stream classification - a100.gov.bc.ca
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Port McNeill Campbell Riverphone/fax 250-956-3939 phone 250-926-6692email [email protected] email [email protected]
P.O. Box 646Port McNeill, BC
V0N 2R0
STREAM CLASSIFICATIONIn accordance with the
FOREST PRACTICES CODE
BLOCK 40259
NORTH ISLAND TIMBERLANDS
TFL 39
WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY LIMITED
Prepared by
FishFor Contracting Ltd
April 2004
____________________Cindy Hannah, R.P.Bio.FishFor Contracting Ltd
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd i
Weyerhaeuser Company LimitedNorth Island Timberlands
Block 40259
SUMMARYOn April 6, 2004, assessments were carried out on a stream located within and adjacent to theproposed Block.
The purpose of the survey was to determine the appropriate riparian classifications to complywith the “Forest Practices Code” regulations.
The assessments were carried out visually using accepted stream habitat criteria. Theassessments and conclusions are consistent with the Forest Practices Code “Fish-streamIdentification Guidebook,” and the “Riparian Management Area Guidebook”.
Assessment conditions were considered good.
The fieldwork was conducted by Cindy Hannah, R.P.Bio. of FishFor Contracting Ltd.
Stream 1 was assessed. It has fish access to a located barrier with no suitable resident fishhabitat upstream.
Anadromous access to the assessed level of the drainage is unknown.
Stream classifications with the descriptions of upstream fish limits and stream characteristicsare included in this report. Habitat data and maps delineating classifications are enclosed.
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd 1
1.0 INTRODUCTIONThe waterways within and adjacent to the proposed Block flow to the Elk River (watershed code920-725300-11100). There is very little information noted in Fisheries Information SummarySystem (FISS). Anadromous access to the assessed level of the drainage is unknown. Troutand Dolly Varden char have been sampled in the drainage.
The proposed Block is located ~6kms south of the village of Sayward.
Figure: Area map showing the general location of the proposed Block
1.1 LimitationConclusions are based upon an inspection of the streams mentioned in this report. No otherwarranty is made, either expressed or implied. This report has been prepared for use anddistribution by Weyerhaeuser Company Limited.
N
Not to Scale
Block 40259
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd 2
2.0 METHODOLOGYThe assessments were carried out visually using accepted stream habitat criteria. Theassessments and conclusions are consistent with the Forest Practices Code “Fish-streamIdentification Guidebook,” and the “Riparian Management Area Guidebook”.
Methods and materials used in the assessment include:
• Available historical data, and local knowledge were obtained.• The area was accessed by truck and the individual stream was located on foot.• Field sampling methods consisted of visual assessments and reconnaissance walking.• Gradient measurements were taken using a clinometer.• Stream widths were measured using a folding measuring stick.• Ground distances were measured with a hip-chain and are expressed as slope distance.
Waterways flowing to S5/S6 classified streams are considered non-fish bearing.
Photo Documentation and a 1:5000 Scale Block Map are attached as Appendices A and B.
3.0 RESULTS/OBSERVATIONSAssessments were conducted April 6, 2004. The weather was clear. At the time of theassessment, creek flows were low. Assessment conditions were considered good.
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd 3
Table: Riparian Stream Classification Summary Block 40259.Waterway
IDReach
IDRiparian
ClassStreamWidth
ReachGradient(range)
Morphology Fish AccessPotential
AnadromousAccess
Fish SpeciesCaptured
Barrier
1 Conf Elk Creekto 12m u/s ARMn S3 1.6m <10% RP Y Unk
1 >12m u/s ARMn S6 1.6m <10-+20% R N N DropTribs toS5/S6
NonFish
u/s = Upstream, d/s = Downstream, Conf = Confluence, Str = Stream, FL= Falling Line, RL=Road Location, ARMn=Adam River Main
NCD = Non-Classified Drainage, FSZ = Fisheries Sensitive Zone Morphology: RP = Riffle-Pool, CP = Cascade-Pool, SP = Step-Pool
Species: CT = Cutthroat Trout, DV = Dolly Varden Char, RB = Rainbow Trout, CO = Coho, PK = Pink, CM = Chum, CH = Chinook, SK = Sockeye,Y=Yes, N=No, Unk=Unknown
The access potential is the probability of fish to access an assessed reach based on the field observations and conclusions of the field crew. Fish species captured is the actual fish that were identified within the sampled reach. The access of anadromous fish species is determined by the identified presence of a downstream barrier that is of sufficient magnitude to deny anadromous
fish access (falls, cascades, gradients that are above the accepted range for anadromous access or usage).
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd 4
Stream 1 S3/S6POC = 000m, confluence with Elk Creek POT= 210m upstream
Upstream of the confluence with Elk Creek this seasonal stream is 1.6m wide with a gravelsubstrate. The stream has a riffle-pool morphology and offers good quality fish habitat. Therewas minimal water in the stream indicating that it likely goes dry during the summer months.The stream is confined within 20cm high cut banks. Streamside vegetation includessalmonberry and devil’s club. In the lowest reach, there is abundant skunk cabbage along thestream.
Upstream, 75m, the stream crosses the Adam River Main road.
Upstream, 87m (12m upstream of the road), there is a +1.5m high drop over compact soil.There is no plunge pool (see photo).
Upstream of the drop the gradient is <10% for 80m. The stream is mostly riffle with few pools.
Upstream, 167m, the gradient increases to 18%.
Upstream, 210m, the gradient increases to +20%. The gradient continues to increaseupstream.
ConclusionThere is fish access from Elk Creek to 87m upstream (12m upstream of the Adam River Mainroad crossing). The +1.5m high drop is a definable barrier to upstream fish movement. Theseasonal nature of the stream precludes resident fish habitation.
The northeast ditchline is low gradient. When the new road is constructed a ditch block shouldbe installed to prevent fish access into the ditchline.
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited - North Island TimberlandsBlock 40259
April 2004 FishFor Contracting Ltd 5
PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
Stream 1Upstream 12m from the Adam River Main road crossing, there is a +1.5m high drop. This is the
upper limit of fish access in the stream.
STREAM CLASSIFICATION
FISHFOR CONTRACTING LTDBy
Prepared for
WEYERHAEUSER COMPANY LIMITED
NORTH ISLAND TIMBERLANDS
Area: Scale: Date:Block 40259 1:5000 April 2004
Drainage: Unnamed stream that flows to Elk Creek.
STREAM NAME/#: RIPARIAN BREAK:CLASSIFICATION: SAMPLE SITE:S1-S4: (red)S5,S6: (blue)
TFL 39
S6
1
S3
Elk Creek