i
RestorationPlanforGordon’sBrookMarsh
PhasesIIandIIIinAldergroveRegionalPark,BritishColumbia.
Submittedby:
BalanceEcologicalonbehalfoftheFraserValleyConservancyandBCFLNRO
WithcontributionsfromBCITstudentsEmmadeGroot,EliseMackie,MasheedSalehomoum,andBCIT/SFUgraduatestudentsEricBalke,VictoriaFarahbakhchian,RebeccaTranmer,GrahamNicholas,
ShaneByrne,andMatthewMorrish
June30,2016
ii
SUMMARY
MetroVancouverandtheFraserValleyConservancywillpartnertorestore15Haoflowlandswamp, marsh and wet prairie to the south end of Aldergrove Regional Park in MetroVancouver,BritishColumbia.
The existing fallow agricultural fields, previously claimed fromhistoricwetland, have beenaffected by the development of drainage infrastructure for agriculture and the arrival ofaggressive invasivevegetationafteractiveagricultureended in theearly2000s.The targetsite isadjacent toanadditional20Haof restoredhabitats to theeast that supportahighdiversityofwildlife,includingfish,amphibians,birdsandodonateslistedasspecies-at-riskinCanada.
Overthreeyearswewillcarryoutsitepreparationactivitiestocontrolfor invasivespecies,restorethehistorichydrodynamicsofthesitetotheextentpossible, installspecies-specifichabitat features into the landscape, and carry out post-restoration invasive speciesmanagement.Wewilldevelopapost-restorationadaptivemanagementplanandbeginpost-constructionmonitoring activities. Learning opportunities and education are built into therestoration plan. Post-graduate students from local Ecological Restoration programs wereinvolved in thedevelopmentof this design as a part of their studies, and studentswill beinvolvedintheimplementation,monitoringandadaptivemanagementplanning.
Guidingprinciples for the restorationprogram includeworkingwith theexisting landscapeandusingmethodsof least-harmfor invasivespeciesmanagementandhydrologicstability.Someofthesetechniqueshavenotbeenusedlocally,buthavebeenshowntobeeffectiveelsewhere. In particular the use of prescribed fire and aquatic-approved herbicides in anacutemanner to systemicallydisruptecologicalprocesses that support invasivevegetationmay be trialed for the first time in the LowerMainland. In addition, we hope to attractbeaverstodosomeoftheworkforus–wewilldisabledrainage infrastructureandcreatebaselineconditionsattractivetobeavers,thereforeusingtheirconsiderableconstructionandmaintenance skills to fill and maintain the restored landscape over the long term withminimalinterventionbyman.
Byworkingwith the existing landscape and using effective and innovative techniques,weintendtorevitalizealostlandscapeandlearnskillsandtechniquestoapplytotherestorationofwetold-fieldsitesacrosstheFraserValley.
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................52 SITESELECTION..........................................................................................................................7
2.1 ADMINISTRATIVECONTEXT...............................................................................................................72.2 HYDROLOGYANDSOILS....................................................................................................................82.3 BIOLOGICALCONTEXT......................................................................................................................82.4 EDUCATIONALANDRESEARCHOPPORTUNITIES...................................................................................102.5 REPRESENTATIVEOFRESTORABLEWETLANDSINTHEFRASERVALLEY.....................................................10
3 GOALSANDOBJECTIVES...........................................................................................................113.1 GOAL..........................................................................................................................................113.2 OBJECTIVES..................................................................................................................................11
4 INVESTIGATIONS......................................................................................................................124.1 SITEHISTORY................................................................................................................................124.2 SOILSANDHYDROLOGY..................................................................................................................15
4.2.1 Site-Scale............................................................................................................................154.2.2 WaterChemistry................................................................................................................174.2.3 SoilChemistry....................................................................................................................19
4.3 VEGETATION................................................................................................................................215 DESIGNTARGETS......................................................................................................................23
5.1 BIODIVERSITYTARGETS..................................................................................................................235.1.1 WildlifeSpecies..................................................................................................................235.1.2 TargetWetlandClassification............................................................................................24
6 HYDROLOGICRECOVERY...........................................................................................................266.1 DRAINTILEDECOMMISSIONING.......................................................................................................266.2 DITCHDECOMMISSIONING.............................................................................................................276.3 DEPRESSIONS,PONDS,CHANNELSANDBERMS..................................................................................276.4 STARTERDAMS.............................................................................................................................27
7 INVASIVESPECIESCONTROL.....................................................................................................307.1 HIMALAYANBLACKBERRY...............................................................................................................31
7.1.1 InvasionEcology................................................................................................................317.1.2 ControlMethods................................................................................................................317.1.3 SelectedProtocol...............................................................................................................32
7.2 JAPANESEKNOTWEED....................................................................................................................327.2.1 InvasionEcology................................................................................................................327.2.2 ControlMethods................................................................................................................337.2.3 SelectedProtocol...............................................................................................................33
7.3 REEDCANARYGRASS.....................................................................................................................337.3.1 InvasionEcologyandControlChallenges..........................................................................347.3.2 Annen’sSystemicApproach...............................................................................................367.3.3 HaliburtonFarmOrganicApproach...................................................................................407.3.4 SelectedProtocols..............................................................................................................40
7.4 OTHERNOXIOUSANDNUISANCESPECIES..........................................................................................447.5 INVASIVEWILDLIFE........................................................................................................................44
7.5.1 AmericanBullfrogs.............................................................................................................447.5.2 Nutria.................................................................................................................................457.5.3 InvasiveFishes...................................................................................................................45
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8 RESTORATIONACTIONSANDTIMELINE–OVERVIEW...............................................................469 RESTORATIONACTIONSANDTIMELINE–PHASEII...................................................................47
9.1 RESTORATIONSUMMARY...............................................................................................................489.2 POND..........................................................................................................................................499.3 SWAMPCOMPLEX.........................................................................................................................509.4 MARSHANDWILLOWFARM...........................................................................................................509.5 2016CONSTRUCTIONTASKSANDTIMELINE......................................................................................519.6 SPRING2017...............................................................................................................................539.7 SPRING2018...............................................................................................................................539.8 MONITORINGRESTORATIONACTIONSANDADAPTIVEMANAGEMENTRESPONSE.....................................53
9.8.1 Hydrology...........................................................................................................................539.8.2 Vegetation.........................................................................................................................53
10 RESTORATIONACTIONSANDTIMELINE–PHASEIII..................................................................5410.1 RESTORATIONSUMMARY...............................................................................................................5410.2 2016TASKS.................................................................................................................................5510.3 2017CONSTRUCTIONTASKSANDTIMELINE......................................................................................552018TASKS..........................................................................................................................................5710.4 MONITORINGRESTORATIONACTIONSANDADAPTIVEMANAGEMENTRESPONSE....................................57
10.4.1 Hydrology.........................................................................................................................5710.4.2 Vegetation.......................................................................................................................57
11 ADVERSEIMPACTMITIGATION.................................................................................................5811.1 EMERGENCYRESPONSEANDCONTAINMENTPLAN.............................................................................59
12 PERMITTING.............................................................................................................................6113 STEWARDSHIP,CAPACITY-BUILDING,EDUCATIONANDRESEARCH:..........................................61
13.1 VOLUNTEER/STEWARDSHIPACTIVITIES............................................................................................6113.2 RESEARCHANDMONITORING.........................................................................................................6113.3 YOUTHEDUCATION.......................................................................................................................62
REFERENCESCITED.........................................................................................................................63
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1 Introduction
TheFraserValleyConservancy, inpartnershipwithBalanceEcological, theVancouverAquarium,
and the BCMinistry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is proposing additional
restoration work in Aldergrove Regional Park. The restoration project will take place in the
SouthernLandsofAldergroveRegionalParkdirectlyeastoftheGordon’sBrookHabitatComplex,
PepinCreek,andtheshallowmarshconstructedin2013(Figure1).Wewillcontinuerestoration
activitiesbegunin2013(PhaseI),whichcomplementedpreviouschannelandwetlandrestoration
activitiesundertakenunderMikePearsonfrom2000–2010(Gordon’sBrook).
Thetargetareaencompasses12Hathatcanreasonablybesplitintotwodistinctareasseparated
byacompactedgraveldriveway.WerefertothetwoareasasPhaseIIandPhaseIII,withPhaseI
referring to thewetland constructed in 2013 directly to thewest of the target area (Figure 1).
PhaseII istheeastern-mostsection,withearthworksplannedfor2016,andPhaseIIIthecentral
sectionbetweenPhasesIandIII,withearthworksplannedfor2017.
Thegoalsoftheprojectarethree-fold:Habitat,Research,andEducation.Restorationactivitieswill
specifically target Species-At-Risk dependent on lowland stream and wetland habitats, while
improvinggeneralwildlifebiodiversityandrestoringhydrologicfunctiontodisturbedlandscapes.
This document provides a rationale for site selection, construction goals, timelines and targets,
post-constructionmonitoringandmanagement,andeducationandstewardshipopportunitiesfor
PhasesIIandIIIofthewetlandcomplex.
Our proposed site selection, analysis, planning and design, implementation andmanagement is
guidedbyseveralkeytextsregardingwetlandrestoration:
• Kruegeretal.2014.PracticalGuidelinesforWetlandPrairieRestorationintheWillametteValley,
Oregon–Field-TestedMethodsandTechniques.
http://cascadiaprairieoak.org/documents/wetland-prairie-guide
• SouthCoastConservationProgram,2015.DiversitybyDesign–AResourceGuidefortheSouth
CoastofBritishColumbia.http://www.sccp.ca/projects/restoration-planning-diversity-design
Inaddition,twoteamsofstudentsconductedtheirownsiteanalysesanddevelopedrestoration
plansforPhasesIIandIIIoftheGordon’sBrookwetlandcomplex.Theirworkhasenhancedand
informedthisplan,andisincorporatedintothisdocument.
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Figure1.LocationofPhasesItoIIIinAldergroveRegionalPark.
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2 Siteselection
TheGordon’sBrookWetland restoration site iswithinAldergroveRegionalPark, locatedon the
municipalboundaryoftheTownshipofLangleyandtheCityofAbbotsford.Theparkiscomprised
of 280 ha of wetlands (including marshes and forested swamps), forests (i.e., primarily mixed
second-growthstands),formeragriculturalfields(i.e.,old-field),andassociatedresidences(Metro
Vancouver2013).ThesiteiscurrentlyclassifiedasaDegradedOldFieldWetlandPrairie,anarea
thatwashistoricallyanativewetlandprairieor swamp, thatwasconverted toagriculturaluses,
andhassincebeenabandoned.
Ingeneral, suitablesites forwetland restoration requireappropriatesoils, suitableor restorable
hydrology,andshowevidenceofahistoricwetlandecosystem.Largersitesarebetter,andsites
thataresituated incloseproximity toothernaturalareasorprovideconnectivityarepreferred.
Additional values important to this project include providing opportunities for education and
researchtoyouth,studentsandacademicsintheLowerMainlandofBritishColumbia.
Thissitewasselectedasitmetthesefivecriticalcomponentsforasuitableproject:
1. AdministrativeContext
2. HydrologyandSoils
3. BiologicalContext
4. EducationalandResearchOpportunities
5. RepresentativeofrestorablewetlandsintheFraserValley
2.1 Administrative Context TheGordon’sBrookWetlandrestorationsiteiswithinaprotectedareawhosehistoryistypicalof
degraded and damaged wetlands in the Fraser Valley. It is historically important to local First
Nations,alteredbyEuropeansettlement,yetavailableforrestorationduetoitsincorporationinto
aRegionalParkmanagementsystemthatvaluesbiodiversity.
Aldergrove Regional Park was acquired incrementally by Metro Vancouver between 1967 and
1978 from the Township of Langley, receiving official park status in 1969.Metro Vancouver is
committedtopromotingecologicalhealth,humanhealthandwellness,communitystewardship,
education and partnerships, and promoting opportunities for restoration at disturbed sites.
Beginning in2011,a long-termmanagementoftheparkbecomeapriorityforMetroVancouver
and lead to the completion of the Aldergrove Regional ParkManagement Plan in 2013 (Metro
Vancouver2013).GiventhelonghistoryofagriculturewithinportionsofAldergroveRegionalPark
boundaries,restorationofformeragriculturallandsisamainobjectiveoftheAldergroveRegional
Park Management Plan (Metro Vancouver 2013). In response to this objective, the southern
portionofthepark,referredtoastheSouthernLands,isidentifiedasahighprioritylocationfor
restorationefforts.
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2.2 Hydrology and Soils Geography,climateandhydrologicprocessesdrivethelocation,persistence,sizeandfunctionof
wetlands.At their essence,wetlands are landscape features that receive andholdwater to the
extentthattheexcesswaterimpactssoildevelopmentandthevegetationcommunity.Vegetation
is dominated by hydrophytes, plants adapted to living in waterlogged soils, and soils display
characteristicsofanaerobicsoils.
Theflatnessof therestorationsiteandthe landscapetothesouthsuggeststhatourrestoration
sitewaslikelyattheedgeofaglaciallake,formingalacustrinemarsh,orremainedatsealevelfor
some time. The area is at the base of amoraine slope, with reliable groundwater and surface
waterenteringatthenorthendandflowingtothesouth.Thegeographiccontextatthebaseofa
hill identifies that suitable hydrology for wetlands is likely, and this is supported by soil
classificationofthesite.
Historicmapsindicatepeatysoils(P)surroundedbyLyndengravelleysiltloam(LYGSil,1938),as
do soil maps for Whatcom County, directly adjacent to the site. More recent (but undated)
provincialmapsfromDataBC(DataBC2015)identifythepeatysoilsasJudsonMuck,andsiltloam
asLehmanSoils.Detaileddescriptionsareappended.
Moredetailedhydrologicalandsoilinvestigationswerecompletedin2015toinformthedesignof
therestorationatthesitescale(Section4.2).
2.3 Biological Context TheParkcurrentlysupportsanumberofSpecies-at-Risk,includingtheendangeredNooksackDace
(Rhinichthys cataractae), the threatened Salish Sucker (Catostomus sp.4), endangeredWestern
PaintedTurtle (Chrysemyspictabellii), threatenedNorthernRed-leggedFrog (Ranaaurora) andendangeredOregonForestSnail(Allogonatownsendiana),aswellasseveralthreatenedbirdandodonate species. The restoration lands are at the southern border of the park, downstream of
large forestedareaswith reliablegroundwater flowsandseasonal surfacewater runoff.Historic
agricultural activities have ended, and upland restoration is being spearheaded by Metro
VancouverParkstorestoreforestandmeadowhabitatstoagriculturalfields.Thiswill,overtime,
furtherimprovegroundwaterandsurfacewaterqualityinputstolowlandstreamsandwetlands.
AldergroveRegionalParkiswithintheNooksakRiverwatershed,withPepinCreekandothersmall
drainagesdraining southbeneath theCanada–USborder intoWashingtonState.TheSouthern
LandsareborderedtothesouthbytheCanada–USborder.Southoftheborderareagricultural
fields primarily in blueberry production andwater flows south alongDouble Ditch Road before
joiningFishtrapCreek,atributarytotheNooksakinthecityofLynden,andcontinuingsouth-west
towardsthePacificOceanatBellingham.
The BC wetland classification uses hydrogeomorphic categories to describe the topographic
positionandhydrologyofsites,andadoptsamodifiededatopicgridthatusessoilnutrientregime,
soil moisture regime, pH, and a hydrodynamic index as site descriptors to categorize nested
Groups, Site Classes, Associations and Series, indicating anticipated vegetative community for
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those sites in the appropriate biogeoclimatic region (MacKenzie &Moran 2004). The areas fall
within the CoastalWesternHemlock VeryDryMaritime biogeoclimatic zone. Site investigations
into nutrient andmoisture regimes, and the hydrodynamic index of the site will further guide
designregardingwhichwetlandtypesaremostsuitableasrestorationtargetsforthesite.
Figure 2. Above - 1938 SoilMap of the Lower Fraser Valley, indicating area of interest in black box, andrelevantlegendentries.Below–BCSoils–GIScompiledfromDataBC(2015).Areaofinterestoutlinedinred.
JNd/b,S0–JudsonMuck–40to160cmofwell-decomposedorganicmaterialunderlainbymoderately
fine textured glaciomarine deposits with very poor drainage due to a perched water table. Gently
rollingandgentlyundulating slopes.Classification–Terric Humisol. Stonesarenotpresentorare so
infrequentthattheyoffernohindrancetocultivation
LHd/b,S1 – Lehman Soils – Less than 30 cm medium-textured eolian deposits over gravelly glacial
outwashwithpoordrainageduetotelluricseepage(lateralseepagefromthesoil)andaperchedwater
table.Gentlyrollingandgentlyundulatingslopes.Classification–OrthicHumicGleysol.Therearesome
stonesbuttheyofferonlyslighttonohindrancetocultivation.
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2.4 Educational and Research opportunities TheFraserValleyConservancy isanon-profitsocietydedicatedtoeffectingconservationof land
and water for future generations through display, communication, public programming and
education,researchanddirectaction.Opportunitiesforinteractiveeducationwereanimportant
componentinsiteselection.
TheAldergroveRegionalParkmanagementplanhassetasidetheSouthernLandsofthepark,the
target site, as a conservation / education and research zone. Metro Vancouver has a well-
developed interpreter program that is willing and able to partner with the Fraser Valley
Conservancytoprovidehigh-qualityeducationalactivitiestoanexisting(andgrowing)audience.
The conservation / education zone is currently used for research by academic partners at the
British Columbia Institute of Technology, the University of the Fraser Valley, Simon Fraser
University and the University of British Columbia, and the park has existing facilities and plans
additionalfacilitiestoaccommodateeducationandresearchon-site.
2.5 Representative of Restorable Wetlands in the Fraser Valley Shallow, seasonal freshwater marsh restoration is not a well established practice in the Fraser
Valley,howevershallowfreshwatermarshesmakeupmuchofthewetlandlossthathasoccurred
sinceEuropeansettlementinBritishColumbia.Anestimated85%ofwetlandsintheLowerFraser
Basin were lost from 1827 – 1990 (Boyle et al. 1997). In an assessment of three different
watersheds,eachhadexperiencedbetween75%and96%ofwetlands loss,mostduetodyking,
drainingandconversionofseasonallyfloodednaturalgrassprairiestoagriculturalandurbanuses
(Kistritzetal.1996).
Many parks and ecological reserves in the Fraser Basin contain old field habitats that were
historically drained wetlands, andmany of thesemay be available for restoration. This project
providesanopportunitytoimplementandmonitorwetfieldrestorationthatcouldbeappliedtoa
greatnumberofpotentialhabitatsinthehistoricrangeoftheOregonSpottedFrog.
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3 GoalsandObjectives
3.1 Goal The goals of this project are, through the restoration of a shallow-water marsh and swamp
wetlandhabitatonhistoricagriculturalfields,to:
A. Enhancegeneralwildlifebiodiversity,withaparticularfocusonSpecies-at-Risk;
B. ProviderecoveryhabitatfortheendangeredOregonSpottedFrog;
C. Provideoutdooreducation,stewardshipandresearchopportunitiesinwetlandrestoration
andspeciesrecovery;and
D. Increaseourknowledgeofmarshrestorationtechniques.
3.2 Objectives 1. Wetlandconstruction:
a. Invasivespeciescontrol;
b. Habitatfeatureconstruction;
c. Hydrologicrestoration;
d. Revegetationwithnativeplantspecies.
2. Implementanecologicaladaptivemanagementplanforpotentialfuturescenarios:
a. Identifypotentialecologicaloutcomesandfutures;
b. Identifymanagementactionsundereachpotentialfuturescenario;
c. Monitorecologicaloutcomes,applymanagementactions;
d. Continuemonitoring,applyingandadaptingmanagementactionsasneeded;
e. Reportonmanagementactionswithrecommendations.
3. Stewardship,educationandresearch:
a. Organizevolunteereventsforrevegetation,monitoringandmaintenance
activities;
b. Partnerwithacademicinstitutionstoengageinresearchregardingplantand
wildliferecoveryatthesite;
c. PartnerwithMetroVancouvertodevelopafieldtripcurriculumforuseby
interpretiveprograms.
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4 Investigations
In 2015-2016, we received funding from the Government of Canada’s National Wetlands
ConservationFundtocarryoutsiteinvestigationsanddevelopadetailedrestorationprogramfor
Phases II and III. We conducted deeper investigation into the site history, hydrology, soils,
vegetation and biodiversity to inform the restoration plan. This text summarizes the pertinent
information,anddetaileddataisappendedtothedocument.
Figure3.PhasesofGordon'sBrookWetlandrestorationinproximitytoGordon'sBrookcomplex.
4.1 Site History Aldergrove Regional Park has been shaped by glaciation and the park’s geology is formed as a
result.Approximately13,000 to15,000yearsago, theAldergrove regionwascoveredwith icea
miledeepbytheCordilleranIceSheet;theminorSumasglaciationeventoccurredinthecentral
Fraser Valley 11,500 years before present and retreated around 9,000 years before present
(Saundersetal.1987).Afterdeglaciation sea levels rose175mabove today's level, submerging
theentireLowerFraserValley(Mathewsetal.1970).Deglaciationslowlydepositedsedimentsto
form the present landscape. Flora colonized the landscape exposed by retreating glaciers and
plantcommunitiesdevelopedthroughouttheValley.Byabout4,500yearsago,thesealevelhad
reacheditspresentheight,andthelandscapereachedpresentdaystate.
TheareafallswithintraditionalterritoryofMatsquiFirstNations,abandwithinthegreaterStö:lo
First Nations, and neighborsMatsqui Indian Reserve #4. Several sites of cultural significance to
Matsqui peoples existwithin Aldergrove Regional Park including a ‘Transformer Rock’, a sacred
rock with associated stories of creation. The Gordon’s Brook area was a gathering place, and
Pepin’sBrookwasatravelcorridorthatlinkedhuntingandfishinggroundstovillagesites(Metro
Vancouver 2013). Although no documented archeological sites have been identified on the
restoration site, any excavations should be aware of the area’s potential archaeological
importance. Acknowledgement and incorporation ofMatsqui people to the restoration project
shouldbeaddressedtobuildapositiveworkingrelationshipwithMatsquiFirstNations.
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EuropeansettlersbegantotransformlandforagricultureintheLangleyareaoftheFraserValley
in the1830s, expanding intopresent-dayDelta, Surrey, andMapleRidge in the1860s, and into
south Aldergrove by the early 1900s (Metro Vancouver, 2013). Settlers convertedwetland and
forestecosystemsintograzingandagricultural landsastherichfertilesoilsbenefitedagriculture
(Boyleetal.1997).Overacenturyoffarmingonthelandhasresultedinalteredhydrologyfrom
roads,drainageditches,anddraintile.
Historicalphotographsdepictthesitebeingusedforagricultureinthe1940s,butagriculturaluse
likelybeganasearlyas1908whenthefirstfarmingfamiliessettledinthearea(MetroVancouver
2013).Farmingactivitiesceasedaround10yearsago,andthelastcroptypeplantedwascorn(G.
Feddes,pers.comm.,2015).
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Figure4.Historicorthophotosof the targetsite (outlined in red)showingcontinuousagriculturaluse fromthe1940throughto2015,withincreasingdrainagemanagementinterventionsbythediggingofditchestothe installation of drain tile (BaseMapping andGeomatic Services Branch, 2015). Images from 1969 and1979areparticularlyusefulinidentifyingthelocationofcurrentdraintile.ActiveagricultureendedonPhaseII(eastsection)between1990and2004,withincreasingshrubgrowthinthefieldfrom2004onwards.
Jun 2004
May 2013 May 2015
Sep 2009
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4.2 Soils and Hydrology Hydrology and soils are intimately linked in wetland ecosystems, each affecting the other and
determining the vegetative community of the site. Bothmust be understood on a site-scale to
inform the structure and form of the wetland, and their chemical composition understood to
predictvegetativeoutcomesandinformanymodificationsthatshouldbemade.
4.2.1 Site-Scale Persistence of awetland through the seasons is dependent on thewater budget, the result of
inflows and outflows through time. Inflows include direct precipitation, surface water from
adjacent streams (flood conditions), and groundwater; outflows include surface water outflow,
groundwateroutflow,andevapotranspiration.Thedifferencebetween inflowsandoutflowswill
determine the rate of change at which storage increases or decreases in thewetland, and the
depthofwateroverthewettedlandscape.
Historic orthophotos from 1940 – 1990 show the landscape changed little over the years.
However,oneparticularlyusefulphotographfrom1979wastakenduringawetperiodandclearly
showsthelocationofdepressions,historicallywettedareas,ditchesanddrain-tile.
Figure5.Locationofexistingandhistoricdraiangefeatures,overlainonorthophotoimagefrom1979.
Soil investigationsconfirmdrainageregimesidentifiedinthehistoricmaps.Ourexpectationsare
that, in thenorth-eastcornerswaterwillpool through thewinterandspring,butdrain through
the summermonths. In the south-west, soilswill retainwater through the summer. Year-round
surface water may keep pools wet through the summer if inflows are sufficient and surface
outflow sufficient for the retention of water despite losses to infiltration and evaporation /
evapotranspiration.
Weinvestigatedsoilsonsitebydiggingtestpitsacrossphases IIandIII.OnSeptember24,2015
we used a small excavator to dig pits up to 2m deep, and requested the services of a soils
specialist to assist in interpretation of the site, as well as to provide learning opportunities to
students.Dr.JonathanHughes,paleoecologist,soilspecialistandprofessorattheUniversityofthe
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Fraser Valley (UFV), assisted in soil interpretation and collected samples of fossilized seeds for
analysiswithhisclassatUFV.
Thecomplexandvariablestratigraphyacrossa relativelysmallarea indicates that thesitehasa
complex geological history. Further research into the geology of the site indicates that it falls
within an area that was affected by two additional glacial advances and retreats following the
well-knownCordilleranglacial retreat, and that theunusual layeringof clays, gravels, sands, silt
andloamarelikelytheresultofdynamicglacialeffects, includingtheoccasionalpresenceofthe
glacio-marineestuary,glaciolacustrinedeposits,andmeltwaterchannels(Clagueetal.1997).
Ingeneral,soilpitsidentifiedthatorganicandthinlayersofmineralloamoverlaycoarsesandwith
cobblesatthenorthendoftheareaof interest,withincreasingdepthsoforganicsandsilt loam
andclayloamtowardsthesouthwest(Figure6).
Figure6.DetailsoftestpitsoilstratigraphySept24,2015.
InPhaseII(pitsA2-A4),waterseepageenteredwellbelowsurfacelevelbelowacompactlayerof
clay loam. This suggests that the restoredwetlandwill rely primarily on surfacewater thatwill
hold above the clay loam in the fall,winter and spring, but thearea is unlikely tobe servedby
groundwater in the late summer.The soils aroundA1hadbeenmodifiedbyhumanuse, as the
areawashistoricallyahorse-ridingring(J.Jarvis,Pers.Comm.2015).
InPhaseIII(B1-B9),allpitsexceptB3andB4filledwithwaterwithin24hoursofexcavation.Pits
B5-B9wereverywet,withPitsB7andB9fillingbeforeitwaspossibletoassesssoils.Therestored
areaislikelytobefedbygroundwaterandholdwaterthroughthesummer.
B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B8
44
40.5
40.8
41
41.2
41.4
41.6
41.8
42
42.2
42.4
42.6
42.8
43
43.2
43.4
43.6
43.8
x
Elev
atio
n AS
L
B5
Organic - RCG active roots
Organic - RCG thin rootsMineral - OxidizedMineral - BlackOrganicMineral - dynamic
Mineral - loamy sand transition to clay loam
B1
Organic - RCG active roots
Organic - RCG thin rootsMineral - BleachedMineral - OxidizedMineral - BleachedOrganic
Mineral - Loam/ silt-loam transition to clay loam
B2
Organic - RCG active roots
Organic - RCG thin roots
OrganicMineral - dynamic
Mineral - glacio-marine silt? Mottled
Cobbles - till? Fluvial?
Mineral - Coarse sand
B6
Organic - RCG active roots
Organic - RCG thin roots
Mineral - tan / highly mottled
Fine black band with seeds
Mineral - silty sand
B3
Organic - RCG active roots and woody roots
Organic
Mineral - hard dry clay loam with fluvial cobbles
Mineral - cobbles in coarse sand
B4 * ELEVATION EstimatedOrganic - RCG active roots
Organic - few roots
Mineral - sandy clay loam with cobbles
Mineral - cobbles in coarse sand
B8
Organic - RCG active roots
Organic - RCG thin rootsOxidizedBlackOrganic
Drain Tile
Mineral - loamy sand transition to clay loam
41.2
41.6
42
42.4
42.8
43.2
43.6
x
Elev
atio
n A
SL
A1(Es'mateeleva'on)
A2
A3A4(Es'mateeleva'on)
Topsoil
Gravel
Mineral-Coarsesandwithgravelandcobbles
WaterSeepage
Mineral-graysand-siltysand-WATER
Mineral-mo>ledtan
Organic
Organic-thinrootsOrganic - RCG root mat
WaterSeepage
Organic-RCGrootmat
Organic-thinroots
Ash-colouredlayerOxidizedOrganic-straCfied
Mineral-Clayloamtosandyloam
Sand
Mineral-Clayloam,blue-gray
Organic-RCGrootmat
Organics
Mineral-Coarsesandwithfewmo>les
Mineral-Mo>led,highlycompactedsandyloam
Mineral-Blue-grayfinesandMineral-ClayloamWaterSeepageMineral-Sand
A1 A2 A3 A4
Oxidized
Gordon’s Brook MarshSite InvestigationsTest Pits - Sept 24, 2015
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Throughthewinterof2015-16,muchoftheareawassaturated,withlargeareasofinundation(up
to5 cmof standingwater) andmanyareaswithpooling (5–30 cmof standingwater). Beaver
damsintheroadsidedrainageditchactedtobackupwaterandensurecontinuoussaturationand
poolingthroughthewinter.
The presence of beavers in the park and watershed is well known, and we must assume that
beavers will attempt to use and modify structures that are implemented in the park. For this
reason,designsshould incorporatebeaverbiologyandattempt toworkwith thebeavers rather
thandesigntopreventorexclude–alosingprospect.
4.2.2 Water Chemistry Given the historic agricultural use of the area and ongoing upstream agricultural impacts, we
anticipated that elevated nutrients in the topsoil and surfacewatermay negatively impact the
recoveryofnativevegetativecommunities.Landtothenorthofthesitewashistoricallylicensed
for raspberry farming (Metro Vancouver, 2013). Most of the raspberry fields in the area are
fertilized by poultry effluent and commercial fertilizer, and also require irrigation in the dry
summermonths(Mitchelletal.2003).Presumablypreviouspoint-sourcesandcurrentnon-point
sources of fertilizer from adjacent agricultural sites have increased nutrient loading in soil and
groundwater. High nitrate concentrations have been documented in the Abbotsford-Sumas
aquiferasaresultofextensiveagriculturalpractices intheLowerMainland(Zebarthetal.1998;
Mitchell et al. 2003). Additionally, algal blooms on the Phase I wetland were observed in the
summerof2015,whichmaybearesultofexcessnutrientsfromfertilizersenteringthewetland,
leadingtoeutrophication.Watersampleswerecollectedandanalyzedonthreeoccasions–twicebyBCITstudentsforPhase
IIonlyinFall2015,andonceacrossallPhasesbyBalanceEcologicalinApril2016.
Phases II and III WatersampleswerecollectedonApril23,2016,withafocusonnutrientstoidentifysourcesand
currentconditions.Groundwaterwashigh,withsurfacewaterseenacrossmuchofthesite.
Allsamplescollectedwerehyper-eutrophicasdefinedbytheCanadianGuidanceFrameworkfor
Phosphorus, but Ammonium-N levels are within acceptable CCME guidelines for Ammonia.
Nitrate and Nitrite levels, and Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen levels are low. Phases II and III are
phosphorous-rich, nitrogen-limited systems. Inflow to Phase II showed elevated nitrates and
nitrites,butverylowphosphorusconcentrations,whereassamplestakenwithinandattheexitto
the site were low in nitrate and nitrite, but higher in total nitrogen and phosphorus. Current
phosphorusinputislow,butthearearetainsalegacyofphosphorousapplications.
Page18
Figure7.Locationofwater(A,B-series)andsoil(S-series)samplescollectedinApril2016.
Table1.Waterqualityresults-April23,2016.Analyte Units Detectio
nlimitA2(PhII)
A3(PhII)
A4(PhII)
B1(PhIII)
B3(PhIII)
Ammonium-N mg/L 0.025 0.147 0.233 0.105 <0.02
5
0.093
KjeldahlNitrogen Total mg/L 0.07 1.86 1.65 0.43 1.12 1.4
NitrateandNitrite-N mg/L 0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.88 <0.01 0.06
Phosphorus Total mg/L 0.05 0.65 1.53 0.1 1.01 1.18
Orthophosphate-P Dissolve
d
mg/L 0.01 0.28 0.8 0.03 0.17 0.13
Phase II Pond Preliminarydataonwatertemperature,dissolvedoxygen(DO),andpHweretakeninthepondin
thesouthwestcornerofPhaseIIonNovember19,2015byBCITstudents.Watertemperatureand
pHwerewithintheacceptablerangesforfreshwaterspeciesforthetimeofyeartheyweretaken
(CCME 2007). However, DO levels were <2 mg/L, well below acceptable levels for freshwater
speciesinNorthAmerica(i.e.,>6-8mg/L;(CCME2007).Furthertestingofadditionalwaterquality
parametersatthispondonFebruary42016indicatedhighlevelsofammonia(NH3),nitrate(NO3-
)andnitrite(NO2-),andtotalphosphorus(TP).
Table2.WaterqualityresultsfromPhaseIIpond(A2)inFebruary2016.Analyte Units Detection
limitA2
(BCIT)TotalSuspendedSolids mg/L 3 <3.0
TotalDissolvedSolids mg/L 13 73
Turbidity NTU 0.1 6.66
Ammonia,Total(asN) mg/L 0.005 0.169
Nitrate(asN) mg/L 0.005 1.01
Nitrite(asN) mg/L 0.001 0.0132
Phosphorus(P)-Total mg/L 0.02 0.464
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E.coli MPN/100mL 1 15
ColiformBacteria-Total MPN/100mL 1 579
BiologicalOxygenDemand mg/L 2 <2.0
ChemicalOxygenDemand mg/L 2 41
In addition, the most probable number (MPN) of colony forming units (CFU) in the pond was
abovetheupperCFUthresholdforrecreation,irrigation,anddrinkingwater(i.e.,200CFU/100ml,
100CFU/100ml,and0CFU/100ml,respectively)(CCME2007).NotethattheMPNofCFUinthe
pondonthePhaseIIIsitewas579MPN/100ml.ThereisnodirectconversionofMPNtoCFUbut
there isastrongpositive relationshipbetweenMPNandCFUestimates (Choetal.2010,Sutton
2010).
Theseanalysessuggestthatpoorwaterqualityinthepondisduetoinputsofagriculturalrunoff
containing high levels of ammonia, a compoundused in themajority of fertilizers. As ammonia
oxidizes intonitratesandnitrites, themajorityof availableDO isused (U.S. EPA (Environmental
ProtectionAgency)2010).Oxidationofammonia (i.e.nitrification) is likelyoccurring in thepond
on thesite, indicatedbyhighammoniaconcentrationsandextremely low levelsofDO.LowDO
concentrationscandecreasespeciesdiversity,andhave lethaleffectson freshwateraquatic fish
and amphibian species (de Solla et al. 2002; Camargo et al. 2005; U.S. EPA (Environmental
ProtectionAgency)2010).
One sediment samplewas collected from the pondon February 4, 2016. Parametersmeasured
includedpH,TotalKjeldahlNitrogen(TKN),totalorganiccarbon(TOC),ammonia,E.coli,coliform
bacteriaandmetals.Sedimentwascollectedfromthetop5cmofthebenthiclayerusingaPonar
SedimentClamp.Resultsfromthesedimentanalysisindicatedaslightlyacidic(pHof5.84)benthic
environment. The concentration of ammonia in the benthic layer was high at 10.3mg/kg, and
85.2%saturation.Ammoniaisabundantinanoxicsedimentsasnitrification(i.e.,theoxidationof
ammonia to nitrite and nitrate) is inhibited (U.S. EPA (Environmental ProtectionAgency) 2010).
Metalsanalysisindicatedhighlevelsofaluminumandmagnesium,thoughtherearenostandards
onacceptablelevelssetbytheCanadianSedimentQualityGuidelinesfortheProtectionofAquatic
Habitat (CCME 2007). Soil chromium (38.2mg / kg) exceeds the threshold level of 37.2mg/kg
abovewhichadversebiologicaleffectsmayoccur(CCME2007).
ElevatedammonialevelsresultinginlowDOwillneedtobemitigatedtoenablecolonizationof
thesitebythetargetfishandamphibianspecies.
4.2.3 Soil Chemistry Existingsoilchemistryiskeyforidentifyingtwooutcomesoftherestorationprogram:a)Wetland
classification, and b) risk of algal bloom. The resulting wetland classification is dependent on
multiplefactors,ofwhichhydrologyandunderlyingsoilchemistryarecritical.Inparticular,thesoil
nutrientregimeandpHwilldrivethebiologicalcommunityoutcome.This isdiscussedfurther in
Section5.1.2–TargetWetlandClassification.
Page20
Inaddition,manyhistoricagricultural fieldshavehighphosphorous loadingasa legacyofmany
yearsofagriculture.Whenthesesoilsareflooded,soilphosphorouscanbesuspendedassoluble
reactive phosphorous (SRP, or orthophosphate) which drives the growth of algae in the water
column,resultinginhypoxicareasasthealgaeconsumesoxygenatnightandduringsenescence.
This affects the overall quality of the habitat, and acute hypoxic events are likely to have fatal
impactsonfishespresentinthewatercolumn.
LargealgalbloomswereobservedinPhaseIin2014,whenthewetlandwasfloodedthroughthe
summermonths. It is likely that similar bloomswill occur in adjacent habitats. Some literature
suggests that that phosphorous releases are temporary and once vegetation and naturalized
growthcyclesareestablishedthattherestoredwetlandwillrecovertothephosphorousretaining
roleofanaturalwetland(Aldousetal.2007),butitislikelythatthelegacyofphosphorousloading
isamorecomplexproblemacrossthelandscape–withsignificantimplicationsforrestorationof
agriculturalfieldstowetlandsandtheresultingqualityofthewaterrunoff(Sharpleyetal.2013).
Bestmanagementpracticesarenotyetdeveloped,butitmaybepossibletoaddressorslowthe
release of legacy phosphorous by increasing the organic available carbon in the soils using soil
amendments, and thus increasing sequestration of the phosphorous as it is released from the
soils.
Soil is of neutral pH, and has significant organic matter content. Unfortunately, soil sample
analyses confirm that soils in both Phases II and III are low in nitrates and extremely high in
Phosphorous. This will likely result in a release of Phosphorous from the soil after flooding,
conversion to SRP / Orthophosphate resulting in algal blooms in the first years following
restoration.Althoughwearenotabletomitigatetheseconcernsatthistime,bybeingawareof
theissuewecanmonitorwaterqualityof inflow,outflow,andthepresenceofalgaeinrestored
wetlandsovertimetoassesswhetherornotthereleaseoflegacyphosphorousisanacutepost-
restoration concern or likely to be an ongoing challenge. Our expectation is that over time
guidelineswillbedevelopedbysoilchemistryexpertstoprovideguidanceonsoilamendmentsto
floodedagriculturalland.
Table3.SoilsampleanalysisfromApril23,2016.Analyte Units Detection
LimitS1
(PhaseIII)S2
(PhaseIII)S3
(PhaseII)S4
(PhaseII)Nitrate-N ppm 2 2 2 <2 3
Phosphorous ppm 5 >60 >60 >60 >60
Potassium ppm 25 51 57 191 112
Sulfate-S ppm 1 20 15 7 5
Calcium ppm 30 2860 3080 1360 1700
Magnesium ppm 5 179 102 155 98
Iron ppm 2 486 469 354 376
Copper ppm 0.1 1.7 3.7 2.4 2
Zinc ppm 0.5 7.8 9.6 7.6 5.8
Boron ppm 0.1 0.7 0.8 0.5 0.4
Manganese ppm 0.1 4.3 3.6 11 11.6
Chloride mg/kg 0.5 11 8.3 6.8 4
pH 6.1 6 6.2 5.9
Electrical dS/m 0.29 0.26 0.12 0.14
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ConductivityOrganicMatter % 33.5 29.9 7 12.1
C:NRation 14.8 11.2
Nitrogen Total% 0.02 1.14 0.27
Carbon Total
Organic%
0.04 16.8 3.08
4.3 Vegetation AldergroveRegionalParkislocatedwithintheCoastalWesternHemlockbiogeoclimaticzoneand
withintheverydrymaritimesubzone(CWHxm1).TheCWHxm1subzoneischaracterizedbywarm
summerswithfairlylowprecipitationandwet,mildwinterswithmostprecipitationfallingasrain
(Pojar et al. 1987). Climax forests expected for this subzone include stands dominated with
Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and minor amounts of western red cedar (Thuja plicata).Commonwetlandtypes inAldergroveRegionalPark includeshallowmarshes,ephemeralponds,
andswamps(MetroVancouver2013).
Vegetation investigations of Phases II and III indicate a high component of invasive vegetation
acrossthesite,butthetwophaseshavedistinctlydifferentvegetativecommunities.
Phase II contains a large proportion of woody vegetation, as the area appears to have been
abandoned by agriculture in the early 1990s, with shrubby vegetation well established in the
south-eastsectionby1999.Wetterportionsofthefieldcontainstandsofwillowspeciesandred
alder, with higher elevation zones dominated by invasive Himalayan blackberry. Swampy areas
with full shrub or blackberry canopy have little understory growth. Areas remaining open are
dominated by invasive reed canarygrass. Phase III is dominated by invasive reed canary grass
(Phalaris arundinacea, RCG). Remnant agriculturalwindrows have grown and now include both
youngandmaturedeciduoustrees.
Treespeciesidentifiedonsiteinclude:
• redalder(Alnusrubra),• blackcottonwood(Populusbalsamiferassp.trichocarpa),• paperbirch(Betulapapyrifera),• blackhawthorn(Crataegusdouglasii),and• Lombardypoplar(Populusnigra;anon-nativespecies)
Shrubspeciesidentifiedonsiteinclude:
• willow(Salixhookeriana,S.lasiandra,S.scouleriana,S.sitchensis),• red-osierdogwood(Cornusstolonifera),• redelderberry(Sambucusracemosassp.pubens),• salmonberry(Rubusspectabilis),• blacktwinberry(Lonicerainvolucrata),• rosespecies(Rosaspp)• Himalayanblackberry(Rubusdiscolor),• Evergreenblackberry(Rubuslacinatus),and
Page22
• JapaneseKnotweed(Fallopiajaponica)
Herb species identifiedon site are limited.Openareas aredominatedby reed canarygrass, and
understory beneath dense shrub or blackberry canopy has little growth.Where herbs do occur
beneaththecanopy,speciesinclude:
• Horsetailsp.(Equisetumarvense,E.palustre,E.cheiranthoides)• Roughwaterhorehound(Lycopusasper)• Buttercupsp.(Ranunculusacris,R.repens)• Ladyfern(Athyriumfilixfeminassp.Cyclosorum)
• Europeanbittersweet(Solanumdulcamaravar.dulcamara)• Purpleloosestrife(Lythrumsalicaria)
BeaversarepresentinthePepinandGordon’sBrookcomplexes,andareexpectedtoexpandinto
anynewlyrestoredorcreatedwetlandareas.InPhaseI,beaversalteredthedesignhydrologyin
unexpectedways,resultinginunanticipatedbutnotunwelcomehydrologicdynamics.Byretaining
water and sediment, they have contributed to increased water storage, the recovery of water
tables,attenuationofhighflows,reconnectionofthefloodplainandimprovedconnectivityofthe
constructedwetland,andincreasedhabitatcomplexity.Inaddition,theyareconstantlyonstand-
bytomonitorandrestoredamagedinfrastructureresultinginwaterlossfromtheecosystem(eg.
backcuttingorside-cuttingchannelsaroundweirs).
Rather than fighting beavers to recover design hydrology, we intend instead to work with the
beavers – attempting to anticipate their actions and goad them into building dams to impound
waterindesignlocations.GuidelinesdevelopedforworkingwithbeaversintheUnitedStateswill
bepilotedinourdesign(Pollocketal.2015).
Page23
5 DesignTargets
Designtargetsarebasedonvaluesofbiodiversityandecosystemfunctionfirst,andhumanusefor
educationalpurposessecond.Recreationalhumanuse isnotadrivingvalue for thisproject,but
willbeconsideredinthedesign.
5.1 Biodiversity Targets
5.1.1 Wildlife Species The constructed habitat contains a variety of zones and habitat features that target Oregon
SpottedFrog,NorthernRed-leggedFrogandattempttoexcludeAmericanBullfrogbydesign.The
features alsoprovide for avian and invertebratebiodiversity. Habitat features atmultiple scales
createanabundanceofvarianceforanabundanceoflife.Micro-featuresincorporateavarietyof
depth and shallows, a rough finish to increase surface area of soils, and differing densities and
combinationsofplantsandwoodydebris.Wewillusea ‘diversityofdiversity’approach–some
simpleareas,somecomplex,orvariouscategoriesofhabitat.Providingadiversityofhabitattypes
andhabitatfeaturesincreasestheoverallopportunitiesforbiodiversityonsite.
Focalspecieswillbetargetedwiththefollowinghabitatfeatures:
OregonSpottedFrog(Ranapretiosa):• shallowmarshareasforbreeding,rearingandforaging;
• summerrefugepoolsforlowwatersurvivalandforaging;
• coarsewoodydebrisinpoolsandwithinflowingwaterforwintersurvival;
• hardhack‘islands’toproviderefugeinsummerandprovideoverwinteringstructures.
NorthernRed-LeggedFrog(Ranaaurora):• coarsewoodydebrisinpondsforbreeding;
• shallowmarshareasforrearingandforaging.
SalishSucker(Catostomussp.4)• shallowmarshhabitatforforaging;
• coarsewoodydebrisinpondsforcover.
AmericanBullfrog(Ranacatesbeiana)discouragement:
• shallowmarshareaslessdesirabletobullfrogsmaydiscouragepresence;
• complexityindeepareasprovidedbycoarsewoodydebris,hardhackislandsandbrush
pilesmaydiscouragebullfrogpresence.
GreatBlueHeron(Ardeaherodias):• shallowmarshhabitatforforaging.
Generalavianbiodiversity:
• shallowmarshhabitatforforaging;
• tallwoodydebrisforperching/resting;
• shortwoodydebrisforperching/resting;
• brushpilesforresting/nesting/foraging;
• hummocksforresting/nesting;
Page24
• pondhabitatforforaging.
Generalinvertebratebiodiversity:
• variedfreshwaterhabitats(sedge/cattail/pond/floating/ephemeral)fordragonfly
foraging,layingandrearing;
• brushpilesforpollinatorbreeding;
• coarsewoodydebrisforbreeding/foraging.
5.1.2 Target Wetland Classification Thehydrologicregimeofawetland,particularlywater levelfluctuations, isastrongdeterminant
ofthevegetativespeciesassemblageasplantspeciesresponddifferentlytodepth,frequencyand
duration of inundation. Water chemistry, soil chemistry and soil drainage characteristics also
impactplant communities. In turn,plantassemblagesaffect soils, flows,andevapotranspiration
rates.Vegetationassemblagesprovidestructureandfoodforwildlife,andactasindicatorsofthe
healthofthewetland.
TheBCWetlandEdatopicgridcanassistinidentifyingthelikelybiologicclassificationofarestored
wetlandbasedonhydrologicdynamics,soilmoisture,nutrientsandacidity(MacKenzie&Moran
2004) (Figure 8).Our soils analysis suggests that the sitewashistorically a transition zone from
uplandforesttoswamptoapeatbase.
Byremovingdrainage infrastructure,weanticipaterestoringa ‘wet’soilmoistureregime,witha
‘Mobile’ hydrodynamic index. Soil nutrients and acidity are functions of existing soil structures.
Soil nutrients are likely to be higher thanwhat is associatedwith a historic Lehman or Judson
Muck soil, due to the agricultural impacts in thewatershed. Similarly, high acidity is associated
withJudsonMuckandLehmansoils,howeverthiswillbeattenuatedbydiggingbelowtheorganic
materialsandexposinglowerlayersofLehmansoilsinpoolsandpondsathigherelevations.
Figure8.BCWetlandsEdatopicGrid,predictingbiological communityoutcomeofgeophysical factors. Soilmoisture and hydrodynamic index will be recovered, and soil nutrient and pH are dependent on existingconditions.
Page25
Phase II – Swamp OurtargetwetlandclassificationforPhaseIIisaswamp.Swampsareforested,treedortall-shrub
mineralwetlandsdominatedbywoodyvegetationon fluctuating, semi-permanent,near-surface
water tables (MacKenzie &Moran 2004). The fallow field has already developedmany swamp
characteristics,withephemeralpondingthatsupportslargewillowandalderpatches.
Phase III - Marsh Our targetwetland classification for Phase III is a seasonally wettedmarsh and associatedwet
prairie.Thisisbasedonbiodiversitytargets,particularlythecreationofhabitatsuitableforOregon
Spotted Frogs. Marshes are shallowly flooded mineral or organic wetlands dominated by
emergentgrass-likevegetation,typicallywithafluctuatingwatertableandcommonexposureof
substrateinthelatesummerorindryyears.Marshesareeutrophicorhyper-eutrophic.
However,developmentofamarshwilllikelyrequireongoingmaintenancebyprescribedburning
(SeeSection7.3).Burningwouldhave the tripleeffectofholdingback shrubgrowth, increasing
nutrientavailabilityandreducingpHofthearea–allnecessarytoshift thesite intothe ‘Marsh’
section of the edatopic grid. If burning becomes a possible management tool, this will be our
prioritygoal.However,inrecognitionthatburningmaynotbeanavailabletoolinthefuture,our
secondarytargetwetlandclassforPhaseIIIwillbecomeaswamp.
Page26
6 HydrologicRecovery
Ourinvestigationshaverevealedthatsignificanthydrologicmodificationswereinstalledtorender
theareasuitabletoagriculture.
Thelargemajorityofthesemodificationswillbedisabledtore-captureinflows,increaseretention
timeandraisethewatertable.However,truehydrologicrecoveryofhistoricwatertables isnot
entirely possible, given the proximity of the site to municipal roads and the importance of
maintaining drainage along road infrastructure. A right-of-way along 0 Ave restricts any activity
within10moftheroad,andre-floodingshouldnotimpacttheintegrityof0Aveordrivewaysoff
ofit.
Althoughthewaterbudgeton-site isunknown,soilsandexistinggroundwaterconditionsclearly
indicatethatwettedgroundwillrecoverwiththedisablingofdrainagefeatures.
HydrologicalRecoveryactivitieswillrequire:
1) Disablingdrainageditchesthatcaptureseepagewaterfromthenorthernhillslopeandre-
directthewaterbackontothefields
2) Disablingdraintilethatlowerswatertable.
Additionalactionswillservetoincreasethecomplexityofthesite.
3) Excavate pools where invasive vegetation is removed, and use shallow berms to hold
designelevations;
4) Connectexistingephemeralpoolsandconstructedpoolstoincreaselateralcomplexityof
waterflows.
5) Installfeaturesandmicrotopographytoincreasediversityofniches,includingmoundsand
pools.
6) Atwatercontrolpoints, installvegetationand ‘starterdams’ toencourageplacementof
beaver-managedwatercontrolstructures.
6.1 Drain Tile Decommissioning Draintilewasidentifiedinthefieldwhendiggingtestpits,andtheir locationsappearonhistoric
orthophotos (Figure 9). Drain tile was likely installed in the 1970s, following initial ditching to
lowerwatertables(visiblein1969photos).Theidentifieddraintilewascorrugatedslottedplastic,
GUIDING PRINCIPLES – HYDROLOGIC RECOVERY
Don’t try to make it something it’s not – use existing hydrology and soils. Give water somewhere to go but make it work to get there.
Avoid engineered water control structures. Work with beavers – let them fill it.
Page27
with no drain rock to protect the plastic. This makes finding the tiles more difficult, but our
chances are improved by the photos. Where drain tile is found, it will be plugged to prevent
drainagetotheditches
Figure9.Existinghydrologyindicatinglocationofdraintileasidentifiedon1979orthophoto.
6.2 Ditch Decommissioning Drainageditchesthatcapturewaterseepingfromthehillsidetothenorthwillbedecommissioned
to force the water back through the soils throughout the area. This will help to raise the
groundwatertable.Ditcheswillbefilledwithmaterialscrapedfrommarshdepressions.
6.3 Depressions, Ponds, Channels and Berms Shallow depressions and pondswill be excavated to accentuate the existing topography of the
site.Shallowchannelswillbedugtodirectwatertoponds,andtoexposehighgroundwater.Spoil
excavatedfromthechannelsanddepressionswillshapedintowide,lowbermsthatwillfadeinto
the landscapewhenplanted,and thatwillhelpdirect surfacewater intochannels.Theseberms
mayformthebaseofwalkingtrails,andalleffortswillbemadetoensuretheyarewideenough
andstableenoughfortractor-moweraccess.
6.4 Starter Dams Outlets fromsomeponds tochannelswillbeconstructed toencouragebeaveruse.Rather than
buildingweirs,‘starterdams’willbeinstalledattheoutlets,asdescribedintheBeaverRestoration
Guidebook(Pollocketal.2015).Thisprojectsitehasgoodbeaverdamviability,givenitslandscape
andbiologicalcontext(Figure10).
Page28
Figure10.AdaptedbeaverdamviabilitymatrixfromtheBeaverRestorationGuidebook(Pollocketal.2015),identifyingfeasibilityofbeaverdamrestorationinprojectsite.
Astarterdamismadeupofpostspoundeddeep intothegroundat0.5mintervals,andwoven
looselywithwillowbranches (Figure 11). These dams are permeable anddonot generally hold
enoughwatertoformapoolintheshortterm.However,ifwellplacedthestarterdamswillform
natural starting points for beavers to build and fill a deeper wetland pond. If beavers do not
choosetousethearea,itwillbepossibletoeitherreducepermeabilitybyplacingcobbles,sands,
silts any vegetation upstream of the starter dam. However, with increased groundwater from
draintileandditchdecommissioning,itwilllikelynotbenecessarytoholdwaterbackwithaweir
to recover wet land and shallow ponds. Willows planted around the dam structures, and in
particularonthespoilpiles,willenticebeaversandweanticipatethatseveralofthestarterdams
willhaveattractedbeaverengineeringprowesswithin5yearsofconstruction.
Page29
Figure11.Diagramofastarterdam,withdesigndetailandnecessarymaterialneededforconstruction.(top)sideview(bottom)planview.FromBeaverRestorationGuidebookpage84(Pollocketal.2015).
Page30
7 InvasiveSpeciesControl
Successful invasive species management is a cornerstone of the success of this program. Our
methodsarebasedonIntegratedPestManagementprinciplesmodifiedforarestorationprogram.
Thisinvolvesidentifyingandtakinganinventoryofthepestspecies,researchingitsspecificbiology
assessingtherisksitposes,developingwell-informedcontroloptions,andcontinuingmonitoring,
record-keepingandfollow-uptreatmentsasrequired(seeTextBox).Treatmentsmaybemanual,
mechanical,orchemical,andchosenusingthefollowingcriteria:
• least-disruptiveofnaturalcontrols;
• least-hazardoustohumanhealth;
• least-toxictonon-targetorganisms;
• least-damagingtothegeneral
environment;
• mostlikelytoproduceapermanent
reductionintheenvironment’s
abilitytosupportthatpest;and
• mostcost-effectiveintheshortand
longterm.
Prioritytargetsforinvasiveplantspeciesmanagementare:
• Himalayanblackberry(Rubusdiscolor),• JapaneseKnotweed(Fallopiajaponica),and• Reedcanarygrass(Phalarisarundinaceae).
Additional noxious andnuisance plant species that are likely to impact the restored areas have
been identified by surveys in the Phase I wetland, and are addressed in Section 7.4. Invasive
wildlifespeciesarealsoexpectedtocolonizetherestoredarea,andareaddressedinSection7.5.
Invasive species inventory andmanagement data will contribute to the Provincial database be
providedtotheProvincialdatabaseusingtheiAPPformsapplicationavailableforiPadandiPhone
(https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/plants/application.htm).
COMPONENTSOFANINTEGRATEDPESTMANAGEMENTPROGRAM
CaliforniaDepartmentofPesticideRegulationhttp://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/specproj/h2o/workbook/appendix/page111-115.html
1. InitialInformationGatheringIdentifythepestand/orproblem.Examineliteratureonthebiologyofthepestanditsmanagement.Interviewlocal
managementpersonnelonthehistoryofthesite.Informationprovidesthebasisforintelligentprogramcontinuity.
2. MonitoringObservetheplants,orsite,forpotentialpestproblemsatregularintervals.
3. EstablishingInjuryLevelsDeterminewhenthepestproblemislikelytobecomeseriousenoughtorequiresomeaction.
4. Record-keepingKeeprecordsofwhatisseen,decisionsmade,actionstaken,andresults.Recordsarethememoryofasystem.When
personnelleavetheirexperienceislostiftherearenorecords.
5. Least-toxictreatmentsSelectpestmanagementapproachesandspecificmethodsaccordingtothecriteriaspelledoutbelow.Confinethe
treatmentsintimeandplace(i.e.,usespottreatments)tominimizeecosystemdisruptions.
6. EvaluationInspectaftertreatmentactionhasbeentaken.Writedownwhatyoulearn.Hasthetreatmentbeenworthwhile?How
canthewholeprocessbeimprovedtoachievetheoverallobjectivesoftheprogram?
Page31
7.1 Himalayan Blackberry HimalayanBlackberry(Rubusarmeniacus,formerlyRubusdiscolor)ispresentonPhasesIIandIII.ItisparticularlyimportantinPhaseIIandpresentinthenorth-eastcornerofPhaseIII.Removaland
control of the blackberry will allow native species to recover more area. Blackberry is the
dominant understory on the hillside north of the restoration zone of Phase II – this area is not
within our current restoration plan, but must be considered in invasive species management
planning.
7.1.1 Invasion Ecology Himalayan blackberry is a robust, semi-evergreen shrub that can grow nearly 4 m high, with
individualcanesextendingasmuchas10mfeet inasingleseason.Growth ismostvigorouson
deep,moist, well-drained soils – favouring sandy soils over clays and silts (Caplan et al. 2006).
Although it tolerates a wide variety of soil conditions, including periodic winter flooding,
Himalayan blackberry does not grow well in saturated or poorly drained soils. Himalayan
blackberrycannottoleratedeepshade.Itisrarelyindenseforeststandsexceptinopenings,and
vigourandseedproductionappeartodeclineasshadeincreases(Caplanetal.2006).
Himalayanblackberryintheprojectareareflectsitsknownhabitatpreferences.Thicketsaremost
denseinsandysoilsinhigherelevations,andarenotpresentinlowerelevationswherestanding
watercollectsinthewinter.Inaddition,itappearsthatexistingblackberrythicketsinPhaseIIare
madeupmostlyofoldmaterialwith little freshgrowth, suggesting that the currently saturated
soilsandreducinglightconditions(duetoagrowingnativecanopy)arenolongeridealforgrowth
butmaycontinuetosupportestablishedplants.
7.1.2 Control Methods Himalayan blackberry control methods are well established in the Pacific Northwest, and
treatmentprogramsaredependentoneachlocation’sspecificneedsandopportunities(Bennett
2006).ManagingHimalayan-blackberry-dominatedareastypicallyhasfourmajorsteps:
1) Sitepreparationbyremovalofmostoftheabove-groundplantpartstogainbetteraccess
tothesite;
2) Removingorkillingtherootcrownsandrootstopreventregrowthandreinfestation;
3) Revegetatingthesitewithnativevegetation;and
4) Maintenancetreatmentstoreduceoreliminateregrowth.
Sitepreparationcanbebymanual,mechanicalorchemicalmeans,oracombinationofthethree
dependingonthesuitabilityofthesite.Themosteffectivemethodsinriparianareasismechanical
cuttingfollowedbyherbicideapplicationtokilltherootsandrootcrown.Mechanicallyremoving
rootstockinwhichcanes,roots,androotcrownsareuprootedbyanexcavatorcanbeeffectiveif
donethoroughly,howeverthesignificantsoildisturbancemayencourageregenerationfromseed
or encourage other invasive species to sprout. Repeatedmowing, grazing and burning are not
effectiveontheirown,asrootcrownsarenotdisabled.
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7.1.3 Selected Protocol WeproposetocontrolHimalayanblackberrygrowthpredominantlybymechanicalmeansandby
alteringsiteconditionstoinhibitregrowth.Chemicalcontrolsarenotidealatthislocationasmuch
oftheblackberryissurroundedbynativevegetationthatmaybeaffectedbychemicalagentsby
driftorsoil/roottransfer.
Asweintendtoaccessthesitebyexcavatortorecoverhistorichydrology,wewillusemechanical
and manual means to remove existing plants and root crowns. The combined effects of an
increasedwatertableafterhydrologicalrestorationandtheexistingandgrowingimpactofshade
fromthenativecanopywillstronglyinhibitregrowthfromseedandroot.Resproutingplantswill
bemonitoredandremovedmanually.
Largeareasthathavebeenexcavatedtoremoveblackberrywillnotbere-gradedtotheircurrent
elevationbutwillbeloweredinordertobeclosertotherecoveringwatertable,thusfloodingout
regrowthfromfragmentsandseed.
Initial site preparation has begun in Phases II and III by manual and mechanical removal in
December 2015. Manual efforts affected 5,600 m2, in which canes were removed and piled,
exposingrootcrownsinareastoowetortightforexcavatoraccess;mechanicalremovalaffected
4,000m2, in which canes and root crowns were removed and piled. Excavatedmaterials were
piledeitherontheroadwheretheycouldberemovedorcontinuouslymowed;orpiledontopof
existinguplandblackberrythickets.
Uplandthicketsarenotaccessiblebymechanicalmeans,buttheirspreadintotherestorationzone
mustbeinhibitedinourdesign.Toeasethecontinuedmechanicalmanagementoftheblackberry,
wewilluseexcavatedsoilstoconstructatrailorpathalongthebaseofthehillthatcanbemowed
usingmechanicalmowerscommonlyusedbyMetroVancouverParks.
7.2 Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) was known to be present 500 m from the target
restoration areas, adjacent to Gordon’s Brook. A small cluster (approximately 10m2) has been
identifiedinPhaseIIinspring2016attheupstreamendoftherestorationsite.Thisthicketmust
beeliminatedinordertoeliminatethethreatofspreadintotherestoredsite.
7.2.1 Invasion Ecology Knotweedsareinvasiveperennialsthatthriveinroadsideditches,low-lyingareas,andotherwater
drainagesystems.Theyare found in riparianareas,alongstreambanks,and inotherareaswith
highsoilmoisture.Knotweedsspreadrapidlythroughrootsystemsthatmayextendfromaparent
plant up to 20metres laterally and up to a depth of 3metres. They threaten biodiversity and
disruptthefoodchainbyreducingavailablehabitatandincreasingsoilerosionpotential.Theyare
extremely aggressive and persistent. The BC Ministry of Agriculture has flagged Japanese
Knotweed as an Aggressive Ornamental that is extremely difficult tomanage once established.
(http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/cropprot/jknotweed.htm).
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7.2.2 Control Methods Knotweedsareidentifiedas‘control’speciesintheLower
Mainland by the Invasive Species Council of Metro
Vancouver. Control Species are widespread throughout
the regionwith very little chance of eradication and are
onlyworkedoninspecificsiteswheretheyarecontained
outsideofaboundaryi.e.apark.
Controleffortsatthewatershedsscaleshouldbeginatthe
furthest extent upstream and work successively
downstreaminordertopreventcontinualmigrationofknotweeddownstream.Controleffortsat
thesitescaleshouldbeginonsitesadjacenttowatercoursesandworksuccessivelyoutwardfrom
theseareas.Smallpatchesarebest treatedviastem injectionofglyphosate-basedherbicidesby
trainedandcertifiedapplicators.
7.2.3 Selected Protocol Werecommendedaggressivelytreatingthesmallpatchtoavoidfurtherinfestations.Mechanical
control of the species has a low success rate, evenwith continuous removal of stems and root
systems.Chemical treatment is recommendedasaneffectivemethodofcontrollingthespecies,
bydirectinjectionofglyphosate-basedherbicideintoeachstemoftheplant.
Asthepatchisoutsideoftheplannedexcavationarea,wedonotproposetoremovetheplants
mechanically.Wewillpartnerwiththe InvasiveSpeciesCouncilofMetroVancouvertotreatthe
patch and we will monitor the site specifically throughout restoration and post-construction
monitoringprograms.
Any excavation ormachineworks in the proximity of the knotweed patchwill be preceded by
carefulremovalofallabove-groundmaterialsanddisposalatacertifiedweeddisposalfacility.In
addition,theupstreamwatercourseshouldbeassessedforadditionalinfestationsandtreatment
begunfromtheupstreamend.
7.3 Reed Canary Grass Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea)is a perennial plant native to North America and
Eurasia. Several non-native dominant phenotypeswere introduced fromEurope for forage and
soilstabilizationinanumberofareasthroughoutCanadaandtheUnitedStatesinthepastthree
centuries. Anthropogenic disturbances associated with agriculture, particularly hydrologic
disruption (drainage) and nutrient applications increase a site’s vulnerability to invasion (Annen
2016a).ReedCanarygrasshasbecomeanaggressiveandinvasivespeciesinprairies,streams,and
wetlands across North America – it is quick to establish, aggressive in its domination of soil
resources,andquicklyformslargemonotypicstandsinareaswhereitisintroduced.Thesestands
severely alter habitat and ecosystem function and threaten native plant and animal diversity
(Lavergne&Molofsky2004).
ClicktoOpen–Hallworthn.d.
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Both Phases II and III were previously used for agricultural cultivation, and the watershed
continuestobeimpactedbyagriculturalnutrientrunoff(WhatcomCounty).Reedcanarygrassis
presentonbothPhases II and III, andmustbe controlled toensurenative vegetation is able to
takeholdfollowingconstructionactivities.InPhaseII,controlislessproblematicastheswampwill
incorporateshadeanddepthsunsuitedtothespecies,butwill requiresomecontrolactivities in
thenorthern, lessdensely canopied sectionof the site.Reedcanarygrass is themost significant
challenge to restorationonPhase III,wheremuchofoursitepreparationactivities focuson the
significantreduction,withthegoaloferadication,ofthisspecies.Highorganicmattercontent is
linkedwithReedCanarygrass invasion,and this is reflected inoursoilanalyses indicating7-12%
organicmatter inPhase II,where shrubshaveovertaken reedcanarygrassgrowthon the fallow
field,and30%inPhaseIIIwhereReedCanarygrassismoreabundant.
7.3.1 Invasion Ecology and Control Challenges Healy and Zedler (2010) provide a useful summary of the species’ invasion model and the
challengesassociatedwithitscontroloreradication.ReedCanarygrassisa“modelinvader”with
high competitive and strong feedbacks that maintain its dominance. Its competitive ability is
related to its early spring sprouting, rapid height growth, clonal expansion, prolonged growing
season, production of dense shade, and ability to obtain nutrients. It reproduces via seeds,
rhizomes, and fragments, and its plasticity allows it to dominate across a broad range of
hydroperiods. Reed Canarygrass has an additional competitive advantage in remaining green
through October, after native species senesce, and it takes advantage of ample nutrients to
quickly outgrow native plants. The shift from diverse native vegetation to a Reed Canarygrass
monotypeisespeciallyrapidwhenhighnutrientsandshallowwater(Healy&Zedler2010).
Annen(2016)describesecosystemcollapseinsedgemeadowtransformationstoRCG-dominated
systemsasfollowingaseriesofsteps:
a) Lossofdisturbancecyclethatmaintainstheopencharacterofameadow(ie.Fireand/or
floodthatremovesaccumulatedlitterandpreventsclonalspeciesfromdominatingthe
meadow,and/orpreventsencroachmentfromshrubspecies);
b) Hydrologicaldisruption,usuallytheloweringofwatertables,byconstructionofdrainage
ordikinginfrastructure,aswellastheestablishmentofplantswithhigh
evapotranspirationrates;
c) resultinginpredispositiontoinvasionduetodevelopinggapsintheherbaceouscanopy
andexposureofemptynichespaceintowhichReedCanarygrassseedcangerminate;this
isofcoursegreatlyacceleratedbythe(ongoing)activeseedingofReedCanarygrassinto
low-lyingagriculturallandsasamoisture-tolerantpasturecrop.
d) Onceestablished,ReedCanarygrassclonesspreadvegetativethroughrhizomegrowth,
expandingbyemergenceofnewtillersatbothshortandlongerdistancesfromtheparent
clone.
e) ReedCanarygrassexhibitshighevapotranspirationrates,increasinghydrological
abundance,providingpositivefeedbackforregrowth;and
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f) Intheabsenceoffire,adensematofgrasslitteraccumulates,withamulchingeffecton
remainingnativespeciesthatimpedestheirgerminationandgrowthwhileproviding
furtherpositivefeedbacktoReedcanarygrass.
g) Nutrientadditionsfromagriculturalactivitiesamplifythelitterfeedback,asReed
Canarygrassisapoornutrientcompetitorinnutrient-poorenvironmentsbutableto
acceleratebiomassproductioninthepresenceofhighnutrients.
h) WhenReedCanarygrassabundancereachesacriticaldensity,feedbackcyclesinternally
reinforcetheinvasionbyreinforcinghydrologicandlitterfeedback.
Figure12.DynamicsofsystemcollapseintoReedCanarygrassmonoculture(Annen2016b).
Once invaded by Reed Canarygrass, wetlands are very difficult to restore to native plants, as
(Healy&Zedler2010):
• Burningaloneopensthecanopyandfavorsregrowthbecauseincreasedlightstimulates
germination,seedlingestablishment,andvegetativeexpansion.
• Non-selectiveherbicides(e.g.glyphosate)killallplantspeciesaboveground,butleavethe
dormantrhizomebudsandseedbanksofReedCanarygrasstoregenerate.
• GrazingandmowingcanreduceReedCanarygrassheightduringtreatment,butthe
speciesrecoversquicklywhennotmowed.
• RemovingsodandcreatingopenwatercansuppressReedCanarygrassregrowthbutdeep
waterisnotasolutionwheretherestorationtargetisawetmeadow.
• OverplantingwithtreescanoutshadeReedCanarygrass,buttheresultisawoodland.
• Biocontrolisnotanoption,becauseReedCanarygrassisusedinpasturesandbiofuel
production.
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7.3.2 Annen’s Systemic Approach Despitetheabovelimitations,ReedCanarygrasscontroland
eveneradicationhasbeenachieved in the recoveryofwet
meadows and marshes using a combination of these
techniques (Annen 2016a). Annen’s Systemic Approach
emphasizesprocessmanipulation todisrupt theunderlying
driversoftheinvasion,andfollowsaseriesofsteps:
1) Determineiftheinvasionisreversibleandthesite
recoverable;ie.Hasthesiteretainednativeseedbanksin
thefaceofdegradation?
2) Perform a condition assessment to identify disturbance and feedback cycles that are
triggeringandreinforcingthe invasion. Itwillbe importanttodisrupt identifiedsystemic
disturbances: hydrolgical disturbances, sedimentation, and nutrient inputs should be
corrected to uncouple positive feedback before implementing direct Reed Canarygrass
controlmeasures(eg.herbicide).Assess:
a. Presenceofhydrologicalmodificationandpossibilityofcorrectionswithout
affectingadjacentproperties;
b. Compositionandrelativeabundanceofvegetation,depthofthelitterlayer,recent
fireactivity,densityandspeciescompositionofshrublayer;
c. Presenceofrecentsiltdepositionduetosedimentation/nutrientinputsfrom
agricultural/urbanwatercourses;
d. Soilchemistry,focusingonavailabilityofNH4-N,N3-NandPO4.
3) Disrupt litteraccumulationfeedbackcycleanduncoupleshrub-carrsecondaryhydrologic
disturbance by reintroducing fire to the system. Repeated spring burning facilitates
recovery by removing litter and removing nutrients, and is an essential component to
systemchange.Litterremovalaspectscanbecompletedbymowingifthesiteisaccessible
tomowingandhayingmachineryfollowinghydrologicalmodifications,howeverisunlikely
to be possible if hydrologic recovery is successful andwill not incorporate the nutrient-
cyclingbenefitsoffire.SeeTextBoxformoredetail.
ClicktoOpen–Annen2016b
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4) ModifysystemandforcingvariablesidentifiedinStep2,by:
a. Correctingormodifyingtheprimaryhydrologicaldisturbancebyremovingdrain
tiles,fillingdrainageditchesorinstallingweirstructures;
b. Correctingsecondaryhydrologicaldisturbancesbyremovingshrubs,ifnecessary;
c. Addressingsedimentationbyremovingsedimentifpossible,orpreventingfurther
sedimentationfromoccurring.
5) SuppressReedCanarygrassusingherbicideformulationssuitabletotheconditionofthe
marsh:broad-spectrumorgrass-specificherbicidesshouldbeselectedbasedonthe
severityoftheinvasion,thestateoftherecovery,attheappropriatetimeofyear,and
usingtheappropriateadditivesystemstoenhanceherbicideperformance.
6) Activelypromotenativespeciesrecruitmenttopreventre-establishmentofReed
Canarygrassbyseedorculm.Plantandseedsedgesandforbstoprovidecompetition,
eveninsiteswherenaturalrevegetationofrelicspeciesisoccurring.
7) Repeatsteps3,5,6toexhaustReedCanarygrass’dormantbudrenewalbank.Systemic
herbicidesonlyaffectactivelygrowingtissueandthereforetargetplantscanregenerate
fromdormantbuds.Two-threecyclesofburningandherbicideshouldshownoticeable
improvement,withcompletereversalrequiring5-7yearsofmanagementeffortfollowed
byperiodicscoutingandspot-sprayingtoaddressremainingclonesandpotential
reinvasion.
8) Reestablishtheoriginalfeedbackmechanismbyusingregularburningandactive
revegetationwithselectiveReedCanarygrasssuppressionasnecessary.
IMPORTANCEOFFIREINREEDCANARYGRASSCONTROLEFFORTS
AdaptedfromAnnen2016
BurningisanessentialaccessorytreatmentbecauseReedCanarygrassinvasionsarelitter-driven.Inadditiontoremovingaccumulatedlitterandpreventingconversionofherbaceouswetlandsintoshrub-carr,burningremovesnutrientsfromthesystem;15–90%ofN(dependingonspeciesandtimeofyear)andupto80%ofavailablePisstoredinsenescentabovegroundlitter(Larcher1995).Repeatedspringburningfacilitatesinvasionreversalbyremovingnutrientsandalteringcompetitiontrajectories,sincesedgesarestrongercompetitorsfornutrientsthanRCG.Gradualnutrientremovalbyhayingorburningistermednutrientmining,andAnnen(2011)reporteda36%reductionofsoilavailablePinasedgemeadowfollowingthreeprescribedburnevents.Initially,itisnecessarytoburnannuallyuntilRCGcoverdeclinesto≈10%,afterwhichburningshouldoccuratthehistoricalfrequencyof1-3years.
LitterremovalwillinitiallyincreaseRCGseedlingdensity,butsinceseedlingsarenotfullyestablishedtheyareparticularlyvulnerabletoherbicideapplications,allowingyoutoquicklypurgetheRCGseedbank.RCGseedsremainviableforonlyacoupleofyearsinsaturatedsoilsandyoucanexpectfewadditionalseedlingstoemergeafterthefirstcoupleofburnevents.Importantly,sinceyouwillsometimesbeburningwetsites,don'tbeoverlyconcernedifyouarenotabletocompletelyburnasite;incompleteburnsaremoreeffectiveatfacilitatingRCGreversalsthannotburningatall.Likewise,sincetheaimofusingburningasanaccessorytreatmentforRCGreversalislitterremoval,aburncanbecarriedoutatanytimeofyearwhenconditionsallow,thoughIwouldn'trecommendburninginJulythroughSeptembersinceyoucouldburnupsedgeachenesbeforetheycanrechargetheseedbankorinterferewithwildlifenestingandbreedingactivities.
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Figure13.Dynamicsofsystemrecovery(Annen2016b).
Thissytem-basedapproachissuccessfullyusedacrosstheUSbyexperiencedlandmanagers,and
forms the base of routine annual restoration programs run by the city of Eugene, OR and is
routinelyappliedinWisconsinaswell.ThetechnicalchallengesassociatedwithReedCanarygrass
invasion in wet meadows on a large scale, it appears, have been addressed. However, three
significantbarrierstofullimplementationofthisprogramintheLowerMainland:
1) Lackoflocalexperienceandregulatoryprocessforapplicationofprescribedburnsfor
conservationpurposes;
Theimplementationofaprescribedburnrequirestheguidanceofanexperienced,knowledgeable
BurnBosstodevelopaBurnPlan,acquirepermissions,andcarryouttheburn.Therecurrentlyno
local LowerMainland experts on prescribed burnswith experience in wetlandmanagement by
fire. Beyond bringing in external expertise, planning an initial burn will require a partnership
betweenBC Forests Lands andNatural ResourceOperations,MetroVancouver, Abbotsford and
LangleyFireDepartments,andmayrequireconsultationwithCustomsandImmigrationsCanada,
giventheproximityofthesitetotheborder.
2) Lackofherbicideformulationswithregulatoryapprovalforapplicationoveraquatic
systems;and
The two herbicides most commonly used in the United States for Reed Canarygrass control in
aquatic ecosystems, Rodeo® (glyphosate) and Habitat® (imazapyr) are not legally available in
Canada. Legal chemical options in Canada cannot be applied over water therefore it is not
possibleinmostrestorationprojectstotreatchemicallyafterhydrologicaldisturbanceshavebeen
corrected,as thesitewill inall likelihoodbewetted. It isalsonotpossible to fully treatprior to
constructionwhensurroundingditchesandwaterwaysholdwater throughthesummer.Weare
currentlyusingherbicideasapre-treatmentonsitetoreducethepresenceofReedCanarygrass
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post-construction, but disturbed soils will generate new growth that must be controlled after
hydrologicalmodificationsarecompleted.
The lack of herbicides approved for aquatic use in Canada is similarly vexing to the control of
Phragmitesaustralis in theeasternprovinces,wherecontroleffortsmirror those in thewestern
provinces regarding Reed Canarygrass.Phragmitesmanagement plans are very similar to those
requiredforReedCanarygrassandareveryusefulininformingoureffortshere(seeTextBox).
Althoughwe agree that aqauatic-use herbicides should not be available for continuous use,we
believethatitshouldbepossibletoapplytheseherbicidesinanacutemannerinordertorecover
ecosystemstoastateinwhichherbicideusewillnolongerbenecessary.Acquiringpermissionfor
theapplicationofRodeo®andHabitat®hasbeenaccomplishedbytheSpartinaWorkingGroupin
the Lower Mainland, and their experience provides a path to approvals. Herbicide use in BC
requires registration of the herbicides with the federal PestManagement Regulatory Authority
(PMRA)aswellasaPesticideUsePermit(PUP)fromtheBCprovincialMinistryofEnvironment.
3) Ignoranceofhistoricspeciesassemblagesinwet/sedgemeadows,andpoor
commercialseed/plantmaterial.
We have not been able to identify historic assemblage lists for sedge meadows in the Lower
Mainland, and we have not been able to identify suitable reference sites.We have developed
plant lists from wetlands that contain few invasive species, but in both cases we know that
hydrologyhasbeenmodifiedandtheyarenotparticularlygoodmatches.Despitethis,wewilluse
theselists,developedfromUBCAAFCFarm2WetlandinAgassiz,BCandXwe-CheamWetlandsin
HERBICIDENEEDSFORCONTROLOFPHRAGMITESINCANADA
AdaptedfromGilbertandVilder2012,alsoappliestoReedCanarygrassinBC.
ThemosteffectiveandefficientcontrolofPhragmitesintheUnitedStateshasbeenachievedusingtwoherbicidesRodeo®(glyphosate)andHabitat®(imazapyr).Bothproductscanlegallybeappliedoverwaterandaeriallyandhaveanefficacyofbetween80–100%controlafteronetreatment.Bothchemicalskilltheplantbyshuttingdownkeyenzymeproductionwithinthebelowgroundstructures.Sincethesesameenzymesarenotpresentinnon-plantlife,thechemicalsposelittlerisktohumansandwildlife.Althoughglyphosateisabroadspectrumherbicide,anditkillsallvegetationnon-selectively,it’susewithindense,mono-dominantstandsdoesnotcreateissuessincenativeplantpresenceisrareand,ifpresent,theyaregenerallyundertheinvasivecanopyandwouldnotreceivespraydrift.Spotsprayingusingbackpackunitsorhandwickingcanbeusedtocontrolsparseinfestations.
UnfortunatelyneitherRodeo®norHabitat®isavailableinCanada.LegalchemicaloptionsinCanadaarelimitedtotwoproducts,Weathermax®andVision®,andneitherproductcanlegallybeappliedoverwater.Bothareglyphosatebasedandcontainthesurfactantpolyethyloxylatedtallowamine(POEA)whichisharmfultoaquaticlife.
Timingherbicideapplicationstooccurwhennowaterispresentallowsforsomeseasonallywetsitestobesprayed.However,forwetlandsthetimingwindowfordewateredconditionscanbeshortandcanchangeyeartoyear.Evenwithdewateredsectionsinterspersedwetareaswillusuallyremain,makingeffectiveandefficientcontrolverydifficult.Sitespecificconditions,suchaswildlifeuseofedgesandadjacenthabitatsforbreeding,broodrearing,foragingorthepresenceofSARplantsalsoimpactthetimingwindow.
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Rosedale,BCtoinformourrestorationgoals.Additionally,plantlistsfromadjacentUSstatesare
available,andcanactasaproxygiventheproximityoftheLowerMainlandtoWashingtonState
andtheirdata.TheUSDAPlantsDatabaseprovidescomprehensivespecieslistsandtheirwetland
status.
7.3.3 Haliburton Farm Organic Approach HaliburtonFarm,locatedinSaanichBConVancouverIsland,hashadremarkablesuccessinReed
Canarygrasssuppressionandwetmeadowrecovery.Itisanorganicfarmwithapproximatelyhalf
ahectareofconservationhabitatontowhich thecommunity isattempting to restoreawetland
andassociatedwettedmeadows.Theyhavedevelopedasmother/mulch/plant/seedmodel that
hasworkedwellonasmall scale,andwhichmaybepossible toapplyata largerscalewith the
assistanceofmachineryandalargematerialsbudget.
Theirtechniquecanbesummarizedas:
1) Removebiomassbymowingandraking/hayinggrass;
2) Immediatelyapply45Mil(1.14mmthickness)pondlinertothetargetarea,andallowto
sitforoneyear.Weighdownasnecessarywithstones/sandbagstoensurecontinued
coverage.
3) InthefollowingSpring,removelinerandapplycardboardaswellasleafmulch.
4) Seedovertheleafmulchandplantthroughthemulch/cardboard.
5) Removereturningreedcanarygrasspatchesmanually,orre-treatlargerpatchesas
necessary.
Figure14.Left:Haliburtonsmotheringmethods.Clockwisefromfront:Pondliner,post-treatment,andone-yearpost-treatment.Right:Oneyearpost-treatmentintheforeground;twoyearsinbackground.
Challengestoupscalingthistreatment includeinitialcostofmaterial–Pondlinercostsbetween
$1.00 -$1.50persquare foot,andtherequirement that linerbeadequatelyweigheddownand
monitoredtoensurecontinuouscoverageandmaintenancefromwindevents.
7.3.4 Selected Protocols Given the currentdifficultyof implementing systemicmethods,wewill continue toprepare the
target area for hydrologic modifications using pre-construction herbicide. We will also pilot
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Haliburton’s smotheringapproachona largerscale,andwillwork towardsdevelopingprotocols
and permissions for the use of aquatic-approved herbicide and fire to implement the systemic
approachdescribedbyAnnen(2016).
Shading InPhaseII,shadingofReedCanarygrassbyshrubsandtreesshouldsufficientlycontrolthegrassin
theswampareas.Additionalcontrolmeasuresmayberequiredintheopenmarshplannedforthe
northendofthesite.Dependingonwhichspeciesdominateregrowth,aswellasonpermits,we
willuseeitherchemicalcontrolorsmotheringpost-constructioninthenorthmarsh.
Smothering Wewillusesmotheringasacontrolmethodinpilotareas.Thematerialsbudgetforthismethodis
signficant,butcan likleybereduceddramaticallywiththeuseofused,donatedandpurchaseof
off-marketmaterialsifweareabletostorematerialsuntilneeded.Materialneedsarepondliner,
cardboardandmulchortopsoil.
Agraduatedapproachovertimewouldalsoprovidethetimetodevelopefficienciesinmovingthe
liner, monitor regrowth and improve methods over time. If, after 10 years of increasing area
impactwehavebeensuccessfulateliminatingReedCanarygrassplants,weshouldhavetheskills
anddatatojustifyapplyingasmotheringprogramatthescaleofonehectareatatime.
Pondlinerisavailableinvariousthickness,widthsandlengths.Wewillusestandard45mmFish-
friendlyEPDMpondlinerpurchasedusedornewfromsecondarysources(ratherthancommercial
sources)asmuchaspossibleinordertoreducecosts.Wewillbeginbytreatinga10mx10mplot
andexpandaspossiblewhennewmaterial ispurchased.Materialwillbemovedannually toan
adjacentplot–theguaranteedlifespanofthematerialinapondis20years,andweexpecttobe
abletomovethematerialforatleast10yearsbeforeitmustbereplaced.Ifweareabletospend
$2,500annuallyonmaterial,wewillimpactover1Haoverthespanof10years.
Cardboardcanbepurchasedforapproximately$1/100squarefeet inrollsof4’x250’.Although
cardboardmaybeavailableforfreefromrecyclingcenters,newrollswouldensurenounsafeinks,
tapeorstaplesarepresentonthecardboardandwouldsignificantlyreducedtheamountoftime
requiredforitsapplication.
Haliburtonuses leafmulchdonatedby theCityofSaanich tocover thecardboardasanorganic
baseforseedingandplanting.AsthisprojectisinaMetroVancouverPark,itmaybepossibleto
use Nutrifor™ Biosolids produced by Metro Vancouver’s Liquid Waste Program. Biosolids have
beenusedinthepasttorestorewetlands,withsomesuccessinEugene,OR.Wehavemadeinitial
contactsandinquirieswiththerelevantstaffatMetroVancouverandwillcontinuetoexplorethis
option.Alternately,topsoilormulchcanbeobtainedatacostof$25peryardplusdeliveryfroma
nearbyfacility.
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Figure15.MaterialsandCostAssessmentbyareaovertimeforsmotheringatalargescale.Assumeinitialbudgetof$2500forpondlinerineachyear,withanannualincreaseinimpactedareaof2,500squarefeet.Calculationsinimperialasallmaterialsaresoldinimperialmetrics.
Smotheringata large scalemaybepossible,butata significant costunlessweareable to find
donatedorreduced-costmaterials.Forinstance,thecosttoimpactonehectarewouldrequirea
one-timepurchaseof1Haofpondliner(>$100,000),whichcouldbere-usedforupto10years,
aswellasmaterialcostsof$26,000forcardboardandtopsoilforeachyearoftreatment.Wemay
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beabletopilotaprogramthatusesdifferentgradesofmaterial,withorwithoutthecardboard
andwithorwithout,orusingdifferentgradesofmulch.
Post-Construction Chemical Control Post-constructionchemicalcontrolisthemosteffective,andcost-effective,mannerofcontrolling
Reed Canarygrass following hydrological restoration. We anticipate that post-construction
chemicalcontrolwillnotbepossibleoncehydrologyhasbeenrecoveredonthesiteunlessweare
able to acquire permits for aquatic-use herbicides. If permits are obtained, post-construction
chemical control will use glyphosate-based Rodeo (broad-spectrum herbicide, to be applied to
monocultures of Reed Canargyrass with the appropriate additives) and imazypyr-based Habitat
(grass-specificherbicide,tobeappliedwherenativeforbs,sedgesandrushesarerecovering.
Herbicide application post-construction will be by hand-held backpack sprayer and by wicking
(‘hockey-stick’)toincreasespecificitytotargetplantsasReedCanarygrassdensitydecreasesinthe
area.ApplicationwillbeconductedbyworkerswithaBCPesticideApplicator’sCertificate.
Pre-Construction Chemical Control Pre-constructionchemicalcontrolhasbeenappliedonPhaseIIIofthesite,asperourintialplanto
impact Reed Canarygrass as much as possible prior to construction. A single application of
RoundUpWeatherMax™inOctoberof2016hashadastrongimpactonregrowht,particularlyin
the wetter zones of the site. Given the current challenges associated with Post-construction
chemical control, we will continue to prepare the site as thoroughly as possible with pre-
constructioncontrol.
Re-applicationpriortoconstructionwillassistinkillingadditionalrootmass,andwillbeconducted
as soonas fundingallows in2016 Wehope thatwewill be able to further control the grasses
using post-construction applications given successful permitting applications. Herbicide
treatmentswillbeGlyphosate-based,usingRoundUpWeatherMax™,andwillbeappliedtoreed
canarygrassthatisatleast30cmtallandactivelygrowing.
Prescribed Burns PrescribedburnsarecommoninforestedecosystemsandarebeingusedtomaintainGarryOak
EcosystemsonVancouverIsland–itisnotanuncommontechnique,butisuncommonlocally.On-
site consultation with the Chair of the Garry Oak Ecosystem Fire and Stand Dynamics Steering
Committee,ThomasMunson(May25,2016),identifiedthattheareaistechnicallyafairlysimple
burn. The area has a uniform landscape and fuel source, natural boundaries, low threat to
boundaries,littlerisktopeopleorpropertiesadjacenttotheburnsite,nosmoke-sensitiveareas,
easyaccessandminimalimpactonneighbours.Fromafirecomplexityperspective,itshouldbea
simplefiretoimplement.
However,asthiswillbethefirstprescribedburnintheareaitwillrequiresignificantcoordination
toachievepermissionstoimplementaburn.WewillconsultwithaBurnBosswhoisexperienced
in burning wetland meadows and work with Metro Vancouver, BC FLNRO and Environment
Canadatodevelopandimplementburnplans.
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7.4 Other Noxious and Nuisance Species Other non-native and invasive species likely to colonize the restoration area were identified in
post-construction monitoring of Phase I. Table 4 identifies species present at Phase I that are
identifiedintheBritishColumbiaWeedControlActaseitherNoxiousorNuisancespecies.
Table4.NoxiousandNuisancespeciesidentifiedinpost-constructionmonitoringofPhaseI.Speciesofmanagementconcernarehighlightedinbold.SpeciesCommonName LatinName ProvincialStatus InvasivePotentialCanadaThistle Cirsiumarvense ProvincialNoxious CommonBurdock Arctiumminus RegionalNoxious CommonSow-Thistle Sonchusoleraceus ProvincialNoxious CommonTansy Tanacetumvulgare RegionalNoxious PurpleLoosestrife Lythrumsalicaria RegionalNoxious InvasiveTansyRagwort Seneciojacobaea ProvincialNoxious BullThistle Cirsiumvulgare Nuisance
CommonHorsetail* Equisetumarvense Nuisance
CommonPlantain Plantagomajor Nuisance
CommonRush Juncuseffususs.l. Nuisance
CommonSt.John's-Wort Hypericumperforatum Nuisance InvasiveCreepingButtercup Ranunculusrepens Nuisance
Hemp-Nettle Galeopsistetrahit Nuisance
LargeBarnyard-Grass Echinochloacrus-galli Nuisance
MarshCudweed Gnaphaliumuliginosum Nuisance
NoddingBeggarticks* Bidenscernua Nuisance
Whereas someof the species are considerednoxiousdue to their unpalatability for agricultural
purposes,othersaretrulyinvasiveintheecologicalsenseandmayspreadintolargemonocultures
inrestoredareas.Speciesthatwilllikelyrequiremanagementarehighlightedinbold.
CanadaThistle,CommonBurdock,CommonSow-thistle,CommonTansy,andTansyRagwortgrow
predominantlyindryenvironmentsalongelevatedberms.Managementofthespeciesbymowing
beforeseedingisappropriateandsuitableforthemanagementofthesespecies;andispartofthe
regular maintenance of proposed trail systems. Much of the restoration area is too moist to
supportthesespecies,andmanualremovalofisolatedpatchesshouldsuffice.
Purple Loosestrife and Common St. John’s-Wort are both currently controlled by biological
methods. St. John’s-Wort is considered tobeunder successfulbiological control throughout the
province.PurpleLoosestrifebeetleswerereleasedinAldergroveRegionalParkin2003andappear
tocontinuetobeeffective.Despitethepresenceofseveralplantsinandaroundthewetlands,the
specieshasnotspreadandleavesofliveplantsshowclearindicationofbeetle-browse.
7.5 Invasive Wildlife
7.5.1 American Bullfrogs AmericanBullfrogs(Lithobatescatesbeiana)areknowntobepresentatthesite,andareexpectedtopersistintheconstructedwetlands.However,byworkingtorecovershallowmarshesandwet
meadows, as well as ephemeral ponds, we hope to attract only low densities of Bullfrogs and
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avoid breeding in the constructedmeadows andwetlands. Some deep-water refugia, however,
mustbeconstructedandwill likelyattractbullfrogs in the firstyearspost-construction.Planting
trees and shrubs around these refugia will shade and provide complexity that bullfrogs in the
LowerMainlandappeartoavoid,andwilldissuadetheircontinueduseasthehabitatmatures.
Thehabitatwillbemonitoredpost-constructionforBullfroguseandbullfrogscapturedandeggs
collectedwillbeeuthanizedasperProvincialWildlifeActPermits.
7.5.2 Nutria Nutria(Myocastorcoypus) isaninvasiverodentspeciescommoninWashingtonandOregonand
likely present in only low numbers in southern BC. Their distribution is currently limited by
hydrology and climate (temperature), but they are anticipated to increase in density as climate
change increases their suitable thermal range to the north.Nutria are extremely destructive to
wetlandhabitats,denudingmarshesofvegetationandresultinginerosion-pronemudflats.They
are not currently known in the area, but it will be important to monitor for their presence. If
Nutriaarriveattherestoredwetland,theirpresencewill likelybeobvious ifobserversknowthe
signstolookfor.
SignofNutriaincludedistinctivefeces,tracks,runsintothewetland,thedevelopmentofnesting
andfeedingareas,burrows,anddamagetovegetation.Similarinbodysizeandaspecttobeavers,
theymaybeeasilyoverlooked inareaswithbeaveractivity.Thehabitatwillbemonitoredpost-
constructionforthepresenceofNutriaandanysignidentifiedtotheBCMinistryofForestsLands
andNaturalResourceOperations.
7.5.3 Invasive Fishes MonitoringoffishesatthePhaseIsitehasidentifieduseoftheconstructedmarshbybothnative
andnon-nativefishes.Thetwoidentifiednon-nativefishes,Pumpkinseed(Lepomisaibbosus)andFatheadMinnow(Pimephalespromelas)arelikelytoexpandintonewlyconstructedhabitats.Theextentoftheirecologic impactonBCareunknown,buttheymayaltertrophiccommunitiesand
predateonthreatenedjuvenilesuckerspecies.
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8 RestorationActionsandTimeline–Overview
Given the size of the targetwetland,we propose a phased approach for the restoration of the
wetland. Previous actions at Gordon’s Brook identified the importance of several years of site
preparation,aswellasplanningforunforeseenchallengesandpost-constructionalterationstothe
builtwetland.Weanticipatethatfollow-upactionsforinvasivespeciesmanagementwillneedto
continueforseveralyearspost-construction,andthatadaptivemanagementplanningwillidentify
currentlyunknownunknowns.
Table5.SummarytimelineforPhasesIIandIII.2016-17 PhaseII PhaseIIISiteAssessment Waterlevels/quality Waterlevels/quality
SitePrep Invasivespeciesremoval Invasivespeciesremoval
Construction Structural/Hydrologic/Planting
SiteMonitoring Developplan/begin
implementation
AdaptiveManagement
Outreach Fieldtrips/projects
Post-graduate
Fieldtrips/projects
Post-graduate
TrailConstruction NA
2017-18 PhaseII PhaseIIISiteAssessment Waterlevels/quality
SitePrep Invasivespeciesremoval
Construction Structural/Hydrologic/Planting
SiteMonitoring Implementmonitoringplan Developplan/begin
implementation
AdaptiveManagement Invasivespeciesmanagement
follow-up
Outreach Fieldtrips/projects
Post-graduate
Fieldtrips/projects
Post-graduate
TrailConstruction NA BaseConstruction
2018-19 PhaseII PhaseIIIInvasiveSpeciesManagement
Invasivespeciesmanagement
follow-up
Invasivespeciesmanagement
follow-up
SiteMonitoring Implementmonitoringplan Implementmonitoringplan
AdaptiveManagement Asneeded Asneeded
Outreach Fieldtrips Contprev.Developsignage.
TrailConstruction NA Basecompression
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9 RestorationActionsandTimeline–PhaseII
PhaseIIisontheeastendofthetargetarea,andwillbetreatedinthreedifferentsections:1)the
Pond,inthesouth-westcorner;2)theSwamp,theeastern,partiallywoodedsections,and3)the
MarshandWillowFarm,inthenorth-westcorner(Figure16.PhaseIITreatmentZones.).Wewill
workfromthesouth-eastcornerinacounter-clockwisemanner–downslopetoupslope–toallow
forpoorweatherinthelatesummersothatwewillbeworkinginthedriest,upslopeareaslast,
andconnecting surfacewater to thecomplexedsiteafterall constructionworksarecompleted.
Construction activities will take place over threeweeks in August or September, depending on
contractoravailability.
Figure16.PhaseIITreatmentZones.
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9.1 Restoration Summary
Existing Conditions: • 3.7Hatargetarea;
• Historicallyfarmed/grazed,channelfilled&replacedwithditches,subsequentlyreplaced
withdraintile;
• HistoricequestrianridingringinNEcorner;
• CurrentvegetationdominatedbyareasofWillow,RedAlderandHimalayanBlackberry;
• Shallowtopsoillayerovercoarsegravelswithseasonalwatertable;
• EphemeralswampsdominatedbywillowssurroundedbyoldBlackberryinhigherzones.
Saturatedsoilsinwinterappeartoreduceorpreventnewblackberrygrowthandslow
expansion;
• Pondinsouth-westcornerwithpoorwaterqualityduetohighnitrates/nitritesand
ammonia.
Desired Outcomes • Reducedensityofinvasivespecies;
• Retainnativewillows,alders,cottonwoods;
• Recoverwatertable;
• Increasesoilmoisturetoreducesuitabilityforblackberryregrowth;
• Increaseavailableaquatichabitat;
• Improveconnectivitybetweenhabitats;
• Developwillowfarmforprovisionofwillowwhipstolocalwetlandandstreamrestoration
projects;
• Provideeducationalopportunitiesforstudents,volunteers,andlocalcommunity
members;
• Improvedwaterqualityinsouth-westpond.
Actions • RemoveinvasiveHimalayanBlackberryaroundswampsusingmanualandmechanical
means(inprogress2015-17)
• Excavateshallowzones,pools,andchannels,usingspoiltocreatebermsanddirectwater
(2016);
• Alterhydrologytodirectwaterintonewchannels,ponds,andoverland(2016);
• Decommissiondraintileanddesignoutletelevationstomanagewaterdepthfortarget
speciesinconstructedponds(2016).
• Excavateshallowslopebanksaroundpondtoincreasedenitrifyingprocessesandimprove
habitatopportunities;
• Installbeaver‘starterdams’atpinchpointstoattractbeaveractivity;
• Installwillowfarmforfuturewillowcuttings;
• Plantreshapedpondbankswithdenitrifyingplants;
• Followupinvasivespeciestreatmentsasneededusingmechanical,smothering,and/or
chemicaltechniquesinfollowingyear.
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9.2 Pond Design for the Phase II pond is based on BCIT students’ design for the improvement of water
qualityandtherecoveryofanutrient-sink/watertreatmentwetland.
The pond located in the southwest corner of Phase II is a man-made agricultural pond that is
currentlyunsuitablehabitat for freshwateraquaticspeciesandemergentvegetation. Itoutflows
directly intothedrainageditchalong0Avenue,withamaximumdepthof1.56mat itsdeepest
point (measured February 4, 2016) with a highly variable area dependent on precipitation and
groundwaterlevels.
The pond will be regraded and expanded to encourage colonization of native emergent and
riparian vegetation. Treatments will promote denitrification as high levels of ammonia, nitrate,
andnitrite inthepondcurrently leadtoseverely lowlevelsofdissolvedoxygen.Treatmentswill
occur concurrently with the construction of the swamp and willow farm in August/September
2016.
Bank Regrading The bank slopes of the pond are currently very steep ranging between 1:1 - 3:1 horizontal to
vertical (H:V). The steepbanksareunstable, and limit the colonizationandgrowthofemergent
vegetation. There is also limited area for riparian vegetation because the change from the
inundatedpondtouplanddryareaissevere.Thiscreatesanarrowringaroundthepondsuitable
forriparianvegetation.
Wewillthereforeexpandtheriparianareaofthepondbycreatinglobes.Thisexpansionwillalso
allow for regrading of the banks. The ideal range for bank slopes is between 15:1 - 20:1 H:V.
Gentlebankslopesaremorecharacteristicofnaturalwetlands,andsuitablefornativeemergent
vegetation colonization(Kentula 1992). This will also increase the area suitable for riparian
vegetation from a narrow ring to amore complex riparian buffer. Expansion and regradingwill
occurprimarilytothenorthandeastsideofthepondasthesouthandwestsidesareboundedby
the ditch and driveway respectively, limiting expansion in these area. Bankswill be pulled back
fromthewater levelatconstructiontimetoavoidworkingwithinthewater.Existingvegetation
willbeleftintheexistingoutletchanneltoactasasiltbarrierincaseofrain.Existingvegetationin
the expansion zone will be salvaged to the greatest extent possible prior to excavation, and
willowswillbere-plantedinthenewriparianzone.Annualfallryewillbeseededbelowacoverof
haytocontrolforerosioninthefirstyearfollowingconstruction.
Promoting Denitrification Duringexpansionandregradingfeatureswillbecreatedtoincreasemicrotopographywithinpond
benthic and riparian area. Microtopography in wetlands form areas of aerobic and anaerobic
conditions which help improve biogeochemical cycling, like denitrification (Moser et al. 2007).
Surface soil in thepondand riparianareas remains roughand loose,witha rangeof elevations
incorporatedintothebanks.
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Nitrogen fixation will be encouraged by both a) temporary retention by primary production of
vegetation; and b) permanent removal through denitrification by anaerobic heterotrophic
bacteria.
There are two biological ways nitrogen can be removed in aquatic systems (1) it can be
temporarily retained throughprimary production of vegetation (2) it can permanently removed
throughdenitrificationbyanaerobicheterotrophicbacteria(Poeetal.2003).
Amixtureofemergentandriparianplantswillbeplantedto improvedenitrificationrates inthe
regraded pond, as a mixed treatment of common wetland plants (Bulrush (Scirpus sp.), Cattail(Typha sp.), Juncus sp., Carex sp. and grasses) have been shown to remove three times more
nitratethanasimplebulrushtreatment(Bachand&Horne1999).
Compostamendmentswillbeappliedtotheregradedpondinthewetted,emergentandriparian
areaspriortonativeplanting,astheadditionofcompostamendmentshasbeenshowntobean
effective treatment to stimulate nutrient cycling in nutrient rich aquatic systems. Compost
amendmentsincreasemicrobialpopulationsize,subsequentlyincreasingmicrobialdenitrification
activity (Sutton-Grier et al. 2009), mitigating the impact of nitrogen rich agricultural runoff in
aquaticsystems,bytransformingnitratesandnitritesintogaseousnitrogen(N2)andnitrousoxide
(N20)(Saunders&Kalff2001).
Theexistingoutletchannelwillremaininplace,andastarterdaminstalledinordertoencourage
beaverdamdevelopment.
9.3 Swamp Complex The Swamp complex will re-route water within the parcel to increase complexity of water
movement and to allow groundwater to pool. Shallow pools 0.3 – 0.8m deepwill be dug and
connected via shallow channels in existing openings in the parcel. The excavator will follow
openingsbetweenvegetationthathasgrowninandexaggerateexistingtopography.Spoilwillbe
placedingentlebermsonthesouthandwestsideofthechannelstoencouragesurfacewaterto
remaininthechannelsandspilltowardsthesouth-west.Wheresuitable,beaverstarterdamswill
beinstalledtoencouragebeaverdamdevelopment.
Blackberrieswillberemovedbyexcavatorandmanuallywheresuitable.Depressionscreateddue
to the removal of blackberry rootswill not be re-filled except to direct thewater and improve
aesthetics,andwillformshallowpoolsandmarshesafterhydrologicrecovery.
These areas will not require planting, as they are well shaded, however disturbed soils will be
seededwithannualfallryeandcoveredwithstrawtocontrolerosion.
9.4 Marsh and Willow Farm TheMarsh andWillow Farm are at the north end of the property. This is the driest section of
PhaseII,andismadeupofgrassfieldandblackberry.Blackberryremovalbeganin2015,andwill
continueduringconstruction.
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Themarshwillbeexcavatedtoadepththatremovesallblackberryrootandthatwillencourage
poolingofwatertoinhibitregrowthoftheblackberry.Invasiveplantmaterialwillbepiledontop
ofexistingblackberryonthenorthslope,whichwillnotbeaddressedinthisprogram,whereitwill
notbeginanewinfestation.Spoilwillbeusedtocreateshallowbermstoholdsurfacewaterand
provideraisedsurfaceforaccesstothewillowfarm.
Fournativewillowspecies(PacificWillow,ScoulersWillow,HookersWillowandSitkaWillow)will
be planted to provide willow stock for future restoration projects in Metro Vancouver Parks.
Willowswillbeplantedinstraightrowsperpendiculartotheaccessdriveway.Theywillbeplanted
from nursery stock to ensure species accuracy, protected from beavers usingwire cage beaver
guards,andtrimmedannuallytoencouragegrowthofshoots.
9.5 2016 Construction Tasks and Timeline Constructionwilloccurinthesummerof2016,pendingfundingapplicationsuccess.Construction
dateswill be set as soon as funding is allocated, andwill likely span themonth of September.
Fifteendaysofexcavatortimeisbudgetedfortheconstructionphase.
Week 1 Tasks: 1. Clearopeningsforexcavationbydrivingthroughallopenareastolowergrass.
2. Identifyareasformechanicalandmanualblackberryremovalinswampandmarshzones.
3. Clearandsalvage,aspossible,existingriparianvegetationonnorthandwestsidesof
existingpond,remainingoutofthewater.
4. Regradepondbanks.
5. Cutwillowstakesforstarterdams(sourcefromPhaseIwillowfarm).
6. Installstarterdamatpondoutlet
7. Installerosioncontrolmaterials:strawbalesandseedifrainisforecast.
Week 2 Tasks: 8. Identifyandplugdraintileatsouthendofswampzone.
9. Digchannelandpoolsincounterclockwisedirection,withmechanicalremovalof
blackberry.
10. Installstarterdamswheresuitable.
11. Installerosioncontrolmeasures(seedandstraw).
Week 3 Tasks: 12. Completemechanicalremovalofblackberry.
13. Disabledrain-tile,decommissionditchandregrademarshzone.
14. Installaccessbermsforwillowfarm.
15. Installstarterdams.
16. Installerosioncontrolmeasures.
Week 4 Tasks (may occur one to four weeks after initial construction activities): 17. Installcompostinregradedpond.
18. Installplantsinregradedpondarea.
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Figure17.ConceptplanforPhaseII,indicatinghistoric,existingandproposedwaterwaysandfeatures.
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9.6 Spring 2017 Monitor for regrowth of reed canarygrass in marsh zone. Apply pond liner as required for
smothering.MonitorregrowthofHimalayanBlackberryandapplytreatmentasneeded.
9.7 Spring 2018
Removepondliner,applycardboardandmulch,andseedwithnativeplantseedssuitabletothe
developinghydrology.Exactcompositiontobedeterminedfollowingcompletionandhydrological
monitoring.Reapplypondlinerasneededtoadjacentareasrequiringreedcanarygrasscontrol.
9.8 Monitoring Restoration Actions and Adaptive Management Response Hydrologicalandvegetationrecoveryarethekeyaspectsoftheconstructedhabitatthatmustbe
monitored. In addition,water quality in the Pond zone should be closelymonitored to identify
whetherornotrestorationactionshavebeensuccessful.
9.8.1 Hydrology • Installwaterlevelgaugesatoutletlocationsforregularvisualchecks.
• Retainwaterlevelloggersinmonitoringwells.
• MonitorforbuildingactivitiesbybeaversatBeaverDams
Weanticipate thatgroundwater levelswill rise significantly followingdecommissioningofdrain-
tile.However,ifaftertwoyears(by2018)itdoesnotappearthatgroundwaterisrecoveringand
retainingwater indeeperpools throughsummermonths,considerwhetherornotalldrain-tiles
wereidentifiedandremoved.
If no beaver activity is observed, consider thickening starter dams with biological materials
gathered from the surrounding area (eg. mud, sticks, gravel, leaves etc) to improve water
retentionbehindoneortwostarterdams.Timeframeinthiscaseisresponsivetoourthreeyear
fundingwindow,andsubjecttochange.
9.8.2 Vegetation • MonitorregrowthofHimalayanBlackberry;
• MonitorregrowthofReedCanarygrass
We anticipate that the hydrologic recovery of groundwater will hinder blackberry regrowth, as
blackberrydoesnot respondwell to regular inundation.However,weexpect that caneswill re-
sproutthroughouttheareaandtheyshouldbeidentifiedandmanuallyremovedtwiceperyear–
in the spring and in the fall, for several years following construction activities. If large patches
recover in inaccessible locations, theymay be treated chemically in the fallwhen application is
mosteffective.
ReedcanarygrassrecoveryinPhaseIIwillbetreatedbysmotheringwithpondlinerinthemarsh,
but allowed in the swampwhere existing shade shrubs and trees will limit its growth into the
understory.Growthwillbemonitored in thespringand linerapplied inMayor June in theyear
followingconstruction,thenmulchedandplantedinAprilorMayofthefollowingyear.
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10 RestorationActionsandTimeline–PhaseIIIPhaseIIIisbetweenPhasesIandII,comprisingmostlyofafieldofmonocultureReedCanarygrass.
Restorationwillfocusonrecoveringthenativehydrologyofthefieldbydisablingditchesanddrain
tile,andrecoveringnativevegetationonthesite.Chemicalcontrolofreedcanarygrasshasbegun,
with the first application in October 2015 following mowing and haying earlier that summer.
Chemical control will continue in 2016 to prepare the site, followed by excavation works to
recoverhydrologyin2017,andcontinuedinvasivespeciescontrolbychemical,fireorsmothering
in2018,dependingonrecoveryofthereedcanarygrass.Existingshrubsandtreesintheeastern
sectionand in the center-southof theareawill remain standing, andwill notbealteredby the
program.
10.1 Restoration Summary
Existing Conditions: • 6.2Hatargetarea;
• Historicallyfarmed/grazed;
• Historicchannelsfilled,replacedwithditches,subsequentlyreplacedwithdraintile.
• CurrentvegetationdominatedbyReedCanaryGrass.
• 0.5mtopsoillayeroverclayloam/sandyloammineralsoil.
• Draintilepresent;
• Elevationdropfromdrynorth-eastcornertomoistsouthwest;
• Historicallyfloodedcentralbandeast-westpriortodraintileinstallation.
Desired Outcomes: • Reducedensityofinvasivespecies;
• Recoverraisedwatertable;
• Increaseavailableaquatichabitat,withfocusonrestorationofmarshconditions;
• Improveconnectivitybetweenwettedareas;
• Provideeducationalopportunitiesforstudents,volunteers,andlocalcommunity
members.
Actions • Assesssoilconditions/hydrology(inprogress2015-16);
• Controlinvasivespeciesgrowthbychemicalandmechanicalmeans(inprogress2015-18);
• Excavateshallowzones,pools,andchannels,usingspoiltocreatebermsanddirectwater
(2017);
• Removereedcanarygrassrootmassinselectareastopreventre-growth;
• Usinghistoricandextanttopographyasaguide,alterhydrologytodirectwaterintonew
channels,ponds,andoverland;
• Installbeaver‘starterdams’atpinchpointstoattractbeaveractivity;
• Decomissiondraintileanddesignoutletelevationstomanagewaterdepthfortarget
speciesinconstructedponds(2017).
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10.2 2016 Tasks 1. Ensuresuitabledrainagetoallowfieldtodry.
2. Continueherbicide treatmentof reed canarygrass– two to three treatmentsdepending
onfieldaccessibilitygivenweatherconstraints.
10.3 2017 Construction Tasks and Timeline
Constructionwilloccurinthesummerof2017,pendingsuccessfulfunding.Constructiondateswill
besetassoonasfundingisallocated,andwilllikelyspanfromAugusttoSeptember.Thirtydaysof
excavatortimehavebeenallocatedtothisprogram,however itmaybepossibletoreducecosts
onexcavationandshiftthebudgettoinvasivespeciescontrolprogrammingifnecessary.
Pre-Construction Tasks • Finalherbicideapplicationoverremainingreedcanarygrass.
Week 1 Tasks: • Clearopeningsforexcavationbydrivingthroughallopenareastolowergrass.
• Identifyareasformechanicalandmanualblackberryremovalineasternshrubsection.
• Identifyboundariesofexcavationzonesandchannelzones,aswellasspoillocations.
• Cutwillowstakesforstarterdams(SourcefromPhaseIwillowfarm).
• Beginexcavationofexcavationzonesandpilingofspoil,startingatsouth-eastend.
Week 2/3/4 Tasks: • Continueexcavationofexcavationzonesandpilingofspoil.
• Spreadspoilintoberm,hillsidesetc.
• Beginexcavationofchannelsbetweenponds.
• Digchannelandpoolsincounterclockwisedirection.
• Installstarterdamswheresuitable.
• Installerosioncontrolmeasures(seedandstraw).
Week 4/5/6 Tasks • Disabledrain-tile,decommissionditchandregrademarshzone.
• Installstarterdams.
• Installerosioncontrolmeasures.
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Figure18.ConceptplanforPhaseII,indicatinghistoric,existingandproposedwaterwaysandfeatures.
Page57
2018 Tasks Tasks in 2018 will be dependent on our ability to gather permits for post-construction reed
canarygrass control activities, and the necessity for those actions. Given three years of
preconstructionchemicalcontrol,wehopethatreedcanarygrassrecovery isslow.However,soil
moving activitiesmay help in the regeneration of seed in the soil, andmay necessitate further
control efforts. We will pilot large-scale smothering in one portion of the restored areas –
prioritizing a strip ofmarsh that spansmultiple elevations formaximum learning opportunities.
Wewillalsoselectivelyapplyherbicidestorecoveringreedcanarygrasseitherbybackpacksprayer
orwickingasitrecovers.OurpreferenceistouseRodeo™,ifpermitsaregranted,inthespringof
2018 followedbyaprescribedburnafterbrown-uphasoccurred.This is themost likelycontrol
prescriptiontohalt reedcanarygrassrecovery intherestoredmarsh.Follow-upapplicationsand
burnswilllikelyberequiredforupto10yearsfollowingrestoration.
10.4 Monitoring Restoration Actions and Adaptive Management Response
Hydrologicalandvegetationrecoveryarethekeyaspectsoftheconstructedhabitatthatmustbe
monitored.
10.4.1 Hydrology • Installwaterlevelgaugesatoutletlocationsforregularvisualchecks.
• Retainwaterlevelloggersinmonitoringwells.
• MonitorforbuildingactivitiesbybeaversatBeaverDams
Weanticipate thatgroundwater levelswill rise significantly followingdecommissioningofdrain-
tile.However,ifaftertwoyears(by2019)itdoesnotappearthatgroundwaterisrecoveringand
retainingwater indeeperpools throughsummermonths,considerwhetherornotalldrain-tiles
wereidentifiedandremoved.
If no beaver activity is observed, consider thickening starter dams with biological materials
gathered from the surrounding area (eg. mud, sticks, gravel, leaves etc) to improve water
retentionbehindoneortwostarterdams.Timeframeinthiscaseisresponsivetoourthreeyear
fundingwindow,andsubjecttochange.
10.4.2 Vegetation • MonitorregrowthofHimalayanBlackberryatnorth-eastcornerandalongnorthern
boundaries;
• MonitorregrowthofReedCanarygrass
HimalayanBlackberrycanes in thenorth-easterncornermay re-sprout throughout theareaand
theyshouldbeidentifiedandmanuallyremovedtwiceperyear–inthespringandinthefall,for
several years following construction activities. If large patches recover in inaccessible locations,
theymaybetreatedchemicallyinthefallwhenapplicationismosteffective.
Reed canarygrass recovery in Phase III will be treated using Annen’s Systemic Approach using
chemicalmeansfollowedbyprescribedburns,ifpossible,asdescribedinSection7.3.2.
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11 AdverseImpactMitigation
ThepurposeofthisprojectistoimprovewildlifehabitatopportunitiesatAldergroveLakeRegionalPark by restoring historic hydrology and providing deep refuges as well as floodplain habitats.Temporary impacts to sediment and contaminant concentrations will be mitigated using bestpracticesanderosioncontrol.Thelong-termimpactsoftheprojectareimprovedaquatichabitat,improved flow attenuation (increase summer availability, reduce winter flashiness) andeducationalopportunities.
Biologicalimpactsofconstructionactivitieswillbetemporary,astheecosystemwillbeallowedtorecoveryandshouldimprovewaterretention,soilretentionandmoreinthelandscape.Additionalaquatic habitatwill beprovided to aquaticwildlife, and the area should increase its capacity toserveamorebiodiversecommunitythroughtheyear.Allconstructionworkwilloccuroutsideofthebreedingbirdwindowtoavoidimpactstonestingbirds,andinthefisheriesworkwindowtoavoidimpactstofish.
Potential impacts to the aquatic environment from chemical grass control are an increase inchemical concentrations in nearbywaterways and an increase in sediments. Current authorizedchemicalcontrolagentsinCanadamustnotbeusedinornearopenwater.Chemicalapplicationwill occur once all affected drainage channels have dried in the summer months. This isanticipatedformid-lateJuly2016.Workwilltakeplaceinthelatesummerwhenwaterwaysandephemeral ponds are known to be dry, and the groundwater table is low. If groundwater iselevateddue todownstreamdrainageobstructions (beaverdamorotherwise),obstructionswillbemanuallyremovedandmonitoredforaminimumofonemonthbeforeconstructionbegins.Wewill not carry out any instreamworks other than a single beaver starter dam installation in thePhaseIIpondoutletchannel,whichmayormaynotbewettedduringconstruction.
Potentialimpactsfromexcavationandpondconstructionareatemporaryincreaseinsedimenttolocalwaterways.Abufferofuntilledgrasseswill be retainedbetween the construction siteandtheroadsideditchtocreateabufferforsoilerosion.Siltfencingwillbeappliedwherenecessaryandhaybaleswillbeplaced indrychannelstoholdbacksoilsthatmayerode intothechannelsduringraineventspriortocompletionofconstructionworks.
Some existing riparian vegetationwill be removed in order to access the banks of the pond inPhase II, andwill be salvaged as possible.Mature treeswill not be harmed in the constructionphase, however some trees may respond poorly to the increased water table and eventuallydrown and fall. This is anticipated and fallen trees and brancheswill not be removed from thehabitat.Withincreasedbeaveractivityovertime,someareasthatcurrentlyhavetallertreesmayturn into meadows or shallow water pools. Any mature willow shrubs will be salvaged andrelocated for regrowth.Willow stakes will be replanted alongside channels in order to provideshadetothedeeperportionsofthehabitatandmaintaintherestoredhabitatfreeofreedcanarygrass.
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Permanentaquatic impactswillbethe lossofapproximately380m2ofephemeralchannel.Thiswillbemitigatedbytherestorationofhydrologytothesitetoattenuateheavyflowsinthewinter,increasethetotalwettedareaandincreasesummerflows.
Table6.Impactsandmitigationmeasuresofconstructionactivities.ImmediateImpacts LongTermImpacts MitigationMeasures Purpose
ControlofInvasiveSpeciesChangeincontaminant
concentrations.
Changeinsediment
concentrations.
Riparianplantdamage.
Soildisturbanceand
highpotentialfor
erosion.
Improvefoodsupply.Improvehabitatstructureandcover.Improveoxygenavailability.
Applyherbicideonlyafterephemeralstreamshavedriedandnosurfacewaterremains.15mminimumbufferfromstandingormovingwaterfromgroundboom.Avoiddriftbyavoidingapplicationinbreezyconditions.Erosioncontrolmeasures.
Reducereedcanarygrassdominanceoversitetoimproveopportunitiesfornativewetlandherbandriparianspeciesrecovery.
HabitatComplexingandFeatureConstruction
Changein
sedimentation.
Increasevarietyofmicrohabitatsforplantandanimalspecies.Increaseopportunityfornichespecies.
Erosioncontrolmeasures(grasses/siltfencing)topreventsiltationdownstream.
Increasevarietyofmicrohabitatsforplantandanimalspecies.Increaseopportunityfornichespecies.
HydrologicRestoration
Infill~380mof
ephemeralditcharea.
Changein
sedimentation.
Changeinbaseflow.Changeinwatertemperature.
Erosioncontrolduringandafterworks.Plantshadingshrubsalongbanksofremainingwatercourses.
Purposeoftheworksistoincreasewaterinsummermonthsanddecreaseflashinessinwinter.Increasetotalwettedarea.
Increasewateravailabilityinsummer,andretainwinterflowsintothelatespring.
Re-vegetation
Changein
sedimentation.Change
innutrientavailability.
Changeinwater
quality.
Improvednutrientavailability.Improvedwatertemperatures.
Plantshrubbyvegetationalongchannels.Plantwetlandspeciesinwettedareas.
Erosioncontrol.Increasevarietyofmicrohabitats.Provideshadeandfood.Reducere-invasionbyRCG.
11.1 Emergency Response and Containment Plan
Storage of hazardousmaterials will be limited to only the necessary quantities to conduct theworks.Nofuelsorotherhazardousmaterialswillbebroughtontotheworksite.Allre-fuellingwilltakeplaceaminimumof30mfromthenearestwatercourse,attherefuelinglocation.Allheavyequipmentwillhavespill kitswith themanddailymachinery inspectionsareconductedprior toeachworkshift.
Initialresponsetoanyspillduringtheworkswillbeasfollows:
• Ensuresafetyinthespillarea;
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• Stoptheflowofthehazardousmaterialifitissafetodoso;• Secureandisolatethespillarea;• Assessthesituation(identifyproduct,equipmentinvolved,affectedarea,spillstatus,time
ofspill);and,• Begincontainingandrecoveringthespillwithonsiteemergencyspillequipmentifitissafe
todoso.
Personnelandequipment(spillkitwithexcavatorsandonelargespillkitfortheworkarea)willbeavailabletorespondtotheoccurrenceofaminorspills(within100litres)andabletorestorethelocationtopre-spillconditions.Responsetospillsincludingcontainmentandclean-upwilloccurtocompletionandappropriatepersonnelwillbenotifiedofthespillfollowingtheclean-up.
Intheeventofaspillgreaterthan100litresortriggeringthereportablequantitiesoutlinedintheSpillReportingRegulation,theMinistryofEnvironment(ProvincialEmergencyProgram-PEP)willbenotifiedimmediatelyandwewillcoordinatewiththeagencywhiletheresponseisunderway.Balance Ecological will use its own resources for minor spills (i.e. generally under 100 litres involume)andwillrequestassistanceandadditionalequipmentfromrelevantgovernmentagenciesandprofessionalincidentresponsecompaniesintheeventofamajorspill.Spill reporting regulationswill be in compliancewith theProvincialEnvironmentalManagementAct Spill Reporting Regulation. Specifically, reporting to the Provincial Emergency Program willoccur when the volume of spilled substance exceeds the volumes in Schedule 1 of the SpillReporting Regulation entitled Reportable Levels for Certain Substances. Generally, and withrespecttoflammableliquidssuchasdieselandotheroils,theSpillReportingRegulationrequiresspillsbereportedtotheProvincialEmergencyProgramifthespilledsubstanceisconveyedtoanywatercourseregardlessofvolumeorifthespillisgreaterthan100litresandhasspilledtoground.
Spills which do not trigger the Spill Reporting Regulation will be documented internally andreportedtoMetroVancouver.
Followingthecleanupofanysignificantspill (i.e.abnormal involumeorsubstance) iscomplete;BalanceEcologicalwill hold adebriefingwith all involvedpersonnel. This debriefingwill includereviewofthefollowing:
• Rootcauseofthespill;• Measurestopreventthespillfromoccurringagain;• Reviewwithassociatedcrewmembers;and,• Howcouldtheresponsehavebeenimproved.
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12 Permitting
Notificationstomunicipal,provincialandfederalagencieswillbesubmittedassoonasfundingisconfirmed.
Inaddition,ourrestorationprogramintendstousemethodsandtoolsnotcommonlyinuseintheLower Mainland. We will need to develop protocols and achieve permissions for aquatic-applicationherbicideuseandprescribedburns.WewillcontinuetoworktowardsthesegoalswithpartnersinMetroVancouver,theProvinceandFederalenvironmentagencies.
13 Stewardship,capacity-building,educationandresearch:
13.1 Volunteer / Stewardship Activities Volunteer events to plant shrubs, remove invasive species, and conduct regularmonitoring andmaintenanceactivitiesprovideopportunitiestoconnectthepublicwithnatureandinvolvethemdirectlyinhabitatandspeciesrecovery.Volunteereventsalsosignificantlyreducethelabourcostsinvolved in habitat restorationprojects, andprovide themost effect venue for connecting localresidents with nature. Partnerships with existing non-government organizations that organizestewardshipeventsincreasethereachoftheproject.OpenHouseeventsduringtheManagementPlanningprocessforAldergroveRegionalParkrevealedalargecommunityoflocalresidentswhohave vested interest in the Park andmay also be interested in building anAldergrove RegionalParkVolunteerProgram.
Additionalsupportforvolunteerplantingsandrecoverywillbeprovidedby:
• FraserValleyWatershedCoalition• LowerMainlandGreenTeam• PepinBrookStreamkeepers• BCFLNROVolunteers
13.2 Research and Monitoring ThePepinMarshprojectisthefirstattempttorestoreafloodplainmarshspecificallyforOregonSpottedFrogsintheFraserValley.Marshrestorationisanticipatedtobeoneofthemosteffectivemethods to recover theOregon Spotted Frog, and continuedmonitoring and learning from thisproject isakeygoal fortheOregonSpottedFrogRecoveryTeam.Designconceptsproposedareuntested,andmaynotsucceed.Priortointroductionofthespecies,certainbiologicalandphysicalrequirements must be met, and these requirements must first be monitored and examined.Additional research opportunities will come from monitoring invasive American Bullfrogcolonizationofthewetlandasitmatures,aswilltheeventualintroductionofendangeredOregonSpottedFrogs.
A list of potential projects regarding the monitoring of the wetland will be provided to localeducational institutions,andcirculatedtowardsparticularstudygroups.Inparticular,theprojectwillprovideprojectopportunitiesto:
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- SimonFraserUniversityo CenterforWildlifeEcologyo Earth2OceanSciences.o Biology
- UniversityofBritishColumbiao ConservationBiologyo LandscapeArchitectureo Zoologyo Botany
- BCInstituteofTechnologyo EcologicalRestorationo Fish,WildlifeandRecreation
- UniversityoftheFraserValleyo Biologyo Geography
13.3 Youth Education Excavatedmaterialswillbeused toconstruct trailsonelevatedberms thatactaswater controlstructuresandprovideviewingplatforms.Publicengagementisanimportantgoaloftheproject.Low-impact trailswillbedevelopedthroughthesite.Final trailplacementwillbedeterminedatthetimeofconstructionandexcavation,asthevariablenatureofsubsoils iscertaintoalter thedesigninunexpectedways.
Educationalprogrammingisyettobedeterminedbutmayincludeschoolfieldtrips,aself-guidedtour, informationpanels, viewingplatforms, etc. Both the FraserValleyConservancy andMetroVancouverrunschooloutreachprogramsthatwillbeabletotakeadvantageofthenewwetlandasaneducationalspaceandsiteaccesswillbedesignedwiththisprogramminginmind.
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