65 Terminal Forest Products Ltd.: Mapping Applications for Inte- grated Resource Management Planning Abstract Integrated Resource Management Planning (IRMP) is an operationally based planning tool that allows the forest manager to direct development within a planning area. An operational plan will normally “nest” within a higher level strategic plan. The planning area is generally a watershed or a landscape unit, but can also be an opera- tional area usually ranging between 10,000 and 100,000 hectares. An IRMP amalga- mates all known resource values and in- ventory information within a planning unit. Aerial photos and maps are used to identify critical resource values and topographic constraints for road and bridge locations in the planning unit. Once the road infra- structure has been designed, a preliminary harvest plan can be developed for the entire planning area over time. This process re- views the entire area, not just available tim- ber for harvest. Critical to the process is the inclusion of knowledgeable field staff that has a working sense of the area and on the ground expertise. Harvest sequence, timing of operations and design pattern is based on available opera- tional and inventory timber information. Following design, detailed field reconnais- sance is completed for the area, ground verifying critical control points and opera- tional constraints. Once the main road sys- tems and harvest patterns are determined, other resource values are over-laid to de- termine potential conflicts. Where resource conflicts exist, a detailed strategy is developed. When all known re- source information has been collected, in- terpreted and strategies developed, the final plan can be created. In addition to the amalgamation of digital resource informa- tion and mapping, a comprehensive re- source values database is created to assist resource managers and stakeholders, that allows for sustainable management of the planning area. further projects of this na- ture. Background Terminal Forest Products has been granted logging rights to a large area (approxi- mately 15,000 hectares) of the Sunshine Coast peninsula ranging from Sechelt to Egmont. To manage their operations eco- nomically and on a sustainable basis, Ter- minal uses a sophisticated process of long and short range planning. Digital resource information is analyzed to develop future harvest plans that includes timing of the harvest and the type of logging methods to be used, while minimizing environmental impacts. Figure 1. Map illustrating area of Terminal’s logging rights on the Sunshine Coast Peninsula
Integrated Resource Management Planning(IRMP) is an operationally based planningtool that allows the forest manager to directdevelopment within a planning area. Anoperational plan will normally “nest”within a higher level strategic plan. Theplanning area is generally a watershed or alandscape unit, but can also be an opera-tional area usually ranging between 10,000and 100,000 hectares. An IRMP amalga-mates all known resource values and in-ventory information within a planning unit.Aerial photos and maps are used to identifycritical resource values and topographicconstraints for road and bridge locations inthe planning unit. Once the road infra-structure has been designed, a preliminaryharvest plan can be developed for the entireplanning area over time. This process re-views the entire area, not just available tim-ber for harvest. Critical to the process is theinclusion of knowledgeable field staff thathas a working sense of the area and on theground expertise.
Harvest sequence, timing of operations anddesign pattern is based on available opera-tional and inventory timber information.Following design, detailed field reconnais-sance is completed for the area, groundverifying critical control points and opera-tional constraints. Once the main road sys-tems and harvest patterns are determined,other resource values are over-laid to de-termine potential conflicts.Where resource conflicts exist, a detailedstrategy is developed. When all known re-source information has been collected, in-terpreted and strategies developed, the finalplan can be created. In addition to the
amalgamation of digital resource informa-tion and mapping, a comprehensive re-source values database is created to assistresource managers and stakeholders, thatallows for sustainable management of theplanning area. further projects of this na-ture.
Background
Terminal Forest Products has been grantedlogging rights to a large area (approxi-mately 15,000 hectares) of the SunshineCoast peninsula ranging from Sechelt toEgmont. To manage their operations eco-nomically and on a sustainable basis, Ter-minal uses a sophisticated process of longand short range planning. Digital resourceinformation is analyzed to develop futureharvest plans that includes timing of theharvest and the type of logging methods tobe used, while minimizing environmentalimpacts.
Figure 1. Map illustrating area of Terminal’slogging rights on the Sunshine Coast Peninsula
Planning Sustainable Communities
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Objectives
To achieve sustainable and integrated forestmanagement through economically viableforestry practices.
Process, Partners, Costs
Terminal participates as a supportive part-ner in numerous projects. For example, ithas made financial contributions to the Sen-sitive Ecosystems Inventory on the Sun-shine Coast and a Marbled Murrelet Re-search Project currently being conducted bySimon Fraser University. Terminal endeav-ours to be a good corporate citizen throughits practices and participation in many proj-ects and stakeholder groups, including thesharing of resource information.
Accessing and utilizing enhanced technolo-gies like GIS has required the commitmentof financial resources by the company.However, this is considered an investmentin the continued economic viability of thecompany as well as being indicative of astrong continued commitment to environ-mentally sensitive and sustainable forestmanagement practices.
Actions
To achieve sustainable forestry manage-ment practices and environmental stan-dards, Terminal has become third partycertified under both the International Stan-dards Organization (ISO) 14001 Environ-mental Management System and theAmerican Forest and Paper Association’s(AF&PA) Sustainable Forest Initiative(SFISM) Standard. Terminal adheres to toughstandards of practice that often exceed thoseestablished by law and are routinely sub-jected to internal and external auditing. Tomaintain certification, Terminal has devel-oped environmental programs and stan-dard operating practices to ensure
sustainability and minimize the likelihoodof environmental risks and hazards (e.g.road failures). Loggers and field staff aretrained in standard operating proceduresthat help to recognize and prevent potentialenvironmental problems thus avoiding en-vironmental impacts. Detailed operationalmaps (1:5,000) and aerial photographs pro-vide vital information necessary to com-plete planning and assist in the identifica-tion of potential risk or hazard areas. Everylogger is required to carry a copy of themap and understand critical issues involvedwhen working on the block.
Strategic plans are developed to ensuresustainability and that other resource valuesare adequately protected for a planningunit. This type of planning utilizes 1:5,000and 1:20,000 TRIM base maps and inventoryinformation including the forest cover, vis-ual quality objectives, recreation sites, ter-rain and wildlife.
Utilizing base TRIM map information eachpolygon has a site index that is analyzedand drives all cut levels. Digital inventoryinformation is constantly being revised andupdated as new information becomes avail-able and is added to the database. Ana-lyzing the various layers of informationpermits sustainable development in an areathat takes into consideration numerousfactors including protection of fisheries ri-parian zones, ecologically sensitive sites,old growth and other sensitive habitat sitepreservation.
Terminal has recently upgraded their map-ping capabilities and have recently pro-duced a new series of 1:5,000 scale mapsusing the latest information and technology.This has provided much greater detail thanwas previously provided by any othersource. The increased level of detail andaccuracy in the mapping allows for better
Case Study: Terminal Forest Products Ltd.
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forward planning and decision makingprior to any harvesting taking place.
Results
Utilizing GIS has allowed Terminal to stra-tegically plan and commit to environmen-tally sustainable forestry practices whilestill remaining economically viable.Through this planning process, Terminalhas established good relations and commu-nication with all levels of government andvarious groups and organizations. Re-cently, delegations from the United King-dom, Russia and Germany have visited for-estry sites to view the exemplary forestpractices that Terminal engages in.
Challenges
Creating a collaborative approach that seesall stakeholders working together, sharinginformation with a common goal. Stan-dardization of collection methods, reliabil-ity and validity remain challenges for alluser groups whether they represent indus-try, government or community groups.
Project Outcomes
Using GIS technology has provided Termi-nal with greater decision making tools thatallow the company to make good “eco-nomical” business decisions. This sametechnology has enabled the company to en-gage in better forestry practices that aresustainable and environmentally sensitive.A detailed map of the whole region withseveral layers of detailed information
provides the opportunity to plan with a“big picture” and long range future inmind. As well, any polygon area can beanalyzed in minute detail to ensure that thebest possible decisions are being made andimplemented.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
As per the challenges identified, an overall“champion” for community mappingwould be ideal in terms of helping to stan-dardize the work and ensure that the conti-nuity and efficiencies are in place particu-larly at a point in time where human andfinancial resources are in scarce supply.Enhanced communication strategies be-tween the various user groups would helpensure economies of scale and avoid unnec-essary duplication of projects, fieldwork,etc.
Next Steps
Terminal is committed to an ongoing proc-ess of enhancing forest management prac-tices and being an open and contributingpartner to projects of this nature.
Project Contacts
Mr. Dave Marquis, R.P.F.Terminal Forest Products Ltd.Phone: 604-740-0603 or 604 717-1263E-mail: [email protected]
The Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas is a Geo-graphic Information Systems (GIS) databasecontaining an inventory and mapping ofnatural areas and fish habitat for the SCRD;from Langdale to Egmont and north pastthe top of Jervis Inlet. The Habitat Atlaswill provide comprehensive informationthat can be used by planners, developers,government agencies, non-government or-ganisations, First Nations, local businessesand individual property owners. The in-formation will assist these groups in makinginformed land use planning and steward-ship decisions that will help protect, en-hance and restore fish habitat. This three-year project will conclude in April 2003.
Figure 1. Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas study area
The Habitat Atlas will contain forty differ-ent layers or categories of information.Currently, thirty-six layers of informationhave been collected and processed. Fourlayers are still being processed while tworemain unavailable. A complete listing andstatus of these layers can be found athttp://www.user.dccnet.com/ctrent/. Allof these layers are stored at the SCRD officein Sechelt and will be made available as anInternet mapping website. Seven of theselayers will be included in the publishedHabitat Atlas mapbook. Each page of themapbook will contain a map illustratingfeatures that include streams, roads, trails,land parcels, fish and wildlife habitat, parksand protected areas and aerial photographs.
Prior to the initiation of this project, thistype of information was not included in thevarious maps that were used to make im-portant land use decisions. This project willprovide land use decision-makers with vitalinformation that should be taken into con-sideration.
Background
The SCRD determined that there was aneed to have more comprehensive and ac-curate environmental information to makeland use and planning decisions. This datacould be used to inform and educate thecommunity about natural resource assets,revise and develop new Official Commu-nity Plans, develop new Local ResourceManagement Plans, revise or develop newWatershed Management Plans and imple-ment the Streamside Protection Regulations.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (F&OC)Habitat Conservation & Stewardship Pro-gram (HCSP) provided examples of howand where other Habitat Atlases were ful-
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filling similar data requirements. TheSCRD determined to proceed with the Sun-shine Coast Habitat Atlas project. A part-nership was formed through the F&OCHabitat Conservation and Stewardship Pro-gram. Funding was secured and a qualifiedconsultant was hired to lead the project andliaise with all interested groups.
The project is now into its third year and thefirst draft of the Habitat Atlas was circu-lated in March 2002 for review. The finalSunshine Coast Habitat Atlas will be com-plete and available by March 31, 2003.
Objectives
The project was funded to achieve the fol-lowing objectives:
• Produce and publish the Sunshine CoastHabitat Atlas with current and accuratemaps and an inventory of aquatic andterrestrial habitat and fish species.
• Develop, strengthen and maintain part-nerships with government organiza-tions, land developers, First Nations,community organizations and localbusinesses.
• Compile existing data, identify gaps inthe information and collect new data tofill these gaps.
• Engage in public outreach efforts to so-licit input from interested parties, togenerate project support from the com-munity and to foster data sharing.
• Provide a knowledge resource to assistwith the enforcement of local govern-ment regulations to protect and main-tain fish and wildlife habitat.
Process, Partners, Costs
Funding for this project was made availablethrough Fisheries and Oceans Canada,Habitat Conservation and Stewardship Pro-gram. Other agencies that provided fund-
ing include Fisheries Renewal BC, SunshineCoast Regional District and the UrbanSalmon Habitat Program. The SCRD alsoprovides office space, various supplies andsignificant in-kind staff time. The Ministryof Water, Land and Air Protection also pro-vides in-kind staff time and has donated asignificant amount of data to the project.
Many community partners provided asource of support, expert knowledge, in-formation, tools and funding. See Ac-knowledgement section for details.
Actions
The first step taken was to create a detailedwork plan for the project, which was andapproved by the SCRD and F&OC. Soonafter, a Technical Steering Committee of 17individuals was formed to enhance com-munication between key parties. The com-mittee continues to meet three or four timesper year.
Next, an exhaustive and extensive searchwas done to compile the existing informa-tion that was available for the Sunshinecoast. With much of the data located atnumerous sites under the jurisdiction ofmany levels of government, this processwas time consuming. Accessing the infor-mation was challenging due to licensingissues, prohibitive costs and confidentialityclauses.
During the process of data compilation,missing information has been documentedand prioritized for future data collection.
Funding proposals were submitted to sev-eral funding agencies that secured ap-proximately $60,000:
Case Study: Sunshine Coast Regional District Habitat Atlas
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Fisheries Renewal BC $25,000Urban Salmon Habitat Program $20,000F&OC Sunshine Coast $10,000
These funds were used for colleting newdata to fill the gaps identified during thedata compilation phase. A two-person fieldcrew was hired to map streams with a GPSreceiver in selected areas. A Trimble Path-finder GPS capable of centimeter accuracywas rented from Terra-Pro GPS Survey Ltd.,who provided commendable service andsupport. This fieldwork was completedusing provincial Resource Inventory Com-mittee (RIC) GPS data standards and fol-lowed the Sensitive Habitat Inventory andMapping (SHIM) guidelines. This mappingis still ongoing but funding cuts will make itdifficult to continue.
Figure 2. SHIM stream mapping in Anderson Creek
A significant amount of “outreach” hasbeen done over the past two years. Presen-tations have been made to local governmentplanning committees, schools and numer-ous community groups in an effort to en-sure the Atlas meets the needs of thesegroups.The objectives of these outreach efforts are:
• To foster data sharing between organi-zations,
• To avoid duplication of effort,
• To increase public awareness,• To solicit input from the community,• To generate project support, and• To ensure information is up-to-date.
A Habitat Atlas website has been developedand is kept up-to-date and an article hasbeen published in a local conservationnewsletter.
Results
The Sunshine Coast will soon have access tothe Habitat Atlas. A draft format has re-cently been circulated for review. April2003 is the target completion date for thefinal hard copy 200-page Sunshine CoastHabitat Atlas. Copies will be available forviewing/use at the SCRD, government of-fices, and the libraries.
As a large “warehouse” containing fortylayers of information, the SCRD and variouscommunity groups are already using thedata. A new website is under developmentto provide easy access to all of this data. Themaps can be created and printed from ahome computer. Numerous applicationspresent themselves such as tourism orientedmaps that accurately detail trails, bikepaths, areas of interest, etc.
Challenges
Some of the challenges faced include:
• Obtaining existing digital data throughdata sharing agreements
• Negotiating “free” access to maps anddata. Negotiating various exchanges fordata.
• Investigating funding sources andwriting grant proposals and obtainingthe funding. Three of seven proposalswritten were successful. Each grant ap-plication proposal was unique and re-quested a complex array of information
Planning Sustainable Communities
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that made this a time consuming proc-ess. Funding criteria varied making itimpossible to simply develop a grantapplication template that could be used.
Project Outcomes
The project resulted in many positive out-comes. The consultative process resulted inenhanced information sharing and less du-plication of effort by those involved insimilar efforts. Meetings served to enhancethe awareness between numerous commu-nity groups who work on similar projects indistinct areas.
The SCRD is utilizing this enhanced infor-mation to make more informed land useplanning decisions. Questions about vari-ous land parcels can be answered withmore confidence and in more detail. Themap information serves as a benchmark tohelp in the review of applications forbuilding permits, development permits, andbylaw amendments.
The project has assisted in the identificationof areas that have been restored and needpreservation and those that will need re-storative action and protection in the future.The overall map provides an opportunity toassess what is happening in the entire areawhereas previously, only one segmentcould be viewed at a time. This is usefulwhen assessing land use proposals provid-ing an opportunity to see what the impactswould be on adjacent lands.
Stream data information can be used to findefficient and expedient solutions to variouswater problems, environmental disastersand other potential emergency situations.
From an economic development perspec-tive, the Habitat Atlas provides prospectivebuyers with detailed information that canbe utilized for development permits, plan-
ning, zoning etc. and identify “green” tour-ism opportunities.
The quality maps can form the basis forpromotional materials to be used by tour-ism umbrella organizations as well as indi-vidual business operators. The informationmay serve to make planning more cost-effective by preventing costly developmenterrors, e.g. where NOT to locate buildings,roads etc.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
The project is proving to be a “priceless”endeavor providing information that all lo-cal communities need. This type of infor-mation should be readily available at localrepositories in addition to government of-fices since so much of the land use planningdecisions occur at the local governmentlevel.
A long term source of funding to assist withthese initiatives would provide the re-sources required to map sensitive habitatareas before irreversible damage may bedone as might be the case when land usedecisions are made in the absence of vitalenvironmental information.
Next Steps
• Completion of the Habitat Atlas byApril 2003
• Completion of a mapping web-site forthe Habitat Atlas
• Initiate further “outreach” includingpresentations to various communitiesand groups on the coast to inform themabout the Atlas, the information it con-tains and how it can be used.
• Host an open house training session inthe winter of 2002-03.
Case Study: Sunshine Coast Regional District Habitat Atlas
Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Minis-try of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1992.Land Development Guidelines for the Protectionof Aquatic Habitat.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada, the Ministry ofEnvironment, Lands and Parks, and theMinistry of Municipal Affairs. 1994. StreamStewardship: A Guide for Planners and Devel-opers.
Mason, B. and R. Knight, 2001 SensitiveHabitat Inventory and Mapping. Fisheries &Oceans Canada. Vancouver, BC.
Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parksand Geographic Data BC. 2001 British Co-lumbia Standards, Specifications and Guidelinesfor Resource Surveys Using Global PositioningSystem (GPS) Technology. Release 3.0.March, 2001.
Acknowledgements
The Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas initiativeis made possible through the key financialand in-kind support of the following or-ganizations:
• F&OC Habitat Conservation and Stew-ardship Program
• Sunshine Coast Regional District• Ministry of Water, Land and Air Pro-
tection.• Urban Salmon Habitat Program• Fisheries Renewal BC
Figure 3. Sample page from the Habitat Atlas
75
Gambier Island Conservancy : Streamkeepers and WatershedMapping Projects
Abstract
The Gambier Island Conservancy (the Con-servancy) was formed by a group of localcitizens who wanted to ensure that land useplanning decisions were made based on ac-curate environmental information. Gov-ernment maps that were being used did notinclude any detailed information with re-spect to streams, wetlands, trails, oldgrowth ecosystems or other ecologicallysignificant areas. Grant applications weresubmitted to secure funds for local resourcemapping projects that would provide accu-rate information and maps with which tomake objective, environmentally sensitiveland use decisions. A number of projectshave been successfully completed andmany local residents are adopting a com-munity stewardship attitude towards futuredevelopment.
This case study is an excellent example ofhow a group of concerned residents canwork together to access the funding andtechnical expertise to create a comprehen-sive and sophisticated environmental data-base for use in official community land useplanning.
Background
The Conservancy was formed in 1995 by agroup of residents concerned about the in-creasing human pressures on the naturalhabitats on Gambier Island and who be-lieved that increased environmental knowl-edge and public awareness are the founda-tions of sustainable land use. A number ofdifferent projects have been completed re-sulting in maps being included in the newlyrevised Gambier Island Official Community
Plan (OCP) with detailed and accurate envi-ronmental information that now serves as abasis for land use decisions. Prior to theConservancy’s projects, OCP maps con-tained no environmental information anddevelopment applications were approvedwithout consideration of the potential dam-age to sensitive ecosystems.
Objectives
The Conservancy is dedicated to enhancingand sharing knowledge of Gambier Island’secosystems and to developing appropriatemanagement strategies to preserve and re-store its biological diversity.
To accomplish these objectives it was recog-nised that current and accurate environ-mental information is necessary to informthose making land use decisions. Such en-vironmental data will provide key informa-tion necessary for restoration, preservationand future land use planning for the Gam-bier Island community.
Actions
The Conservancy has initiated and overseenthe following projects:
Streamkeepers Project: This project beganwith the detailed description and mappingof fish habitat in six known fish-bearingstreams and included other biophysical in-ventories such as water quality, spawnersurveys and species presence. DesmondPaine transcribed the field notes and meas-urements into maps and attribute tables.There was significant local volunteer effortsand several residents were sponsored to dotheir Streamkeeper’s training. More de-
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tailed mapping (overview maps) and fishhabitat assessments (FHAPs) were com-pleted later on all stream reaches that werecandidates for rehabilitation or habitat en-hancement work. Significant effort wasgiven to increase local volunteer participa-tion through public information and aware-ness activities. Because of the demograph-ics of Gambier Island, however, there wasan increasing reliance on grant-fundedstream technicians and biologists to do thiswork. To date, detailed fish habitat assess-ments and stream mapping, as well ashabitat enhancement and stream rehabilita-tion work have been done for seven streamson Gambier. The project Coordinator isLois Kennedy.
Figure 1. Stream restoration on Manion Creek, Gam-bier Island
Geographic Information Systems(GIS)Computer Mapping Project: All ex-isting environmental information for Gam-bier Island was collected and digitized intothe computer. These maps included TRIM,terrain hazards, forest cover, cadastral, anda 1998 color orthophoto created from aerialphotographs. Updated information can beadded to this baseline data in layers to showvarious ecological and environmental data.This project was funded with the USHP
Streamkeepers grant. Maria Van Dyk wasthe GIS Project Coordinator.
Trails Project: Existing roads and trails arebeing marked, upgraded and sometimes re-routed to protect sensitive areas, and thenincluded in the GIS database. The focus isupon public properties given that 60% ofGambier’s landmass is Crown Lands. TheConservancy is hopeful that eventually anetwork of environmentally sensitive trailswill provide walking access throughoutGambier. This network will not only pro-vide land links between isolated communi-ties on different parts of the Island, it will bea strong physical example of the commu-nity’s recreational and ecological preserva-tionist values. Accurate and detailed trailmaps help keep people on proper trailsrather than getting lost, keep the publicfrom venturing onto private property orinto hazardous areas, and assist Search andRescue groups to more easily access remoteareas. Wolf Weideman is the Trails ProjectCoordinator.
As a result of this information and furthercommunity planning, CANFOR, who havebeen given logging rights to Gambier’sCrown Lands, have agreed to respect thelocal community’s conservation and recrea-tion values. For example, in bays wherekayakers and campers use the beach areas,or where cutblocks are in close proximity totrails, CANFOR will leave buffers and ade-quate green spaces.
In addition, when developers are submit-ting subdivision applications, public accesstrails and parks will be dedicated, whichwill connect into the trail network. Thesestrategies are viewed by some developers asadding value to their subdivision proposalssince many people appreciate the recrea-tional value of trails and parks as a desiredlifestyle component. Developers are alsorequired to ensure that there are green
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space corridors providing connectivity forwildlife.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas Project:Capilano College Environmental SciencesStudents have joined with the Conservancyin a unique partnership to complete a num-ber of valuable projects which have beenfunded by the Real Estate Foundation.Capilano College Faculty member VictoriaTroupe, who initiated these partnershipshas since passed away, but these joint proj-ects are being continued in her memory. Atotal of four sets of students have workedwith the Conservancy on a variety of proj-ects. All phases of the project have pro-vided information vital in the considerationof any land use proposals that may impactsensitive ecological systems. The students’enthusiasm and expertise has been a greatinspiration for the Conservancy. A numberof projects coordinated by Maria Van Dykand Wolf Weideman, have been completedduring the past four years:
Year One: Students conducted a broad-brush study of Gambier Island to locate andsurvey the various types of ecosystemsthrough ground-truthing, inventories andthe use of aerial photos.
Year Two: Students completed a detailedanalysis of the riparian zones of five lakes.This included the identification of plantspecies, heavily used/impacted areas, andrecommendations for protective bufferzones and re-routing of trails.
Year Three: Students identified, inventoriedand located the remaining intact old growthecosystems on Gambier. Coring samplesidentified trees up to 1400 years old. Thesestudents subsequently continued on for twoyears to work with the Streamkeepers onthe Watershed Mapping Project.
Year Four: This phase is “in the works”,with the objective being the beginning of asensitive plant species inventory.
Watershed Mapping Project: This projectinvolved the mapping of streams, tributar-ies and wetlands in fourteen watershedsand included the documentation of existinghuman impacts. Ground-truthing was doneby GPS (global positioning system) and in-tegrated with the digitized TRIM and or-thophoto maps. All watersheds, sub-basins,streams and tributaries on Gambier havenow been delineated and enumerated ac-cording to provincial code. All environ-mental information in the existingGIS/computer mapping system was reor-ganized on a watershed basis and previousStreamkeepers’spatial and attribute datawas included.
Gambier Island Watersheds and Watercourses
ROUGH
Plowden Bay
Lato
na
Pas
sage
Andys Bay
Andys
Bay
CHANNEL
Gambier
Lake
Gambier
Creek
CH
AN
NE
L
RA
MILLIE
S
DouglasBay
RAMILLIES C
HA
Brigade
Bay
Cen
t re
C
r eek
East
Bay
Cen
tr e
Ba y
Po r
t
Gra
ves
Mi tchel l C
Halkett
Bay
Man
nion
Creek Wh ispe
rin gC
reek
Wes
t
Bay
Gambier Harbour
HOWE
THO
RN
BR
OU
GH
L
Thornbrough Bay
Burgess
Cove
Avalon
Bay
NNEL
SOUND
Enc
hant
a B
ay
Smugglers
Cove
Columbine
Bay
P
Safe
Cate
(Lon
g Ba
y)
Damsoon Lake
Muskeg Lake
Lily Pad Lake
Lost Lake
Mac
d ona
l d C
ree k
Damso
on C
reek (
Linfoo
t cree
k)
Farrow Creek
Masset Creek
Howe Creek
Firc
om C
reek
Daisy B
ro ok
Sai
nt J
ohn
Cre
ek
Coyle
Creek
Fawcett Brook
Long Bay Creek
Ivy Cr ee k
Brigade Bay Creek
Andys B
ay Cree
k
Conningham
Creek
Kin
gsto
n C
reek
Gren
non
Cree
k
Stray Brook
Avalon
Bay Cree
k
Halket t B
a y Cr eek
N
EW
S
HOWE
Land Parcels
Watercourses
Lakes & Wetlands
Spring
Estuary
Groundwater
Openwater
Wetland
Watershed Boundaries
Legend
Linear Corridors
Vehicle Roads
Trails
Old Road
Historical Road
Land Parcels
1000 0 1000 2000 Meters
Figure 3. Gambier Island watershedsWatershed reports have been producedwhich document this information for eight
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major streams. This project has made itpossible to analyze existing and potentialhuman impacts on a watershed basis. TheProject Coordinator is Lois Kennedy.
Data Sharing Project: The various projectreports can be obtained from the ProjectCoordinators in hard copy. The digital datais available upon signing a limited use con-tract with the Conservancy. Islands Trustand SCRD have already used this databasefor the production of new maps for theGambier Island OCP and Habitat Atlas forthe Sunshine Coast. Hard copies of thewatershed reports will be distributed to allgovernment agencies involved in land de-velopment issues such as provincial Minis-tries of Transportation, Water, Land and AirProtection, Federal Fisheries and Oceans,and to private individuals and corporationsas requested.
Results
When the Conservancy was formed therewas no accurate environmental informationavailable for making environmentally sen-sitive land use decisions. The Conservancymembers all share a great love of the out-doors and treasure the natural beauty ofGambier Island. The resulting maps anddata have helped create a benchmark of in-formation to help preserve and protect theenvironment for future generations.
Conservancy members remain active andvigilant as members of the local AdvisoryPlanning Commissions (APC) for the IslandTrust, the SCRD Recreation and ParksCommittee, West Howe SoundStakeholders Association, Sunshine CoastWatershed Stewardship Society, the Sun-shine Coast Salmon Enhancement PartnerGroup and Sunshine Coast ConservationAssociation to ensure that any land useplanning and decisions respect the natural
habitat and environmentally sensitive areason Gambier Island.
Challenges
Vigilance: Remaining forever alert in theface of on-going human pressures for de-velopment on Gambier.
Funding: Support for future and on-goingprojects is a major challenge and requiressignificant time and effort by Conservancymembers.
Patience, Endurance and Faith: At severaltimes the Conservancy activities have beenmet with hostility and suspicion by somemembers of the community. To help de-fuse the misinformation, misunderstand-ings and resolve conflicting points of viewissues, the Conservancy has hosted openhouses to display and discuss projects, postsall meeting agendas and minutes and writesfrequent articles in the Gambier Islandnewsletter. The benefits of the work are be-coming increasingly clear to everyone withthe publication of the new OCP and theconsultations with CANFOR regarding theimpending logging on Gambier’s CrownLands.
The Streamkeepers have been surprised anddismayed by F&OC’s reluctance to enforcethe Federal Fisheries Act in spite of detaileddocumentation and evidence of severe anddeliberate destruction of fish habitat.
Project Outcomes
Gambier Island now has one of the mostsophisticated and comprehensive tools pos-sible for environmentally-sensitive land useplanning and an informed and vigilantcommunity to make good use of it. TheConservancy is increasingly being recog-nized and respected for its contribution tothe community and to the Island. People
Case Study: Gambier Island Conservancy
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now recognize the incredible value of thework that has been completed. The map-ping work has made it easier for variousgovernment departments, forestry compa-nies, land developers and local residents towork together to make informed decisions.The data facilitates informed and objectiveland use planning based on the shared andintegrated values of wildlife and habitatconservation, aesthetics, eco-nomic/industrial activity, recreation, andsettlement.
Companies like CANFOR are utilizing theinformation in their planning. The OfficialCommunity Plan has a very strong envi-ronmental policy statement and detailedsupporting maps. Through sharing of in-formation and resources, strong networks ofpeople have been created throughout B.C.to assist other similar projects achieve theirsuccess.
On a qualitative basis, the Streamkeeperscan already see the results of their efforts toenhance fish habitat and rehabilitatestreams. New log shelters and other fishhabitat features have resulted in the returnof fish to these areas. They are observingthe fish now using these areas and how thestreams are starting to “heal themselves”.Once streams were mapped, people came torealize that streams had “legal rights”. Asanother example of progress, the Fircomcamp had been running people through anearby stream in an obstacle race. With theencouragement from the Streamkeepersthey are now looking at using the stream asan educational project.
The Conservancy has faced many chal-lenges and has worked hard at communitybuilding. It is gaining widespread recogni-tion as a model of community stewardship.For example, a recent bank slide into a smallroadside stream brought together the Min-istry of Transportation’s maintenance per-
son, a F&OC stream technician, the Stream-keeper’s Coordinator, a local excavator op-erator, a contractor and a private propertyowner. They engaged in a consultative pro-cess to resolve how to repair the road whileprotecting and even enhancing the stream.This type of consultation would have beenpolitically impossible until now. It is anextremely gratifying example of buildinghealthy communities and healthy water-sheds through public awareness.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
The Conservancy hopes that their projectsand other similar projects maintain theirmomentum to continue the work. Fundingfor these worthwhile stewardship projects isvital. Connections to the technical expertiseof the various resource management indi-viduals are also a vital component of suc-cess. They are the “glue” that helps holdthese projects together and their input isgratefully acknowledged.
Next Steps
Now that the information has been collectedthere is a need to facilitate the ongoing localstewardship, expand the volunteer base andhelp the local communities take ownershipof the land around them. The informationmust now be managed. Knowledge is asource of empowerment, influence, and ofcommunity pride in “taking ownership”.
The Conservancy hopes that their work willhelp to identify, preserve and protect thedelicate environmental balances that arepresent on Gambier.
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Project Contacts
Lois KennedyGambier Island ConservancyPhone: 604-886-4987E-mail: [email protected]
Acknowledgements
Generous funding has been received fromthe Urban Salmon Habitat Program (USHP)and from Fisheries Renewal B.C. (FsRBC) insupport of the Streamkeepers, GIS (com-puter) Mapping and Watershed Mappingprojects. The Real Estate Foundation pro-vided funds in support of the CapilanoCollege/Conservancy EnvironmentallySensitive Areas project. The Sunshine CoastRegional District (SCRD) has contributed tothe Trails Mapping and Marking Project.ESRI donated the ArcView computer soft-ware and BC Hydro’s Corporate DonationsDepartment donated a much-needed com-puter to the Streamkeepers to facilitate thedata organization for the Watershed Map-ping project. The funds secured wereused primarily to hire biologists, techniciansand other qualified individuals to completethe technical work. The Conservancy Proj-ect Coordinators became a sort of “com-mand central” for the various projects.
In addition, Grant McBain, the CommunityAdvisor for the Fisheries and Oceans Can-ada (F&OC) provided the necessary techni-cal support, equipment and some crew forthe stream rehabilitation projects.Cheryl Trent, the Habitat Steward for theSCRD regularly provides maps that areneeded for land-use planning. The IslandsTrust generated the official maps for thenew Gambier Island OCP. Several localbusinessmen including Ken Sneddon ofSechelt Creek Contracting, John Cosoluch ofRivtow and Barry Proknow have providedmuch appreciated on-site support for thestream projects. Dr. Bob Newbury pro-vided valuable advice at the beginning ofthe Watershed Mapping Project. Mostproperty owners of large and small tracts ofland have been generous in permitting ac-cess.
The Conservancy also extends its thanksand appreciation to Rob Knight (USHP),Marion Towne and Angus McKay (FsRBC),Victoria Troupe (Capilano College) andMargaret Lamarche (CFDC) for their sup-port of this work.
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Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory of the Georgia Lowland and Is-lands in the Northern Strait of Georgia
Abstract
April 2002 marks the commencement of thefourth year of the Sunshine Coast SensitiveEcosystems Inventory (SEI) which willidentify and map rare and fragile terrestrialecosystems. The SEI study area is approxi-mately 1,800 square kilometres and com-prises the mainland portion of Georgia Ba-sin Lowland, between Desolation Soundand Howe Sound, and includes adjacentislands within the Strait of Georgia Ecosec-tion, such as Texada, Harwood, Hernando,Savary, Cortes and the southern part ofQuadra Island. Biogeoclimatic Units in-cluded in the study area are Coastal Doug-las-fir Moist Maritime (CDFmm), CoastalWestern Hemlock Very Dry (CWHxm1)and Coastal Western Hemlock Dry Mari-time (CWHdm).
Figure 1. Sunshine Coast SEI study area boundary
The inventory data was derived from aerialphotography (photo-interpretation) atscales between 1:10,000 and 1:16,000 and
verified using selective field checks(ground-truthing). The information is beingcaptured using Arc/Info GIS (GeographicalInformation System). The maps will beavailable in both hard copy (1:20,000) anddigital formats by March 2003.
This project has led to the identification ofnumerous unique and sensitive ecosystems.Unlike the Vancouver Island study whereonly 7.9% of the entire landscape containedrare and fragile ecosystems, preliminaryfindings suggest that the percentage ishigher on the Sunshine Coast thus provid-ing an opportunity to maintain and pre-serve these sites for future generations.
Background
The mild climate and long growing seasonof the Sunshine Coast supports many rareplants, animals and plant communities –including several “at risk” species. Rapiddevelopment along the coast is resulting inthe fragmentation and degradation of ter-restrial ecosystems. The Sensitive Ecosys-tems Inventory is a “flagging” tool thatidentifies these systems and provides scien-tific information and support to local gov-ernments and others who are trying tomaintain biodiversity.
The Sunshine Coast project builds on thesuccess of the East Vancouver Island SEI.Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands mappingwas completed in 1997 and a variety ofsupport materials and services were devel-oped over the following few years, includ-ing one-on-one user support, a 300-pageConservation Manual, pamphlets andworkshops. Local governments on eastVancouver Island and adjacent Gulf Islands
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are now using the SEI data in regionalgrowth strategies, official community plansand greenways/parks plans. The informa-tion also assists in making site-specific deci-sions on land use planning issues. The Van-couver Island SEI can be seen athttp://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/cdc/sei or atwww.pyr.ec.gc.ca/wildlife/sei.
Objectives
Through the completion of a systematic,scientific inventory of the remaining sensi-tive (rare and fragile) terrestrial1 ecosystemsthe project will identify, classify, evaluateand map remnant native wildlife habitatsincluding those supporting species at risk.The SEI will help increase the understand-ing of and respect for the ecological valuesof these sensitive ecosystems and encourageland use decisions that will conserve thesensitive ecosystems. The SEI informationwill provide mapped data for use by localgovernment, environmental and othercommunity and economic groups with aninterest in land use, conservation and pres-ervation. Once completed the maps andinformation will be available for use andpresented in “Community Outreach” edu-cational programs that would assist othersin using the data and communicate thevalue and uses of this information by thecommunity.
Process, Partners, Costs
Major funding for the SEI is provided by theGeorgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative (GBEI),with contributions from the Habitat Con-servation Trust Fund, the Sunshine CoastRegional District, Comox-Strathcona Re-
gional District and Terminal Forest Prod-ucts Ltd. The project is jointly managed byEnvironment Canada (Canadian WildlifeService) and the B.C. Ministry of Sustain-able Resource Management, with assistancefrom a multi-agency steering committeethat includes federal and provincial agen-cies, local governments, First Nations andindustry. A total of $400,071 was securedover the first four years of the project withapproximately 875 days of “in-kind” laborcontributions.
A “Memorandum of Understanding”(MOU) is in the process of being signed byvarious partners involved in the use of theSensitive Ecosystems Inventory of theGeorgia Lowland and adjacent islands. TheMOU is between Environment Canada andthe following parties to the agreement: BCMinistries of Sustainable Resource Man-agement and Water, Land and Air Protec-tion, Sechelt Indian Band, Sunshine CoastRegional District, Powell River RegionalDistrict, Regional District of Comox-Strathcona, Terminal Forest Products Ltd.,and the BC Conservation Foundation. TheMOU is a demonstration of interest and ofintention to co-operate on matters related tothe use of the data. It is an acknowledge-ment by all parties of the value of the in-formation for land use planning.
Actions
Year 1(1999-2000): Startup and Air PhotoInterpretation - A Steering committee wascreated with joint partners to oversee thedirection of the project and ensure goodcommunication. The classification criteriaand inventory methodologies were devel-oped. Air photo interpretation was con-ducted for most of the study area.
Year 2 (2000-2001): Air photo interpretationwas completed, identifying 5,511 sites.Groundtruthing field visits, with high qual-
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ity assurance strategies in place, were con-ducted for selected sites identified duringair photo interpretation. Field data wasentered into attribute files. Lack of fullfunding prevented the completion ofgroundtruthing this year.
Year 3 (2001-2002): Groundtruthing wascompleted, although due to a lack of fund-ing, only a limited number of field visitswere conducted on Texada Island. Map anddatabase development: Digitizing of 5,511polygons was completed, but databaselinking, plotting and quality control waspostponed until Year 4.
Year 4 CURRENT (2002-2003): Map anddatabase development: Digitized polygonswill be linked to an attribute file and draftmaps will be produced. All maps and da-tabases will be subject to thorough qualityassurance.
Map production and distribution: digitaland hardcopy maps will be published anddistributed to all local governments and re-source agencies.
Extension Materials: A report will be pre-pared and published describing inventorymethods, ecological characteristics, andsummarizing/analyzing inventory results.The report will also present managementguidelines and conservation tools. Furtheroutreach products such as pamphlets, dis-play materials and workshops will be de-pendent on the availability of funding.
Results
Not all of the data is ready yet for analysisor publication. When the data is processed,it will be possible to tell what percentage ofSunshine Coast land is considered to beecologically sensitive. They have accumu-lated significant scientific data that supportsan accurate interpretation.
Challenges
Most challenges were financially related.Due to funding shortages the amount ofgroundtruthing for Texada Island was re-duced. Ensuring good communicationbetween the various agencies and partnerswas time consuming but there was goodsupport and cooperation.
Coordinating with other studies andsources of data presented some challenges.For example, the SEI information will beincluded as a single layer of the HabitatAtlas mapbook, causing some users to thinkthat SEI information is limited to what ispresented in the Habitat Atlas. Users needto be made aware of the depth of additionalSEI information available to them, includingsecondary and tertiary ecosystem compo-nents, and detailed ecosystem informationon plant communities, stand structure, andsite condition. Our experience has shownthat many users think they “have it all”once they have looked at the atlas maps.For the Sunshine Coast Habitat Atlas, thiswill be explained in the report accompany-ing the mapbook.
Another challenge faced is that terrestrialinventories require specialized scientific ex-pertise to identify in the field. The SEI datarecords plant communities and this ecologi-cal data is incorporated into the Conserva-tion Data Center databases where it con-tributes to the development of the “red”and “blue” conservation lists for plantcommunities.
Project Outcomes
Once completed, this information will serveto alert local governments, resource agen-cies, First Nations, landowners and othercitizens as to the existence and importanceof these remnant ecosystems. It will en-courage land use decisions that will help
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conserve these systems. This project is con-sidered to be an essential component of theGeorgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative that isfully supported by both Provincial and Fed-eral governments in their efforts to assistlocal governments and communities in pre-serving and improving the quality of theenvironment.
Due to increasing development pressuresthroughout the Sunshine Coast and adja-cent islands, as in most areas of the GeorgiaBasin lowlands, there has been a loss andfragmentation of the natural ecosystemsupon which many species and communitiesdepend. Further habitat loss is expectedunless Official Community Plans, GrowthManagement Strategies and various day-to-day land–use decisions can direct growthand development away from these sensitiveareas.
The combination of a broad ecosystem ap-proach and plant community identificationused by the SEI is new to most land use de-cision-makers. As a result, an outreacheducational strategy is a vital component ofthe project that will help to ensure wise useof the inventory data.
The SEI website contains some descriptivematerial about the Sunshine Coast SEI, butit primarily describes the Vancouver IslandSEI project, presents ecological informationon the ecosystems of concern, and providesaccess to its publications. Once the Sun-shine Coast SEI is completed, more com-prehensive information will be posted onthat site.
Currently, the SEI maps for Vancouver Is-land and Gulf Islands can only be accessedthrough the Internet on the CommunityMapping Network (CMN) website athttp://www.shim.bc.ca/sei/seimain.html.However, the B.C. Ministry of SustainableResource Management is currently devel-
oping an interactive mapping site that willinclude the SEI data layer.
A final report is being written which willdetail the findings of the inventory, describethe values of the plant communities in de-tail and will provide management guide-lines. A “conservation tools” section willprovide details with various models orsample clauses that could be used in OfficialCommunity Plans and Development PermitArea Guidelines. While the information is ofsignificance to all levels of government it isat the local government levels that many ofthe land use decisions are taking place, sothese guidelines will be of extreme impor-tance to these user groups. The target datefor completion of this manual is April 2003.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
There is a need to ensure that all data can beoverlaid on top of one another on the vari-ous maps. Compatibility of data from onemap to another is important to allow forcomparisons and other analysis of data.
Mapped information should be readilyavailable to anyone. The maps are rela-tively inexpensive and the digital informa-tion can be accessed by those with GIS ca-pability.
It is important that groups who are consid-ering mapping projects assess what has al-ready been done and adhere to standardand approved methodology as opposed to“seat of the pants” mapping. Some datagenerated simply cannot be used since thereis no scientific level of confidence in themethodology and protocols as dictated bythe province.
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Next Steps
See year four of “Actions” section. Once themaps are produced a report will be pre-pared and the various community outreachprojects will be initiated, pending funding.The target audience for these workshopswill be the local government staff and poli-ticians, community groups, resource agen-cies and other entities including privatebusiness groups like logging companies,land developers etc.
Project Contacts
Carmen CadrinConservation Data Centre, Ministry of Re-source ManagementPhone: 250-387-2730E-mail: [email protected]
Jan KirkbyConservation Data Centre, Ministry of Re-source ManagementPhone: 250-387-0732E-mail: [email protected]
life Service)• Ministry of Water, Land and Air Pro-
tection,• Sechelt Indian Band,• Powell-River Regional District,• Ministry of Sustainable Resource Man-
agement.
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87
Sechelt Indian Band Mapping: Vancouver River Spawning andRearing Channel Development
Abstract
The Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) successfullyundertook a three year project to increasethe number of fish spawning and rearing inthe off-channels of the Vancouver River lo-cated in Jervis Inlet on the Sunshine Coast.A total of eight channels consisting of ap-proximately 7,000 meters, were excavated.Water flow was connected through thechannels and fish habitat features wereadded. Fish returned almost immediately tothese sites. Using a Leica GS50 GPS back-pack unit, the channels were mapped andare now available as a resource to ensurethat any subsequent logging or develop-ment does not destroy the rehabilitated fishhabitat. The site is now an excellent place tostudy fish biology.
Construction of a town site and access roadshad destroyed or cut off many of the chan-nels from the river system. As a result,most of the channels were dry and void offish habitat. The three-phase project un-dertaken in this area is likely one of thelargest rehabilitative projects done in B.C. Ithas helped establish a track record of suc-cess and protocol for further projects of thisnature.
Background
The Vancouver River watershed had at onetime sustained large populations of fish.Fish stock monitoring done over the pastten years at the Vancouver River site indi-cated drastically falling numbers of fish. Inrecent years, Vancouver Bay fish popula-tions were almost extinct, down from ap-proximately 8,000 chums in 1973, 13,000pinks in 1987, 5,000 coho in 1979 and 24
sockeye in 1985. The cause was readilyidentified. Logging and ancillary develop-ment had led to the destruction of most ofthe off-channels of the river that are such anecessary component of healthy fish habi-tat.
The water level in the Vancouver Riverfluctuates severely. Without off-channels,the fish stock had no refuge from the torrentwaters that result during periods of highrainfall and thaws and there were no sites togive young fry a place to develop.
SIB determined that drastic measures wereneeded to rehabilitate the Vancouver Riverto bring back the fish stocks.
Figure 1. Vancouver River
Objectives
The objective of the project was to increasethe fish populations in the Vancouver RiverWatershed. Achieving the objective wouldresult in increased fish stocks for commu-nity enjoyment, harvesting and to correct
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for the past physical decimation of the wa-tershed.
Process, Partners, Costs
The SIB Resource Management Departmentin conjunction with the Community Fisher-ies Development Center and Fisheries &Oceans Canada (F&OC) applied for fundsfor this extensive project. Funding was se-cured through the F&OC Habitat Restora-tion and Salmon Enhancement Program(HRSEP), Fisheries Renewal BC, and Inter-national Forest Products (Interfor). In ad-dition, “in-kind” contributions were madeby SIB in the form of providing labour,boats, trucks, office and administrativesupport. This project was a joint venturebetween SIB and F&OC HRSEP.
Actions
The project work was conducted in threephases, as funding became available.
Phase I (1998): Previous channels of theVancouver River that had been cut off fromthe river and had either been filled in or haddried up, were re-excavated. The channelswere connected with the main river throughflow pipes that had control valves. A totalof eight channels representing some 7,000meters of new stream were dug deepenough for ground water feed and riverwater to flow into them. Once dug, thewater flow was reconnected and smalllogs/wood was put in place to provideshade and shelter for returning fish. Thisphase took approximately five weeks andprovided employment opportunities foreight people.
Phase II (1999): A berm was constructedthat allowed for water to be piped throughit so it did not interfere with the main riverflow yet kept the river from eventually eat-ing into the channels that had been recon-
structed. A large excavation cut throughthe logging road and provided a feed toJitco Creek. The river had previouslyshifted and cut off the water supply to JitcoCreek which was nearly void of water.
Phase III (2000): Two parallel channels wereexcavated on either side of the main loggingroad near the Vancouver Bay Lodge. A cul-vert was added to connect the two channelsthat fed another 1000 meters of channelsthat eventually drain back into the mainVancouver River.
During Phase III mapping was completed.Using a backpack GPS unit the channelswere walked and mapped. This was con-verted into digital format on 1:20,000 scaleTRIM maps. Maps now show all the recon-structed and rehabilitated channels alongthe Vancouver River area.
The work for all three phases included theuse of excavators and backhoes with fillbeing provided by dump trucks. Some mi-nor access roads were created. Nativevegetation re-planting was done. Through-out the construction the process was de-signed to minimize siltation and furtherdamage to the areas.
Results
The project is considered to be a great suc-cess. “If you build it, they will come.”Adult fish have returned to all the channels.Juvenile salmon came in faster than thechannels could be constructed, apparentlyjust waiting for the off-channels to be fin-ished to provide shelter and a place to hide.Numbers of fish have been recordedthrough foot surveys, trapping programsand the assessment of smolt migration pat-ters.The area now provides an excellent outdoorlaboratory to study fish biology, waterchemistry, logging impacts and soil analy-
Case Study: Sechelt Indian Band Mapping
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sis. It is a controlled environment that al-lows for the mimicking of the natural proc-esses in a watershed. There are facilities on-site that make it easier for crews to studyand monitor the river system as well as dorepairs and maintenance.
Interfor is actively logging in the valley andcontributed to the funding for the project.They have been very supportive of the proj-ect and are sensitive to maintaining the re-habilitated area.
Figure 2. Coastal Cutthroat Trout in intake pool.
Challenges
Funding securing ongoing funding was thebiggest challenge. The project was run on aphased basis since there were no guaranteesthat funding would be provided from onephase to the next. The application processwas time consuming and cumbersome.
Remote Location: To access the site requiresapproximately 30 nautical miles of travel (orapproximately 25 minutes from Egmont) bywater. However, SIB owns the VancouverBay Lodge located at the mouth of the Van-couver River that provides overnight ac-commodation and shelter during foulweather.Weather/seasons: The ideal time for chan-neling was during the “low flow” months of
summer that restricted work on the projectto mostly late August and September.
Equipment: The GPS unit back pack (LeicaGS 50) was found to be superior in mappingcapability especially when under tree can-opy cover.
Natural Destruction: Ongoing problemsincluded some siltation, pools and channelsfilling in from natural run-off or collapsingbanks.
Ongoing resources to provide monitoringand maintenance remains a challenge.
Project Outcomes
The Vancouver River and the off-channelshave now been mapped. The informationhas been layered onto existing SIB maps.Developers are required to consult with SIB,Resource Management Department, beforeproceeding with any development in an ef-fort to help ensure there will be no negativeenvironmental impacts in the area. Prior tothe updated mapping, there was no officialrecord of where the various channels ex-isted and development of logging roads andactual logging practices were done withminimal regard for the ultimate damage tothe surrounding eco-systems.
Reports are being written to identify thevarious project results and will be submit-ted to the funding agencies. SIB may even-tually publish the project details in appro-priate publications or on a web-site.
SIB keeps the newly mapped stream dataavailable in digital format and F&OC alsohas this as part of its HRSEP program.
Most importantly, fish are back to the Van-couver River site and off –channels in in-creasing numbers. The site is now a placeto study and provides a legacy for future
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generations. The experience gained by theproject workers and supervisors can beused to expedite and complete future proj-ects of this nature in other watershed areasthat are in need of rehabilitation.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
The updated maps provide some form ofinsurance that any development in the areawill not damage the restored fish habitatareas. Mapping has provided a historicalbenchmark that can be used to track riversystem changes in the decades to follow.Any development in the area will now haveaccess to the information to ensure thatplans are developed in accordance withpreservation standards.
If funding had been available it would havebeen ideal to map the river and channelsprior to the reconstruction work. Thiswould have provided information thatwould have made it easier to do a cost-analysis and to plan the project in more de-tail in advance. This may have resulted inmore cost-effective procedures. In the ab-sence of maps the work proceeded using an“eye ball” method to determine whatshould be done.
Next Steps
Phase III reports are being completed. Ac-cess to funding will determine what “next
steps” can be taken. Ideally SIB would liketo “turn the clock back” on a number ofwatershed areas with a process similar tothat used on the Vancouver River area.There are five major watershed areas in theregion; all of which have sustained variousdegrees of damage as a result of previouslogging practices.
Project Contacts
Mr. Rick AugustFisheries Coordinator, Resource Manage-ment Department & Band Councilor,Sechelt Indian BandBox 740, Sechelt, BC. VON 3AOPhone: 604-885-2273Fax: 604-885-3490E-mail: [email protected]
Acknowledgements
The Sechelt Indian Band would like tothank the funders and supporters of theVancouver River spawning and rearingchannel development initiative:
• Fisheries & Oceans Canada HabitatRestoration and Salmon EnhancementProgram
• Fisheries Renewal BC• International Forest Products• Community Fisheries Development
Center
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Capilano College, Sechelt Campus: Training, Data Collectionand Interaction with Community Mapping Projects
Abstract
For fourteen years Capilano College hasbeen training students through a variety ofprograms on Fisheries and CommunityStewardship like the Streamkeepers pro-gram. As part of the training, students haveconducted a wide range of streamkeepingmapping and restorative projects in localwatershed areas. Streamkeepers studentshave provided a “volunteer” labour force tomap many of the local streams and tribu-taries and participate in restorative activi-ties. The data collected has been sharedwith relevant agencies and has formed thebasis of many further studies and projects.The College (Dave Bates) continues to serveon a number of advisory committees in thecommunity and as a consultant to variousprojects including significant involvementin the various Sechelt Indian Band ResourceManagement Department projects. Gradu-ates from the program are now workingwith a number of different agencies, pro-viding technical and academic skills in thefield of fish habitat stream enhancement,restoration and conservation. This casestudy is an excellent example of academicinstitutions working with community part-ners on projects that enhance the overallpreservation and conservation of fish habi-tat.
Dr. Bates developed the delivery model andparts of the content of the Streamkeepers pro-gram that is now used throughout BC and is be-ing adapted for use in other countries.
Figure 1. Capilano College, Sechelt Campus
Background
Capilano College located on the SunshineCoast in Sechelt, B.C., through the Depart-ment of Applied Fisheries and Forestry Sci-ence offers a Watershed Restoration Techni-cian Certificate Program and StewardshipTraining (Streamkeepers) programs. Stu-dents registered in these programs haveparticipated in numerous local initiativesthat involve stream mapping, restoration,enhancement, and collection of fish data.The projects and data collected have beenshared with relevant agencies and havebeen used in other projects, such as the Sun-shine Coast Habitat Atlas. Many skilledtechnicians who have graduated from thevarious programs are now working in thefield. Those working in the Resource Man-agement offices of the Sechelt Indian Bandhave received their training through theCollege and continue to work togetherclosely on various watershed projects.
Watersheds of the Sunshine Coast offerworld class "real life" laboratories that pro-vide practical excellent "hands-on" trainingoptions for the program participants. Since
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the College coordinates its projects withvarious community groups, the projectsundertaken by the students and the pro-gram in general provide valuable data andwork that assists these other agencies. Thehigh standards and quality of work ensuresthat the project data is “useable” in the sci-entific community and meets high stan-dards and quality assurance measures.
Objectives
The objectives of the program are to provideskilled technical people who can collect reli-able and reproducible information. Thedata collection process and methodologyused will help ensure the conservation andprotection of local salmonid populationsand resources.
Process, Partners, Costs
The College has developed a close workingrelationship with the Sechelt Indian Band.They have partnered on numerous projectswhere the College students have providedthe labour and technical expertise while SIBhas provided access, equipment and otherassociated project costs. The College alsomaintains an excellent working relationshipwith Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Actions
During the course of the various programsoffered by the College, students have takenon a number of field projects under the su-pervision of Dave Bates. Some of the proj-ects that have been undertaken include:
• Stream assessments: fish populationsurveys, students or graduates havesurveyed almost every Anadromousstream on SIB lands;
• Two students (graduates) completed theearly SHIM surveys and trained SHIMcrews in Powell River;
• Developing field programs, field workinto student exercises;
• RIC approved watershed restorationsurveys;
• Watershed or stream assessments toidentify, rehabilitate and restore fishhabitat;
• Establish goals and project design forvarious projects ;
• Adult and juvenile salmon and troutassessments – annually enumerate andsurvey Chum salmon returns in Ander-son Creek and Pender Harbour (Infor-mation forward to F&OC);
• Mapping projects is a large part of theStreamkeepers Program that involvesstudents using tapes, compasses andother assessment programs to map vari-ous streams, channels and tributaries;
• Completion of small demonstrativerestoration projects. E.g. Ouellett Creek;
• Assisting with the writing of fundingproposals;
• Assisting with the writing of Technicalreports; and,
Significant data and mapping informationhas been compiled and shared with localgovernment, the SIB, and resource man-agement organizations. The “real life”training exercises have helped train worldclass technicians, many of whom are work-ing with various projects and agencies. Theprojects completed have provided muchneeded data that have been used for theplanning and initiation of a variety of wa-tershed restoration projects.
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93
Challenges
Challenges for the program include secur-ing sufficient students and funding. Al-though the local outdoor classroom settingsprovide an excellent learning environment,potential students may not want to tempo-rarily relocate to the Sunshine Coast. Find-ing local year round employment opportu-nities has been frustrating to programgraduates forcing many to relocate forwork. Cooperation between the Collegeand local groups has been excellent and hasproven to be a long lasting mutually benefi-cial arrangement.
Project Outcomes
The College’s Streamkeepers Workshop hasformed the basis of the model being used bynumerous training institutes. The work ofthe College and its students has led to nu-merous publications and distribution of in-formation that is relevant and important tothe protection of local watershed resources.Dave Bates has taught and delivered manyworkshops in Canada and internationally.In the spring of 2002 he will be traveling toMalaysia where they want to adapt theStreamkeepers model to meet their localenvironmental needs.
Recommendations for the Com-munity Mapping Network
Groups or organizations engaged in Com-munity Mapping projects should considerthe possibility of partnering with College’sand other educational institutes. The col-laboration can be mutually beneficial andrewarding. Communication amongst thesevarious groups can lead to new ideas, proj-ects and possible collaborative efforts.
Efforts to diffuse quality control controver-sies by assisting with the standardization oftechniques and methodology would be wel-come. There have not been a lot of stan-dards developed for foreshores and up-slope terrain.
Next Steps
The program is somewhat at risk due tofunding uncertainties and enrolment issues.The College hopes to continue the programto supply the technically qualified person-nel who can then form the basis of a reliablelabour pool to work on projects in BC, Can-ada, and internationally. Without well-qualified individuals, many communitymapping and stewardship programs wouldbe at risk.
Project Contacts
Dr. Dave BatesCapilano College, Sechelt CampusBox 1609, Sechelt, B.C. Canada VON 3AOPhone: 604-885-9310 Fax: 604-885-9350E-mail: [email protected]
Acknowledgements
The College acknowledges the ongoingsupport of F&OC (Grant McBain and histechnician, Jim Wilson), the Sechelt IndianBand Resource Management Department,and the excellent cooperation and commu-nication between the various local govern-ment agencies.
