GMSWORKS 12/13 Water License Requirements

Transcription

1 GMSWORKS 12/13 Water License Requirements Peace and Williston Recreational Access Feasibility Study Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake FINAL REPORT 777 W. Broadway Suite 301 Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4J7 In association with March 5, 2010 MN Project 6683

2 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT BACKGROUND SCOPE OF WORK REPORT ORGANIZATION INSPECTION FINDINGS OF THE POTENTIAL BOAT LAUNCH RAMP SITES AND EXISTING BOAT LAUNCH FACILITIES SITE LOCATIONS DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITES EAST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE WEST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE FEASIBILITY DESIGN OF BOAT LAUNCH RAMP AT THE STUDY LOCATIONS DESIGN BASIS CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF BOAT LAUNCH RAMPS DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE WEST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW GENERAL DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE WEST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW GENERAL DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE WEST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE RECOMMENDATIONS COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE WEST SIDE OF DUNLEVY INLET ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE DUNLEVY ALTERNATIVE SITE ELIZABETH CREEK DINOSAUR LAKE CLOSURE Final Report Page i of ii

3 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1.1: Location Map for the Peace Project (Source: BC Hydro)... 1 Figure 2.1: Location Map for Williston and Dinosaur Sites (Source: Google Earth)... 5 Figure 2.2: Location Map for Dunlevy Sites (Source: Google Earth)... 6 Figure 3.1: Water Surface Elevations at Williston Reservoir LIST OF TABLES Table 6.1: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 1: Estimated Construction Cost Table 6.2: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 1: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Table 6.3: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 2: Estimated Construction Cost Table 6.4: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 2: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Table 6.5: Dunlevy Alternative Site: Estimated Construction Cost Table 6.6: Dunlevy Alternative Site: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Table 6.7: Elizabeth Creek: Estimated Construction Cost Table 6.8: Elizabeth Creek: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Table 6.9: Dinosaur Lake: Estimated Construction Cost Table 6.10: Dinosaur Lake: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Table 6.11: Summary of Estimates for Capital and Annual Maintenance Costs APPENDICES APPENDIX A: DRAWINGS APPENDIX B: PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN ON FIELD TRIP AT WILLISTON RESERVOIR AND DINOSAUR LAKE, MAY 19-20, 2009 APPENDIX C: ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT APPENDIX D: ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT Final Report Page ii of ii

4 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Project Background Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake The headwaters of the Peace River, a tributary of the Mackenzie River, are located in north-western British Columbia. The Peace is formed by the confluence of the Finlay and Parsnip rivers flowing in opposite directions in the Rocky Mountain Trench. At the confluence, the Peace flows east and is the only river to cut through the Rocky Mountains as shown in Figure 1.1. Once out of the Peace Canyon, the river maintains an easterly direction, crossing the British Columbia/Alberta border. The Peace River is confluent with the Slave River that, in turn, flows north into Great Slave Lake in the Northwest Territories. The Mackenzie River begins at the outlet of Great Slave Lake and flows north to the Arctic Ocean. The W.A.C. Bennett Dam (a component of the Peace Project), is a large hydroelectric earth-filled structure which was constructed on the Peace River in 1968 to create the Williston Lake Reservoir. The Williston Lake Reservoir was formed when the Finlay and Peace River valleys were flooded on completion of the dam. Figure 1.1: Location Map for the Peace Project (Source: BC Hydro) Final Report Page 1 of 29

5 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake The existing works comprising the Peace Project include the W.A.C. Bennett Dam; the G.M. Shrum Generating Station; the Peace Canyon Dam; and the Peace Canyon Generating Station. As part of the Water Use Agreement, BC Hydro is obligated to provide physical works on the reservoir that will allow recreational/sports users to access the Peace River and Williston Reservoir throughout the annual water level cycles in the river and reservoirs. The Peace Water Use Plan Consultative Committee was tasked with the mandate to determine the requirements and make recommendations for recreational access on the river and reservoir. The Peace Water Use Plan Consultative Committee recommended a package that included operating constraints and physical works for the Peace System that would result in enhanced recreational access to the Williston Reservoir, the Dinosaur Reservoir, and the Peace River below Peace Canyon Dam. To fulfill its requirements to the Order issued by the Comptroller of Water Rights, BC Hydro commissioned a feasibility study for access to the reservoir and for improvements to the access points to the reservoir. The objectives of this feasibility study are to review options, and to provide recommendations for such physical works. 1.2 Scope of Work In accordance with the Terms of Reference (TOR) provided by BCH and with discussions at the project initiation meeting held on May 19, 2009, the present phase of the feasibility study includes the following tasks: Perform a reconnaissance survey of the existing boat launch ramp and the best relocation alternative for the ramp at Dunlevy on the Peace Reach of the Williston Reservoir. The relocation alternative is to be identified by the project team. Perform a reconnaissance survey of the existing boat launch ramp at Elizabeth Creek on the Peace Reach of the Williston Reservoir. Perform a reconnaissance survey of the existing boat launch ramp, dock, and breakwater at Hudson s Hope Park on Dinosaur Lake. Determine the feasibility of the boat launch ramps and (where relevant) of the upgraded or relocated dock and breakwater based on engineering technical feasibility, archaeological feasibility, and environmental criteria, and also provide recommendations for each site. The feasibility of enhanced recreational access to the Peace River downstream of the Peace Canyon Dam was investigated in an earlier phase of the feasibility study. The final reports for both phases are presented as separate submissions. 1.3 Report Organization The field investigation program for this study is described in Section 2 below. This section also includes a report on telephone discussions with local boat ramp users suggested by BC Hydro. The analysis of ramp design alternatives is provided in Section 3. Sections 4 and 5 respectively present a summary of the environmental and heritage issues associated with the proposed developments. Cost-benefit analyses of the development options are presented in Section 6, with conclusions and recommendations for further work in Section 7. Our closing remarks are in Section 8. Final Report Page 2 of 29

6 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Appendix A contains drawings including a project location map, site map with opportunities and constraints, and concept layout plans of the existing and potential new facilities. Appendix B contains photographs taken during the field visits. Appendix C contains the full Environmental Overview Assessment report prepared by our team partner, Triton Environmental (Triton). Appendix D contains the Archaeological Overview Assessment (AOA) report prepared by our team partner, Golder Associates (Golder). Final Report Page 3 of 29

7 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 2.0 Inspection Findings of the Potential Boat Launch Ramp Sites and Existing Boat Launch Facilities 2.1 Site Locations The project team of Moffatt & Nichol (M&N), Golder Associates (Golder), Triton Environmental Consultants (Triton), Atek Hydrographic Surveys Ltd. (Atek), and members from the Saulteau First Nation, McLeod Lake Indian Band, West Moberly First Nation, and Halfway First Nation participated in the field investigations for the potential boat launch ramp sites at the Williston Reservoir and Dinosaur Lake sites, conducted on May 19 and 20, The four sites investigated are shown on the key plan on Drawing No in Appendix A. Drawing No also provides a summary of the constraints and opportunities for each site are discussed in detail in Sections The sites are listed as follows: Dunlevy Existing Site (2 options); Dunlevy Alternative Site; Elizabeth Creek; and, Dinosaur Lake Site at Hudson s Hope Park. Figure 2.1 illustrates the general location of each of the sites. 2.2 Dunlevy Existing Site The Dunlevy existing site is located on the north side of the Williston Reservoir, Peace Arm, and east of the Dunlevy Inlet in Butler Ridge Provincial Park. Figure 2.2 gives an overview of Dunlevy Inlet and the two sites examined at this inlet (the location of the Torwood Resort, a private development, is also shown for later discussion). The park is accessible through well-maintained gravel roads and has an ample gravel upland parking area (see Photo No. 1 in Appendix B). Other facilities at the site include informational signs and pit toilets. The approach to the boat launch ramp is along a gravel path (see Photo No. 2). The gravel approach to the ramp is in good condition. However, the concrete ramp is in very poor condition as a result of erosion, and has been closed since April (although it appears that some boaters are still using the ramp). Photos No. 3 and 4 show damage at the upper part of the boat launch ramp. A portion of the ramp has been undercut by erosion. Concrete barriers have been placed in the middle of the ramp to keep boaters from straying towards the edge. At the lower end of the ramp, the bank has slumped and become oversteepened. As shown in Photos No. 5 and 6, the concrete planks on the surface of the boat launch ramp in this location have shifted downhill as a result of the oversteepening of the bank. Relatively rapid erosion is also occurring at the top of the bank, as shown in Photo No. 7. A long view of the site, indicating its general relief, is shown in Photo No Butler Ridge Provincial Park. BC Parks. Viewed online at < butler_ridge/> on February 25, Final Report Page 4 of 29

8 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake WAC Bennett Dam Peace Canyon Dam Figure 2.1: Location Map for Williston and Dinosaur Sites (Source: Google Earth) Final Report Page 5 of 29

9 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Torwood Resort Figure 2.2: Location Map for Dunlevy Sites (Source: Google Earth) The substrate at Dunlevy is generally relatively firm, with a good mixture of sand and gravel, as shown in Photo No. 9. There are areas of finer substrate, however, as indicated in Photo No. 10. The areas most subject to slumping, including the area directly below the most eroded upper area (Photos No. 3 and 4), have this finer substrate. Final Report Page 6 of 29

10 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake M&N staff discussed the erosion issues at the site with three local users. Dan Bullian, BC Hydro, Environmental and Social Issues, visited the Dunlevy site with the project team. He described the erosional problems as being exacerbated by an increase in the operating water levels in the Williston Reservoir. Hydrometric data obtained from the Environment Canada web site 2 indicate that the water level in the Williston Reservoir did not exceed El. 670 m between 1985 and The peak water level has varied since 1994, but the operating maximum of El m has been approached several times since then, including summer 2007 and Bleu Rowe of BC Hydro, speaking as a boater rather than as a representative of BCH, stated that erosion had been occurring over the past 15 years, and had been getting worse every year 3. Dennis Beattie, an outfitter in Hudson s Hope and President of the Northern Peace local association of the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia, stated that a great deal of damage occurred in the past year as a result of wave action generated from strong southeast winds. He also noted that the ramp is not usable low water, and pointed out that the ramp had been constructed without riprap protection 4. The boat launch at the Dunlevy site is directly exposed to waves that may be generated by southerly winds in the Peace Arm and within Dunlevy Inlet itself: there is a direct line of sight from the boat launch to the south shoreline of the Peace Arm. This supports the boaters opinion that wind-generated waves at high water are the likely cause of the erosional problems. However, there may be additional geotechnical issues at the site. There is visible ongoing erosion at the toe of the bluff at low water and associated slumping. This is the likely cause of the access problems at low water (Photos No. 5 and 6). The bank immediately south of the boat launch ramp is in an area much more protected from south winds, with no direct exposure to the Peace Arm. However, this area appears to be in a very similar condition to the bank at the ramp (Photos No. 11 and 12). If the bank erosion were entirely due to wind-driven waves, it would be expected that the west-facing bank would show much less erosion than the south-facing boat launch. It is possible that bank erosion mechanism is related to geotechnical issues such as steep slopes, in addition to erosion by wind-generated waves. A review of this site by a licensed geotechnical engineer is recommended before any detailed design work on a new boat launch is performed. 2 Archived Hydrometric Data. Environment Canada. Viewed online at < on June 23, Bleu Rowe, telephone conversation with Susan Tonkin, Moffatt & Nichol, on June 18, Dennis Beattie, telephone conversation with Susan Tonkin, Moffatt & Nichol, on June 18, Final Report Page 7 of 29

11 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 2.3 Dunlevy Alternative Sites East Side of Dunlevy Inlet The project team investigated potential alternative sites from the waterside (by boat) as well as from the landside. There was a preference for alternative sites on the east side of Dunlevy Inlet, since that area is generally within Butler Ridge Provincial Park and therefore land use was expected to be consistent with a new ramp location. However, as described below, the project team was unable to identify an alternative location on the east side that was clearly preferable to the existing location. A location on the west side of Dunlevy Inlet was identified as possible (see Section 2.4). The possibility remains of upgrading or moving the boat launch ramp within the context of the existing upland area (i.e., a more minor relocation). From the waterside, the project team initially sought potential sites on the east side of Dunlevy Inlet that appear to experience significantly less erosion on the upper bank, or that have other features that indicated less erosion. One site south of the existing boat launch ramp was identified as being possibly accretional (see Photo No. 13). However, the sediments at this location were very soft and unsuitable to support a boat launch ramp. North of the existing boat launch ramp, the shoreline remained fairly consistent and similar to that at the existing boat launch ramp (see Photo No. 14). There was one site that did exhibit less erosion at the upper bank (see Photo No. 15). However, the upland area had much higher relief compared to most of the surrounding area, and also showed evidence of a creek or other runoff. The drawbacks in the upland area at this site made it unsuitable for a boat launch facility. Near the north (upstream) end of Dunlevy Inlet, the shoreline becomes rocky and unsuitable for construction (Photo No. 16). Dunlevy Creek is at the head of Dunlevy Inlet, and is accessible by road. The creek itself is shallow and unsuitable for launching boats, see (Photo No. 17). 2.4 Dunlevy Alternative Site West Side of Dunlevy Inlet Given a lack of suitable alternative sites on the east shore of Dunlevy Inlet, the project team investigated the west shore. There is a gravel road along both shores. The road is in good condition (including a new bridge over Dunlevy Creek). Although a sign warns that this road is not maintained past the turnoff to the existing site, it is likely that it will continue to be maintained to allow access to the Torwood Resort (Figure 2.2). One site was identified that is significantly less erosional compared to the majority of Dunlevy Inlet (Photos No. 18 through 21). The site is sheltered from the south by the general alignment of the shoreline and inlet (see Figure 2.2). While there is erosion at the upper bank (Photo No. 19), this is much less rapid compared to sites on the west bank of Dunlevy Inlet, as indicated by fact that trees affected by erosion appear to have been dead for some time. The shoreline has a much less steep slope compared to the typical condition on the west bank (Photos No. 20 and 21), which may make low water access easier to achieve. Substrates at the site were generally similar to those at the existing site. The upland area is wooded but appears to have a generally manageable relief (Photo No. 22). Users would need to drive approximately 7 km further to reach this site, compared to the existing Dunlevy site. Final Report Page 8 of 29

12 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Land ownership at this site is not certain, although it seems unlikely to be private. The Online Cadastre of British Columbia 5 does not show any ownership or ownership type at the site. In contrast, the Online Cadastre does show the private ownership at the Torwood Resort and other areas on the southeast side of Dunlevy Inlet. The imapbc GIS system 6 shows that most of the west side of Dunlevy Inlet is subject to licenses of occupation for Summer Extensive Use and Winter Extensive Use for commercial recreation. This suggests the land tenure would allow for a new boat launch ramp in the vicinity, but this must be verified. The land ownership must be definitively identified if this site is to be considered further. 2.5 Elizabeth Creek The Elizabeth Creek site is located on the south side of the Williston Reservoir, Peace Arm, close to the WAC Bennett Dam. Access to the site is over the dam and down a well-maintained gravel road. The upland area at the site is limited. The road that provides direct access to the site has been widened to allow parallel parking (see Photo No. 23 in Appendix B). A similar parking area is available uphill, on a road parallel to the main access road (Photo No. 24). Pit toilets are provided at this second parking area. The high relief at this site makes the provision of any further parking area difficult. The concrete boat launch ramp is in good condition (Photos No. 25 through 27), with only minor spalling in a few locations (Photo No. 26). A low riprap breakwater protects the ramp over most of its length (Photos 27 through 31). There is minor evidence of sedimentation (pea gravel) on the inner side of the breakwater near the bottom of the ramp (Photo No. 29). The topography adjacent to the ramp itself is very steep, more so than in the general upland area. The slope immediately adjacent to the ramp is protected by riprap (Photo No. 32). Most of the upper slope is rocky, with minor erosion at the top of the bank (Photo No. 33). The need for upgrades at the sites was not immediately obvious from the site visit. Later discussions with boat users 3 indicated that the problem was associated with high waves at the site, particularly at low water. This is consistent with the general exposure of the ramp, and the presence of the (rather low-crested) breakwater. It would also be desirable to have a dock at which launched boats could be tied up. 2.6 Dinosaur Lake The site on Dinosaur Lake is at Hudson s Hope Park, on the north side of the lake. This site is heavily used during the summer boating and camping season. There is a good-sized upland parking area (see Photos No. 34 and 35). The waterside facilities at the site, described below, include a single-lane cast-in-place concrete boat launch ramp, a floating dock, and a rubblemound breakwater. The beach appears generally stable, with possible minor erosion to the east (downdrift) of the waterside facilities (Photo No. 36). There is no evidence of erosion to the west of the waterside facilities (Photo No. 37). A creek enters the lake on the west side of the picnic area adjacent to the beach (Photo No. 38). The beach substrate is pea gravel on the middle 5 Online Cadastre. British Columbia. Viewed online at < onfebruary 25, imapbc. Province of British Columbia. Viewed online at < on June 23, Final Report Page 9 of 29

13 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake and upper beach and a mixture of finer sediments on the lower beach (Photo No. 39). The fact that the floating dock often bottoms out, as described below, suggests that this finer sediment has accreted in recent years. The concrete boat launch ramp is in good to fair condition (Photo No. 40). There is some cracking (Photos No. 41 and 42), but it does not appear to be affecting the structural integrity of the ramp. However, repeated freeze-thaw cycles may eventually accelerate deterioration of the concrete in the future. Scour protection rocks, typically 400 to 500 mm diameter, have been displaced by wave activity (Photos No. 41 and 43): however, there is no evidence that the ramp is being undermined. The beach at the ramp is of pea gravel and appears stable (Photo No. 44). The floating dock is east of the boat launch ramp. The dock components are steel support piles and steel floats, with wooden decking (Photos No. 45 through 47). The water at the dock is too shallow to allow it to float at all water levels, particularly in the early morning 7 when the water level in the lake is relatively low (Photo No. 47). The dock may also be too short for the number of boats that attempt to tie up during busy periods. Physically, the dock is in good to fair condition: there is some deterioration of the wooden decking (Photo No. 48) but this is minor and does not appear to affect the structural condition or the safety of the dock. The rubblemound breakwater is west of the boat launch ramp. A number of the rocks originally comprising the breakwater are now scattered over the adjoining beach (Photos No. 49 and 50). Much of the breakwater now consists of a single layer of rock or at most two layers. The rocks range from 300 mm to 1200 mm in diameter. The breakwater is long enough to provide some wave protection to the ramp and the dock, although it would need to be extended as well as repaired if the dock were extended into deeper water. 7 Typically, the reservoir fills overnight when Peace Canyon generation is curtailed and is drafted in the early morning when both Peace Canyon and GMS are operating. Final Report Page 10 of 29

14 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 3.0 Feasibility Design of Boat Launch Ramp at the study locations 3.1 Design Basis Design Elevations Williston Reservoir Design elevations for locations on Williston Reservoir are based on water levels provided by BC Hydro for the dates of the field investigations and obtained from the Environmental Canada web site 8 for the period July 1976 through December The archived water levels, for Williston Lake near Lost Cabin Creek and Williston Lake at Schooler Creek, are quoted relative to an arbitrary datum. Moffatt & Nichol converted these measurements to geodetic datum based on reservoir levels reported by BC Hydro for two dates in These conversions should be considered approximate (accuracy 0.3 m at best). Based on these measurements, Figure 3.1 shows the annual variability in water level at Williston Lake. 675 Operating Maximum 670 Williston Lake Level (m) Historical Minimum Elevations during field investigations 645 Operating Minimum Jan 1 Mar 1 May 1 Jul 31 Aug 31 Oct 31 Dec Day of Year Figure 3.1: Water Surface Elevations at Williston Reservoir 8 Archived Hydrometric Data. Environment Canada. Viewed online at < on June 23, British Columbia Utilities Commission Information Request No BC Hydro Response issued 29 March Viewed online at < bcuc_2_114_02_pdf.par.0001.file.bcuc_2_114_02.pdf> on June 22, 2009 Final Report Page 11 of 29

15 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake A striking feature of these water levels is that the operating minimum of El m has not been approached in the past 30 years. As such, the TOR for the study stated a minimum normal operating level of El m (2147 feet). Based on the historical minimum and maximum pool water levels, the design water levels for sites on the Williston Reservoir are as follows: Design High Water Level El m; Design Low Water Level El m; and, Elevation at the toe of ramp El m. The elevation during the site visit was approximately El. 660 m. Design Elevations Dinosaur Lake The TOR for the study gives the normal operating range for Dinosaur Lake as between El m ( feet) and El m ( feet). Typically, the reservoir fills overnight when Peace Canyon generation is curtailed and is drafted in the early morning when both Peace Canyon and GMS are operating. Based on these operating ranges, the design water levels for the site at Dinosaur Lake are as follows: Design High Water Level El m; Design Low Water Level El m; and, Waves Elevation at the toe of ramp El m. Wind-generated waves are estimated based on wind speeds from the Canadian Climate Normals for Mackenzie and Prince George 10 and from insurance recommendations 11. Based on these references, the extreme 3-second wind gust is taken to be 36 metres per second (70 knots) and a typical 3-second wind gust is taken to be 10 metres per second (20 knots). The CEDAS-ACES program 12 to estimate wind-generated wave conditions based on these wind speeds and the fetches at each site. In addition, at one site (Elizabeth Creek), the MIKE-21 Elliptical Mild Slope (EMS) model 13 was used to evaluate the significance of wave diffraction at the site. Based on these models, the following initial design wave conditions were established: Dunlevy: Extreme wave height and period 1.2 m / 3.8 sec, generated when winds blow from the south directly along the Dunlevy Arm. Dunlevy Alternative Site: Extreme wave height less than 1.0 m. Elizabeth Creek: Extreme wave height and period 1.8 m / 4.8 sec, generated when winds blow from the northwest directly towards the site; wave height and period up to 1.5 m / 5.9 sec may reach the site through diffraction when winds are more westerly and blow directly along the Peace Arm. 10 Canadian Climate Normals or Averages National Climate Data and Information Archive. Viewed online at < on June 23, Design Wind Loads. FM Global Property Loss Data Sheets. September CEDAS-ACES Version Veri-Tech, Inc MIKE 21 EMS, Release 2008, Service Pack 3. Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI) Final Report Page 12 of 29

16 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Dinosaur Lake: Extreme wave height less than 1.0 m, with the primary wave direction from the southwest. Water Areas The general requirements for water areas are as follows: Minimum water depth: 1.2 m at design low water; Minimum bottom width: not less than the combined width of the launching ramp, boarding floats and rip rap shoulders or other shore protection immediately adjacent to the launching ramp; and, Minimum length 15 m (approx. 50 ft) beyond toe of ramp at design low water. Area in front of the ramp will be clear of navigational obstructions. Launching Ramps The general requirements for the launching ramps are as follows: 4.6 m lane widths for launching ramps of two (2) or more lanes; 4.9 to 6.1 m for single lane launching ramp; The number of launching lanes will be dictated by the demand and the characteristics of the site. One launching lane will handle up to 50 launchings and 50 retrievals per day at a well designed and operated facility; On launching ramps over 61 m (200 ft) long and less than 16.3 m wide or four launching lanes, a 16.3 m minimum diameter turn-around should be provided every 61 m to minimize car-trailer backing distances; The head of the ramp should be constructed to an elevation not less than 0.6 m above design high water; The toe of the ramp should not be constructed less than 0.9 m below design low water level; Slope of ramp 10% - minimum (with 12% preferred), 15% - maximum; and, 4.6 to 6.1 m vertical curve must be constructed at the head of the ramp, thus providing a smooth transition between the launching ramp and the launching apron. Vehicle and Trailer Traffic The parking areas will be designed to support car and light truck loads. In most cases, the parking and turnaround areas will have gravel surfaces, consistent with existing conditions at the majority of sites in the area. 3.2 Conceptual Design of Boat Launch Ramps The layout and general features for the conceptual design of the boat launch ramps will be based on the design basis in Section 3.1. The main issues for the ramp feasibility design include but are not limited to: Provision of adequate parking areas and turnarounds; Final Report Page 13 of 29

17 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Provision of ramps and access roads with suitable slopes; and, Other site-specific issues. 3.3 Dunlevy Existing Site Two options are provided for the Dunlevy existing site, as shown on Drawing No and in Appendix A. These options have general similarities to each other and to the existing boat launch ramp, and are discussed together here. The main differences between the two options are as follows: Option 1 follows approximately the present alignment and the ramp is broadside to the main direction of wave attack, similar to the existing boat launch ramp. To allow for the risk of ongoing erosion, the ramp has been set back between 10 m and 15 m relative to the existing ramp. This setback brings with it the need for significant earthwork quantities. The alignment of Option 2 is such that waves from the south are less likely to undercut the ramp, so this option may be less vulnerable to erosion by windwaves. The earthwork for Option 2, while less than that for Option 1, is still significant. The main features of the facility are as follows. For both options, the proposed precast concrete boat launch ramp is 6.0 m wide and 139 m long with a top elevation of ramp El m and a toe of ramp El m, allowing access at all water levels. The ramp gradient is 15%. For Option 1, the existing turnaround area at the top of the ramp would be used; for Option 2, the northern end of the existing parking lot would be re-graded to allow access to the ramp and for turnaround. The site topography does not lend itself to a second turnaround area approximately half-way along the ramp, although this would be desirable given the length of the ramp. Option 1 provides a ramp setback of between 10 m and 15 m relative to the existing boat launch ramp. A retaining wall is used along the upland site of the boat launch ramp to allow this significant setback to be maintained without destroying the majority of the woodland between the parking area and the new ramp. Armour rock on the outboard side of the new ramp is provided for erosion protection; this rock also provides some protection as a breakwater (although this is not its primary purpose). A fixed walkway is provided along the upland side of the ramp. In Option 2, because of the smaller setback the retaining wall is replaced by a rock slope. The existing parking area is adequate for both options. Some parking will be lost under Option 2, because the north end of the parking lot will be in use as a turnaround area. However, a space more than 40 m x 40 m will remain available for parking even under this option. 3.4 Dunlevy Alternative Site West Side of Dunlevy Inlet The main features of the conceptual design of the boat launch ramp are shown on Drawing No in Appendix A. Because this is a completely new and undeveloped site, there is a great deal of flexibility in the design. The proposed new concrete boat launch ramp is 6.0 m wide and 139 m long with a top elevation of ramp El m and a toe of ramp El m, allowing access at all water Final Report Page 14 of 29

18 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake levels. The ramp gradient is 15%. The ramp is cast-in-place at elevations above El m and is constructed of precast concrete planks at lower elevations. A floating walkway, 2.0 m wide and 60 m long, is provided alongside the ramp to provide access at higher water levels (above approximately El. 665 m, or 60 percent of the time). The walkway is supported by pile anchors. A new gravel parking and turnaround area, 50 m x 50 m at El m, is provided at the head of the ramp. A second turnaround, approximately 12 m x 32 m, is provided halfway along the ramp. A new gravel access road, 10 m wide and 600 m long, is provided for access to the site. 3.5 Elizabeth Creek The main features of the conceptual design of the boat launch ramp are shown on Drawing No in Appendix A. The existing boat launch ramp is in good condition. The only change to the ramp itself is an extension of approximately 25 m in length, such that the toe of the ramp is at El m compared to the existing at El m. This extension is not sufficient to allow launch at all water levels: the ramp generally will not be usable at water levels below El m, based on the design criterion of 1.2 m of water at the toe. Based on the historical water levels discussed in Section 3.1, the ramp would be available for use 94.8% of the time compared to 81.9% with the existing toe elevation. The ramp extension would be constructed of precast concrete planks. The breakwater is proposed to be higher than the existing breakwater and to use larger armour rock. (Although there is no evidence of damage to the existing breakwater, suggesting that the existing rock is adequate, a larger rock size will allow a steeper slope and therefore a smaller footprint). The breakwater would be constructed such that its crest is a minimum of 2.5 m above the ramp. A lock block walkway is proposed between the ramp and the breakwater. 3.6 Dinosaur Lake The main features of the conceptual design of the boat launch ramp and associated facilities are shown on Drawing No in Appendix A. The floating dock is proposed to be replaced with a new dock at a slightly different alignment. The new dock extends 37 m from the shoreline (compared to 20 m for the existing dock). It is proposed that the length of the shore-parallel segment be increased to 21 m (compared to 12 m for the existing dock). It is necessary to dredge the lake to allow the floating dock to be accessible to boats at all water levels: the conceptual design shows the lake dredged to El m, or 1.5 m below the normal low water level, at the outboard edge of the dock. The dredge prism slopes up at a slope of 4H:1V to daylight. Without dredging, it would be necessary to extend the floating dock and the breakwater to a length of 70 m or more to allow boats to reach the dock at all water levels. The new dock is proposed to be a timber floating dock, generally similar in construction to the existing dock. The existing rubblemound breakwater is proposed to be replaced and extended to protect the boat launch ramp, the new dock, and the dredged area from wave activity. The crest of the new breakwater is proposed to be 2.0 m wide and 44 m long; the breakwater side slope Final Report Page 15 of 29

19 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake is 2H:1V. The crest is shown at El m. The high water level in the Dinosaur Reservoir is El m and the extreme wave height is 1.8 m, so this crest elevation would occasionally be overtopped during high wave events. It is not considered necessary to replace the boat launch ramp at this time based on its structural condition. The drawing shows an optional two-lane boat launch ramp, based on the reports that this launch site can be extremely busy in the summer months. Final Report Page 16 of 29

20 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 4.0 Environmental Assessment Overview 4.1 General M&N Team member Triton Environmental conducted a screening level environmental assessment of the sites. A summary of the assessment is provided below. For the entire Environmental Assessment report, please refer to Appendix C. 4.2 Dunlevy Existing Site The two options provided at the existing Dunlevy site will have significant footprints given the length of the ramps required as well as the rock armouring needed to prevent erosion of the ramp. The possibility of a blue-listed plant species in the area will require additional surveys within the footprint prior to construction. 4.3 Dunlevy Alternative Site West Side of Dunlevy Inlet The Dunlevy alternative site is located within the range of the blue-listed mountain caribou. Although the habitat is not deemed critical, significant amounts of upland vegetation along the reservoir would need to be cleared to facilitate the access road, parking area and turnarounds. This area is currently not disturbed and thus the overall development footprint is substantial. 4.4 Elizabeth Creek Based on the assessment of environmental conditions at each of the four locations, the proposed upgrades at Elizabeth Creek will likely have the least impact on the landscape. It will require a minor extension and upgrades to an existing riprap berm. It has an existing footprint and the proposed upgrades to facilitate easier use and maintenance would have the least impact on the surrounding environment providing that the limits of construction are properly flagged and an Environmental Management Plan is followed. 4.5 Dinosaur Lake Upgrades to the Dinosaur Lake Park would require extensive dredging of the lakebed but no upland clearing. The overall footprint, if all aspects of the design are accepted, will be the largest of the four ramps. The dredging will also increase the risk of sedimentation to the reservoir given that the dredging will occur in the wetted perimeter. A thorough Construction Environmental Management Plan would be required for these works. 4.6 Recommendations All options will be discussed BC Hydro and other interested parties. Once the sites are selected, additional surveys and permitting documents will need to be prepared prior to submission to the agencies for their review. Final Report Page 17 of 29

21 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 5.0 Archaeological Assessment Overview 5.1 General M&N Team member, Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder), conducted an archaeological overview assessment (AOA) of the sites. The AOA consisted of a combination of background research and preliminary field reconnaissance (PFR). No previously documented archaeological sites were identified to be in direct conflict with the proposed ramp locations during the background research. In general, no archaeological material or features were observed on, or adjacent to, any of the existing or proposed boat launch ramp locations during the PFR. However, all sites are considered to have high potential for archaeological materials, and further investigation is recommended for any locations selected for upgrades or new construction. For the entire Archaeological Assessment Overview report, please refer to Appendix D. A summary of the reconnaissance findings follows. 5.2 Dunlevy Existing Site This site is considered to have high potential for archaeological sites, based on the following criteria: Terrain the terrain within the project area exhibits break-in-slopes forming flat level benches overlooking the Peace Arm of Williston Reservoir, with gentle slopes and a west aspect. Previous disturbance the current boat ramp, parking facilities and fluctuating water levels have resulted in extensive surface disturbance. However, deposits located beyond these facilities in areas that may be subject to impact appear to be relatively undisturbed. Erosion benches and breaks-in-slope observed within the project area remain unaffected by erosion. The low lying banks are subject to erosion by the river and archaeological materials in this area may have been affected as a result. Surface reconnaissance undertaken during the field visit did not identify archaeological materials. However, archaeological materials may be discovered during additional surface inspection and subsurface testing in the project area. 5.3 Dunlevy Alternative Site West Side of Dunlevy Inlet This site is considered to have high potential for archaeological sites, based on the following criteria: Terrain the terrain within the project area consists of a high cut bank, with gently undulating terrain along Dunlevy Inlet. With the exception of the bank leading down to the waters edge, slope elsewhere within the project area is minimal. Views east to Dunlevy Inlet are afforded from the project area. Previous disturbance the project area is undisturbed with the exception of an access road west of the study area. Final Report Page 18 of 29

22 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Erosion as with the existing Dunlevy site, only the bank along Dunlevy Inlet is susceptible to water erosion. The remainder of the project area appears unaffected by erosion. 5.4 Elizabeth Creek Surface reconnaissance undertaken during the field visit did not identify archaeological materials. However, archaeological materials may be discovered during additional surface inspection and subsurface testing in the project area. This site is considered to have high potential for archaeological sites, based on the following criteria: Terrain the terrain within the project area is gently to moderately sloping with a western aspect. A steep rocky ridge is present to the southeast of the project area that includes the banks of the Peace Arm. Previous disturbance disturbances include an existing low grade access road, an existing concrete boat ramp, and the fluctuating water table within the project area. The rocky cliffs to the southeast and west appear undisturbed. Only the bank along the Peace Arm appears susceptible to water erosion. The remainder of the project area appears unaffected by erosion. 5.5 Dinosaur Lake Surface reconnaissance undertaken during the field visit did not identify archaeological materials. However, archaeological materials may be discovered during additional surface inspection and subsurface testing in the project area. This site is considered to have high potential for archaeological sites, based on the following criteria: Terrain the terrain within the project area is gently sloped with a southern aspect and approximately 10 m of exposed banks along the Dinosaur Reservoir draw down zone. Previous disturbance the project area has been subject to disturbance because of the construction of camping and parking facilities, access road, existing concrete ramp and water fluctuation within the reservoir. Erosion as with the other localities, only the bank along Dinosaur Reservoir has been impacted by water erosion. The remainder of the project area appears unaffected by erosion. Surface reconnaissance undertaken during the field visit did not identify archaeological materials. However, archaeological materials may be discovered during additional surface inspection and subsurface testing in the project area. Final Report Page 19 of 29

23 5.6 Recommendations Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake All four project areas are considered to have high potential for archaeological sites. This assessment is based on an evaluation of the terrain within the project areas, including the presence of well-defined landforms, such as knolls, benches, or high cut banks, as well as the proximity of major aquatic features and proximity of known archaeological sites. Despite previous disturbance within each of the project areas there are still intact deposits and sediments that have the potential to contain archaeological materials. As such, further archaeological work, in the form of an archaeological impact assessment (AIA), is recommended for any boat ramp location selected for upgrades and/or new construction. An AIA will require a provincial permit issued by the Archaeology Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. Final Report Page 20 of 29

24 6.0 Cost Benefit Analysis Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake While assessing the capital and maintenance costs of the proposed ramp improvements is relatively straight forward, assessing the benefits in this case is much more difficult, at least in quantitative terms. BCH does not currently charge a fee for using the boat ramps, so there are no actual revenues associated with these facilities. Apart from meeting BCH s goals recommended in the Peace Water Use Plan Consultative Committee, there does not appear to be any direct financial benefit to offset against the capital costs. There are also no usage statistics to indicate how many boaters take advantage of the Peace River amenities, nor the seasonal distribution of that use. It is therefore impossible to quantify the non-financial societal benefits based on industry averages or other rules of thumb. To develop quantitative cost/benefit ratios or internal rates of return, it would first be necessary to conduct a number of socio-economic studies which are outside the scope of this assignment, such as collecting seasonal usage statistics, conducting market surveys, estimating population growth projections and demographic shifts over time, and so forth. On a qualitative basis, some of the societal benefits which may accrue from the ramp improvements include: Improved access for area residents to recreational activities (e.g. fishing, boating); Short-term economic spin-off in the region from the construction program (employment wages, taxes, materials purchases, meals and accommodations during construction); and, Long-term economic spin-off from increased usage, tourism, and local resident day-trips to the area. Since it is not possible to establish a dollar value equivalent for these societal benefits, it is necessary to make a value judgement on the viability of each project on its own merits. The estimated costs of making the improvements noted on the drawings are summarized in the tables below. Cost estimates are considered upper bound, order-of-magnitude estimates based on providing the maximum possible benefit. In each case, the proposed improvements could be scaled back to provide less benefit at a correspondingly reduced cost. Final Report Page 21 of 29

25 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 6.1 Dunlevy Existing Site Table 6.1 provides the estimated construction cost for Option 1: a new 6.0 m boat launch ramp with a 10 to 15 m erosion setback and rock shore protection. Table 6.2 shows the estimated annual maintenance cost for Option 1, including allowances for repairs to the ramp and rock protection. The other items in Table 6.2 are provisional sums. Table 6.1: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 1: Estimated Construction Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 14 1 Demolish existing ramp m $18 $4,000 Clear and grub wooded area for new 2 ramp and retaining wall m $7 $3,000 3 Earthwork for ramp and retaining wall m $20 $204,000 4 Retaining wall m $600 $438,000 5 Structural backfill for retaining wall m $30 $246,000 6 Ramp scour protection m $78 $164,000 7 Lock block walkway m $450 $142,000 8 Precast concrete planks for ramp m 3 84 $1,300 $110,000 Sub-Total $1,311,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $66,000 Contingencies (25%) $328,000 Total $1,705,000 Table 6.2: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 1: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Repair scour protection sum - - $10,000 2 Repair gravel surfaces sum - - $2,000 Total $12, Note Totals are rounded up to the nearest $1,000 Final Report Page 22 of 29

26 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Tables 6.3 and 6.4 show the estimated construction and maintenance cost for Dunlevy Existing Site Option 2. Table 6.3: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 2: Estimated Construction Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total Clear and grub wooded area for new 1 ramp m $7 $12,000 2 Earthwork for ramp and turnaround m $20 $46,000 Gravel surface for turnaround and 3 ramp access m $13 $8,000 4 Ramp scour protection m $78 $140,000 5 Lock block walkway m $450 $142,000 6 Precast concrete planks for ramp m 3 84 $1,300 $110,000 Sub-Total $458,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $23,000 Contingencies (25%) $115,000 Total $596,000 Table 6.4: Dunlevy Existing Site Option 2: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Repair scour protection sum - - $5,000 2 Repair gravel surfaces sum - - $3,000 Total $8,000 Final Report Page 23 of 29

27 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 6.2 Dunlevy Alternative Site West Side of Dunlevy Inlet Tables 6.5 and 6.6 provide the estimated construction and maintenance costs respectively for a new 6.0 m wide boat launch ramp, floating dock, parking and turnaround, and road access at the Dunlevy Alternative Site on the west side of Dunlevy Inlet. Table 6.5: Dunlevy Alternative Site: Estimated Construction Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total Clear and grub wooded area for new 1 access road and parking m $7 $105,000 Earthwork for access road, parking, 2 and ramp m $20 $192,000 Gravel surfacing for access road and 3 parking m $13 $104,000 4 Ramp scour protection m $78 $33,000 5 Ramp floating walkway m $450 $54,000 6 Guide piling for floating walkway m 160 $540 $86,000 7 Precast concrete planks for ramp m 3 84 $1,300 $110,000 Sub-Total $684,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $34,000 Contingencies (25%) $171,000 Total $889,000 Table 6.6: Dunlevy Alternative Site: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Repair scour protection sum - - $5,000 2 Repair gravel surfaces sum - - $3,000 Total $8,000 Final Report Page 24 of 29

28 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 6.3 Elizabeth Creek Tables 6.7 and 6.8 provide the estimated construction and maintenance costs respectively to extend the existing boat launch ramp to deeper water and to upgrade the breakwater at Elizabeth Creek. The maintenance costs do not include costs associated with sedimentation at the ramp, since these are not expected to change as a result of the proposed improvements. Table 6.7: Elizabeth Creek: Estimated Construction Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Rework existing breakwater for core m $20 $24,000 2 Armour rock for breakwater m $80 $208,000 3 Earthwork for ramp extension m $20 $4,000 4 Ramp scour protection m $78 $140,000 5 Lock block walkway m $450 $207,000 6 Precast concrete planks for ramp m 3 30 $1,300 $39,000 Sub-Total $622,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $31,000 Contingencies (25%) $156,000 Total $809,000 Table 6.8: Elizabeth Creek: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Repair breakwater surface sum - - $2,000 Total $2,000 Final Report Page 25 of 29

29 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 6.4 Dinosaur Lake Tables 6.9 and 6.10 provide the estimated construction and maintenance costs respectively for the proposed works at Dinosaur Lake. These include dredging offshore of the existing floating dock, constructing a new floating dock, and extending and upgrading the existing breakwater. An option is also provided to construct a new, two-lane, concrete boat launch ramp at this site. Table 6.9: Dinosaur Lake: Estimated Construction Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Demolish existing floating dock m 2 45 $18 $1,000 2 Dredging for dock m $25 $75,000 3 Floating dock m $450 $48,000 4 Guide piling for floating dock m 50 $540 $27,000 5 Armour stone for new breakwater m $80 $76,000 6 Core rock for new breakwater m $35 $27,000 Sub-Total $254,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $13,000 Contingencies (25%) $64,000 Total $331,000 Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Optional: demolish existing ramp m 2 55 $18 $1,000 2 Optional: earthwork for new ramp m $20 $4,000 Optional: scour protection for new 3 ramp m 3 55 $78 $4,000 4 Optional: new cast-in-place ramp m 3 95 $300 $29,000 Sub-Total $38,000 Mobilization / Demobilization (5% of Total) $2,000 Contingencies (25%) $10,000 Total $50,000 Table 6.10: Dinosaur Lake: Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost Item No. Item Description Unit Quantity Rate Total 1 Repair breakwater Sum - - $1,000 2 Maintain wooden floating dock Sum - - $1,000 Total $2,000 Final Report Page 26 of 29

30 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 6.5 Summary In reviewing the above cost estimates, it is important to note the following: The estimates are concept level only and are not intended to be used to establish a project budget. The estimates are intended to provide an indication of the probable costs to determine which boat launch ramp facility alternative(s) warrant further consideration; The estimates are based on Moffatt & Nichol s in-house experience and data for projects of a similar nature; The estimates are based upon mid-2009 price levels in Canadian dollars; The estimates exclude any archaeological investigation assessment, additional habitat compensation programmes, removal and remediation of contaminated materials and other hazardous waste; A contingency allowance of 25% was included in the cost estimates to cover unforeseen construction costs at the feasibility stage of this project; and, The estimates exclude the GST. Table 6.11 below summaries the capital cost estimate and annual maintenance costs rounded to the nearest thousand for the various locations Table 6.11: Summary of Estimates for Capital and Annual Maintenance Costs Location Capital Costs Annual Maintenance Cost Dunlevy Existing Site: Option 1 $1,705,000 $12,000 Dunlevy Existing Site: Option 2 $596,000 $8,000 Dunlevy Alternative Site $889,000 $8,000 Elizabeth Creek $809,000 $2,000 Dinosaur Lake $331,000 $2,000 Dinosaur Lake Optional Ramp $50,000 N/A Final Report Page 27 of 29

31 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 7.0 Conclusions and Recommendations Our general conclusions and recommendations about the various sites are as follows: 7.1 Dunlevy Existing Site It is potentially feasible to reconstruct a new boat launch ramp in the proposed new alignment, in which the ramp and turnaround are accessed through the north end of the existing parking area (Option 2). However, significant additional studies will be required before a final design can be achieved. Specifically, it is recommended that geotechnical conditions at the site be investigated further. If the geotechnical conditions are such that this option remains feasible, then Option 2 is recommended. 7.2 Dunlevy Alternative Site If the existing site turns out not to be feasible due to geotechnical conditions or other considerations, then it is recommended that the Dunlevy Alternative Site be considered for development. Land ownership and public acceptability of the longer drive (7 km) to this alternative site must be considered. 7.3 Elizabeth Creek The recommended upgrade is feasible. However, the benefits qualitatively appear small compared to the costs and this upgrade is not recommended at present. 7.4 Dinosaur Lake The proposed replacement of the dock and the breakwater are recommended. The doublelane ramp is also recommended, although this portion of the project could be deferred to a later time. Final Report Page 28 of 29

32 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake 8.0 Closure This report has been prepared for the sole benefit of BC Hydro and its agents, and may not be used by any third party without the expressed written consent of Moffatt & Nichol and BC Hydro. Any use of this document by a third party is at the sole risk of such third party. The statements and conclusions presented herein are valid as of the date of publication. Future changes in the conditions affecting the underlying assumptions of this report may alter its findings and the conclusions. Moffatt & Nichol does not undertake to revise and update this report should future events reflect changed conditions. We trust that this report meets BC Hydro s requirements at this time. Should you have any questions, or if we can be of further assistance, please contact the undersigned at any time. Prepared by: MOFFATT & NICHOL Reviewed by: MOFFATT & NICHOL [Original signed by: Susan Tonkin, P.E.] [Original signed by: Paul Hoo, P.Eng.] Susan Tonkin, P.E. Coastal Engineer Paul Hoo, P.Eng. Project Manager Electronic versions (including Microsoft Word formats or Adobe Acrobat PDFs) are provided for reference only, and should not be relied upon as a final work product. Electronic copies are potentially subject to alteration by others beyond Moffatt & Nichol s control, and Moffatt & Nichol assumes no responsibility for damages suffered by any party as a result of decisions made or actions based on any electronic report. Refer to the original, printed and signed version of this document for the official and final Moffatt & Nichol work product. Final Report Page 29 of 29

33 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Appendix A: Drawings

34

35

36

37

38

39

40 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Appendix B: Photographs Taken on Field Trip at Williston Reservoir and Dinosaur Lake, May 19-20, 2009

41 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 1: Taken on at Dunlevy Parking area at Dunlevy Photo No. 2: Taken on at Dunlevy Approach to the boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 1 of 26

42 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 3: Taken on at Dunlevy Existing boat launch ramp looking uphill. Photo No. 4: Taken on at Dunlevy Erosion and undercutting of the upper part of the boat launch ramp; concrete barrier has been installed for safety. Final Appendix B 27 Page 2 of 26

43 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 5: Taken on at Dunlevy Bank slumping and associated damage of the lower part of the boat launch ramp. Photo No. 6: Taken on at Dunlevy Lower end of the boat launch ramp. Final Appendix B 27 Page 3 of 26

44 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 7: Taken on at Dunlevy Ongoing erosion at the top of bank adjacent to the boat launch ramp Approach to ramp Concrete ramp with barrier Photo No. 8: Taken on at Dunlevy Long view of the Dunlevy site and boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 4 of 26

45 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 9: Taken on at Dunlevy Typical substrate over much of the bank Photo No. 10: Taken on at Dunlevy Muddy substrate found in parts of the bank at Dunlevy; mud was present in the vicinity of the areas most subject to slumping Final Appendix B 27 Page 5 of 26

46 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 11: Taken on at Dunlevy Erosion of upper bank immediately downstream (south) of the boat launch ramp; similar to erosion at the ramp Photo No. 12: Taken on at Dunlevy Ongoing wave-driven erosion and slumping at the bottom of bank immediately downstream (south) of the boat launch ramp; similar to erosion at the ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 6 of 26

47 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 13: Taken on south of Dunlevy on the east side Apparently accretional area but with soft sediments Photo No. 14: Taken on north of Dunlevy on the east side Shoreline condition north of Dunlevy: typical area similar to the existing site Final Appendix B 27 Page 7 of 26

48 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 15: Taken on north of Dunlevy on the east side Shoreline condition north of Dunlevy: less erosional site but with unsuitable upland conditions Photo No. 16: Taken on north of Dunlevy Shoreline condition north of Dunlevy: rocky condition at the upstream end of Dunlevy Inlet Final Appendix B 27 Page 8 of 26

49 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 17: Taken on upstream of Dunlevy Dunlevy Creek upstream of the Dunlevy boat launch ramp Photo No. 18: Taken on on the west side of Dunlevy inlet Potential alternative site across from the existing Dunlevy boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 9 of 26

50 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 19: Taken on on the west side of Dunlevy inlet Upland portion of the site: erosion is less rapid compared to the existing boat launch ramp Photo No. 20: Taken on on the west side of Dunlevy inlet General view of the terrain at this site Final Appendix B 27 Page 10 of 26

51 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 21: Taken on on the west side of Dunlevy inlet Beach near the low water mark at the potential alternative site Photo No. 22: Taken on on the west side of Dunlevy inlet Upland area at the potential alternative site Final Appendix B 27 Page 11 of 26

52 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Approach to ramp Photo No. 23: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Small upland area (in use for construction parking at the time of the visit) Photo No. 24: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek General view of the upland topography: the area shown in Photo No. 23 is on the left and there is a small parking area with restrooms on the right Final Appendix B 27 Page 12 of 26

53 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 25: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Upper part of the boat launch ramp Photo No. 26: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Surface of the boat launch ramp: the spalled area shown is the worst case for this ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 13 of 26

54 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 27: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Lower part of the boat launch ramp Photo No. 28: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Riprap breakwater adjacent to the boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 14 of 26

55 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 29: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Gravel accumulation on the riprap breakwater Photo No. 30: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Offshore side of the breakwater adjacent to the boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 15 of 26

56 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 31: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Offshore end of the riprap breakwater adjacent to the boat launch ramp Photo No. 32: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Riprap slope protection adjacent to the boat launch ramp on the landside Final Appendix B 27 Page 16 of 26

57 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 33: Taken on at Elizabeth Creek Rocky slope above the riprap slope protection Photo No. 34: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Upland parking area Final Appendix B 27 Page 17 of 26

58 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 35: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Approach to the boat launch ramp and floating dock Photo No. 36: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake General condition of the shoreline east (downdrift) of the launching facilities Final Appendix B 27 Page 18 of 26

59 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 37: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake General condition of the shoreline west (updrift) of the launching facilities Photo No. 38: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Creek mouth and picnic area west of the launching facilities Final Appendix B 27 Page 19 of 26

60 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 39: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Typical substrate sizes on the beach Photo No. 40: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Concrete boat launch ramp, looking offshore Final Appendix B 27 Page 20 of 26

61 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 41: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake General condition of the boat launch ramp Photo No. 42: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Cracks in the concrete of the boat launch ramp Final Appendix B 27 Page 21 of 26

62 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 43: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Scour protection at the boat launch ramp Photo No. 44: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Concrete boat launch ramp, viewed from the breakwater. The floating dock is hidden behind the ramp from this viewpoint. Final Appendix B 27 Page 22 of 26

63 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 45: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Composite view of the wooden floating dock Photo No. 46: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Detail of the support piling for the floating wooden dock Final Appendix B 27 Page 23 of 26

64 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 47: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Floats at the offshore end of the floating wooden dock Photo No. 48: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Condition of the wood decking on the floating dock Final Appendix B 27 Page 24 of 26

65 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 49: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake View of the breakwater looking directly offshore Photo No. 50: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Composite view of the breakwater Final Appendix B 27 Page 25 of 26

66 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Photo No. 51: Taken on at Dinosaur Lake Range of rock sizes making up the breakwater (note the pencil used for scale near the centre of the photograph) Final Appendix B 27 Page 26 of 26

67 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Appendix C: Environmental Report

68 4025//WP-P2065 Peace Reach and Dinosaur Reservoir Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Environmental Component February 2010 Prepared for: Moffatt & Nichol 777 W. Broadway, Suite 301 Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7 Prepared by: # Fifth Ave. Prince George, BC. Canada V2L 3L1 Phone (250) Fax (250)

69 4025/WP#P-2065 Peace Reach and Dinosaur Reservoir Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Environmental Component Prepared for: Moffatt & Nichol 777 W. Broadway, Suite 301 Vancouver, BC V5Z 4J7 Prepared by: Suite th Avenue Prince George, BC, V2L 3L1 Tel: (250) Fax: (250) February, 2010

70 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING METHODOLOGY FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT Wildlife Species of Management Concern VEGETATION POTENTIAL EFFECTS ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT VEGETATION Rare Plant Communities Rare Plant Species First Nations Traditional Plant Use DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT VEGETATION POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DUNLEVY ALTERNATE SITE FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT VEGETATION POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ELIZABETH CREEK FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT VEGETATION POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS DINOSAUR LAKE PARK FISH AND FISH HABITAT WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT VEGETATION POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS MITIGATIVE MEASURES, GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS MITIGATIVE MEASURES MONITORING REQUIREMENTS TIMING WINDOWS PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY REFERENCES Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065 Page i

71 LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1. SARA LISTED SPECIES (SCHEDULE 1) WHICH MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA TABLE 2. LISTED FISH SPECIES WITHIN THE WILLISTON AND DINOSAUR RESERVOIRS... 7 TABLE 3. RED AND BLUE-LISTED SPECIES IN THE BWBS ZONE OF THE PEACE FOREST DISTRICT TABLE 4. LISTED PLANT COMMUNITIES IN THE BWBSMW1 SUBZONE TABLE 5. RED LISTED PLANT SPECIES WITHIN THE BWBSMW1 SUBZONE TABLE 6. PLANT SPECIES FOUND WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA WITH TRADITIONAL USES LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. PEACE REACH AND DINOSAUR BOAT RAMP SITE LOCATIONS LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1. Appendix 2. Appendix 3. Report photographs SARA Species List Rare Plant Species List LIST OF ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1. Digital CD with all project photographs and final report (PDF). Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065 Page ii

72 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Purpose of Document The purpose of this document is to identify the environmental sensitivities at three boat ramp locations on the Peace Reach of the Williston Reservoir and one on Dinosaur Reservoir. This report is prepared in response to the BC Hydro Peace River Water Use Plan Feasibility of Boat Ramps Study Terms of Reference. This report will be submitted in conjunction with the associated Engineering Technical and Archaeological Feasibility reports completed by Moffatt & Nichol (M&N) and Golder Associates (Golder). This report has been prepared to: Provide a description of the environmental setting; Document baseline environmental conditions based on existing information, field data and observations; Identify valued ecosystem components (VEC) at or near each of the proposed sites; Provide an assessment of potential impacts of development on the VEC s at each site; Provide an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for each site; Identify regulatory permitting and approval requirements necessary to proceed with construction at each site; and Identify if any additional environmental investigations may be required. 1.2 Environmental Setting Three of the four potential boat ramp sites are located on the eastern end of the Peace Reach (Williston Reservoir) and the fourth is located on the Dinosaur Reservoir, just west of the community of Hudson s Hope, BC. Access to the Dinosaur Reservoir (Dinosaur Lake Park) is off Highway 29, 11 km southwest of Hudson s Hope. The others are located on the Reservoir accessed by Canyon Drive due west from Hudson s Hope (Figure 1). The project area is within the Peace Foothill Ecosection just east of the Rocky Mountains in the Peace Forest District. The Boreal White and Black Spruce biogeoclimatic zone (BWBS) is characteristic of the lower elevations of this region, with aspen, white spruce, lodgepole pine and black spruce predominating (DeLong et al 1990). The climate and vegetation communities of project area are described by the Peace moist warm (mw1) subzone of the BWBS zone. The BWBSmw1 occurs at elevations ranging from 350 to 1050 m along the Peace River and Williston Reservoir. The climate of this subzone is represented by dry cool, summers and warm moist winters with moderate snowfall. The mean annual temperature for this subzone is 1.1º C. For the Fort St. John area, daily maximums average 6.9º C and daily minimums average -2.9º C (Environment Canada 2008). The mean annual precipitation in the BWBSmw1 is 485 Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 1

73 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study mm and the average yearly precipitation recorded at Fort St. John between is mm (Environment Canada 2008). Within this subzone, the dominant tree species is trembling aspen. White spruce is found in the moister sites that have had little fire disturbance and lodgepople pine can be found in the drier and poorer soil areas. Black spruce occurs in the wetter and more organic soils. Shrub species include prickly rose (Rosa acicularis), soopolallie (Shepherdia canadensis), red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), and high-bush cranberry (Viburnum edule). Herbaceous species include bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), fireweed (Epilobium angustifolum) and showy aster (Aster conspicuus). Figure 1. Peace Reach and Dinosaur Reservoir Boat Ramp Site Locations. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 2

74 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 2.0 METHODOLOGY Field surveys were conducted in conjunction with the engineering and archaeological surveys between May 19 th and 20 th, 2009 to document existing conditions in aquatic and terrestrial habitats surrounding the existing and proposed boat ramp locations. 2.1 Fish and Fish Habitat Aquatic habitats were assessed in terms of substrate, gradients (% slope), and drawdown zone vegetation. No fish sampling was conducted but existing data on the potential fish species within the project area was reviewed along with the associated habitat requirements of those species for all life stages. Habitat observed at each boat ramp site was described in terms of its suitability to provide habitat for the identified species. 2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat In order to determine the local, regional and provincial significance of habitats within the study area, it is necessary to consider the full range of wildlife species known, or with significant potential, to occur in the vicinity of each boat ramp. Key references that were utilized to achieve this include: Stevens et al. (1994) provide a breakdown of wildlife species by biogeoclimatic zones and subzones with some habitat cross referencing, and habitat preferences; The Mammals of British Columbia (Eder and Pattie, 2001); The Birds of British Columbia Vol 1, Vol 2, Vol 3, Vol 4 (Campbell et al. 1990); A Field Guide for Identification and Interpretation of Ecosystems of the northern east portion of the Prince George Forest Region (DeLong et al 1990); BC Conservation Data Centre tracking lists (BC CDC 2009); Bats of British Columbia (Nagorsen and Brigham 1993); and The Amphibians and Reptiles of British Columbia (Matsuda et al. 2006) Wildlife Species of Management Concern The primary warehouse of information on the status of flora and fauna in the province is the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC). The CDC provides tracking lists for flora, fauna, and plant communities for each Forest District in the province. The District lists identify species that can be expected to occur within the District boundaries, which is often coincident with watershed divides. These areas can include the bulk of some wildlife sub-populations. These status lists use a colour-coding system to rank the status and management priorities for species at risk. Following is a breakdown and brief description of the status and ranking criteria used in developing these lists: Red-listed Species: candidates for legal designation as threatened or endangered under Federal legislation; Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 3

75 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study include threatened species - any indigenous species of fauna or flora that is likely to become endangered in British Columbia if the factors affecting its vulnerability do not become reversed; and include endangered species - any indigenous species of fauna or flora that is threatened with imminent extinction or extirpation throughout all or a significant portion of its British Columbia range. Blue-listed Species: considered to be vulnerable or sensitive and are candidates for upgrade to the red-list or downgrade to yellow; and include vulnerable species - any indigenous species of fauna or flora that is particularly at risk in British Columbia because of low or declining populations. Yellow-listed Species the yellow-listed species are those considered not at risk in British Columbia and are considered for management emphasis for various reasons including recent declines in population numbers, restricted distribution, losses of habitat, public interest, species that are maintained by ecosystem management and species for which the Province has a global responsibility. In addition to red, blue, and yellow-listed species, numerous other species are of management concern within the province due to: populations that are actively managed; species that are of commercial value; species with specific habitat requirements (e.g. nest cavities); species found at low densities; and colony nesters. In order to identify species of management concern that potentially occur in the study area, the full list of wildlife species known to occur, or with significant potential to occur within the BWBSmw1 subzone were considered. Based on sub-regional wildlife distribution, abundance, and species sensitivities the CDC has developed tracking lists for individual forest districts. The CDC red, blue and yellow lists for rare vertebrate species within the Peace Forest District were acquired. In addition, the Federal Species at Risk Act Registry (SARA) was also reviewed for the potential of any Schedule 1 listed species to be present within the project area (Appendix 2). The Species at Risk list can be reduced based on known regional distributions, specialized habitat requirements, and extreme rarity to a subset of species that is more reasonable to expect within the project area. This was done using the descriptions of terrestrial habitat observed at each boat ramp site to determine its suitability to provide habitat for identified wildlife species. Six SARA listed species may be found within the vicinity of the project areas (Table 1). Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 4

76 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Table 1. SARA listed species (Schedule 1) which may occur within the project area. Scientific name Common Name SARA Category Falco peregrinus anatum Peregrine Falcon Special Concern Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow Rail Special Concern Bos bison athabascae Wood Bison Threatened Rangifer tarandus caribou Caribou (Northern Mountain Threatened population) Rangifer tarandus Caribou (Boreal Population) Threatened Bufo boreas Western Toad Special Concern 2.3 Vegetation There are two useful land classification schemes that capture the variation in plant and animal communities at a sub-regional scale. Ecosections (Regional Ecosystem Classification) are contiguous areas with similar climate and physiography, which are large enough to sustain a variety of plant and wildlife communities. Biogeoclimatic subzones and subzone variants (Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification, BEC) are characterized by a particular combination of dominant plant species. Subzones and subzone variants are dispersed within sub-regional areas and often occur within a relatively narrow elevational range and/or in relation to aspect. The Province has protected representative natural examples of both ecosections and subzones/variants at the landscape level. Site associations or site series units are the fine units of the biogeoclimatic classification system that capture plant community variation at the stand or operational level and these are the ecosystems that are tracked by the Conservation Data Centre (CDC). The CDC red and blue-lists identify ecosystems that are considered rare or at risk. The biogeoclimatic site series unit is also routinely used by forest and wildlife resource managers, and provides an appropriate means to assess the local, regional and provincial significance of potential effects of habitat alteration in the study area. The ecosystems of the study area have been described at the biogeoclimatic site series level. A review of Species at Risk and the CDC red and blue-lists was completed prior to the field assessments. Plant species that were located in areas that may be affected by boat ramp construction were identified. An assessment of the risk of species occurring within the affected area and their habitat requirements was also conducted rather than attempting to conduct an actual detailed inventory across each site. 2.4 Potential Effects Valued Ecosystem Components (VECs) are elements of the biophysical and socioeconomic environment that are valued by society and have particular relevance in completing the project scoping. They may be landscape level features (ecosystems), or individual fish, wildlife or plant species that are recognized as rare, sensitive or vulnerable to human activity. VEC s were identified by reviewing the fish and fish Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 5

77 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study habitats, wildlife and wildlife habitat and vegetation at each site and assigning an Environmental Sensitivity Rating (ESA) of either low, moderate or high, based on how sensitive that habitat feature would be to the proposed boat ramp construction at each site. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 6

78 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT 3.1 Fish and Fish Habitat The four potential sites are located on the Williston Reservoir (WR) and the Dinosaur Reservoir (DR). These two Reservoirs provide habitat for a variety of fish species including: bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni), lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis), kokanee (O. nerka), burbot (Lota lota), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), peamouth chub (Mylocheilus caurinus), prickly sculpin (Cottus asper), redside shiner (Richardsonius balteatus) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) (Murphy et al 2004). There are three listed species of management concern for the Reservoirs within the Peace Forest District (Table 2). Other listed species within the District include Goldeye, pearl dace, mottled sculpin, and spottail shiner. These were not included in this assessment as they are typically found within the Peace River and not within the Reservoirs. Table 2. Listed fish species within the Williston and Dinosaur Reservoirs. Common Name Arctic grayling (Williston Watershed population) Bull trout Dolly Varden Status BC: Red BC: Blue BC: Blue The Williston Arctic grayling population is restricted to the Reservoir large drainages including the Osilinka, Mesilinka, Omineca, Ingenika and Finlay drainages (MWLAP 2002). They spawn in the clear tributary waters moving to shallow, slow moving water along stream edges as fry. Fry feed on aquatic stages of midges, black flies, stoneflies and other benthic invertebrates or the young stages of insects as they drift downstream. Juvenile Arctic grayling are typically found in shallow water with no associated cover. As adults, the grayling occupy pools downstream of riffle complexes and in association with mountain whitefish. They migrate long distances between seasonal habitats returning to the same areas each year (MWLAP 2002). Given the habitats present at the proposed boat launch ramp locations, it is unlikely that bull trout would be negatively affected. In the Williston Reservoir, bull trout appear to be using the lake extensively and appear to be developing an adfluvial life-history (Bruce and Starr 1985). Bull trout populations spawn in flowing water and apparently avoid spawning in large rivers, instead preferring sites in smaller streams (McPhail and Baxter 1996). Bull trout tend to occupy headwater reaches of mountainous watersheds where they are typically the only species present. Cover associated with instream velocity breaks has been found to be an important attribute in spawning tributaries (McPhail and Baxter 1996). It has been found that juvenile bull trout usually associate with complex forms of cover and high stream channel complexity (Baxter and McPhail 1996). Fry and juveniles have also been found to prefer large diameter substrate (cobbles and boulders), probably due to its ability to Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 7

79 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study provide cover and refuge from predators and fast currents (Baxter and McPhail 1996). Given the habitats present at the proposed boat launch ramp locations, it is unlikely that bull trout would be negatively affected. Dolly Varden are limited to the upper Finlay system (Thutade Lake tributaries, upper Finlay River below Cascadero Falls, some upper Ingenika tributaries, and some Fredrickson Creek tributaries). Several historical occurrences of Dolly Varden within inland systems are most likely bull trout based on recent studies (Haas 1996). 3.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat The CDC red, blue and yellow list for rare wildlife species within the BWBS zone of the Peace Forest District was queried resulting in 17 red-listed species and 28 blue-listed species (BC CDC 2009) (Table 3). The sandhill crane was the only yellow-listed species. Twenty bird, 8 mammal, and 17 invertebrate species were identified. Thirteen species have formal COSEWIC designations (5 special concern, 1 threatened/special concern, 5 threatened, and 2 not at risk), 9 species are Identified Wildlife, and 6 species are listed under the Species at Risk Act. Table 3. Red and blue-listed species in the BWBS zone of the Peace Forest District. English Name BC Identified Potential COSEWIC SARA Occurrence in Project Area Status Wildlife Effects American Bittern No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Barn Swallow No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Bay-breasted Warbler No Red Y (Jun 2006) Possible given mature coniferous forest in area. None anticipated. Black-throated Green Warbler No Blue Y (Jun 2006) Potential in river floodplains and stands of aspen/spruce. None anticipated. Broad-winged Hawk No Blue No Potential given aspens stands near sites. None anticipated. Canada Warbler T (Mar 2008) Blue No Potential in aspen stands with red-osier dogwood understory. None anticipated. Cape May Warbler No Red Y (Jun 2006) Possible given mature coniferous forest in area. None anticipated. Connecticut Warbler No Red Y (Jun 2006) Potentially in aspen forests with well developed shrub layers. None anticipated. Le Conte's Sparrow No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow NAR (May 1998) Red Y (Jun 2006) Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Peregrine Falcon, anatum subspecies SC (Apr 2007) Red No 1 This subspecies occurs in southern interior, not expected None anticipated. in project area. Brant No Blue No River deltas, maybe Dunlevy None Short-eared Owl SC (Mar 2008) inlet. Blue Y (May 2004) 3 Potentially found in fields surrounding the project area. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 8 anticipated. None anticipated.

80 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study English Name BC Identified Potential COSEWIC SARA Occurrence in Project Area Status Wildlife Effects Olive-sided flycatcher T (Nov 2007) Blue No Potential occurrence along the Reservoir None anticipated. Surf Scoter No Blue No Potential occurrence along the Reservoir. None anticipated. Swainson's Hawk No Red No Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Upland Sandpiper No Red No Potential user of fields in project area. None anticipated. Yellow Rail SC (Nov 2001) Red No 1 Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Rough-legged hawk NAR (1995) Blue No Open grasslands, rangelands, marshes. Observed with Peace None anticipated. River area. Arctic Skipper, No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present None mandan subspecies Common Woodnymph, nephele subspecies No Blue No Possible along roadways near project. anticipated. None anticipated. Common Ringlet, benjamini subspecies No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Assiniboine Skipper No Red No South facing banks on the Peace River. None anticipated. Alberta Artic No Red No Peace river near Alberta border. None anticipated. White-veined Arctic, edwardsi subspecies No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Uhler s Arctic No Blue No Peace river near Alberta border. None anticipated. Old World Swallowtail, pikei subspecies No Blue No Willow shrub habitat and boreal forest openings. Possible occurrence near dam. None anticipated. Tawny Crescent No Blue No Peace River from Attachie east to AB border. None anticipated. Arctic Blue, lacustris subspecies No Blue No Possible occurrence near dam. None anticipated. Striped Hairstreak No Red No North banks of Peace River canyon associated with chokecherry. None anticipated. Callused Vertigo No Blue No Potential in aspen stands. None anticipated. Coral Hairstreak No Red No Peace River canyon east of Hudson s Hope. Aphrodite Fritillary No Blue No Mesic meadows in aspen woodlands. None anticipated. None anticipated. Great Spangled Fritillary No Red No Edges of and in aspen woodlands. None anticipated. Prairie Bluet No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Hagen's Bluet No Blue No Unlikely given habitats present. None anticipated. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 9

81 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study English Name BC Identified Potential COSEWIC SARA Occurrence in Project Area Status Wildlife Effects Wood Bison T (May 2000) Red No 1 Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Plains Bison T (May 2004) Red No Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Wolverine, luscus subspecies SC (May 2003) Blue Y (May 2004) Potential upland visitor along the Reservoir None anticipated. Fisher No Blue Y (Jun 2006) Unlikely given habitats present None anticipated. Northern Myotis No Blue No Potential given aspens stands near sites. None anticipated. Caribou (boreal T (May 2002) Red Y (May 2004) 1 Unlikely given habitats present None population) Caribou (northern mountain population) Grizzly Bear T/SC (May 2002) SC (May 2002) Blue Y (May 2004) 1 Potentially along Dunlevy Inlet. Blue Y (May 2004) Potential upland visitor along the Reservoir anticipated. None anticipated. None anticipated. The comprehensive list can be reduced based on known regional distributions, specialized habitat requirements, and extreme rarity to a subset of species that is more reasonable to expect may occur within the project area. In general, the upland areas found within the BWBSmw1 are known to provide habitat for moose, elk, caribou, black bear, gray wolf and grizzly bear. Rocky Mountain elk are also know to occur on the southerly facing slopes of the Peace River Canyon (closer to Dinosaur Lake Park) (DeLong et al 1990). The upland areas of Butler Ridge Provincial Park (Dunlevy site) provides habitat for provides important winter range for caribou and stone sheep habitat in the higher elevations as well as moose and elk winter range in the lower elevations. Stone sheep have been observed in the canyon north of the Dunlevy Site (MOE 2007a). The invertebrates listed above may occur within the project area; however, it is difficult to determine their use of the area at this level of assessment. Life history and distribution data for these species are not readily available, and directed searches for these species were not conducted. In general, the available habitats and plant species of the project area are common and not limiting on the landscape, therefore it is unlikely that they are critically important for the invertebrate species at risk, which are likely to be habitat or plant species specialists. Of the listed vertebrate species, 11 species of birds and 4 mammals have potential to occur with the assessed area. 3.3 Vegetation Rare Plant Communities The CDC Rare Natural Plant Community Tracking List for the Peace Forest District identifies three red-listed, two blue-listed, and 11 yellow-listed plant communities (site Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 10

82 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study series unit) in the BWBSmw1 biogeoclimatic subzone (Table 4). Where there is poor representation of mature natural examples of subzones in protected areas and there has been substantial modification of existing areas, most or all site series units in a subzone often appear on the CDC lists (Coupe 2005). As such there are 11 yellow-listed plant communities in this subzone. Table 4. Listed plant communities in the BWBSmw1 subzone. Scientific Name English Name BC Status Site Series Betula nana / Carex aquatilis scrub birch / water sedge Yellow BWBSmw1/Wf02 Juncus arcticus - Puccinellia nuttalliana - arctic rush - Nuttall's alkaligrass - Red BWBSmw1/00 Suaeda calceoliformis seablite Larix laricina / Aulacomnium palustre tamarack / glow moss Yellow BWBSmw1/10 BWBSmw1/Wb0 6 Muhlenbergia richardsonis - Juncus mat muhly - arctic rush - Nevada Red BWBSmw1/00 arcticus - Poa secunda ssp. juncifolia bluegrass Picea glauca / Leymus innovatus - white spruce / fuzzy-spiked wildrye - Yellow BWBSmw1/03 Lathyrus ochroleucus creamy peavine Picea glauca - Populus tremuloides / white spruce - trembling aspen / step Yellow BWBSmw1/01 Hylocomium splendens moss Picea glauca - Populus tremuloides / white spruce - trembling aspen / Yellow BWBSmw1/00 Shepherdia canadensis soopolallie Picea glauca / Ribes triste / Equisetum white spruce / red swamp currant / Yellow BWBSmw1/07 spp. horsetails Picea glauca / Ribes triste / white spruce / red swamp currant / Blue BWBSmw1/05 Gymnocarpium dryopteris oak fern Picea glauca / Ribes triste / Mertensia white spruce / red swamp currant / Blue BWBSmw1/06 paniculata tall bluebells Picea mariana / Equisetum arvense / Sphagnum spp. black spruce / common horsetail / peat-mosses Yellow BWBSmw1/11 BWBSmw1/Wb0 9 Picea mariana / Ledum groenlandicum / black spruce / Labrador tea / peatmosses Yellow BWBSmw1/08 Sphagnum spp. Picea mariana / Vaccinium vitis-idaea / black spruce / lingonberry / knight's Yellow BWBSmw1/04 Ptilium crista-castrensis plume Pinus contorta / Vaccinium myrtilloides / Vaccinium vitis-idaea lodgepole pine / velvet-leaved blueberry / lingonberry Yellow BWBSmw1/02 Populus balsamifera (ssp. balsamifera, ssp. trichocarpa) - Picea spp. / Cornus stolonifera (balsam poplar, black cottonwood) - spruces / red-osier dogwood Red BWBSmw1/09 BWBSmw1/Fm02 Salix reticulata - Salix polaris net-veined willow - polar willow Yellow BWBSmw1 Other vegetation communities of particular importance and sensitivity include riparian communities, which are not described in the site identification field guide, but typically have high wildlife values and are sensitive to disturbance. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 11

83 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Rare Plant Species Plant species can be identified using several keys. Generally the nomenclature follows Hitchcock et al. (1973), however The Vascular Plants of British Columbia (Ministry of Forests 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1994) was used where there were discrepancies in the species names used. There are 23 plant species that appear on the CDC red-list and 47 that occur on the blue-list of rare vascular plant species within the BWBS zone of the Peace Forest District (BC CDC 2009) (Appendix 3). This list was further examined to determine if the listed plant species have the potential to occur within the BWBSmw subzone. The examination revealed that 20 red-listed and 29 blue-listed species may occur within this subzone. Focus was placed on the potential for red-listed species to occur within the project areas and based on their known distribution and habitat requirements, 6 have the potential to occur at these boat ramp locations (Table 5). Table 5. Red listed plant species within the BWBSmw1 subzone. English Name alpine meadowfoxtail riverbank anemone sickle-pod rockcress long-leaved mugwort BC Status Red Red Red Red Habitats moist meadows in the montane to subalpine moist to mesic gravel bars, streambanks and forests in the steppe and montane mesic to dry grasslands, gravelly river banks and disturbed areas in the steppe and montane mesic sreambanks and terraces in the montane zones Occurrence in Project Area Unlikely given habitats present. Unlikely given habitats present. Potential but not observed. Potential but not observed. Nuttall's orache Red dry grassy slopes in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. dry-land sedge Red dry slopes and open forests in the steppe and montane Hian's goosefoot Red moist, warm, south-facing slopes BWBSmw Drummond's thistle Nuttall's sunflower fennel-leaved desert-parsley slender penstemon Canada Ryegrass Unlikely given habitats present. Unlikely given habitats present. Red dry open forests in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. Red wet to moist fields and meadows in the lowland and montane Unlikely given habitats present. Red dry grassy slopes in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. Red dry to moist sandy or rocky grasslands Unlikely given habitats present. Red perennial ryegrass - mesic to moist pastures, fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas in the lowland, steppe and montane Potential but not observed. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 12

84 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study English Name Senecasnakeroot Siberian polypody purple rattlesnake-root heart-leaved buttercup BC Status Red Habitats moist to mesic grassy slopes in the montane Occurrence in Project Area Unlikely given habitats present. Red dry to mesic rocks in the montane zone Unlikely given habitats present. Red dry grassy slopes in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. Red moist to mesic grasslands, meadows and forest openings in the montane prairie buttercup Red dry grasslands, thickets, and open forests in the montane rivergrass Red ponds, marshes, lakeshores and streamsides in the steppe and montane Potential but not observed. Potential but not observed. Potential but not observed. rock selaginella Red dry grassy ridges in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. marsh fleabane Red wet to moist streambanks, lakeshores, ponds, and marshes in the montane Unlikely given habitats present. The CDC has an occurrence record from 1985 of Arkansas rose (blue-listed) occurring within the Dunlevy Inlet (2009). None of the red-listed species have mapped occurrences in the vicinity of the boat launch ramps. While these six species was not observed during this assessment, this does not preclude them from occurring in the area. However since, very minimal upland clearing will be required for most of the conceptual designs, these species should not be affected First Nations Traditional Plant Use A variety of plants have been identified as providing value to First Nations people. Indigenous peoples throughout BC have used plants for food, medicine, tools, transportation, and shelter (Davis 1993). Foods such as berries, roots, fruits, bark, shoots, leaves and lichens have been included in their diets for centuries. Plants also provide forage for the animals on which they hunted and relied on for meat. Table 6 outlines those species of importance that were observed or are likely to occur in the upland areas of these sites. Table 6. Plant species found within the project area with traditional uses. Common Name Scientific Name Use Saskatoon Amelanchier alnifolia Berries. Trembling aspen Populus tremuloides Tent poles, deodorizer, absorbent material. Black cottonwood Populus balsamifira Canoes and fire sets. Red osier dogwood Cornus sericea Smoked for lung disease False Solomon s seal Smilacina racemosa Berries, sweetener or flavouring. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 13

85 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Wild raspberry Rubus idaeus Popular berry. Soapberry Sherperdia canadensis Confection, ailments, trade item. Wild strawberry Fragaria virginiana Berries. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 14

86 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 4.0 DUNLEVY EXISTING SITE 4.1 Fish and Fish Habitat The existing boat launch ramp at the Dunlevy Recreation site is located along the east side of the Dunlevy Arm in the Peace Reach (Appendix 1: Plates 1 and 2). No streams were found in the vicinity of this ramp however, the mouth of Dunlevy Creek is located 2.5 km north of this site. Dunlevy Creek (WSC: ) flows south into the Reservoir and is known to provide habitat for several fish species including: bull trout, burbot, Kokanee, largescale sucker (Catostomus macrocheilus), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus), mountain whitefish, northern pikeminnow (Ptychochelius oregonesis), peamouth chub (Mylocheilus caurinus), rainbow trout, redside shiner (Richardsonius balteatus), slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus), and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) (Prov. of BC 2009). No other unnamed or unmapped drainages were observed in the vicinity of this location. The lakebed substrates in the area of the proposed boat ramp extension were composed of fines with interspersed cobbles (Appendix 1; Plate 5). The fine substrates do not provide adequate rearing or spawning habitat for most species in the Reservoir however, they may provide habitat for a variety of aquatic invertebrates. The substrates were highly compacted and little cover was present in the area of the existing ramp. Area may be subject to sedimentation and erosion at high water as the banks were slumping around the existing ramp. Cover is provided south of the ramp by overhanging vegetation and recently fallen trees at high water (Appendix 1; Plate 8). The area that is proposed for the ramp construction is not likely to provide habitat for the fish species of special concern in this region. 4.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat During the field assessment, ungulate tracks and pellets were observed around the parking area and along a game trail noted above the high water mark (Appendix 1; Plate 7). Elk, moose, mule deer and coyote were all observed on the road ROW travelling to this site. Red-tailed hawk, American robin, varied thrush, northern flicker were observed or heard during the assessment. Suitable nesting sites bordered the parking area and access roads (Appendix 1; Plate 6). It is likely that other raptors, songbirds and small mammals utilize this area. The exposed banks further north may provide nesting habitat for swallows however, during this assessment none were observed. Humans frequently use this area and as such its usage by wildlife may be sporadic. While this area may be used by a variety of species, the habitat is not deemed critical and is not limited upon the landscape. A further review of these listed wildlife species and their habitat requirements are not required. Of the SARA species listed in Table 1, none of them are likely to be affected if boat ramp construction occurs at this location given habitat present. In addition, the footprint of the ramp upgrades proposed for this site would not impact critical habitat for the provincially listed species. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 15

87 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 4.3 Vegetation The majority of the upland area at this site has been disturbed. There is a large upper parking area and a smaller parking/turnaround area closer to the high water mark (Appendix 1; Plate 3). Plant species observed at this location included trembling aspen, lodgepole pine, white spruce, prickly rose, white sweet clover, yarrow, soopolallie, redosier dogwood, timothy, Sitka alder. Stands dominated by trembling aspen were also observed (Appendix 1; Plate 1). Snow was present during the time of the assessment and covered the herb layer. The upland area had a south-westerly aspect and the soils were shallow. Since the habitat present did not match the requirements of the red and blue-listed communities, it is likely that the vegetation is indicative of one of the yellow-listed communities. Given the disturbance within the area, the vegetation was not indicative of any of the site series within the BWBSmw1. Vegetation present was noted to be found in several of the site series. A blue-listed species, Arkansas rose, has been noted along the lake shore surrounding the Dunlevy Arm (CDC 2009). It occurs on dry grassy slopes and although it was not observed, a review of the slope prior to construction should be conducted. Although it is blue-listed, its presence would not impede construction from occurring but attempts should be made to avoid it. Other vegetation communities of particular importance and sensitivity include riparian communities, which are not described in the site identification field guide, but typically have high wildlife values and are sensitive to disturbance. The vegetation along the reservoir would be considered lake riparian and it is important for maintaining water quantity within the reservoir. In addition to the above mentioned species, there are records to indicate that summer cypress (Kochia scoparia) is found near the project area and therefore attempts should be made to reduce the spread of noxious weeds into the area during and after construction (MOFR 2009). 4.4 Potential Environmental Effects Two design options have been created for the existing Dunlevy site. Option 1 is a single lane precast concrete ramp (140 m long) that will require significant excavation to achieve the 15% ramp slope. No additional clearing would be required for parking or turnaround areas. The south facing slope paralleling the ramp would require riprap protection. While this berm will provide some interstitial space and cover for fish, it will also displace natural lakebed substrate. Given the size of the ramp required, the overall Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 16

88 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study disturbance footprint below the high water mark is expected to be approximately 1800 m 2. Option 2 is a single lane precast concrete ramp (180 m long) that would require less lakebed excavation to achieve the 15% grade. However, this option would require the clearing of 600 m 2 near the north end of the parking area. The west facing slope paralleling the ramp would require riprap protection to prevent the slope from unraveling into the lock block walkway. The slope is currently void of vegetation and does not provide cover for fish at high reservoir levels. The riprap on both sides of the ramp would provide some interstitial space and cover for fish, but the ramp itself will displace natural lakebed substrates. The overall disturbance footprint below the high water mark is expected to be approximately 1120 m 2. The total disturbance footprint for this option is approximately 1500 m 2. The fisheries habitat and wildlife habitat existing at this site are not deemed critical habitats and are not limited upon the landscape. These ecosystem components have been previously disturbed and are assigned an ESA rating of low. The vegetation present is assigned a moderate ESA rating given the potential for a bluelisted plant species to occur. As such, flagging of the site is recommended prior to construction to ensure minimal vegetation clearing is conducted. An additional survey of the vegetated area north of the parking lot is suggested in Option 2 is selected. The noise of construction may temporarily displace wildlife from this area and therefore, critical periods such as nesting should be avoided. If clearing is to occur, critical periods such as nesting (May 1 to July 31 st ) are to be avoided. A nest survey should be conducted prior to construction and if no nests are found, then clearing could proceed within the critical nesting window. It is anticipated that, based on conceptual design, that no significant unmitigable affects would occur as a result of the construction of this boat ramp. An appropriate Environmental Management Plan would be required for submission to the agencies prior to construction. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 17

89 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 5.0 DUNLEVY ALTERNATE SITE 5.1 Fish and Fish Habitat The potential site is located along the west bank of the Dunlevy Arm across the Reservoir from the existing Dunlevy ramp. Although 1:20,000 scale mapping indicates that a second order stream is within the project site, no streams were observed during the assessment. Ponded water was observed in the upland area likely from the recent snow melt and it flowed overland to the Reservoir (Appendix 1; Plate 12). No defined channels were observed. The lakebed substrates in the area of the proposed boat ramp were observed to be primarily composed of silt and sands (Appendix 1; Plate 8). The fine substrates do not provide adequate rearing or spawning habitat for most species in the reservoir or Dunlevey Creek. The fine substrate likely provides habitat for a variety of aquatic invertebrates. No large boulders or LWD were visible along the proposed ramp alignment that would provide cover habitat. The area that is proposed for the ramp construction is not likely to provide habitat for fish species of special concern in this region. 5.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat During the field assessment, ungulate tracks, bedding sites, significant browse, and pellets were observed in the upland area and along the high water mark. Wolf tracks and scat were observed adjacent to the moose tracks just below the high water mark (Appendix 1; Plate 10). The area is located 450 m south of the canyon where stone sheep have been observed. Species that use this area are likely similar to those at the Dunlevy site and within Bulter Ridge Park. The proposed ramp location is found within the range of the blue-listed Graham herd of Northern Caribou. Mapped ungulate winter range areas for moose and caribou are found further north in the Dunlevy watershed but the project site did not fall within these areas (U-9-004). Caribou are vulnerable to the loss of low elevation early winter habitat (pinelichen forests), increased road access, human disturbance (particularly near calving areas), altered seral stage distributions, predation as well as illegal hunting. The forests upslope of the project site may provide a contiguous forested travel corridor along the Reservoir but does not likely provide critical foraging and calving habitat. While this area may be used by a variety of species, the habitat is not deemed critical and or limited upon the landscape. Of the SARA species listed in Table 1, none of them are likely to be negatively affected if boat ramp construction occurs at this location. In addition, the footprint of constructing a ramp at this location would not impact critical habitat for the provincially listed species. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 18

90 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 5.3 Vegetation The vegetated upland area surrounding this location has not been disturbed (Appendix 1; Plate 9). Plant species observed in the area included: white spruce, lodgepole pine, trembling aspen, red-osier dogwood, prickly rose, Sitka alder, bunchberry, twinflower, and step moss. The east facing slope is gently sloping and an existing road is present 230 m upslope (Appendix 1; Plate 11). Stands dominated by trembling aspen were also observed in close proximity to the site. Willow, young aspen and alder dominated the transitional area between upland vegetation and the high water mark. Since the habitat present did not match the requirements of the red and blue-listed communities, it is likely that the vegetation is indicative of one of the yellow-listed communities. Given the slope gradient and species noted, it is possible that this area is representative of the BWBSmw1/00 or 01 site series. A blue-listed species, Arkansas rose, has been noted along the lake shore surrounding the Dunlevy Arm (CDC 2009). It occurs on dry grassy slopes and although it was not observed, a more detailed assessment of the project footprint is recommended prior to construction at this site. Although it is blue-listed, its presence would not impede construction from occurring but attempts should be made to avoid it. Other vegetation communities of particular importance and sensitivity include riparian communities, which are not described in the site identification field guide, but typically have high wildlife values and are sensitive to disturbance. The vegetation along the reservoir would be considered lake riparian and it is important for maintaining water quantity within the reservoir. 5.4 Potential Environmental Effects The fisheries habitat and terrestrial habitat existing at this site are not deemed critical habitats and are not limited upon the landscape. These ecosystem components have been previously disturbed and are assigned an ESA rating of low. The wildlife habitat present is assigned a moderate ESA rating. Since the upland area is continuous along the Reservoir, it is likely used as a travel corridor. The area does not provide critical foraging or calving habitat for the blue-listed northern caribou. Before a decision is made regarding a potential ramp at this location, it is recommended that this plan be provided to the Ministry of Environment or members of the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan for their comments regarding wildlife habitats in this area. The design option for this site is a single lane precast concrete ramp (140 m long) that would require less lakebed excavation to achieve the 15% grade. This option would require substantial clearing for a parking area, upper turnaround and access road (approximately 4200 m 2 ). A floating walkway is also proposed but the piles necessary Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 19

91 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study for this structure would displace minimal lakebed substrate. The riprap on both sides of the ramp would provide some interstitial space and cover for fish, but the ramp itself will displace natural lakebed substrates. The overall disturbance footprint below the high water mark is expected to be approximately 840 m 2. The total disturbance footprint for this design is approximately 5040 m 2. The noise of construction may temporarily displace wildlife from this area and therefore, critical periods such as nesting should be avoided. If clearing is to occur, critical periods such as nesting (May 1 to July 31 st ) are to be avoided. A nest survey should be conducted prior to construction and if no nests are found, then clearing could proceed within the critical nesting window. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 20

92 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 6.0 ELIZABETH CREEK 6.1 Fish and Fish Habitat This potential site is located on the south side of the Peace Reach immediately west of the G.M. Shrum Generating Station and W.A.C. Bennett Dam. Elizabeth Creek is located 1.1 km west of this location and beyond the potential construction area. Fish species that may utilize this area would include those that would be present in the Reservoir (Section 3.1). No other streams were observed at this location however a drainage was noted at the west end of the existing parking area. This may direct runoff and surface flow during rain events but it is not classified as a stream. The lakebed substrates in the area of the existing ramp were primarily composed of small gravels and cobbles (Appendix 1; Plate 16). The finer substrate likely provides habitat for a variety of aquatic invertebrates. There was little aquatic vegetation and LWD found in the immediate area of the ramp. The existing berm may provide cover during higher water levels given the interstitial spaces provided by the riprap (Appendix 1; Plate 15). The area that is proposed for the ramp extension and riprap berm construction is not likely to provide habitat for the species of special concern in this region. 6.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat During the field assessment, ungulate tracks, significant browse, and pellets were observed along the roads in the upland area. White-crowned sparrow, dark eyed junco, kinglet (spp), varied thrush, chicakee (spp) and gulls were observed or heard in the upland area and there are some suitable nesting sites provided by the vegetation surrounding the parking area (Appendix 1; Plate 18). Bird activity was likely less than normal due to the inclement weather during the assessment. Although not observed, it is likely that other songbirds, waterfowl, small mammals, and amphibians utilize this area. There are records of Oregon spotted frog near the road approximately 500 west of the site (Prov. Of BC 2009). Humans use this area quite frequently and as such its usage by wildlife may be sporadic. While this area may be used by a variety of species, the habitat is not deemed critical and or limited upon the landscape. Of the SARA species listed in Table 1, none of them are likely to be affected by the proposed upgrades to the ramp at this location. 6.3 Vegetation The upland area at this location has been previously disturbed as evident by the road network and parking areas (Appendix 1; Plates 14 and 17). Tree cover was dominated by lodgepole pine with a smaller component of lodgepole pine and trembling aspen. The understory consisted of young aspen, willows, Sitka alder, yarrow, wild strawberry, common horsetail, showy aster, and oxeye daisy. Due to the vegetation, topography, and Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 21

93 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study the previous disturbance of the area, no natural representatives of the ecosystems found in the BWBSmw1 were identified. No rare plant or plant communities would be affected if construction were undertaken at this site. In addition to the above mentioned species, noxious and/or invasive plant species were also observed in the upland areas. There are records to indicate that oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is found near the project area and therefore attempts should be made to reduce the spread of noxious weeds into the area during and after construction (MOFR 2009). 6.4 Potential Environmental Effects With respect to the fish, terrestrial and wildlife habitats within the vicinity of the existing boat launch ramp, no critical habitats are present and the habitat present is not limited upon the landscape. Thus these are assigned low ESA ratings. The existing ramp may be extended 25 m to make launching feasible during lower water levels. The extension would be 6 m wide and made from concrete to match the existing section. A lock block walkway is proposed along the north side of the ramp and improvements to the existing berm are recommended. The existing berm will be extended by 25 m and supplemented by 2 layers of larger riprap along its entire length. Overall, the footprint on the existing lakebed will be minimal. The overall disturbance footprint is expected to be approximately 1000 m 2. While the riprap berm will provide some interstitial space and cover for fish, it will also displace natural lakebed substrate. The noise of construction may temporarily displace wildlife from this area and therefore, critical periods such as nesting should be avoided. If clearing is to occur, critical periods such as nesting (May 1 to July 31 st ) are to be avoided. A nest survey should be conducted prior to construction and if no nests are found, then clearing could proceed within the critical nesting window. It is anticipated that, based on conceptual design, that no significant unmitigable affects would occur as a result of the construction of this boat ramp. An appropriate Environmental Management Plan would be required for submission to the agencies prior to construction. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 22

94 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 7.0 DINOSAUR LAKE PARK 7.1 Fish and Fish Habitat An existing concrete ramp is located on the north bank of the Dinosaur Reservoir at Dinosaur Lake Park, 11km southeast of Hudson s Hope (Appendix 1; Plate 19 and 22). The Reservoir provides habitat for those species found in the Williston Reservoir. One stream was observed just west of the existing ramp but dewatered before connecting with the reservoir (Appendix 1; Plate 23). At higher water, this stream might connect with the reservoir but levels in this reservoir do not fluctuate as much as they do in the Williston (3 m compared to 18 m). This streambed substrates were primarily gravels for the first 20 m but then became predominantly fines. This may provide rearing habitat when connected to the reservoir. The lakebed substrates in the area near the existing ramp were primarily composed of gravels and cobbles (Appendix 1; Plate 21). In the area of the existing dock and natural bay area, the substrates were silt and fines (Appendix 1; Plate 28). The fine substrates do not provide adequate rearing or spawning habitat for most species found in the reservoir. Additionally, limited cover was identified in the vicinity of the ramp. Some cover would be provided at higher water levels by the riprap of the new breakwater and that of the dock. The area that is proposed for the ramp construction is not likely to provide habitat for the species of special concern in this region. 7.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat During the field assessment, abundant deer tracks and significant browse on red-osier dogwood in the upland area was observed. Canada geese, red-squirrel, rose breasted grosbeak, ruffed grouse, American robin, and varied thrush were observed or heard within the area during the assessment. The upland area above the canyon is likely a travel corridor for a number of mammals including elk and deer. Rocky Mountain elk are know to occur on the southerly facing slopes of the Peace River Canyon (DeLong et al 1990). It is likely that other songbirds, small mammals, amphibians, and ungulates also utilize this area. While this area may be used by a variety of species, the habitat within the construction footprint is not deemed critical and/or limited upon the landscape. Of the SARA species listed in Table 1, none of them, including the northern caribou, are likely to be affected by the proposed improvements. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 23

95 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 7.3 Vegetation The vegetated upland area surrounding this location has been highly disturbed (Appendix 1; Plate 25). The majority of the area has been converted to a large parking lot and the picnic area is mowed. Since the upland vegetation was not going to be affected by proposed construction, a detailed assessment was not conducted and the site series of the upland vegetation was not determined. In addition to the above mentioned species, noxious and/or invasive plant species were also observed in the upland areas. There are records to indicate that spotted knapweed (Centaurea biebersteinii) is found near the project area and therefore attempts should be made to reduce the spread of noxious weeds into the area during and after construction (MOFR 2009). 7.4 Potential Environmental Effects The fisheries, wildlife and terrestrial habitats at this site are not deemed critical habitat and are not limited upon the landscape. Based on the proposed construction, these ecosystem components have been previously disturbed and are assigned an ESA rating of low. The design proposed at this location includes the installation of a breakwater, dock and a 2-lane boat ramp. The new breakwater will require a footprint of approximately 750 m 2 to create the 2:1 slopes necessary for stability. It will be constructed on top of the existing small breakwater (Appendix 1; Plate 26). The existing ramp may be extended and widened with a total footprint of 480 m 2. The most significant affect on fish habitat will be the dredging of approximately 3600 m 3 of material to facilitate the construction and use of a dock. The amount of lakebed substrates covered during lower water will actually increase and provide more habitat for aquatic invertebrates and fish species that may be found within the shallows. The overall disturbance footprint below the high water mark is expected to be approximately 8400 m 2. No disturbance to the upland area is expected. The noise of construction may temporarily displace wildlife from this area and therefore, critical periods such as nesting should be avoided. If clearing is to occur, critical periods such as nesting (May 1 to July 31 st ) are to be avoided. A nest survey should be conducted prior to construction and if no nests are found, then clearing could proceed within the critical nesting window. It is anticipated that, based on conceptual design, that no significant unmitigable affects would occur as a result of the construction of this boat ramp. An appropriate Environmental Management Plan would be required for submission to the agencies prior to construction. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 24

96 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 8.0 MITIGATIVE MEASURES, GUIDELINES AND RECOMMENDATIONS The purpose of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is to identify the components of a project which may affect identified ecosystem components (see previous sections). It shall be used as a guide by all parties associated with the construction process to ensure best management practices are followed and impacts to the environment are minimized. Potential impacts on the landscape from the extension of an existing boat ramp or the construction of a new ramp are expected to be moderate and should be easily avoided and/or mitigated. The primary potential impact is the introduction and/or mobilization of deleterious substances into the lake habitat during construction. This may include the following: sediment mobilization during excavation of the lakebed in preparation for the installation of the concrete slab; oil/fuel spills to occur both on the soils surrounding the work area and into the water; disturbance to fish during pile driving operations; leaching of grouting materials, waste water or concrete slurry into the water if concrete poured on site; and erosion of exposed soils and transport into waterways. The intent of this EMP is to limit the suspended sediment discharged from the site to within 25 mg/l under normal conditions and 75 mg/l during storm events, which is consistent with the recommendations in the Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat (Chilibeck 1993). The general approach to meet the criteria will be to ensure construction works occur in the dry, isolate any sediment-laden water from the lake, minimize surface erosion, and minimize the size of disturbed areas. 8.1 Mitigative Measures Specific mitigative measures that will be used during the course of construction at all of the boat ramp locations include the following: 1. Construction should be completed within the lowest reservoir water levels, which usually occur between late-april and early May. This will help ensure that the work is completed in the dry. If water levels begin to increase during the construction, an isolation fence or berm must be constructed to keep water out of the work site. An isolation fence or coffer dam would likely be required at Dinosaur Lake Park as the reservoir levels only drop 3 m from high water mark which may not be sufficient to permit working in the dry. 2. Isolation fences can be installed using a variety of materials. Materials such as concrete lock blocks, filter fabric, heavy gauge polyethylene plastic, rebar, sandbags, haybales and silt fencing can be used in combination to create an Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 25

97 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study impermeable barrier. The availability of materials, site conditions, and access to the site will determine the type of fence constructed. Disturbed sediment within the construction site will be allowed to settle out prior to removal of the enclosure. 3. With most isolation features, some degree of seepage should be expected. If this does occur, any sediment-laden water that is created should be retained in the isolation area. If necessary, the turbid water can be pumped out of the area by a vacuum truck. If water is present within the work area, a fish salvage using an electrofisher should be completed prior to the beginning of works to prevent potential injury to fish. 4. Pre-cast concrete slabs are to be used in remote areas and in areas near the water. If a cast-in place concrete slabs are absolutely necessary, it is very important that no concrete or grout enters the water as the leachate is toxic and is considered a deleterious substance. To prevent this, the work area should be isolated from the water with a waterproof barrier such as polyethylene sheets or sealed coffer dams. These should remain in place during the curing period (at least 72 hours) (MOT 2004). Monitoring of the ph frequently in the watercourse immediately downstream of the isolated worksite will be required until completion of the works. Emergency measures will be implemented if downstream ph has changed more than 1.0 ph unit from the background level, or is below 6.0 or above 9.0 ph units (MWLAP 2004). Keeping a carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) tank with regulator, hose and gas diffuser readily available during concrete work is recommended as it can be used to neutralize ph levels if a spill occurs. 5. If there is surface flow at the time of construction (i.e. at Dunlevy Alternate Site), it will be necessary to dewater the work area. To facilitate pumping, a sump would need to be excavated in the drainage upstream of the work area as there is no well defined channel to dam, and the flow pumped out of the sump and into the bush for natural filtration. Once the water in the sump has clarified, the flows should be pumped around the work area and discharged directly back into the lake. Alternatively, if flows are minimal, then a berm may be constructed to divert flows away from the site without the need for a sump/pump approach. 6. Pile driving will be required to support the new dock at Dinosaur Lake Park. Pile driving does not usually cause enough disturbance to the stream/lake bed to cause the mobilization of any significant amount of sediment. It is recommended that pre-cast concrete, plastic, or steel piles are used instead of treated wooden pilings. Untreated wooden piling may also be used however, they will require more maintenance than steel piles (MOE 2006). Steel piles should be used instead of treated timber piles as DFO does not recommended the used of treated lumber due to the potential for leaching of contaminants into the water (DFO 2007). Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 26

98 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 7. It is recommended that each steel pile will be driven into the lake bed using a drop hammer or at a minimum, a bio-fueled diesel hammer. While pile driving may have as some impact on the fish in the immediate vicinity, a 3000 lb drop hammer will not produce a large concussive force, therefore the effects will be localized. A 10 m 2 zone around each pier can be isolated by seine nets to reduce any potential impacts to fish within the zone of influence. Depending on the substrates, a larger hammer may b required. 8. Given the low drawdown zone at Dinsoaur Lake Park, the proposed dredging may occur in the wetted perimeter. As such, a floating turbidity or silt curtain will be required to isolate the work area and contain sediment mobilized during construction. A fish salvage should also be conducted in this area prior to construction. 9. As heavy equipment activity will occur in close proximity to the reservoir, the equipment should be inspected to ensure it is clean, in good working order and free of any fluid leaks or excess grease. Equipment that uses synthetic biodegradable hydraulic fluid oil would be preferred. The environmental monitor should inspect the equipment for leaks and the operator should be asked to comment on the condition of the hydraulic lines. A spill kit should be present on any machinery working on this project. 10. Excavated material should be stockpiles should be placed on level ground, away from any concentrated flows. Stockpiled materials can be covered with polyethylene tarps, or silt fences may be placed around the perimeter of the pile if excessive erosion occurs that results in sediment laden water being transported off the site. Other general mitigative measures may include but not be limited to: Flagging or otherwise delineating the limits of disturbance prior to initiating construction; A tailgate meeting to review environmental objectives and procedures with the construction supervisor and crew; If rocks, stumps or logs need to be moved from the lakebed to build the ramp, they should be relocated to an area of similar depth and not removed from the site; Ensuring that a spill kit is present on-site; Ensuring there are no fuel or fluid leaks from equipment; Prohibiting refueling or fuel storage within 20 m of waterbodies; Minimize unnecessary clearing; and Avoid working during heavy or prolonged rains Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 27

99 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 8.2 Monitoring Requirements A suitably qualified professional should be retained as an environmental monitor during the construction process. The monitor should be on site prior to the start of the project to ensure all parties are aware and familiar with the EMP, during all phases of the construction that are in the wetted area, during significant weather events, and at completion to ensure site is left stable and environmentally sound. Activities with associated environmental monitoring responsibilities can include: Installation of isolation structures at site to prevent mobilization of any sedimentladen water; Thoroughly monitoring machinery before and during works to ensure no hydraulic fluid leaks; Fish salvage within isolation area; Monitoring of water quality to ensure no sediment is mobilized during construction; Construction and decommissioning of any isolation structures and crane pads; and Mitigation activities (e.g. erosion and sediment control measures). Additional monitoring requirements may be outlined in the Letter of Advice or Authorization issues by DFO. The monitor will complete daily environmental monitoring reports which will accurately document the daily activities and any problems/solutions that were managed on site. A post-construction monitoring will be completed and submitted to both BC Hydro and the appropriate agencies. 8.3 Timing Windows In addition to the low water levels required, the timing of construction is also potentially limited by the Periods of Least Risk for Instream Works (MWLAP 2004). Based on the possible presence of bull trout, mountain whitefish, arctic grayling, and rainbow trout, the instream work window is July 15 to August 15 th. Since this timeframe may not correspond with suitable water levels and if so, a variance must be obtained from MOE prior to construction (Section 8.4). It is advised that if clearing of the upland area is required, operations such as brushing and mowing should not be conducted in the spring or early summer when birds are nesting. Work areas should be thoroughly inspected for occupied bird nests, eggs or nests of species protected under the Wildlife Act and Migratory Bird Convention Act (MOT 2004). 8.4 Permitting Requirements These proposed designs and corresponding environmental information may be provided to DFO to provide comment but due to various constraints, the DFO tends not to review conceptual projects solely for the purpose of providing advice or comments. Their Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 28

100 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study review will occur if/when a final design is selected for this site and a referral package is submitted. These plans may also be provided to the Ministry of Environment or members of the Peace/Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Plan for their comments regarding wildlife habitats in this area. If construction of a new ramp is to occur at any of the previously mentioned sites, a Water Act Approval form would be required for submission to the Ministry of Environment (Frontcounter BC in Fort St. John). The feasibility study along with the Approval form, the Basic Information Requirements form, and engineered drawings should be forwarded to the local DFO office (Prince George, BC) for their approval. The conversion of lakebed habitat to a hard surface (i.e. concrete) would likely constitute a Harmful Alteration, Disruption or Disturbance (HADD) under section 35(2) of the Federal Fisheries Act. DFO will determine if the project can proceed under a Letter of Advice (which approves the project without legal requirements for reporting or monitoring) or an Authorization (which may require legal compensation, postconstruction monitoring, and reporting requirements). Since the Reservoirs are navigable waters, Transport Canada will also require notification under the Navigable Waters Protection Act. Once the final design is selected, an application should be submitted to the Navigable Waters Protection Program office (Vancouver, BC). If construction does not occur in the dry and an isolation fence is required, fish salvage should be conducted. A fish collection permit for fish salvage must be obtained from MOE. Since construction will most likely occur during low water levels, the timing of these works will be outside of the instream work window and a variance from MOE will be required. In order to satisfy MOE requirements for granting a variance, the basic requirements include: 1. Justification for why the works need to be conducted outside of the default instream work window; 2. Demonstration that fish passage will be maintained to accommodate fish migration to or from spawning areas; and 3. A sediment management plan that minimizes the potential for sediment release. This feasibility study and associated EMP s should provide MOE with the required information to grant a variance. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 29

101 Peace Reach/Dinosaur Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 9.0 SUMMARY Based on the assessment of environmental conditions at each of the four locations, the proposed upgrades at Elizabeth Creek will likely have the least impact on the landscape. It will require a minor extension and upgrades to an existing riprap berm. It has an existing footprint and the proposed upgrades to facilitate easier use and maintenance would have the least impact on the surrounding environment providing that the limits of construction are properly flagged and an EMP is followed. The two options provided at Dunlevy Creek will have significant footprints given the length of the ramps required as well as the rock armouring needed to prevent erosion of the ramp. The possibility of a blue-listed plant species in the area will require additional surveys within the footprint prior to construction. The Dunlevy alternative site is located within the range of the blue-listed mountain caribou. Although the habitat is not deemed critical, significant amounts of upland vegetation along the reservoir would need to be cleared to facilitate the access road, parking area and turnarounds. This area is not disturbed and thus the overall footprint is substantial. Upgrades to the Dinosaur Lake Park would require extensive dredging of the lakebed but no upland clearing. The overall footprint if all aspects of the design are accepted will be the largest of the four ramps. The dredging will also increase the risk of sedimentation to the reservoir given that the dredging will occur in the wetted perimeter. A thorough Construction Environmental Management Plan would be required for these works. However, only portions of the design (i.e. ramp widening only and no dock) may be selected and if so, the risks and impacts to the environment at this site are low. All options will be discussed BC Hydro and other interested parties and the once sites are selected, additional surveys and permitting documents will need to be prepared prior to submission to the agencies for their review. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-2065 February, 2010 Page 30

102 Peace River Boat Ramps Feasibility Study 10.0 REFERENCES B.C. Conservation Data Centre BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C. Minist. of Environ. Victoria, BC. Available: (accessed May 4, 2009). Bruce, P.G., and P.J. Starr Fisheries resources and fisheries potential of Williston Reservoir and its tributary streams. Volume II. Fisheries resources potential of Williston Lake tributaries - a preliminary overview. Fisheries Technical Circular No p. + app. British Columbia Ministry of Environment. Campbell, R. W., N. K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J. M. Cooper, G. W. Kaiser, M. C. E. McNall The birds of British Columbia Volumes 1-4. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, and Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta. 514pp. Cannings, S.G., and J. Ptolemy Rare Freshwater Fish of British Columbia. B.C. Minist. Environ., Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. 214pp. Chilibeck, Barry Land development guidelines for the protection of aquatic habitat. Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Victoria, BC. 129 pp. Coupe, Ray Personal Communication regarding site series information in the SBSmh Biogeoclimatic subzone in the Quensel Forest Region. Cranston, R., D. Ralph, and D. Wikeem Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Weeds of British Columbia, Fourth Edition. Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. Victoria, BC. Davies, A. J The Traditional Role of Plants Amongst the Sekani Peoples of Northeastern BC. Prepared by the University of Victoria, Department of Environmental Studies and Anthropology. Victoria BC. Delong, C., A MacKinnon, and L. Lang A field guide for identification and interpretation of ecosystems of the northeast portion of the Prince George Forest Region. Land Management Guidebook No. 22. Ministry of Forest, Victoria, BC. 114 pp. Eder, T. and D. Pattie Mammals of British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, AB. 296 pp. Ehrlich, P.R., D.S Dobkin, and D. Wheye The Birder s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds: The Essential Companion to Your Identification Guide. Simon and Schuster Inc.; Toronto ON. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-1884 February, 2010 Page 31

103 Peace River Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Environment Canada, Atmospheric Environment Service Canadian Climate Normals Volume 1 British Columbia. Minister of Supply and Services, Ottawa. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Dock Construction in Freshwater Systems: Pacific Region Operational Statement. Habitat Enhancement Branch, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Regional Headquarters, Vancouver, BC. Ford, B.S., P.S. Higgins, A.F. Lewis, K.L. Cooper, T.A. Watson, G.L. Ennis, and R.L. Sweeting, Literature reviews of the life history, habitat requirements and mitigation/compensation strategies for 13 species of sport fish in the Peace and Columbia River drainages of British Columbia. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. Richmond, BC. Haas, G Bull trout and dolly varden identification workshop. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, Fisheries Branch, Research and Development. Vancouver, BC. 11p. MacKinnon, A., J. Pojar, and R. Coupe Plants of Northern British Columbia. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Lone Pine Publishing, Edmonton, AB. 352 pp. Matsuda, B.M., D. M Green, and P.T. Gregory Amphibians and Reptiles of British Columbia. Royal BC Museum Handbook, Victoria, BC. 266 pp. McPhail, J.D The freshwater fishes of British Columbia. Univ. of Alberta Press, Edmonton, AB. 620 pp. McPhail, J. D. and J. Baxter A review of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) life history and habitat use in relation to compensation and improvement opportunities. Fisheries Management Report No. 104 University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC. Ministry of Environment. 2007a. Butler Ridge Provincial Park. BC Parks Brochure. Website: Accessed: July 15, Ministry of Environment. 2007b. Water Act, Section 9 Changes in and about a Stream. Water Stewardship Division, Victoria, BC. ml Best Management Practices for Boat Launch Construction and Maintenance on Lakes. Environmental Stewardship Division, Penticton, BC. Ministry of Forests and Range Invasive Alien Plant Program. Website accessed: July 20, Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-1884 February, 2010 Page 32

104 Peace River Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Region 7 Omineca Reduced Risk Timing Windows for Fish and Wildlife: Standards and Best Practices for Instream Works. Omineca Region Ecosystem Environmental Stewardship Division Prince George, BC. pp. 19. Ministry of Transportation Best Management Practices For Highway Maintenance. Ministry of Transportation. Victoria, BC. Moffatt & Nichol Preliminary design drawings of each of the existing and proposed boat ramp locations on the Williston Reservoir and Dinosaur Reservoir. Murphy, E.B., B.G. Blackman, D.M. Cowie, and N. Baccante Dinosaur Reservoir 2002 Fish Collection Summary. Peace Williston Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program. PWFWCP Report No Prince George, BC. 27 pp. Parish, R, R. Coupe, and D.Lloyd Plants of Southern Interior of British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver. BC. 462 pp. Province of British Columbia The vascular plants of British Columbia: Part 1 Gymnosperms and Dicotyledons (Aceraceae through Cucurbitaceae). Ministry of Forests, Research Branch Publications, Victoria, B.C. 208 pp. Province of British Columbia The vascular plants of British Columbia: Part 2 Dicotyledons (Diapensiaceae through Portulaceae). Ministry of Forests, Research Branch Publications, Victoria, B.C. 158 pp. Province of British Columbia The vascular plants of British Columbia: Part 3 Dicotyledons (Primulaceae through Zygophyllaceae and Pteridophytes). Ministry of Forests, Research Branch Publications, Victoria, B.C. 177 pp. Province of British Columbia The vascular plants of British Columbia: Part 4 Monocotyledons. Ministry of Forests, Research Branch Publications, Victoria, B.C. 257 pp. Province of British Columbia GeoBC: IMapBC website: Accessed July 30, Pojar, J., K. Klinka, and D.V. Meidinger Biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification in British Columbia. Forest Ecol. and Manage. 22: Scott, W.B. and E.J. Crossman Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada. Bulletin 184. Ottawa, ON. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-1884 February, 2010 Page 33

105 Peace River Boat Ramps Feasibility Study Wind, E. and L.A. Dupuis COSEWIC status report on the western toad Bufo boreas in Canada. Committee on the Status of Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. vi + 31 pp. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. 4025/WP#:P-1884 February, 2010 Page 34

106 APPENDIX 1 REPORT PHOTOGRAPHS Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

107 Dunlevy Existing Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

108 Plate 1. Looking east towards existing ramp at Dunlevy on Peace Reach. Plate 2. Looking west along existing ramp at Dunlevy. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

109 Plate 3. Existing parking area upland at Dunlevy. Plate 4. Existing ramp at lower water levels at Dunlevy. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

110 Plate 5. Substrate present at existing ramp at Dunlevy. Plate 6. Vegetation surrounding existing parking area at Dunlevy. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

111 Plate 7. Evidence of elk activity in the area of existing ramp. Plate 8. Fallen trees from active slumping in this area may provide cover at high water levels. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

112 Dunlevy Alternate Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

113 Plate 8. Looking east along possible ramp alignment at alternative site to Dunlevy. Plate 9. Upland vegetation present at alternative site to Dunlevy. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

114 Plate 10. Wolf scat observed following moose tracks along high water mark Plate 11. Existing road upslope from which a road would be require to access the alternative site. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

115 Plate 12. Ponded water observed in upland area but no defined channel present. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

116 Elizabeth Creek Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

117 Plate 13. Looking east along existing ramp at Elizabeth Creek. Plate 14. Looking west towards existing parking area at Elizabeth Creek. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

118 Plate 15. Existing riprap berm protecting ramp at Elizabeth Creek. Plate 16. Lakebed substrate along toe of riprap berm at Elizabeth Creek. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

119 Plate 17. View of vegetation upslope of existing parking area at Elizabeth Creek. Plate 18. White crowned sparrows observed at Elizabeth Creek boat ramp site. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

120 Dinosaur Lake Park Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

121 Plate 19. Looking north along exiting ramp at Dinosaur Lake Park. Plate 20. View of the ramp and substrates adjacent at Dinosaur Lake Park. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

122 Plate 21. Lakebed substrates near existing ramp at Dinosaur Lake Park. Plate 22. Existing boat launch ramp and surrounding conditions at Dinosaur Lake Park. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

123 Plate 23. Mouth of stream which become dewatered at low reservoir levels. Plate 24. Looking upstream at unnamed stream through Dinosaur Lake Park. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

124 Plate 25. Extensive upland parking available at Dinosaur Lake Park. Plate 26. New breakwater location to be construction over existing point. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

125 Plate 27. New dock to be constructed in this location. Plate 28. Muddy substrates within bay area and where dock will be constructed. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February WP#:P-2065

126 APPENDIX 2 SARA SPECIES LIST (not including marine species) Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

127 Table 1. Schedule 1 species listed as extirpated, previously known to occur within British Columbia, and their accepted range within British Columbia. Species Category Historical range within British Columbia 1 Potential for habitat to occur in vicinity of project Sage grouse Bird Occurred in Okanagan and Similkameen No (BC population) valleys. Pacific gopher snake Reptile Two historical (over 50 years ago) sightings No in grasslands (southern BC). Pygmy short-horned Reptile Two historical records from Okanagan No lizard (BC population) Valley. Pacific pond turtle Reptile Common in ponds and lakes of southern BC No and Vancouver Island in the mid-1800s (no sightings Canada since 1959). Island marble Arthropod Historically found on Gabriola and No Vancouver islands. Puget Oregonian snail Molluscs Extreme southwestern BC. Most recent record in Canada from No 1 Species range taken from Environment Canada (2007), except where otherwise noted. Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

128 Table 2. Schedule 1 species listed as endangered that are known to occur within British Columbia, and their accepted range within British Columbia. Species Category Range within British Columbia 1 Potential for species to occur in vicinity of project American badger Mammal Southeastern BC (south of Quesnel). No (jeffersonii subspecies) Vancouver Island marmot Mammal Vancouver Island. No Townsend s mole Mammal Restricted to about 20 km 2 in the No central Fraser Valley. Horned Lark Bird Coastal BC and lower Fraser Valley No Williamson s Sapsucker Bird Lytton, Cache Creek area south to No Manning Park. Yellow breasted chat Bird Okanagan. No (auricollis subspecies) Western Screech Owl Bird Coastal BC and Okanagan Valley. No Spotted owl Bird Southwestern British Columbia. No (caurina subspecies) Burrowing owl Bird A few in south-central BC. Requires No treeless plains. Sage thrasher Bird Extreme south-central BC. No White-headed Bird Extreme south-central BC. No woodpecker Nightsnake Reptile Extreme south-central BC. No Sharp-tailed snake Reptile Gulf Islands and southeastern No Vancouver Island. Oregon spotted frog Amphibian Lower Fraser River Valley 2 No Northern leopard frog (southern mountain population) Amphibian Extreme southeastern BC. No Tiger salamander Amphibian Extreme south-central BC. No Rocky Mountain tailed frog (southern mountain population) Amphibian East Kootenays of extreme southern British Columbia. No Nooksack dace Fish 4 small streams tributary to the Nooksack River in the Abbotsford, Aldergrove and Clearbrook areas of the lower Fraser Valley. Morrison Creek lamprey Fish Morrison Creek watershed (Vancouver No Island). White Sturgeon Fish Nechako River Population No Stickleback (Enos and Paxton Lakes, and Vananda Creek populations) Fish Vancouver Island (Enos Lake), Texada Island (Paxton Lake and Vananda Creek). No Salish sucker Fish Nine populations in four creek No drainages in the lower Fraser Valley. Island blue Arthropod Vancouver Island. No Taylor s checkerspot Arthropod Vancouver Island. No Sand verbera moth Arthropod Coastal areas Strait of Georgia. No Mormon metalmark (southern mountain population) Arthropod Okanagan. No No Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

129 Species Category Range within British Columbia 1 Potential for species to occur in vicinity of project Oregon forestsnail Mollusc Extreme southwestern BC. No Hotwater physa Mollusc Liard River hotsprings. No Scarlet ammannia Vascular Plant Osoyoos Lake area of south-central No BC. Spadling s campion Vascular Plant Southeastern BC. No Slender collomia Vascular Plant Single site near Princeton BC. No Deltoid balsamroot Vascular Plant Vancouver Island. No Tall bugbane Vascular Plant Chilliwack River Valley. No Water-plantain buttercup Vascular Plant Vancouver Island. No Coastal Scouler s catchfly Vascular Plant Limited to three small islands close to No Victoria on Vancouver Island. Southern maidenhair fern Vascular Plant Fairmont Hot Springs (southeastern No British Columbia). Small-flowered Vascular Plant BC southern border is the northern No lipocarpha limit. Seaside birds-foot lotus Vascular Plant Southern tip of Vancouver Island. No Prairie lupine Vascular Plant Southern tip of Vancouver Island. No Streambank lupine Vascular Plant Southwestern corner of BC (lower No Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island). Bearded owl-clover Vascular Plant Southern tip of Vancouver Island. No Golden paintbrush Vascular Plant Southern tip of Vancouver Island. No Kellogg s rush Vascular Plant Southeastern Vancouver Island. No Bear s-foot sanicle Vascular Plant Southern tip of Vancouver Island. No Toothcup Vascular Plant Along Kamloops and Osoyoos lakes. No Howell s triteleia Vascular Plant Southeastern Vancouver Island. No Tall woolly-heads Vascular Plant Southern Vancouver Island. No Margined streamside Moss Kootenay region, along southern No moss border. Poor pocket moss Moss North Vancouver. No Rigid apple moss Moss Eastern Vancouver Island and on some No of the adjacent Gulf Islands. Rusty cord moss Moss Four sites- closest is North-east of No Kamloops. Alkaline wetlands. Silver hair moss Moss Sumas Mountain (east of Abbotsford). No Seaside centipede Lichen Two locations on the west coast of Vancouver Island (Ucluth Peninsula and Schooner Cove). No 1 Species range taken from Environment Canada (2007), except where otherwise noted. 2 Species range taken from Matsuda et al. (2006) Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

130 Table 3. Schedule 1 species listed as threatened that are known to occur within British Columbia, and their accepted range within British Columbia. Species Category Range within British Columbia 1 Potential for species to occur in vicinity of project Pallid bat Mammal Okanagan Valley. No Wood bison Mammal Northeastern BC. Yes Woodland caribou Mammal Northeastern BC. Yes (boreal population) Woodland Caribou Mammal Central BC. No (Southern Mountain population) Ermine Mammal Queen Charlotte Islands No (haidarum subspecies) Pacific water shrew Mammal Lower Mainland of southwestern No BC. Peregrine falcon Bird Southwestern and west-central No (anatum subspecies) BC. Northern goshawk Bird Queen Charlotte Islands No (laingi subspecies) Marbled murrelet Bird Coastal BC (up to 75 km inland). No Great Basin Reptile Southern BC. Okanagan primarily. No gophersnake Western rattlesnake Reptile Southern BC, north to Cache No Creek. Coastal giant Amphibian Chilliwack River Valley. No salamander Great Basin spadefoot Amphibian Dry valleys of southern interior No BC (especially the Okanagan Valley). Vancouver Lamprey Fish Southern Vancouver Island. 2 No Cultus pygmy sculpin Fish Cultus Lake (Lower Mainland) No Shorthead sculpin Fish Southeast BC (Columbia River No Basin). Behr s hairstreak Arthropod Southern Okanagan Valley. No Dun skipper Arthropod Southwestern BC including No Vancouver Island. Dromedary jumpingslug Molluscs Southern and western Vancouver No Island. White-top aster Vascular Plant Southern Vancouver Island. No Scouler s corydalis Vascular Plant Western Vancouver Island. No Lemmon s holly fern Vascular Plant Eastern side of the Okanagan No Valley. Lyall s mariposa lily Vascular Plant Between the Similkameen River No and the Okanagan Valley (limited to a single height of land adjacent to the U.S. border). Mexican mosquito-fern Vascular Plant South central BC. No Macoun s meadowfoam Vascular Plant Vancouver Island, not on mainland No of BC. Showy phlox Vascular Plant Most northern occurrence in BC is No Summerland. Cliff paintbrush Vascular Plant Southwest BC around Chilliwack and Skagit Rivers. No Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

131 Species Category Range within British Columbia 1 Potential for species to occur in vicinity of project Phantom orchid Vascular Plant Extreme southwest of BC. No Purple sanicle Vascular Plant Southeastern Vancouver Island No and the adjacent Gulf Islands. Yellow montane violet Vascular Plant East coast of Vancouver Island and No on Saltspring Island. Alkaline wing-nerved Moss Southwest of Williams Lake, wet No moss alkaline areas. Haller s apple moss Moss East central BC (close proximity to Alberta border). No 1 Species range taken from Environment Canada (2007), except where otherwise noted. 2 Species range taken from Froese and Pauly (2005). Table 4. Schedule 1 species listed as special concern that are known to occur within British Columbia, and their accepted range within British Columbia. Species Category Range within British Columbia 1 Potential for species to occur in vicinity of project Mountain beaver Mammal Extreme southwestern BC. No Woodland caribou Mammal Northern BC (north of Mackenzie). Yes (Northern Mountain population) Spotted Bat Mammal Okanagan, Chilcotin River and Williams No Lake. Long-billed curlew Bird South central British Columbia, but No extending range into McBride, Prince George, and known to breed in the vicinity of Vanderhoof. 2 Ancient murrelet Bird Coastal areas only. No Peregrine falcon Bird Queen Charlotte Islands, northern No (pealei subspecies) Vancouver Island. Barn owl Bird Extreme southern BC and west coast of No southern Vancouver Island. Flammulated owl Bird South central BC (south of Quesnel). No Yellow rail Bird Eastern BC. Yes Western screech owl Bird Coast of BC, including Vancouver Island No (kennicotti subspecies) but excluding Queen Charlotte Islands. Lewis s woodpecker Bird Most common in the Okanagan Valley and No Thompson Basin areas. Rubber boa Reptile Patchy distribution through major river No basins in southern third of BC. Western yellow-belly Reptile Hot and dry areas of the Okanagan and No racer Similkameen. Western skink Reptile Extreme southern portion of mainland BC. No Coast tailed frog Amphibian Coastal mountain ranges in BC. No Red-legged frog Amphibian Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the No Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

132 mainland adjacent to the Strait of Georgia, and through the Fraser Valley to Hope. Couer d Alene Amphibian Southeastern edge of Kootenay Lake in No salamander Creston Valley, the Moyie River drainage and in the Columbia River drainage Western toad Amphibian Widespread across BC. 3 No Columbia mottled Fish Columbia, Flathead, Similkameen and No sculpin Kettle rivers. Monarch Arthropod Southern BC. No Rocky Mountain ridged Arthropod Southern BC, Columbia River System. No mussel Warty jumping-slug Mollusc Southern Vancouver Island. No Vancouver Island Vascular Plant Lower Fraser Valley and on southern No beggarticks Vancouver Island, with one additional record on the mainland coast of BC just north of Vancouver Island Coastal wood fern Vascular Plant Southeastern Vancouver Island. No Columbia carpet moss Moss Bunchgrass BioGeozone of narrow valley No in south-central part of BC. Twisted oak moss Moss Coastal BC, Vancouver Island. No Banded cord moss Moss Southwestern coastal BC. No 1 Species range taken from Environment Canada (2007), except where otherwise noted. 2 Species range taken from De Smet (1992). 3 Species range taken from Wind and Dupuis (2002). Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

133 APPENDIX 3 RARE PLANT SPECIES LIST Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

134 English Name BC Habitats Status alpine meadow-foxtail Red moist meadows in the montane to subalpine Canada anemone Blue moist meadows, thickets and forest openings in the montane riverbank anemone Red moist to mesic gravel bars, streambanks and forests in the steppe and montane sickle-pod rockcress Red mesic to dry grasslands, gravelly river banks and disturbed areas in the steppe and montane meadow arnica Blue w e t to mesic meadows and forest openings in the montane and subalpine long-leaved mugwort Red mesic sreambanks and terraces in the montane zones Nuttall's orache Red dry grassy slopes in the montane plains reedgrass Blue dry slopes and open forests in the montane t w o -coloured sedge Blue moist to wet meadows and shorelines in the montane to alpine pointed broom sedge Blue moist to wet sites in the lowland and montane Torrey's sedge Blue mesic to moist meadows and shrublands dry-land sedge Red dry slopes and open forests in the steppe and montane Hian's goosefoot Red moist, warm, south-facing slopes SWBSmw Iowa golden-saxifrage Blue north-facing cool, shaded slopes above streams European waterhemlock Blue Drummond's thistle Red dry open forests in the montane wet streambanks, marshes and lake and pond shores in the montane northern bog bedstraw Blue bogs, wet measows and moist forests in the montane slender mannagrass Blue streams sides, marshes, lake shores and ponds in the montane Nahanni oak fern Blue moist cool shale or limestone slopes in the montane and subalpine Nuttall's sunflower Red wet to moist fields and meadows in the lowland and montane spike-oat Blue mesic to dry forest openings, grassy slopes and meadows in the montane and subalpine arctic rush Blue lakeshores in the montane to subalpine fennel-leaved desertparsley Red dry grassy slopes in the montane rusty wood-rush Blue dry to mesic open forests and forest margins in the montane Davis' locoweed Blue mesic to dry meadows, gravel bars, forest openings, turfy heath and tundra from the montane to alpine slender penstemon Red dry to moist sandy or rocky grasslands Canada Ryegrass Red perennial ryegrass - mesic to moist pastures, fields, meadows, roadsides, and disturbed areas in the lowland, steppe and montane western Jacob's-ladder Blue wet to moist swamps, streambanks, meadows and thickets in the steppe and subalpine Seneca-snakeroot Red moist to mesic grassy slopes in the montane Siberian polypody Red dry to moist forests in the montane purple rattlesnake-root Red dry grassy slopes in the montane white wintergreen Blue dry to moist forests in the montane heart-leaved buttercup Red moist to mesic grasslands, meadows and forest openings in the montane birdfoot buttercup Blue moist meadows in the montane to alpine prairie buttercup Red dry grasslands, thickets, and open forests in the montane Arkansas rose Blue dry grassy slopes, cut banks, thickets, and open forests in the montane meadow willow Blue wet thickets in the lower montane autumn willow Blue wet thickets, meadows and fens in the montane common pitcher-plant Blue bogs and fens in the montane Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

135 rivergrass Red ponds, marshes, lakeshores and streamsides in the steppe and montane rock selaginella Red dry grassy ridges in the montane marsh fleabane Red wet to moist streambanks, lakeshores, ponds, and marshes in the montane plains butterweed Blue dry open meadows and forests in the steppe and montane Drummond's campion Blue dry sites in the teppe to alpine slender wedgegrass Blue moist meadows and streambanks, shallow ponds and hot springs in the steppe and montane sheathing pondweed Blue lakes in the montane Triton Environmental Consultants Ltd. February, /WP#:P-2065

136 Public Access on the Williston Reservoir, Peace Reach, and Dinosaur Lake Appendix D: Archaeological Report

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