELP OFFICE

Attachment 1 – Photo Documentation

FDIS Photo Summary Report Photo CDs Photo Negatives Photographic Prints

Attachment 2 – Digital Data

Digital Report Files FDIS Files Bathymetric Map File

Attachment 3 – Reference Material (completed and submitted with watershed report)

Completed FISS Forms Annotated FISS NTS Maps Copy of Reference Material

Attachment 4 – Phase Completion Reports

Hardcopy and Digital Phase Completion Reports – Phase 1-3, Phase 4 and Project Completion

Attachment 5 – Original Field Data Forms and Notes

Field Lake, Stream and Fish Cards Field Notes Field Working Maps

Attachment 6 - Aerial Photographs of the Study Area

Aerial Photographs – 30BCC95097 No. 063, 064, 065 and 153.

Moosecall Lake:02/08/05 1/1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE

A primary lake survey of Moosecall Lake (WSC 230-809800-10900-23100 and WID 01057UPCE) in the Coalbed Creek/Johnson Creek watershed was carried out by Hatfield Consultants Ltd. (HCL) over the period July 31 to August 1, 1999. The survey was part of the ongoing reconnaissance (1:20,000) inventory of fish and fish habitat within the general operating area of Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor), Chetwynd Division.

The primary objective of the project was to gather fish and fish habitat information which will be used by the BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MELP) and Canfor to guide resource (fisheries) management decisions and to assist in the lakes classification process as required by the Forest Practices Code (FPC).

All data gathering activities carried out under the inventory were conducted in accordance with the applicable technical standards and manuals produced by the Resources Inventory Committee (RIC), the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), and MELP. These documents are listed in Section 5.0 of this report.

1.2 LOCATION

Moosecall Lake (gazetted name) is located in the Rocky Mountain Foothills bordering on the Hart Mountain Range, approximately 15 km southwest of Hudson’s Hope, BC. The lake is situated just south of the Peace River Canyon and flows into Coalbed Creek, which is a tributary to Johnson Creek, which in turn empties into the Peace River. The town of Chetwynd, BC is located approximately 35 km to the southeast of the lake. The location of the lake, major access roads and other significant features are shown on the project overview map in Figure 1 (see Figures section of the report).

1.2.1 Access

The survey crew used the town of Chetwynd as their base during the field program on Moosecall Lake. From Chetwynd drive north on Hwy 29 for approximately 47 km to the Johnson Forest Service Road (FSR). Turn left and follow the Johnson FSR for approximately 12 km to a gas pipeline corridor crossing. Final access to the lake from the Johnson FSR is north along a rough trail that runs down the pipeline corridor. It should be noted that Coalbed Creek must be crossed shortly after leaving the road. Chest waders are required for this crossing and the stream is only passable by ATV during low flow conditions. Approximately 3.5 km from the Johnson FSR the trail passes within 200 m of the lake. From this point head west to the eastern shore of the lake. Shortly after leaving the corridor trail


wetland conditions are encountered. However, it is possible to move by foot to the lakeshore without much difficulty.

An ATV was used by the field crew to transport most of the survey equipment along the pipeline corridor. From the corridor the equipment was carried in manually to the staging point on the eastern shore of the lake.


2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION

• First Nations Issues and Interests

The Moosecall Lake area is situated within the West Moberly First Nation traditional territory. The West Moberly band is one of the First Nations included in the Treaty 8 group. The Treaty 8 group is currently not negotiating treaty rights with any level of government but they are actively involved in resource development and management issues within their traditional territories. There are no significant First Nations issues or interests associated with the Moosecall Lake area. There is a limited amount of resource harvesting activities, in the form of wild rice gathering, hunting and trapping, undertaken by First Nations peoples in the immediate project area.

• Development and Land Use

The primary development and land use activity in the project area is forestry. Canfor is the forest licensee in the Moosecall Lake watershed, which is situated within Timber Supply Area (TSA) #41 and the Johnson Creek Landscape Unit. However, the most recent logging activities in the general area took place in the adjacent Starfish Creek watershed in 1982. There are a number of forest service roads (FSR) in the area, including the Johnson FSR, as well as a gas pipeline corridor that passes within 200 m of the east side of the lake. There is an abandoned airfield located about two km south of the lake, which was most likely constructed during the pipeline installation. The only other land use activity in the general area is a limited amount of hunting and trapping.

• Other Developments

There are no other notable developments or points of interest in the immediate project area.

• Impacts and Uses by Wildlife

Wildlife populations in the project area are expected to be consistent with those found in the boreal white and black spruce biogeoclimatic ecosystem zone (BWBS). Wildlife observations during the field data collection component of the inventory were limited to beaver and wide range of waterfowl. In particular, a pair of trumpeter swans was observed on the lake, along with a number of dabbling ducks. Moosecall Lake appears to be important waterfowl habitat, further development should consider this attribute. Further surveys regarding the quality of waterfowl habitat may be warranted.

• Existing Water Quality Data

No existing water quality data were identified during the information review phase or subsequent phases of the inventory.


• Existing Fish Information

Existing information on fish distribution in the Moosecall Lake watershed is limited to the reconnaissance (1:20,000) fish and fish habitat inventory of the lake inlet and outlet streams completed by Aquatic Resources Ltd. in 1998 (ARL 1999). No fish were captured in any of the inlet/outlet streams associated with Moosecall Lake during the 1998 inventory. Furthermore, no fish were captured downstream in the Coalbed Creek stream sampling sites.


3.0 METHODS

3.1 INVENTORY METHODS

The inventory was carried out in accordance with the current versions of the Resources Inventory Committee (RIC) standards and procedures, which included the following documents. These documents are cited in the Bibliography section of this report.

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

2. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures, Version 1.1, RIC April 1998. Errata March 1999.

3. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Data Forms and User Notes, Version 1.1, RIC April 1998.

4. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Data Forms and User Notes, Version 1.1, RIC April 1998. Errata March 1999.

5. Bathymetric Standards for Lake Inventories, Version 2.0, RIC January 1999;

6. Fisheries Information Summary System (FISS): Data Compilation and Mapping Procedures. Federal/Provincial Fish Habitat Inventory and Information Program. Draft 3 October 1997.

7. User Guide to the British Columbia Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System, Version 2.2, RIC April 1998.

8. Fish Collection Methods and Standards, Version 4.0, RIC January 1997.

9. Fish Collection Methods and Standards, Version 4.0, RIC January 1997. Errata March 1999.

10. Field Key to Fresh Water Fishes of British Columbia, RIC 1994.

11. A Guide to Photodocumentation for Aquatic Inventory, RIC March 1996.

12. Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps, RIC May 1998.

13. Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps, RIC May 1998. Errata April 1999.

14. Ambient Fresh Water and Effluent Sampling Manual, RIC July 1994.

15. Collection and Preserving of Aquatic Plants, RIC 1994;

16. Identification Keys to the Aquatic Plants of British Columbia, RIC Draft 1994

17. BC Standards, Specifications and Guidelines for Resource Surveys Using GPS Technology, RIC Draft 1995.

18. Freshwater Biological Sampling Manual, RIC 1997.


Additional detail on inventory methods is provided in the Project Plan submitted to MELP at the end of Phase 3 and in the Schedule A of the MELP Service Contract. Data gathered during the survey of Moosecall Lake were recorded on the Lake Survey Form contained in Appendix A1.

Although there were no significant deviations from RIC standards and procedures during the field data collection program, there are several points that should be clarified with respect to the methods used.

q Due to the biophysical characteristics of the Moosecall Lake (i.e. shallow – max. depth of 2.1 m - with extensive aquatic vegetation growth) it was not possible to use an echosounder or outboard motor to complete the bathymetric survey. Instead an inflatable boat was rowed along a number of transects and spot soundings were made with a weighted line.

q Inlet and outlet stream sampling on Moosecall Lake was carried out in 1998 by the Aquatic Resources Ltd. (ARL 1999) stream inventory field crew. Therefore, no stream sampling was conducted during the lake inventory.

q Again due to the biophysical limitations, only one overnight gill net set (floating) was made in Moosecall Lake.

In addition to the standard inventory procedures, there were several additional tasks related to fish sampling that were specified by the Ministry Representative. These included the collection of appropriate aging structures and the collection of voucher specimens for all abnormal fish (e.g. diseased or deformed), unidentified fish or fish outside of their normal range of distribution. These additional tasks did not apply to Moosecall Lake since there were no fish caught during the field sampling program.

3.2 DEVIATIONS FROM THE PROJECT PLAN

There were no significant deviations from the original Project Plan.

3.3 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT

Specifications for the major equipment items used during the field data collection phase of the lake inventory are provided below in Table 1. A number of other smaller equipment items, such as measuring tapes, hip chains, fish measuring boards, and metre sticks were also used during the field data collection component of the inventory.

Table 1 Major equipment items used during the field data collection program.

Equipment Item Model Specifications

Inflatable Boat Zodiac 9 ft.

Outboard Motor (not used on Moosecall Lake)

Mercury 9.9 hp


Equipment Item Model Specifications

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Garmin 45XL 12 Channel

Fish Traps Gee Minnow Traps Standard Mesh Size

Oxygen, Conductivity, Temp. Meter

YSI Model 85 Multi -sensor with 30 m cable

pH Measurement LaMotte Comparator Test Kit pH Range of 4.5 to 9.5

Secchi Disk Standard model

Camera Pentax Zoom 90-WR Automatic Range Finder with 35-90 mm Zoom

Altimeter ALTI Plus Model D2 ± 1 m from –305 m to 10,000 m

Gill Net Standard (6 panel) 91.2 m long and 2.4 m deep

Water Sampler Van Dorn 2 L

Clinometer Suunto Model PH-5/360 PC


4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 LOGISTICS

There were no significant problems encountered with logistical arrangements for the Moosecall lake inventory. Access to the lake was easily gained along the existing pipeline corridor that runs along the eastern side of the lake from the Johnson FSR. Weather conditions during the two-day survey were generally fine and had no impact on implementation of the sampling program.

4.2 IMMEDIATE LAKE SHORELINE

Moosecall Lake is a shallow basin surrounded by wetlands. Immediate shoreline characteristics can be seen in the site photographs provided in Plates 1, 2 and 3, Appendix A5. As can be seen from the bathymetric map (see the Figures section of the report and Appendix A6), the lake has a maximum depth of only 2.1 m and a littoral zone (the area of the lake that is < 6 m in depth) that covers 100% of the basin area. Based on observations made during the shoreline cruise, most of the lakeshore is low wetland with patches of mature coniferous/deciduous forest, with no apparent bedrock outcroppings. Extensive wetland areas occur at both ends of the lake and there is widespread growth of emergent and submergent vegetation throughout the basin.

The dominant large vegetation around the shoreline of the lake is black and white spruce and to a lesser extent lodgepole pine and sub-alpine fir, as well as a number of deciduous tree/shrub species such as aspen, bunchberry, thimbleberry, raspberry, willow and current. There is a wide range of wetland plants (e.g. sedges/grasses and mosses) growing in the immediate shore zone. Terrestrial and wetland vegetation is growing to the shoreline around the entire perimeter of the lake. The most prominent feature of the immediate lake shoreline is the presence of wide (up to 200 m at the south end of the lake) band of wetland vegetation immediately adjacent to the lakeshore. There are large trees of the species mentioned above growing outside of this wetland zone in the foreshore area. Although it is difficult to determine due to the poor visibility in the lake, it was estimated that submergent/emergent aquatic vegetation covers approximately 70% of the lake bottom.

The majority of the immediate lake bed substrate is composed of mud/silt and organic debris originating from the shoreline vegetation.

4.3 SURROUNDING TERRAIN AND VEGETATION

Moosecall Lake is located in a broad valley bottom with associated wetland areas. The lake is bounded by low mountains (< 1,000 m) to both the east and west, and by a drop-off into the Dinosaur Lake section of the Peace River immediately to the north. The lake outlet flows down the valley to the south of the lake into Coalbed Creek, which feeds Johnson Creek, a tributary to the Peace River.


General terrain features in the vicinity of the lake can be seen in the photograph of the south end of the lake provided in Plate 4 (Appendix A5). Full panoramic views facing both the north and south ends of the lake have been provided as part of the photodocumentation.

Data existing on the forest cover map of the area indicates that the lake drainage area is covered in mature second growth forest consisting primarily of mixed coniferous and deciduous vegetation. The dominant coniferous trees are black and white spruce. Deciduous vegetation is generally most abundant in the riparian areas around the lake and streams, as well as the wetlands. Common deciduous shrub and tree species include aspen, willow, current, raspberry, and thimbleberry. The lake is located in the Boreal White and Black Spruce moist warm (BWBSmw) biogeoclimatic zone. In British Columbia this zone generally occurs north of 56o from valley bottoms to 350 -1100 m elevation (Meidinger and Pojar 1991).

4.4 AQUATIC FLORA

Turbidity levels in the Moosecall Lake were high with a Secchi depth of less than 0.2 m. Turbid conditions limit light penetration, which in turn tends to limit the extent of potential submerged aquatic macrophyte growth in the lake. However, both submergent and emergent aquatic macrophyte growth was well developed throughout the lake basin. The dominant submergent aquatic plant species in the lake is the verticillate water-milfoil (Myriophyllum verticillatum). Plates 5 and 6 (Appendix A5) show this species in situ and a close-up of a specimen, respectively. The dominant emergent vegetation is the Arctic rush (Juncus arcticus). Plate 7 (Appendix A5) shows this plant in situ, while Plate 8 provides a close-up of the seed head. General locations of aquatic plant concentrations are provided on the lake outline map contained in the Figures section of the report. It was estimated that at the time of the survey more than 70% of the lake area was covered in aquatic vegetation. It should be noted that the overall shallowness of the lake basin and the luxuriant aquatic plant growth in the lake precluded the use of an outboard motor during the survey work.

4.5 SITE SUMMARY

A number of sites were established on Moosecall Lake to carry out the fish and limnology sampling. The coordinates and characteristics for each site are listed below in Table 2. Sampling site locations are shown on the annotated air photo and lake outline map provided in the Figures section of this report.

Table 2 Coordinates and characteristics of Moosecall Lake sampling sites.

UTM Coordinates

Type of Site Site Number Site Characteristics Zone Easting Northing

Limnology LS 1 Located at deepest point in the lake, 2.1 m.

10 556199 6199315

Fish – GN FSS 1 Shallow end of net at shoreline, deep end of net in 2 m of water

10 556793 6199264


UTM Coordinates

Type of Site Site Number Site Characteristics Zone Easting Northing

Fish - MT FSS 2 Set in approximately 1 m of water about 2 m from shore

10 556733 6198947


10 556676 6199689


10 556266 6199464


10 556151 6199257


10 556041 6199121


10 556391 6198559


10 556550 6189707

LS = Limnology Station; FSS = Fish Sampling Site

4.6 BATHYMETRY

The maximum depth in Moosecall Lake was determined to be 2.1 m with a large portion of the basin being less than 1.0 m in depth. The shallow conditions combined with the presence of extensive aquatic macrophyte growth in the lake precluded the use of echosounding equipment to complete the bathymetric survey. Instead, a series of spot soundings were carried out along a number of transects as shown on the lake outline map provided in the Figures section of the report. A separate outline map is also provided in the Figures section showing the location of actual spot soundings and the corresponding depths. The sounding results were used to generate a bathymetric map showing depth contours and other features as specified in the Bathymetric Standards for Lake Inventories (Resources Inventory Committee 1999e). An 11" x 17" copy of the bathymetric map is provided in the Figures section of the report, and a large format (“D” size) copy of the map is contained in Appendix A6. Basic statistics derived from the bathymetric survey of Moosecall Lake are listed below in Table 3.

Table 3 Statistics derived from bathymetric survey of Moosecall Lake.

Parameter Value

Elevation 697 m ±

Surface Area 873,576 m2 (87.4 ha)

Area Above 6 m Contour 0

Volume 995,877 m3

Mean Depth 1.14 m

Maximum Depth 2.1 m


Parameter Value

Perimeter – Main Shore 4,282 m

Perimeter – Islands 257 m

Benchmark UTM Coordinates 10.55199.6199388

Bench Mark Height 2.10 m

4.7 LIMNOLOGICAL SAMPLING

The location of the limnology sampling station on Moosecall Lake is shown on both the lake outline map as well as the annotated air photo provided in the Figures section of the report. Results of the limnological sampling (field and laboratory) are summarized below in Table 4. The results of the laboratory analysis of the Moosecall Lake surface water sample are provided in Appendix A2. Given the shallow depth of the lake a temperature/dissolved oxygen profile was not generated for Moosecall Lake.

Table 4 Field and laboratory results of limnological sampling on Moosecall Lake.

Sampling Date: 1999/08/01 Sampling Time: 11:30 EMS #: E238078

Parameter* Field Measurement

(surface/near bottom) Laboratory Measurement

(surface)

Temperature (oC) 16.5 / 14.6 -

Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 13.5 / 9.6 -

pH 8.2 / 8.3 8.37

Specific Conductance (µS/cm) 262 / 263 248

Secchi Depth (m) 0.17 -

Water Colour green/brown -

Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) - 236

Acidity (to pH 8.3) - < 1

Acidity (to pH 4.5) - < 1

Total Alkalinity (mg/L) - 139

Ammonia Nitrogen (mg/L) - 0.017

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (mg/L) - 2.79

Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/L) - < 0.005

Nitrite Nitrogen (mg/L) - <0.001

Total Nitrogen (mg/L) - 2.79

Total Dissolved Phosphate (mg/L) - 0.006

Total Phosphate (mg/L) - 0.010


The following observations can be made concerning these data:

• The Moosecall Lake appears to be a shallow, polymictic waterbody (continuously mixing; no thermal stratification).

• Specific conductance levels were relatively high, but comparable to values determined for the streams in the project area.

• Specific conductance levels were generally consistent throughout the water column at about 263 µS/cm.

• At the time of sampling, sufficient oxygen was available to support fish life throughout the water column, however, dissolved oxygen levels were significantly depleted (2.1 mg/L) in the bottom sediments as is to be expected. It should be noted that the dissolved oxygen concentration in the upper portion of the water column was in excess of 100% saturation.

• Temperature and pH levels in the lake were within acceptable ranges for biological production.

• Visibility in Moosecall Lake was very low with a Secchi depth of less than 0.2 m. This condition is most likely a result of continuous resuspension of fine particulate matter in the shallow water column caused by wind-driven mixing.

• All water quality parameters were within acceptable limits for wildlife as defined by the BC Water Quality Guidelines (BC Environment 1998).

• With the exception of the high turbidity, water quality conditions in Moosecall Lake were generally acceptable for fish production. However, fish were not caught during any of the lake or inlet/outlet stream sampling efforts. An important limiting factor in this regard is the shallow water column, which mostly likely freezes to the lake bottom throughout much of the basin during the winter months.

4.8 INLETS AND OUTLETS

Aquatic Resource Ltd. (ARL 1999) surveyed Moosecall Lake inlet and outlet streams according to RIC standards in 1998. The location of inlet/outlet sampling sites are shown on the lake outline map provided in the Figures section of this report. Reach/site summary reports for each inlet/outlet sample site are provided in Appendix A4 along with appropriate photographs of site conditions. A brief summary of data collected on each Moosecall Lake inlet/outlet stream is provided below in Table 5.


Table 5 Summary of inlet/outlet sampling site characteristics.

ILP/Watershed Code Reach # Site / Map Characteristics

00060 1 41 / 93O.100 No Visible Channel (NVC)


00062 3 43 / 93O.100 • Channel dry at time of survey

• Avg. channel width < 0.5 m

• Bed material: fine

• No fish sampling



230-809800-10900

Coalbed Creek

2 35 / 93O.100 • Low flow at time of survey

• Avg. channel width: 6.1 m

• Avg. wetted width: 3.7 m

• Avg. gradient: 3.5 %

• Bed material: fine

• Temperature: 23 oC

• Instream algae growth

• No fish caught

During the shoreline cruise of Moosecall Lake no inlet stream channels were visible. This is consistent with the findings of the stream survey in 1998 (ARL 1999). Reach 1 of all inlet streams flows through the wetland zone that surrounds the lake and as result cannot be defined. The outlet stream was not sampled directly since it flows through a large wetland area with difficult access. However, Coalbed Creek that receives the flow from the lake outlet was sampled intensively during the 1998 survey and no fish were caught in the system. Coalbed Creek is a tributary to Johnson Creek which supports a rainbow trout population. There is a chute at the lower end of Reach 1 in Coalbed Creek that appears to be a barrier to upstream fish passage and the movement of fish into Coalbed from Johnson Creek. Furthermore, based on the inventory results biophysical conditions in Coalbed Creek (e.g. high summer water temperature) appear to be unsuitable for most local fish species.

4.9 FISH AGE, SIZE AND LIFE HISTORY

4.9.1 Fish Sampling Summary

Fish sampling on Moosecall Lake was carried out using a combination of minnow traps and a floating gill net. The locations of sampling sites are shown on the lake outline map in the Figures section of this report. Given the shallow lake depth no sinking gill net was used during the lake sampling. Inlet streams were not sampled for fish since all were either dry or had no visible channel at the time of the survey. As indicated above, the outlet stream was not sampled directly due to access problems, but Coalbed Creek, which receives the lake outlet stream, was sampled extensively for fish presence. No fish were


caught during any of the sampling efforts. Overnight minnow traps caught numerous leeches and aquatic beetles

Catch and effort information for both the lake and stream sampling is summarized below in Table 6. Copies of the Fish Data Collection Forms are provided in Appendix A3.

Table 6 Summary of fish sampling for Moosecall Lake, July-August 1998 (streams), 1999 (lake).

Lake Net Trap Summary

Set Pull

Site No. Method Date Time Date Time Species

Site 1 Floating Gill Net July 31/99 11:05 Aug. 1/99 11:00 No fish caught

Site 2 Minnow Trap July 31/99 10:45 Aug. 1/99 10:20 No fish caught







Lake Tributary Sampling Summary

ILP / Watershed Code Site # Inlet / Outlet Survey Length Stream Order Species

230-809800-10900 35 Outlet 150 m 3 No fish caught

4.10 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES AND FISHERIES OBSERVATIONS

4.10.1 Fish and Fish Habitat

Specific comments on fish and fish habitat in Moosecall Lake are as follows:

q Moosecall Lake is a eutrophic, polymictic waterbody that is less than 1 m deep over a significant portion of its area.

q There is a substantial wetland zone around the perimeter of the basin and aquatic macrophyte growth is extensive in the lake.

q At the time of the survey there were no visible inlet streams. Any streams that do flow down from the upland slopes are lost in the wetland zone around the periphery of the lake.


q The outlet stream flows through a large wetland area and into Coalbed Creek, which is a tributary to Johnson Creek. With the possible exception of a beaver dam, there are no significant barriers to fish passage from Coalbed Creek into the Moosecall Lake outlet stream. Although the outlet stream was not sampled directly during the inventory, extensive sampling was conducted on Coalbed Creek. In this regard, there is a chute at the bottom of Reach 1 in Coalbed Creek that appears to be a barrier to upstream fish passage. Furthermore, biophysical habitat conditions in Coalbed Creek were found to be poor for most local fish species.

q No fish were caught during any of the lake or stream sampling efforts.

q Although no fish were found in the Moosecall Lake system, the lake appears to be important waterfowl and beaver habitat.

4.10.2 Habitat Concerns

4.10.2.1 Restoration and Rehabilitation Opportunities

No fish/fish habitat restoration or rehabilitation initiatives are recommended for Moosecall Lake. With the exception of hunting and trapping, the lake has limited recreation value. However, the lake appears to contain important waterfowl habitat that may require special management techniques and/or further surveys.

4.11 WILDLIFE OBSERVATIONS

Wildlife species that were observed during the field component of the Moosecall Lake survey included the following:

q Beaver (Castor canadensis) – one beaver sited as well as several active and dormant lodges. The location of the largest beaver lodge is shown on the lake outline map provided in the Figures section of this report.

q Trumpeter swan (Olor buccinator) – A pair of swans was observed on the lake during both days of the sampling program.

q Mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) – Eight or ten birds sited.

q Herring gull (Larus argentatus) – Two birds observed in flight.

q Bonaparte’s gull (Larus philadelphia) - Four birds observed in flight.

q Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) – 14 birds sited in various locations on the lake.

q Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) – Two birds sited.

q Gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis) – Several sitings made during the field work.

q Unidentified diving/dabbling ducks.


q Unidentified forest birds.


5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

5.1 CITED REFERENCES

ARL. 1999. 1998 Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory of Johnson Creek and Other Dinosaur Lake, Johnson Landscape Unit. Volumes 1 and 2. Report prepared for Canadian Forest Products Ltd. by Aquatic Resources Ltd. ALR Report No. 304-5.

BC Environment. 1998. British Columbia Water Quality Guidelines (Criteria): 1998 Edition. Water Quality Section, Water Management Branch, Environment and Resource Management Department, Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, BC.

BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and Department of Fisheries and Oceans. 1997 Fisheries Information Summary System (FISS): Data Compilation and Mapping Procedures. Federal/Provincial Fish Habitat Inventory and Information Program. Draft 3 October 1997.

McPhail, J.D. and R. Carveth. 1993. Field Key to the Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia. (Resources Inventory Committee draft). Fish Museum, Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia.

Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia. BC Ministry of Forests, Victoria, BC. 330 pp.

Osprey Environmental Services. 1996. A Guide to Photodocumentation. (Resources Inventory Committee draft). BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch, Resources Inventory Committee.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1994. Ambient Fresh Water and Effluent Sampling Manual, RIC July 1994.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1995. BC Standards, Specifications and Guidelines for Resource Surveys Using GPS Technology, RIC Draft 1995.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1997a. Freshwater Biological Sampling Manual, RIC 1997.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1997b. Fish Collection Methods and Standards, Version 4.0, RIC January 1997.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1998a. User’s Guide to the British Columbia’s Watershed/Waterbody Identifier System.


Resources Inventory Committee. 1998b. Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps. Version 2.0, RIC May 1998.

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

Resources Inventory Committee. 1998d. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Data Forms and User Notes, Version 1.1, RIC April 1998.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1999a. Fish Collection Methods and Standards, Version 4.0, RIC January 1997. Errata March 1999.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1999b. Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Maps, RIC May 1998. Errata April 1999.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1999c. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures, Version 1.1, April 1998. Errata March 1999.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1999d. Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Data Forms and User Notes, Version 1.1, RIC April 1998. Errata March 1999.

Resources Inventory Committee. 1999e. Bathymetric Standards for Lake Inventories, Version 2.0, RIC January 1999.

5.2 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

BC Ministry of Environment, Resource Analysis Branch. 1977. Aquatic-biophysical Inventory - 1:50,000 maps (93 O/16).

BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Fisheries Information Summary System (FISS) - 1:50,000 maps (93 O/16).

Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. 1980. 1:50,000 topographic maps (93 O/16). Surveys and Mapping Branch, Ottawa.

5.3 PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS

None referenced

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