CAPITAL REGIONAL DISTRICT
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SHIRLEY / JORDAN RIVER SEI
1
Methods
Sensitive ecosystems in the Shirley/Jordan River area were mapped as part of the Official
Community Plan (OCP) update. Sensitive ecosystems were mapped following sensitive
ecosystem inventory (SEI) standards as outlined in the 2006 RISC “Standards for Mapping
Ecosystems at Risk in British Columbia”. The following sub-sections summarize the methods
applied by Madrone, and any variations from the Standards.
1.1
Background Research
The first step towards completion of the Shirley / Jordan River SEI was to request
applicable data and reports from the CRD. Data received from the GIS department
included the OCP (study area) boundary, property boundaries, forestry ownership
(government vs. private), parks, contours, and 2013 colour imagery. SEI mapping
completed in 2011 for Otter Point was referenced for consistent mapping along Muir
Creek.
In addition, a number of reports were provided to us by the CRD that were relevant to
riparian mapping. The reports were referenced prior to the initiation of mapping and
again when the draft mapping was completed.
Other sources referenced as part of the background review included the BC
Conservation Data Centre website, the Wildlife Tree Stewardship website (WiTS), and the
Habitat Fish Wizard (FISS), GeoBC (for water license information), and BC Parks reports,
and OCP related documents of relevance.
1.1.1
Species at Risk
One of the priorities of this project was to identify species and ecosystems at risk within
the study area. To do this, the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) on-line Species and
Ecosystems Explorer tool was queried. Using this database, a map of known locations of
rare (provincially red- and blue-listed and federally listed species at risk) plants, animals
and ecological communities (ecosystems) that may occur within the study area was
reviewed (BC CDC: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cdc/). As part of this process, a request
was sent for “masked occurrences” that are too sensitive to put on a publicly available
map. No occurrences other than those publicly available were documented.
The background review for wildlife and plant species resulted in documented
occurrence records for four species at risk within the study area. These were: Northern
Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora), within the Desolation Creek watershed, near Fore Bay
Road; Warty Jumping-slug (Hemphillia glandulosa) near the mouth of Muir Creek; seaside
bone (Hypogymnia heterophylla), a fungus observed near Sheringham Point; and
nodding semaphoregrass (Pleuropogon refractus), a plant identified within French Beach
Provincial Park. There are likely many other occurrences of rare species in the
Shirley/Jordan River area, but only those that are reported make it into the tracking
system.
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In addition to these known records of occurrence, a list was compiled of all species at risk
(Provincial and Federally-listed species) with the potential to occur within the study area
(based on habitat requirements). A list of wildlife species (vertebrates), as well as plants
and invertebrates, were assessed for their potential to occur in the types of ecosystems
present in the Shirley / Jordan River Electoral Area). For example, of the 35 wildlife
(vertebrate) species that come up for potential to occur somewhere within the CWH
biogeoclimatic zone, our review determined that only 21 had potential to occur within
the Shirley/Jordan River area (see Appended list).
1.1.2
Red and Blue-listed Plant Communities
CWHxm2
A search of ecological communities at risk indicated that all of the forested ecosystems
in the CWHxm2 are ecological communities-at-risk or of special concern (either red- or
blue-listed) when in mature (>80 years) or old-growth status (>250 years). However, some
younger stands can be considered for conservation status if the minimum criteria are
achieved (BC CDC: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/cdc/ecology/eospecs.html). There are
also five wetland ecosystems and two non-forested ecosystems that are identified as
being at-risk.
Table 1: Provincially Red or Blue-listed ecosystems of the CWHxm2.
Biogeoclimatic
Unit/Site Series
CWHxm2/01
BC
List
Red
CWHxm2/02
Red
CWHxm2/03
Blue
CWHxm2/04
Blue
CWHxm2/05
Blue
CWHxm2/06
Red
CWHxm2/07
Blue
CWHxm2/08
Red
CWHxm2/09
Blue
CWHxm2/10
Blue
CWHxm2/11
Blue
CWHxm2/12
(Ws53)
Blue
Dossier: 13.0339
Scientific Name
English Name
Tsuga heterophylla - Pseudotsuga
menziesii / Eurhynchium oreganum
Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus
contorta / Cladina spp.
Pseudotsuga menziesii - Tsuga
heterophylla / Gaultheria shallon
Dry Maritime
Pseudotsuga menziesii / Polystichum
munitum
Thuja plicata / Polystichum munitum
Very Dry Maritime
Tsuga heterophylla - Thuja plicata /
Blechnum spicant
Thuja plicata / Tiarella trifoliata
Very Dry Maritime
Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis
Very Dry Maritime
Populus trichocarpa - Alnus rubra /
Rubus spectabilis
Populus trichocarpa / Salix sitchensis
western hemlock - Douglas-fir /
Oregon beaked-moss
Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine / reindeer
lichens
Douglas-fir - western hemlock / salal
Dry Maritime
Pinus contorta / Sphagnum spp.
Very Dry Maritime
Thuja plicata - Picea sitchensis /
Lysichiton americanus
lodgepole pine / peat-mosses Very
Dry Maritime
western redcedar - Sitka spruce /
skunk cabbage
Douglas-fir / sword fern
western redcedar / sword fern Very
Dry Maritime
western hemlock - western redcedar /
deer fern
western redcedar / three-leaved
foamflower Very Dry Maritime
Sitka spruce / salmonberry Very Dry
Maritime
black cottonwood - red alder /
salmonberry
black cottonwood / Sitka willow
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CWHxm2/13
Red
Thuja plicata / Rubus spectabilis
western redcedar / salmonberry
CWHxm2/14
Red
Thuja plicata / Lonicera involucrata
western redcedar / black twinberry
CWHxm2/15
Blue
Thuja plicata / Carex obnupta
western redcedar / slough sedge
CWHxm2/Wb50
Blue
CWHxm2/Wf52
Red
Rhododendron groenlandicum /
Kalmia microphylla / Sphagnum spp.
Myrica gale / Carex sitchensis
Labrador tea / western bog-laurel /
peat-mosses
sweet gale / Sitka sedge
CWHxm2/Wf53
Red
slender sedge - white beak-rush
CWHxm2/Wm05
Blue
Carex lasiocarpa - Rhynchospora
alba
Typha latifolia Marsh
CWHxm2/Wm51
Red
CWHxm2
Red
CWHxm2
Blue
Dulichium arundinaceum
Herbaceous Vegetation
Leymus mollis ssp. mollis - Lathyrus
japonicus
Selaginella wallacei / Cladina spp.
common cattail Marsh
three-way sedge
dune wildrye - beach pea
Wallace's selaginella / reindeer
lichens
CWHvm1
The BC CDC search indicated that seven of the forested ecosystems in the CWHvm1 are
ecological communities-at-risk or of special concern (either red- or blue-listed) when in
mature or old-growth status. There are also three wetland ecosystems and one nonforested ecosystem that are identified as being at-risk.
Table 2: Provincially Red or Blue-listed ecosystems of the CWHvm1.
Biogeoclimatic
Unit/ Site Series
CWHvm1/03
BC List
Scientific Name
English Name
Blue
CWHvm1/04
Blue
CWHvm1/06
Blue
CWHvm1/08
Blue
CWHvm1/09
Red
CWHvm1/10
Blue
CWHvm1/14
Blue
CWHvm1/Wf51
Red
Tsuga heterophylla - Thuja plicata /
Gaultheria shallon Very Wet
Maritime
Thuja plicata - Tsuga heterophylla /
Polystichum munitum
Tsuga heterophylla - Abies amabilis /
Blechnum spicant
Abies amabilis - Picea sitchensis /
Oplopanax horridus
Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis
Very Wet Maritime
Populus trichocarpa - Alnus rubra /
Rubus spectabilis
Thuja plicata - Picea sitchensis /
Lysichiton americanus
Carex sitchensis / Sphagnum spp.
western hemlock - western
redcedar / salal Very Wet
Maritime
western redcedar - western
hemlock / sword fern
western hemlock - amabilis fir
/ deer fern
amabilis fir - Sitka spruce /
devil's club
Sitka spruce / salmonberry
Very Wet Maritime
black cottonwood - red alder /
salmonberry
western redcedar - Sitka
spruce / skunk cabbage
Sitka sedge / peat-mosses
CWHvm1/Wb50
Blue
Rhododendron groenlandicum /
Kalmia microphylla / Sphagnum spp.
Labrador tea / western boglaurel / peat-mosses
CWHvm1/Ws06
Blue
Salix sitchensis / Carex sitchensis
Sitka willow / Sitka sedge
CWHvm1
Red
Leymus mollis ssp. mollis - Lathyrus
japonicus
dune wildrye - beach pea
Dossier: 13.0339
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1.1.3
Known Raptor Nests
As raptor nests are protected under the BC Wildlife Act, the Wildlife Tree Stewardship
Atlas (WiTS: http://www.cmnbc.ca/atlas_gallery/wildlife-tree-stewardship) was accessed
to determine if any raptor nests (specifically Bald Eagles and Ospreys) had been
documented in the area. Results of this search indicated that a total of four Bald Eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests are known to occur within the study area. The unique
identification number for these nests include:
• 102-025 along Muir Creek;
• 103-001 off Invermuir Road;
• 103-002 west of Invermuir Road/east of Sunnybrae Road; and
• 103-003 east of Juan de Fuca Road, near West Coast Road.
No Osprey nests have been documented in the WiTS system to date for the
Shirley/Jordan River Electoral Area. All of these nests have been identified on the SEI map
layer. Eagle roost sites and perch trees identified during the Community Mapping
exercise were incorporated in the SEI polygon comment field of the database where
relevant. One additional eagle nest observed during field verification surveys was also
added to the map layer.
1.1.4
Watercourses - Riparian Areas
To determine the spatial distribution of watercourses in the general study area, the
Habitat
Wizard
data
base
was
accessed
(Habitat
Wizard:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/habwiz/).
Jordan River, Desolation Creek, Goudie Creek, Kirby Creek and Muir Creek all have
documented observations of resident and anadromous trout and salmon within the
watercourses. Sandcut/Rockbottom Creek has documented falls at the tidewater
boundary, which is considered a barrier to upstream fish passage. No other stream or
creek has documented observations of fish; though lack of data does not suggest no fish
are present. For example, for Frenchome Creek and Jacob Creek, both were confirmed
in the KWC Planning Services report from 2004 as fish-bearing, but are not documented
as such in the Habitat Wizard.
1.1.5
Other Notes on Riparian Areas
Copies of the submitted Riparian Areas Regulations (RAR) documents were provided by
the CRD which identified watercourses or waterbodies on private properties, some of
which were not identified in the other map layers (i.e. TRIM). The property boundaries
layer also provided insight to the location of streams as some of these watercourses had
been “returned to Crown”, where ownership from below the high water mark was given
back to the Province. This information was incorporated into the SEI map layer, and notes
were included in the SEI “Comments” field of the database.
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1.2
Ecological Data Gaps
Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) is a detailed method of mapping where lines are
delineated around differences in bioterrain and ecological features creating a series of
polygons. Bioterrain mapping identifies terrain features and landforms such as slope and
aspect, while ecological mapping identifies plant communities, site modifiers, structural
stage and disturbances. These bioterrain and ecological features are determined
through digitized image or aerial photograph and/or digital orthophoto interpretation
and verified by field sampling. TEM can be useful for SEI mapping as polygons are often
delineated around features such as wetlands and other riparian areas. However, there
was no record of available TEM projects completed for the study area.
Vegetation Resources Inventory (VRI) is a forestry-focused mapping product that uses
photo interpretation to delineate polygons around forestry resources with similar
characteristics. The information can be useful for SEI mapping as it often provides the
estimated age and height for the leading tree species (MF vs. OF), as well as moisture
and soil characteristics, which can help determine the site series (ecological
community). The VRI data for the area was extremely limited and provided no useful
information for our purposes.
Stream data is limited to that provided by the Terrain Resource Information Management
(TRIM) layer, which is mapped at a 1:20,000 scale using black and white aerial
photography (Geo BC: http://geobc.gov.bc.ca/base-mapping/atlas/trim/. Accessed
February 2014). Although the TRIM program is being updated, the data available for the
study area was mapped in 1985-86 and is limited in accuracy. While referencing the
TRIM, it was obvious that streams were often missed or mapped in the wrong location. In
order to determine the precise location of the streams, each watercourse would need to
be professionally surveyed using a GPS system with a high level of accuracy (Trimble or
similar). Detailed stream surveys were outside of the scope of work for this project.
Due to overwhelming concern from the public regarding the accuracy of the mapped
location of Goudie Creek, Madrone requested permission from the CRD to allocate
some of the funds designated for field verification to survey Goudie Creek using a Trimble
GPS unit. Based on time limitations, the priority for mapping was on the section of stream
above French Creek Provincial Park, east of Woodhaven Road in Shirley. The field
portion of this exercise was completed on February 11, 2014 and the results are included
in the mapping.
1.3
Presentations and Community Mapping
A presentation was made for the OCP Committee on January 22nd and the draft SEI
labels and descriptions were provided for review. A community mapping session took
place on January 25th where members of the community provided information on a
map regarding areas of ecological interest or concern. All comments made by the
community were considered, and those that related specifically to the SEI map (such as
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SHIRLEY / JORDAN RIVER SEI
the location of wetlands, old growth, etc.) were added to the comments field for the
corresponding SEI polygon.
1.4
SEI Mapping
1.4.1
Interpretation of Imagery
Digital format aerial imagery (ortho-photography) from 2013, supplied by the Capital
Regional District (CRD), was used to locate and map SEI features in the project area. The
imagery provided full coverage of the project area.
Photo interpretation of the project area was completed by viewing both 2-dimensional
(2D) ortho-photos on screen and using 3-dimensional (3D) viewing software (PurVIEW).
The 2013 image set was converted by McElhanney for viewing as a 3D file in PurVIEW.
Both the 2D and 3D photo interpretation methods used the same background datasets
such as elevational data (contours) and hydrological data (streams and marshes) from
TRIM.
Each polygon was mapped at a scale of 1:5,000 or better using the provincial standards
for SEI classification. On completion of the photo interpretation, a set of polygons
(linework drawn around SEI and OIE features) was produced. Each polygon was
assigned a Terrestrial Ecosystem (TEM) label for up to three deciles (each decile
representing a different ecosystem component within the polygon). The detailed TEM
labels were then converted to the broader SEI/OIE class and subclass labels. In the final
product, both the TEM and SEI/OIE labels are provided.
1.4.2
Terrestrial Ecosystem Labels
As mentioned above, the first step in the polygon labeling process was to apply
standardized TEM codes to each polygon component. TEM label are applied first
because they are more detailed than SEI. The TEM is then translated into the broader SEI
class and subclass categories. The TEM mapcode, combined with structural stage
information, helps identify sites associated with red- or blue-listed ecological communities
/ ecosystems.
1.4.3
Structural Stages and Stand Composition
Structural stage and stand composition information was added for all SEI
classes/subclasses, where applicable. Structural stages range from 1 (unvegetated and
sparsely vegetated) to 7 (old forest) (see Appended definitions). This information is
considered essential for ease of interpretation for future management plans and
evaluation of potential conservation values. Structural stages were assigned based on
the dominant structure.
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1.4.4
SEI Classes and Subclasses
Table 3 provides a summary of the SEI classes and subclasses that were mapped by
Madrone for the Shirley/Jordan River area.
One additional SEI Class was added to the list that is not a standardized SEI code at this
time; the Fringe Forest with a coniferous-dominated subclass (FF:co). These Sitka spruce
dominated shoreline units are described in the CWHvh1, typically restricted to a narrow
fringe on the outer coast of northern Vancouver Island to Port Renfrew. These ecosystems
differ from upland forests because of the effects of salt spray and strong winds, but also
tidal flooding and marine-related landforms and sediments.
Table 3: Sensitive Ecosystems and Associated Typical Structural Stages Mapped
for Capital Regional District.
SEI
SEI Subclass
Class
RI: Riparian
RI
ff: fringe
RI
RI
RI
RI
fh: high bench
fm: medium bench
fl: low bench
gu: gully
RI
ri: river
WN: Wetland
WN
fn: fen
WN
ms: marsh
WN
sp: swamp
WN
sw: shallow water
FW: Ponds
FW
pd: pond
ES: Estuarine
ES
tf: tidal flat
IT: Intertidal & shallow subtidal
IT
mf: mud flat
IT
bs: beach/rock
Dossier: 13.0339
Typical Structural
Stages Mapped
Brief Description
Ecosystems associated with and influenced by
freshwater
Narrow band near ponds or lake shorelines, or
streams with no floodplain
High bench floodplain terraces
Medium bench floodplain terraces
Low bench floodplain terraces
Watercourse is in a steep V-shaped gully
Large river watercourses including gravel bars
Terrestrial – freshwater transitional areas.
Groundwater-fed sedge-peat wetlands
Graminoid or forb-dominated nutrient-rich
wetlands
Shrub or tree-dominated wetlands
Permanently flooded, water less than 2m deep at
mid-summer.
2b, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4,
5, 6, and 7
5, 6 and 7
4, 5, and 6
2b, 3a, and 3b
1a, 2d, 3a, 3b, 4,
5, 6 and 7
Not applicable
2b, and 3a
2b
2b, 3a, 3b, 4 and
5
2c
Open water > 2 m deep and generally < 8 ha
Ecosystems at marine, freshwater & terrestrial
interface
Large flats of silts, sands, or pebbles flooded and
exposed in most tidal cycles – macroalgae
common
Ecosystems at marine and terrestrial interface
Not applicable
Mudflats, with algae or not
Beaches and rocky shorelines, vegetated or not
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
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SEI
SEI Subclass
Class
OF: Old Forest
OF
co: coniferous
WD: Woodland
WD
co: coniferous
FF: Fringe Forest
FF
co: coniferous
HB: Herbaceous
Typical Structural
Stages Mapped
Brief Description
Forests > 250 yrs
Conifer > 75% of stand
Dry site, open stands with between 10 and 25%
tree cover
Conifer > 75% of stand
7
5, 6, and 7
Conifer > 75% of stand
5, 6, and 7
Non-forested ecosystems; usually shallow soils,
often with bedrock outcrops.
HB
cs: coastal
Influenced by proximity to the ocean: > 20%
1b, and 2b
herbaceous
vegetation cover of grasses, herbs, mosses and
lichens
HB
sh: shrub
Shrubs > 20% cover, with grasses and herbs.
3a and 3b
SV: Sparsely Vegetated
Areas with 5 – 10% vascular vegetation (may be
greater in patches); often with mosses, liverwort
and lichen cover
SV
cl: cliff
Steep slopes, often with exposed bedrock.
1a, and 1b
SV
ro: rock outcrop
Rock outcrops – areas of bedrock exposure,
1a, 1b, 2b, and 3a
variable vegetation cover.
Note: Not Applicable indicates assumption that no vegetation is present or associated with that subclass.
1.4.5
OIE Classes and Subclasses
In addition to sensitive ecosystems, other important ecosystems (OIE) were included, as
well as other ecosystems or anthropogenic units (e.g., rural) that were mapped in
complex with sensitive or other important ecosystems. Consideration of OIEs can be
critical to capturing key elements of biodiversity of some areas.
Mature Forest (structural stage 6) is the only OIE mapped as part of this project (Table 4).
Although mature forests are not defined as sensitive, these sites were included in the
mapping as an OIE because they can have significant ecological and biological values
(RISC, 2006). Mature forests along the coast of Vancouver Island can provide recruitment
sites for ecosystems at risk and/or important wildlife habitat (RISC, 2006).
Table 4: Other Important Ecosystems for Capital Regional District.
OIE Class
OIE Subclass
MF: Mature Forest
MF
co: coniferous
MF
mx: mixed
Dossier: 13.0339
Brief Description
Typical Structural
Stages Mapped
Patches of forest – stands > 80 yrs, < 250 yrs
Conifer > 75% of stand
Stand composition > 25% conifer and > 25%
broadleaf
6
6
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1.4.6
Disturbance Codes
As well as descriptive ecosystem information, up to three disturbance codes were
applied to assist in the process of assigning a condition ranking to each SEI/OIE polygon
(see Appended list of disturbance codes applied to the Shirley/Jordan River SEI). The
disturbance type with the greatest influence is typically listed first, followed by lesser
disturbance types. In many cases, all disturbance types had an equal influence on the
condition ranking of the site. All SEI and OIE polygons, however, were maintained
regardless of the condition ranking.
1.4.7
Red or Blue-listed Ecosystems
Upon completion of the mapping, each polygon was assessed to determine whether
there was potential for a red or blue-listed ecosystem to occur. The classification was
determined from the current status of the ecosystem in the Conservation Data Centre
(BC CDC status as of March 2014). The CDC considers an ecosystem to have red or bluelisted status when in a mature or old-growth stage. As such, any polygons mapped with a
component of structural stage 6 or 7 forest were selected. The ecosystem type was crossreferenced with its current status, and the appropriate label was applied. Where 2 or
more forested ecosystem types were identified within a polygon with differing statuses,
the label “both” was applied.
If listed, wetland ecosystems are considered red- or blue-listed regardless of
age/structure. All wetland ecosystems were evaluated, and those identified as listed
ecosystems were labelled based on the current status. Woodland ecosystems, by nature
are stunted in structure due to poor growing conditions, and may appear younger on
the aerial imagery than their true age. As such, woodland ecosystems mapped at a
structural stage 5 were given a red or blue-list status if currently listed by the BC CDC.
Table 5 outline those ecosystems identified as having potential to be red or blue-listed.
Table 5: Ecosystems mapped in the CWHxm2 and CWhvm1 as having potential
to be red or blue-listed.
Biogeoclimatic
Unit/Site Series
CWHxm2/01
BC List
Scientific Name
English Name
Red
CWHxm2/02
Red
western hemlock - Douglas-fir / Oregon
beaked-moss
Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine / reindeer lichens
CWHxm2/03
Blue
CWHxm2/05
Blue
CWHxm2/06
Red
CWHxm2/07
Blue
CWHxm2/08
Red
CWHxm2/09
Blue
Tsuga heterophylla - Pseudotsuga menziesii /
Eurhynchium oreganum
Pseudotsuga menziesii - Pinus contorta /
Cladina spp.
Pseudotsuga menziesii - Tsuga heterophylla /
Gaultheria shallon Dry Maritime
Thuja plicata / Polystichum munitum Very Dry
Maritime
Tsuga heterophylla - Thuja plicata / Blechnum
spicant
Thuja plicata / Tiarella trifoliata Very Dry
Maritime
Picea sitchensis / Rubus spectabilis Very Dry
Maritime
Populus trichocarpa - Alnus rubra / Rubus
spectabilis
Dossier: 13.0339
Douglas-fir - western hemlock / salal Dry
Maritime
western redcedar / sword fern Very Dry
Maritime
western hemlock - western redcedar / deer
fern
western redcedar / three-leaved foamflower
Very Dry Maritime
Sitka spruce / salmonberry Very Dry Maritime
black cottonwood - red alder / salmonberry
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1.4.8
CWHxm2/12
(Ws53)
CWHxm2/Wf52
Blue
Red
Thuja plicata - Picea sitchensis / Lysichiton
americanus
Myrica gale / Carex sitchensis
western redcedar - Sitka spruce / skunk
cabbage
sweet gale / Sitka sedge
CWHxm2/Wm05
Blue
Typha latifolia Marsh
common cattail Marsh
CWHxm2/Wm51
Red
three-way sedge
CWHvm1/04
Blue
Dulichium arundinaceum Herbaceous
Vegetation
Thuja plicata - Tsuga heterophylla /
Polystichum munitum
western redcedar - western hemlock / sword
fern
Condition
All SEI polygons were individually assessed for their current condition based on a scale
from 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor) (see appended methodology). Condition considered
the amount of anthropogenic disturbance and percentage of unnatural edges.
Typically, polygons that were in a natural condition and undisturbed were given a rating
of 1, whereas very disturbed polygons with unnatural edges were given a 5. Harvesting
was not considered “unnatural” because, despite being harvested, these ecosystems
can recover over time. However, if recent (within the last 5 years) harvesting took place,
it did factor into the rating and these cases received a lower condition rating than those
adjacent to areas showing natural regeneration.
Where any component of a polygon contained a wetland or freshwater pond, a
condition ranking of 1 was applied in order to highlight the importance of these features.
1.4.9
Conservation Priority
Priority for conservation was determined by considering the potential status (red- or bluelisted) and the current condition of the polygon. The polygon’s status was translated into
a numerical value, where red-listed or both was equal to 1, blue-listed was equal to 2
and no status was equal to 3. This value was then added to the condition score, which
ranged from 1 to 5. A conservation priority label was applied based on the combined
score, as follows:
Combined score
Conservation Priority
2 or 3
HIGH
4 or 5
MODERATE
6 or greater
LOW
This information can be used to identify those areas to prioritize for further protection or
for DPA designation.
1.5
Field Verification
On completion of the draft mapping, field verification was conducted to confirm SEI or
OIE polygon labels, linework, and associated condition. The focus for the field verification
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was within parcels subject to Development Permit Areas (all except Private Managed
Forest Land), particularly the Muir Creek watershed and riparian areas.
Field survey sites were selected based on location, potential sensitivity, and access. The
CRD also requested that watercourses with water licenses be prioritized for field
assessment.
During the field verification of the mapping, standardized forms were used to record
observations. This included Ground Inspection Forms (GIFs) for Ground and Visual
inspections, and Conservation Evaluation Forms (CEF) where appropriate. Information
gathered during the field surveys included site characteristics to confirm SEI class and
subclass, presence of invasive species, and level of disturbance. For those areas where
access was not granted for field verification (“ground-truthing”), we relied on the air
photo interpretation, including 3D images using PurVIEW models.
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Appendix: Structural Stage Definitions
(As per Land Management Handbook 25: Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems, 2010)
Structural Stage
Description
Post-disturbance stages or environmentally induced structural development
1 Sparse/cryptog
am
Initial stages of primary and secondary succession; bryophytes and lichens often dominant, can
be up to 100%; time since disturbance less than 20 years for normal forest succession, may be
prolonged (50–100+ years) where there is little or no soil development (bedrock, boulder fields);
total shrub and herb cover less than 20%; total tree layer cover less than 10%.
Substages
1a Sparse
1b Bryoid
1c Lichen
Less than 10% vegetation cover;
Bryophyte-dominated communities (greater than ½ of total vegetation cover).
Lichen-dominated communities (greater than ½ of total vegetation cover).
Stand initiation stages or environmentally induced structural development
2 Herb
Substages
2a Forbdominanted
2b Graminoiddominated
2c Aquatic
2d Dwarf shrub
3 Shrub/Herb
Early successional stage or herbaceous communities maintained by environmental conditions or
disturbance (e.g., snow fields, avalanche tracks, wetlands, grasslands, flooding, intensive grazing,
intense fire damage); dominated by herbs (forbs, graminoids, ferns); some invading or residual
shrubs and tress may be present; tree layer cover less than 10%, shrubby layer cover less than or
equal to 20% or less than 1/3 of total cover; time since disturbance less than 20 years for normal
forest succession; may herbaceous communities are perpetually maintained in this stage.
Herbaceous communities dominated (greater than ½ o the total herb cover) by non-graminoid
herbs, including ferns.
Herbaceous communities dominated (greater than ½ of the total herb cover) by grasses, sedges,
reeds, and rushes.
Herbaceous communities dominated (greater than ½ of the total herb cover) by floating or
submerged aquatic plants; does not include sedges growing in marshes with standing water
(which are classed as 2b).
Communities dominated (greater than ½ of the total herb cover) by dwarf woody species such as
Phyllodoce empetriformis, Cassiope mertensiana, Cassiope tetragona, Arctostaphylos arctica,
Salix reticulata, and Rhododendron lapponicum. (See list of dwarf shrubs assigned to the herb
layer in the Field Manual for Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems).
Early successional stage or shrub communities maintained by environmental conditions or
disturbance (e.g., snow fields, avalanche tracks, wetlands, grasslands, flooding, intensive grazing,
intense fir damage); dominated by shrubby vegetation; seedlings and advance regeneration may
be abundant; tree layer cover less than 10%; shrub layer cover greater than 20% or greater than
or equal to 1/3 of total cover.
Substages
3a Low shrub
3b Tall shrub
Dossier: 13.0339
Communities dominated by shrub layer vegetation less than 2 m tall; may be perpetuated
indefinitely to environmental conditions or repeated disturbance; seedlings and advance
regeneration may be abundant; time since disturbance less than 20 years for normal forest
succession.
Communities dominated by shrub layer vegetation that are 2–10 m tall; may be perpetuated
indefinitely by environmental conditions or repeated disturbance; seedlings and advance
regeneration may be abundant; time since disturbance less than 40 years for normal forest
succession.
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Structural Stage
Description
Trees greater than 10m tall, typically dense stocked, have overtopped shrub and herb layers;
younger stands are vigorous (usually greater than 10–15 years old); older stagnated stands (up to
100 years old) are also included; self-thinning and vertical structure not yet evident in the canopy
– this often occurs by age 30 in vigorous broadleaf stands, which are generally younger than
coniferous stand at the same structural stage; time since disturbance ins usually less than 40
years for normal forest succession; u to 100+ years for dense (5,000 - 15,000+ stems per hectare)
stagnant stands.
Self-thinning has become evident and the forest canopy has begun differentiation into distinct
5 Young Forest
layers (dominant, main canopy, and overtopped); vigorous growth and a more open stand than in
the pole/sapling sate; time since disturbance is generally 40–80 years but may begin as early as
age 30, depending on tree species and ecological conditions.
Understorey reinitiation stage
Trees established after the last disturbance have matured; a second cycle of shade tolerant trees
6 Mature Forest
may have become established; understories become well developed as the canopy opens up;
time since disturbance is generally 80–250 years for stands within the CWH.
Old-growth stage
Stands of old age with complex structure; patchy shrub and herb understories are typical;
7 Old Forest
regeneration is usually of shade-tolerant species with composition similar to the overstorey; longlived seral species may be present in some ecosystem types or edaphic sites. Old growth
structural attributes will differ across biogeoclimatic units and ecosystems.
4 Pole/Sapling
Substages
7a Old Forest
7b Very Old
Forest
Stand
Composition
Stands with moderately to well developed structural complexity; stands composed mainly of
shade-tolerant and regenerating tree species, although older seral and long-lived trees from a
disturbance such as fire may still dominate the upper canopy; fire-maintained stands may have a
‘single-storied’ appearance; time since stand replacing disturbance generally greater than 250
years for stands within the CWH.
Very old stands having complex structure with abundant large-sized trees, snags and coarse
woody debris; snags and coarse woody debris in all stages of decomposition; stands are
comprised entirely of shade-tolerant overstorey species with well-established canopy gaps; time
since stand replacing disturbance generally greater than 400 years for stands within the CWH.
Description
A description of the leaf-types of trees in a stand (only for structural stages 3-7)
C
B
M
Dossier: 13.0339
Coniferous (>75% of total tree cover is coniferous)
Broadleaf (>75% of the total tree cover is broadleaf)
Mixed (neither coniferous or broadleaf account for >75% of the total tree cover)
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Appendix: Disturbance codes applied to Shirley / Jordan
River SEI Mapping
Code
Description
Hbad
Hbw
Hrad
Hrw
Htw
Huad
Huw
Ll
Ls
null
buildings or structures (adjacent)
buildings or structures (within)
roads (adjacent)
roads (within)
trails (within polygon)
utility right-of-way (adjacent)
utility right-of-way (within)
land clearing
selective logging
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Appendix: Condition factors influencing ratings for sensitive
ecosystems in Shirley/Jordan River
SEI/OIE Class
Riparian
1
• no unnatural
edge
• no anthro
disturbance
evident
2
• < 25%
unnatural edge
• possibly some
anthro
disturbance
3
• 25 – 50%
unnatural edge
• substantial
anthro
disturbance
4
• 50 – 75%
unnatural edge
• substantial
anthro
disturbance
5
• > 75%
unnatural
edge
• sign’t anthro
disturbance
Wetlands and
All wetlands and ponds were ranked with a condition value of “1” to capture their significant
Ponds
importance despite their condition, as these sites all defaulted to High for Conservation Priority.
• no unnatural
• < 20%
• < 50% unnatural • <75% unnatural
• > 75%
edge
unnatural edge
edge
edge
unnatural
edge
• no
• no disturbance • some
• moderate
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
• sign’t
disturbance
• no unnatural
• < 20%
• < 50% unnatural • <75% unnatural
• > 75%
edge
unnatural edge
edge
edge
unnatural
edge
• no
• no disturbance • possibly some
• moderate
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
• sign’t
disturbance
• no unnatural
• < 20%
• < 50% unnatural • < 75% unnatural • sign’t
edge
unnatural edge
edge
edge
disturbance
• no disturbance • no or some
• some
• mod.
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
• no unnatural
• < 25%
• 25 – 50%
• 50 – 75%
• > 75%
edge
unnatural edge
unnatural edge
unnatural edge
unnatural
edge
• no anthro
• possibly some
• moderate
• substantial
disturbance
anthro
anthro
anthro
• sign’t anthro
evident
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
• no unnatural
• < 25%
• 25 – 50%
• 50 – 75%
• > 75%
edge
unnatural edge
unnatural edge
unnatural edge
unnatural
edge
• no anthro
• possibly some
• moderate
• substantial
disturbance
anthro
anthro
anthro
• sign’t anthro
evident
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
disturbance
Old Forest
Mature Forest
Woodland
Herbaceous
Sparsely
vegetated
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Appendix: Rare Wildlife with Potential for Critical Habitat in
Shirley/Jordan River
Scientific Name
Accipiter gentilis laingi
Falco peregrinus anatum
Sorex palustris brooksi
Anaxyrus boreas
Aneides vagrans
Ardea herodias fannini
Botaurus lentiginosus
Brachyramphus marmoratus
Butorides virescens
Cervus elaphus roosevelti
Contopus cooperi
Corynorhinus townsendii
Dendragapus fuliginosus
Falco peregrinus pealei
Glaucidium gnoma swarthi
Hirundo rustica
Megascops kennicottii kennicottii
Mustela erminea anguinae
Myotis keenii
Patagioenas fasciata
Rana aurora
Dossier: 13.0339
English Name
Northern Goshawk, laingi subspecies
Peregrine Falcon, anatum subspecies
American Water Shrew, brooksi
subspecies
Western Toad
Wandering Salamander
Great Blue Heron, fannini subspecies
American Bittern
Marbled Murrelet
Green Heron
Roosevelt Elk
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Townsend's Big-eared Bat
Sooty Grouse
Peregrine Falcon, pealei subspecies
Northern Pygmy-Owl, swarthi
subspecies
Barn Swallow
Western Screech-Owl, kennicottii
subspecies
Ermine, anguinae subspecies
Keen's Myotis
Band-tailed Pigeon
Northern Red-legged Frog
BC List
Red
Red
Red
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
Blue
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