PROPOSED LIST OF WILDLIFE HABITAT FEATURES

Transcription

1 PROPOSED LIST OF WILDLIFE HABITAT FEATURES Schedule 1. Proposed Wildlife Habitat Features: 1. a fisheries sensitive feature 2. a marine sensitive feature 3. a significant mineral lick 4. a significant wallow 5. a nest of a Bald Eagle 6. a nest of an Osprey 7. a nest of a Great Blue Heron 8. a nest of a Queen Charlotte Goshawk 9. a nest of an Ancient Murrelet 10. a nest of a Marbled Murrelet 11. a nest of a Spotted Owl 12. a nest of a White-headed Woodpecker 13. a nest of a Lewis s Woodpecker 14. a nest of a Flammulated Owl 15. a nest of an Interior Western Screech Owl 16. a nest of a Williamson s Sapsucker 17. a nest of a Queen Charlotte Northern Saw-whet owl 18. a hibernaculum used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis. 19. a maternity roost used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis. 20. a ground burrow of a Mountain Beaver 21. a ground den of a Grizzly Bear 22. a hot spring or thermal spring 23. a Scouler s corydalis 24. a Tall Bugbane 25. a non-classified wetland or ephemeral pond associated with a species at risk

2 Schedule 2. Wildlife Habitat Feature Definitions and Descriptions The following definitions and descriptions apply to the wildlife habitat features (WHF) outlined in Schedule Fisheries sensitive feature A fisheries sensitive feature means a flooded depression, side or back channel, estuary, lake littoral zone, pond, swamp, flooded woodland area, valley wall-based tributary, slough or fen that: (a) either perennially or seasonally contains water; AND (b) is seasonally occupied by fish as included in the definition of fish stream in the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation; AND (c) does not meet the Forest and Range Practices Act definitions of a classified stream, classified wetland, or classified lake. A fisheries sensitive feature is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as it meets the definition above. 2. Marine sensitive feature A marine sensitive feature includes the following ecologically important habitats, biotic communities, or species which are sensitive to disturbances from coastal forestry practices, except where a tenure has been granted by government for the purposes of handling logs: 1. herring spawning areas; 2. shellfish beds; 3. saltwater marsh areas; 4. existing aquaculture sites; 5. juvenile salmonid rearing areas; 6. adult salmon holding areas; and 7. the seaward portion of estuaries that do not meet the definition of a stream. A marine sensitive feature is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as it meets the definition above.

3 3. Significant mineral lick A significant mineral lick means an area used on a habitual basis by ungulates to obtain dietary macro minerals including sodium, calcium and phosphorous as well as trace minerals such as manganese, copper and selenium and that is (a) regionally rare on the landscape; or (b) used annually by more than one species; or (c) used by a large proportion of individuals within a population. A significant mineral lick that has been used within the preceding 2 years is considered a wildlife habitat feature. Three types of mineral licks are recognized: 1. a wet or mucky lick found in seepage areas; 2. a dry earth exposure such as clay or lacustrine deposits found above river cutbanks; and 3. rock face lick. A well-established trail or braided trail system through forested and non-forested areas often leads to a mineral lick site. A trail and lick will be used most frequently in the spring and early summer, although mountain goats and mountain sheep also visit mineral lick sites during the fall (October-November). A mineral lick may be both dry and wet and may be located in or near seepage areas and hot springs. Evidence of use may include teeth marks, pellets, tracks and hair. 4. A significant wallow A significant wallow means a shallow wet/mucky depression or pit in the ground that is a) created by ungulates (moose, bison, elk, mountain goat) or grizzly bear through digging, trampling or rolling and ranging in size from 2-3 m to several meters wide and typically less than 20 cm deep OR b) an existing wet depression used by ungulates or grizzly bears to wallow. A significant wallow is typically used annually by one or more species. A significant wallow that has been used within the preceding 2 years is considered a wildlife habitat feature.

4 An ungulate will roll in a wallow to cover themselves in mud or dust to provide relief from biting insects. In addition, wallowing may serve a social function during the breeding season where a male ungulate (e.g., moose and elk) will urinate in the wallow and roll in it to attract females. A bear will roll in a wallow to help cool themselves in summer, and as a method of marking their presence to other bears. A wallow can be characterized by disturbed vegetation (grasses/sedges/low shrubs) as a result of pawing digging or rolling, often in a non-forested area for ungulates (e.g., wet meadow). These sites may have a strong odour of urine and may have tracks, hair or droppings nearby. A grizzly bear wallow will be located where there is seepage or the water table is close to the surface (e.g., near skunk cabbage seeps). A typical location is in or beside a shrubby fringe of an estuary and wetland, in an open forest where an underground spring comes to the surface, or in small pocket of imperfect drainage. A grizzly bear wallow contains lots of shed hairs and also provides excellent conditions for tracks. The edges of a bear wallow may be worn smooth from bears laying and rubbing against them. Tree branches, roots and duff along the edges usually have an abundance of snagged hairs. The fine bear hairs contrast with the coarse hair of ungulates. A grizzly bear wallow is often found in proximity to mark trees (trees marked or scratched by bears), and well-worn bear trails or mark trails may also lead to or skirt around the wallow. 5. Nest of a Bald Eagle A nest of a Bald Eagle means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Bald Eagle to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of a Bald Eagle including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as: a) the nest remains in the tree, or b) the tree remains standing and capable of supporting a nest of a Bald Eagle, even if the nest is no longer present in the tree. A Bald Eagle will build a large stick nest in tree crotches, on branches next to the trunk, or near the crown of the tree. A nest is generally a large cup-shaped platform with a relatively flat top constructed with dead sticks, twigs and branches. On the coast most nests occur in coniferous trees whereas in the interior most nests occur in deciduous trees. On treeless offshore islands, nesting may occur on the ground, usually on cliffs or steep slopes.

5 6. Nest of an Osprey A nest of an Osprey means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by an Osprey to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of an Osprey including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as: a) the nest remains in the tree, or b) the tree remains standing and capable of supporting a nest of an Osprey, even if the nest is no longer present in the tree. An osprey will build a large stick nest, typically in a tree or on a man-made structure, from sea level to at least 1, 070 m and in close proximity to permanent water sources. Most tree nests are in dead trees at or near the top of the tree. Nests in British Columbia have been found to range from 0.6 to 2.3 m in diameter and 0.3 to 1.7 m in thickness. Nest height is variable with location. 7. Nest of a Great Blue Heron A nest of a Great Blue Heron means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Great Blue Heron to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of a Great Blue Heron including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as: a) the nest remains in the tree, or b) the tree remains standing and capable of supporting a nest of a Great Blue Heron, even if the nest is no longer present in the tree. A Great Blue Heron will build a large stick nest platform generally 1 metre in diameter and approximately 38 cm in depth. Colonies occur in relatively contiguous forest, fragmented forest, and solitary trees. Nests are generally located close together, although highly dispersed colonies have been reported. The most common tree species used for breeding on the coast are red alder (Alnus rubra), black cottonwood (Populus balsamifera), bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii). In the southeastern interior, black cottonwood comprises 54% of nest trees with coniferous species Douglas-fir, western white pine (Pinus monticola), hybrid white spruce (Picea glauca

6 engelmannii), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) accounting for the remaining 46%. 8. Nest of a Queen Charlotte Goshawk A nest of a Queen Charlotte Goshawk means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Queen Charlotte Goshawk to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of a Queen Charlotte Goshawk including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as: a) the tree has been used for nesting within the preceding 10 years; and b) the tree remains standing and capable of supporting a nest of a Queen Charlotte Goshawk, even if the nest is no longer present in the tree. A goshawk will build a large stick nest, typically adjacent to the trunk of a large tree and within the lower third or half of the tree height. A nest is lined with bark strips, evergreen sprigs (often cedar sprigs) and feathers. A sample of nests on Vancouver Island averaged 100 cm across and 4 to 10 cm deep. Based on general goshawk data, two to four eggs are laid and are approximately 5.7 cm long, 4.5 cm wide, bluish-white (can be blotchy). A Queen Charlotte goshawk will construct a nest in a mature or old forest stand. The top or canopy of these stands provides a moderately-high (40 to 80%) canopy closure. Nests are located in forests characterized by standing dead and downed wood. Nests are typically found in the largest trees in the stand, although sometimes they are found within trees that have deformities (such as multiple leaders and proliferous branching caused by hemlock mistletoe). On Vancouver Island, most nest platforms are in live Douglas-fir and western hemlock, whereas in Haida Gwaii nests are found in live and dead western hemlock trees. Forests on Vancouver Island and the south coast of B.C. s mainland could be suitable habitat for nest construction by Northern Goshawks when they are over 60 years old. Forests on the north coast and in Haida Gwaii are likely not suitable for this purpose until they are over 80 years old. Nests are usually found in trees on benches or slopes with a gentle to moderate incline (less than 40%) and at the bottom two-thirds of the slope. 9. Nest of an Ancient Murrelet A nest of an Ancient Murrelet means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by an Ancient Murrelet to hold its eggs or offspring.

7 A nest of an Ancient Murrelet that is intact and functional, whether currently used or not, is considered a wildlife habitat feature. An Ancient Murrelet will nest in a burrow dug into the ground beneath mature Sitka spruce or western hemlock on seaward slopes or flat areas. A burrow entrance can be found at the base of a tree, stump, or fallen log; infrequently the bird will nest in a rock crevice or natural cavity in a rotten log. A burrow tunnel is up to 2 m long. An Ancient Murrelet will excavate their own burrow or use a burrow excavated by other individuals in a previous year. Most Ancient Murrelet burrows are located within 300 m of the ocean, but may be found up to 450 m from shore. In British Columbia, Ancient Murrelet colonies are located on forested islands offshore from the main islands in the Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii archipelago. 10. Nest of a Marbled Murrelet A nest of a Marbled Murrelet means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Marbled Murrelet to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of a Marbled Murrelet including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature: a) for the duration of the breeding season, from the point of site selection until the young have successfully fledged, or in the absence of such information, from April 1 through September 30; and b) for a period of two years from the date of last occupancy if the nest is located in an area of documented nest re-use. A Marbled Murrelet will nest on large, mossy limb (platform) in the canopy of a large conifer in old-growth forest within 50 km of the ocean. A Marbled Murrelet does not appear to select specific tree species for nesting. Instead, nest location appears to be driven by the presence of suitable platforms on large (15 to 74 cm diameter) limbs or limb deformities. In B.C., most nests are found in yellow cedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, and western red-cedar, with fewer in mountain hemlock and amabilis fir. One nest is found in a large alder tree. Apart from the alder nest, all tree nests found in B.C. are in coniferous trees older than 140 years (age class 8), and most are older than 250 years (age class 9). A nest is typically in the upper half of the tree, in the mid- to lower-canopy. Most nests in B.C. were m high in trees 30 to 60 m tall, but smaller trees are sometimes used, especially in higher elevations. Nests in B.C. are found at

8 elevations varying from sea level to 1,100 m. Nests are typically found in larger trees with more platforms than other trees nearby. Four confirmed and two probable nests have been found on the mossy ledges of cliffs in B.C. Most often the nest is a simple depression in the epiphytic moss and lichen layer, although other soft substrate such as duff or leaf litter may be used. The nest is typically located on a large limb, within 1 to 2 m of the tree trunk, and partially sheltered by overhanging foliage. The nest cup is approximately 10 cm in diameter and 4 cm in depth. Usually no additional material is added to the nest, but nests occupied by chicks typically contain eggshell fragments, have a ring of white feces, and, after fledging, contain down from the chick. There is frequently a distinctive landing pad near the nest where the arriving and departing adults have abraded the epiphytes. A single yellowish or pale olive green egg, spotted with brown, black, or lavender is laid. Re-use of nest trees in subsequent breeding seasons by nesting Marbled Murrelets has been documented on the Sunshine Coast, southeast Vancouver Island, and in California, Oregon and Washington, but has not yet been documented among the 37 nest sites found on southwest Vancouver Island. In areas where re-use has been documented, multiple nests have been found in the same tree, and the same nest cup is sometimes re-used. 11. Nest of a Spotted Owl A nest of a Spotted Owl means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Spotted Owl to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. The nest of a Spotted Owl including the tree containing the nest is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as: a) the nest remains in the tree, or b) the tree remains standing and capable of supporting a nest of a Spotted Owl, even if the nest is no longer present in the tree. A Spotted Owl will not create its own nest structure, but will use a variety of pre-formed structures that are typically found in late seral stage forests. Structures include cavities in the side and on top of both living and dead trees, as well as platforms constructed by other birds, natural accumulations of debris, and mistletoe brooms. Two nests have been documented on cliff ledges in Oregon; however, in most regions nesting is limited to trees. Nesting substrate in cavity nests tends to consist of natural accumulations of decomposing wood, bark, conifer needles, cones, small twigs and insect tillings. Small amounts of lichen and moss are sometimes mixed with the debris. Platform nests generally consist of a compacted mass of old conifer needles and small twigs, lichen and moss. Eggs are laid in a simple depression scraped out by the female in the existing

9 debris. The nest eventually becomes lined with a small amount of down from the female s brood patch. Nests that have been re-used several times may also contain a powdery mixture of bones and old pellets, either intermixed with the substrate, or forming a distinct layer. Fresh feces and pellets are clearly evident in recent or active nests. Nest structure type, tree species and the size of nest trees (dbh) appear to vary according to habitat type. Selection is thought to be based largely on the availability of suitable cavities and platforms. Spotted Owls nest in both coastal [wet or Coastal Western Hemlock Zone (CWH) and Coastal Douglas-fir Zone (CDF)] forests and interior [dry or Interior Douglas-fir Zone (IDF)] forests in British Columbia. Documented nest structures include chimneys (snags or trees with snapped tops creating a large cavity at the breakage site), cavities created at the site of broken branches or tree leaders, a large mistletoe, and an abandoned Goshawk nest. Chimneys are the most commonly used structure overall, with branch cavities most commonly used in the CWH zone. Douglas fir is the most common species of nest tree; however nests were also documented in Western hemlocks, Western red cedars, and a black cottonwood in the IDF zone. Nest trees in the CWH zone are larger in dbh and taller than those in the IDF. Nests tend to be situated higher in the tree in the CWH zone. Live trees are predominantly used for nesting in the CWH zone, whereas snags are more commonly used in the IDF. 12. Nest of a White-headed Woodpecker A nest of a White-headed Woodpecker means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a White-headed Woodpecker to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. While the tree containing the nest of a White-headed Woodpecker remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat features, even if the nest is not currently in use. A White-headed Woodpecker is a cavity nester that excavates holes in trees or other wooden structures. The cavity has an entrance diameter that may range from cm, a depth ranging from 21 to 25 cm and an internal diameter between 9.2 and 13 cm. The cavity is typically located in large-diameter conifer trees, within 5 m of ground level. Nests are almost always found in completely dead trees. Of seven nests found in B.C., five were found in ponderosa pine (living and dead), one in a Douglas-fir snag, and one in a stump. Nest trees tend to have a relatively large diameter at breast height (dbh) (60 80 cm), with nest tree heights ranging from m.

10 13. Nest of a Lewis s Woodpecker A nest of a Lewis s Woodpecker means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Lewis s Woodpecker to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. While the tree containing the nest of a Lewis s Woodpecker remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the nest is not currently in use. A Lewis s Woodpecker will nest in a living or dead deciduous or coniferous tree in British Columbia with ponderosa pine (47% of 215 nests) and black cottonwood (33%) being the most common nest trees reported. Other tree species used in the Interior include domestic cherry and apple, ornamental maple, Douglas-fir, western larch (Larix occidentalis), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), alder, (Alnus rubra) paper birch (Betula papyrifera), ornamental willow, elm, and Lombardy poplar. A Lewis s Woodpecker can excavate its own cavity, but will reuse old Lewis s Woodpecker, Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus), or Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus) nest holes or natural cavities. Live trees and dead trees with heartrot provide suitable nesting trees. Softer snags are preferred. In British Columbia, nest heights (n = 212) ranged from 1.0 to 30.5 m with most nests (64%) recorded between 3.5 and 9.0 m. The characteristics of Lewis s Woodpecker nest trees vary among locations, and dbh varies among nest tree species (Ponderosa pine 59.2 ± 21.9 cm, Douglas-fir 48.3 ± 13.6 cm, Black cottonwood 71.0 ± 33.0 cm, Birch 47.5 ± 13.4 cm, Aspen 34.2 ± 11.3 cm, Western larch 47.0 ± 9.9 cm) Typical breeding habitat in the interior of British Columbia includes deciduous groves (e.g., mature cottonwood stands), open ponderosa pine forests, recent burns, sagebrush/pine/bunchgrass grasslands, agricultural areas, and urban environments. Good breeding habitat is characterized by an open canopy (e.g., <25% crown closure), the availability of a suitable dead or dying tree (>30 cm dbh) for a nesting site, and understorey vegetation that provides an abundant supply of insects. Where closed canopy riparian stands are used, trees at the edge of the stand are usually used for nesting. 14. Nest of a Flammulated Owl A nest of a Flammulated Owl means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Flammulated Owl to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure.

11 While the tree containing the nest of a Flammulated Owl remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the nest is not currently in use. A Flammulated Owl is a cavity nester and it predominantly nests in cavities created by Pileated Woodpeckers and Northern Flickers. Important nesting habitat includes multiage class stands with multiple canopy layers, and a veteran tree component for nesting and roosting. Snags with cavities (wildlife tree classes 3 6) provide nesting habitat. Occasionally, a nest can be found in class 7 wildlife trees, particularly if the tree species is ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). The species has been known to use both ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees for nesting, although in several studies Flammulated Owls selected large-diameter ponderosa pine disproportionately to Douglas-fir for nesting. In British Columbia, the diameter at breast height (dbh) of Flammulated Owl nest trees was 63.8 cm ± The mean dbh varied slightly between tree species (Ponderosa pine 65.7 ± 12.8, Douglas-fir ± 14.6). Nests are often located within and/or near foraging habitat, characterized by small forest openings (<1 ha) adjacent to Douglas-fir thickets and/or large veteran Douglas-firs or ponderosa pines with heavy branching for security. 15. Nest of a Western Screech Owl, macfarlanei subspecies A nest of a Western Screech Owl, macfarlanei subspecies, means a structure, or part of a structure prepared by or used by a Western Screech Owl, macfarlanei subspecies to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. While the tree containing the nest of a Western Screech Owl, macfarlanei subspecies, remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the nest is not currently in use. A Western Screech Owl will nest in cavities; including those naturally occurring in snags and live trees, and those excavated by woodpeckers. No nesting material is added to the cavity. Nests for all subspecies range from 1 to 12 m above ground, generally in trees greater than 25 cm in diameter at breast height (dbh). A cavity with an entrance close to the owl s size (about 7 cm in diameter) is preferred. Western Screech-owls are strongly associated with low-elevation (360 to 840 m) 3 deciduous, coniferous, or mixed woodlands close to water (riparian areas), but may be found in other areas as well. In the Okanagan Valley, this species frequents narrow riparian zones dominated by water birch, black cottonwood, or trembling aspen. Very few actual nests of the macfarlanei subspecies are known from B.C., however those that have been found are in cavities in

12 black cottonwood, Douglas-fir, water birch trees, and nest boxes. Other tree species may also be used. 16. Nest of a Williamson s Sapsucker A nest of a Williamson s Sapsucker means a structure, or part of a structure, prepared by or used by a Williamson s Sapsucker to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. While the tree containing the nest of a Williamson s Sapsucker remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the nest is not currently in use. Typically, a Williamson s Sapsucker will nest in trees with outward signs of decay because they are relatively weak excavators and will not excavate cavities in completely sound wood. Nests east of Okanagan Lake, in the largest population of this bird in B.C. (Okanagan-Grand Forks), are typically in veteran western larch trees of relatively large diameter and age compared to other trees in the same stands. Only one Williamson s Sapsucker nest tree has been aged; 80 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) western larch aged 543 years at stump height. 80% of live western larch nest trees were >69 cm dbh. Secondary nest trees are deciduous broad-leaved trees including trembling aspen, water birch and black cottonwood. Other nest trees are spruce, Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir. The majority of western larch trees used for nesting are alive, but the majority of other trees used are dead. West of Okanagan Lake, western larch is largely absent and the majority of nests are found in trembling aspen (60%; n = 42) followed by Ponderosa pine (31%). Nests in B.C. have are found at elevations ranging from 700 m to 1520 m. Nest trees range in height from 49 m standing live trees to 5 m broken-trunk dead trees. Nest trees in Canada occur within a wide range of crown closures from clearcuts with single-tree reserves to dense closed-canopy forests. More important to Williamson s Sapsucker are the characteristics of the nest tree itself, and access to suitable foraging habitat within 400 m of the nest tree. Williamson s Sapsucker nests can only be recognized definitively by observing birds at the nest cavity because the size and shape of the entrance hole is not different from similarly sized woodpeckers and sapsuckers found in the same areas, including Rednaped Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, American Three-toed Woodpeckers and Blackbacked Woodpeckers. Entrance diameter of the nest hole is approximately 3 to 4 cm. Nests may be found at any height on the tree, and are found as low as 1 m in B.C., and as low as 0.8 m in Colorado.

13 17. Nest of a Queen Charlotte Northern Saw-whet Owl A nest of a Queen Charlotte Northern Saw-whet Owl means a structure, or part of a structure prepared by or used by a Queen Charlotte Northern Saw-whet Owl to hold its eggs or offspring, and includes the tree containing the structure. While the tree containing the nest of a Queen Charlotte Northern Saw-whet Owl remains standing it is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the nest is not currently in use. A Northern Saw-whet Owl will nest in a tree cavity, and will use a suitable nest box when available. A wildlife tree with a cavity is required for nesting in the absence of a nest box. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a secondary cavity nester that will use old woodpecker nest sites in either coniferous or deciduous wildlife trees. Heart rot decadence may be a critical feature. Of two nests found in British Columbia for this subspecies, one was in a cavity located on the bole of a western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) snag and the other in a cavity in a Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) snag. Both nest trees were classified as decay class 5 and >100 cm dbh. Tree heights were 28 m and 15 m, respectively. Highest nesting densities occur in coniferous forests. Early seral and mature forest habitats are used within the home range. Sites with owls are closer to riparian habitat and have more old forest (>120-year-old) and more young forest (10 to 30-year-old) than sites without owls. 18. Hibernaculum used by Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis or Fringed Myotis. A hibernaculum used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis means a site where these bats hibernate during the winter. A bat hibernaculum used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis that is intact and functional is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the hibernaculum is not currently in use. Depending on the bat species, a hibernaculum (plural: hibernacula) can be found in tree cavities, caves, rock crevices, mine tunnels, buildings and tree cavities. Most of the

14 known hibernacula in British Columbia are in caves, cliff crevices or horizontal mine tunnels. Karst landscapes with their many caves and sink holes are especially significant areas for bat hibernacula. A few species may also hibernate in tree cavities or under the bark of trees. The temperature and humidity range used for hibernation varies with the species, but in general, bats select areas with high humidity and cool (1 to 8 ºC) temperatures that vary little throughout winter. Other features of hibernacula are that they are dark and secluded with little disturbance from human activity. Over-wintering sites or hibernacula are essential in providing shelter throughout the winter months, and depending on the bat species may be the location of intermittent mating during the hibernation period. 19. Maternity Roost used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis. A bat maternity roost used by a Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis means a site that houses an aggregation of these female bats and their young. A maternity roost used by Pallid Bat, Townsend s Big-eared Bat, Spotted Bat, Keen s Long-eared Myotis, Northern Long-eared Myotis, or a Fringed Myotis that is intact and functional is considered a wildlife habitat feature, even if the hibernaculum is not currently in use. Many bat species rear their young colonially, and consequently, numerous individuals can be found at a single maternity roost feature during the summer birthing and nursing period. Locations for maternity roosts include trees, rock crevices and buildings; caves and mine tunnels are rarely used in British Columbia. Temperature requirements vary with the bat species, but in general, female bats select sites with warm temperatures that promote rapid growth of the young. Bats using tree roosts prefer to roost in older forests where they select wildlife trees with a moderate decay stage (tree classes 2 to 6), large diameter and height, and with much of their bark remaining. The maternity roost may be located under bark or in hollow cavities. Rock crevices used for maternity sites are usually in warm, inaccessible sites on south-facing aspects. A maternity colony roost is a feature used by reproductive females for the birthing and rearing of young, and must therefore provide ideal conditions of high temperature and high relative humidity. While foraging at night, mothers leave young in the roost. These structures also provide the following: a) refuge in which to sleep, b) thermal insulation and protection, which are especially important in times of inclement weather. Adult females regulate their body temperature by entering torpor or cluster with roostmates to stay warm,

15 c) protection from predators and disturbance, d) a place for resting, grooming, transmitting information, and facilitating social bonds, and e) critical areas for pup birthing, growth and development, juvenile survival, and overall reproductive success. 20. A ground burrow of a Mountain Beaver A ground burrow of a Mountain Beaver means an excavated hole that descends below ground and that is currently or previously inhabited by a Mountain Beaver. A Mountain Beaver ground burrow that has been used within the preceding 3 years is considered a wildlife habitat feature. Mountain beavers can be found in a variety of habitats, from clearcuts and canopy openings, to stream courses and densely forested stands. In all cases these habitats must have deep, firm and well-developed soils that allow tunnel, runway and burrow construction, a cool and moist microclimate within tunnels and burrows; and suitable succulent forage within 50 m of burrows (succulent herbs such as ferns are preferred, along with various shrubs). Mountain Beaver burrows are characterized by mounds of dirt at the entrance of burrows that may be conspicuous and seen from a considerable distance. In flat topography, check high spots or small knolls as the sides of these features provide easier digging conditions and, as a result, may be preferred for burrows. Piles of fresh or wilting vegetation are often found outside burrow entrances. Droppings and claw marks are usually present at the entrance of burrows. 21. A ground den of a Grizzly Bear A ground den of a Grizzly Bear means an excavated hole that descends below ground that is currently or previously inhabited by a grizzly bear. Duration of Designation: A ground den of a Grizzly Bear that has been used within the preceding year is considered a wildlife habitat feature. Grizzly Bear dens are characterized by mounds of dirt or rocks at the entrance, which may be conspicuous and seen from a considerable distance. This is particularly true at

16 spring snow melt when soil from the den gets tracked onto the surrounding snow, thereby enhancing melting immediately around the den (i.e., the den area becomes more visible). In flat topography, check high spots or small knolls as the sides of these features provide easier digging conditions and, as a result, may be preferred for ground dens. Tracks in the snow often lead to or from the den. The den entrance is approximately 75 cm in diameter and chambers range from 150 to 225 cm in diameter with a height of approximately 125 cm. A den is usually lined with shrub branches, tree boughs, duff or grass. However, some dens may be unlined. Fresh material with little or no vegetation growing on the debris pile may indicate a freshly dug den. Hair is often visible at the den entrance and in bedding material. A den is typically excavated on moderately-steep to steep slopes (approximately 40 to 90%) in alpine, subalpine and montane environments. Grizzly dens can also be found under the root wads of large trees and occasionally in sheltered, dry caves or rock cavities. In some locations, especially where soil, digging, drainage and shelter conditions are optimum (i.e., slope, soil texture, aspect, snow cover, security), more than one den site can be found in a relatively small area (1 to 2 ha). These sites can be used year after year as hibernation sites by bears. 22. Hot spring or thermal spring A hot spring or thermal spring means a source of water that is heated geothermically and comes to the surface. There is no defined minimum temperature for this heated water. There are approximately 90 hot springs or thermal spring in British Columbia. These springs often support unique plant and animal communities, either directly within the spring or in the surrounding riparian area. The riparian vegetation surrounding a hot spring may be conspicuously different from other vegetation in the vicinity. A number of red listed plants and animals are associated with hot springs. Hot springs tend to be more obvious in late summer when many other water bodies are dry. Geological or geothermal maps for the area may show potential hot springs (see Geothermal map of British Columbia. URL: ). 23. Scouler s corydalis A Scouler s corydalis means the area occupied by a Scouler s corydalis plant. Plants located along road right-of-ways and ditch lines are not considered a wildlife habitat feature. The area occupied by a Scouler s corydalis, where the plant has been observed in the preceding 2 years, is considered a wildlife habitat feature.

17 A Scouler s corydalis is a large plant, growing from 0.6 to 1.2 metres tall. It has a hollow, upright stem, with large bluegreen leaves that appear on the upper half of the plant in early spring. In May to June, it produces clusters of 15 to 35 pink, showy flowers on top of the stem. These form small pod-like capsules containing shiny black seeds. Scouler s corydalis spreads, in part, through underground rhizomes, sometimes forming a raised carpet in the forest understory. During the fall Scouler s corydalis dies back and is not as easily seen. In British Columbia, Scouler s corydalis is restricted to extreme southwestern Vancouver Island. It is found in the Nitinat River valley, the northeast shore of Nitinat Lake, the Klanawa River valley, the Kissinger Lake area, immediately west of Cowichan Lake, and Heather Lake. Scouler s corydalis occurs in young through old stands of deciduous or mixed forest. It grows in cool, moist, and moderately shady habitats adjacent to watercourses. Floodplains, alluvial flats and river benches are prime habitats. It occurs in dominant red alder (Alnus rubra) stands, but is also found in mixed conifer stands with mature big-leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) and Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), as well as red alder, western redcedar (Thuja plicata) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Understorey associates include swordfern (Polystichum munitum), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), devil s club (Oplopanax horridis), and stink currant (Ribes bracteosum). 24. Tall Bugbane A Tall Bugbane means the area occupied by a Tall Bugbane plant. Plants located along road right-of-ways and ditch lines are not considered a wildlife habitat feature. The area occupied by a Tall Bugbane, where the plant has been observed in the preceding 10 years, is considered a wildlife habitat feature. The plant has maple-like leaves with hairs on the upper surface and smooth below. Leaves are usually arranged in clusters of 3 with 9 to 17 leaflets. The leaflets have 5 to 7 lobes with coarsely toothed margins. The erect stems are covered with fine downy hairs. Mature stems often persist into the winter. It flowers from mid-june to early August and flowers consist of 50 to 900 tiny white flowers along an upright to drooping spike. Seed capsules are small, papery and look like tiny ribbed pea-pods measuring 3 to 4 mm in length. In British Columbia, tall bugbane is only known to occur in the extreme southwest part of the province, in the Cultus Lake and Chilliwack River valley area near Chilliwack. This species grows in shady, moist western redcedar forests (approximately 70 to 150 years old), commonly in Thuja plicata-polystichum munitum-achlys triphylla communities. It

18 is nearly always associated with bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) as part of the overstory. However, it has been found in B.C. on road-cuts, in clearcuts, and in mature forests with strong deciduous components. Natural canopy gaps provide the opportunity for flowering and the establishment of progeny. 25. Non-classified wetland or ephemeral pond associated with a species at risk A non-classified wetland associated with a species at risk means a wetland that is: a) not classified under the Forest and Range Practices Act; b) located within the IDF, PP, BG and SBPS biogeoclimatic zones in the Southern Interior Forest Region and the SBPS, SBS and BWBS biogeoclimatic zones in the Northern Interior Forest Region; c) <1 ha in size in all biogeoclimatic zones, except for the BG, PP and IDFxh, xw, xm where a non-classified wetland is defined as less than 0.25 ha in size; and d) occupied or used by a red- or blue-listed species as defined by the conservation data centre An ephemeral pond associated with a species at risk means a seasonal wetland that is a) filled with spring meltwater or seasonal rains; b) typically dry by mid-summer; c) located within the IDF, PP, BG and SBPS biogeoclimatic zones in the Southern Interior Forest Region and the SBPS, SBS and BWBS biogeoclimatic zones in the Northern Interior Forest Region; and d) occupied or used by a red- or blue-listed species as defined by the conservation data centre. A non-classified wetland or ephemeral pond associated with a species at risk is considered a wildlife habitat feature as long as it remains capable of being a wetland or ephemeral pond and providing habitat for species at risk, even if it is not currently used. Non-classified wetlands and ephemeral ponds are small wetlands that may have variable water levels depending on seasonal precipitation and snow runoff levels. At any time of the year, particularly during the height of summer, these wetlands can become completely dry and easily overlooked. Some ephemeral ponds may remain dry for several years during periods of extended drought. They are often characterized by flat, hardpan soils that have become dry and, at times, deeply cracked when seasonal waters evaporate. Riparian vegetation and plant species (e.g., rushes, sedges) that are typically associated with wetlands are often found around the perimeter of flat open areas that may have once been covered in water. Salt, alkaline or other mineral deposits that rim flat depressions or expanses may be left behind by evaporating waters.