STREAM Re-Sample for Canfor CMP Audit. Anzac River Watershed. (modified by Kerry Deschamps to include only sites 5, 7,10)

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1 STREAM Re-Sample for Canfor CMP Audit Anzac River Watershed (modified by Kerry eschamps to include only sites 5, 7,10) Prepared for: Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Prince George ivision 5162 Northwood Pulp Mill Rd. P.O. ox 9000, Prince George,.C. V2L 4W2 Prepared by: W Forestry Services Ltd. #1A-1750 Quinn Street Prince George,.C., V2N 1X3 Telephone (250) Field work by: Jesse Laframboise, ipl. Tech. and anielle Chalmers ate: June 7, 2005 Report by: Jesse Laframboise, ipl. Tech. ate: June 15, 2005 Reviewed by: rian Aitken, R.P.io., P.Ag., C.P.E.S.C. ate: July 04, 2005

2 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION TALE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTROUCTION Project Scope Project Objective Project Location FIEL SURVEY TECHNIQUES RESULTS AN RECOMMENATIONS Fish earing Stream Reaches Site ANZ 005 (ILP ) Reach 1 S Site ANZ 007 (WC: ) Reach 1 efault S Site ANZ 010 (WC: ) Reach 1 S REFERENCES... 6 APPENIX 1 SITE LOCATIONS MAP... 7 APPENIX 2 PHOTOGRAPHS... 8 LIST OF TALES Table 1. Total number of reaches found under each classification...3 Table A-1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 005 Reach Table A-2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 005 Reach Table A-3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 005 Reach Table -1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 007 Reach Table -2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 007 Reach Table -3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 007 Reach Table C-1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 010 Reach Table C-2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 010 Reach Table C-3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 010 Reach 1...6

3 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION 1.0 INTROUCTION 1.1 Project Scope In June 2005, W Forestry Services Ltd. (W), was retained by Canadian Forest Products Ltd., Prince George ivision, to re-sample and classify specified watercourses identified in the 2004 Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection (MWLAP) Assessment of Culverts for Compliance Related to Fish Passage and Q100. These reaches were sampled the previous year and several streams were defaulted as fish bearing or had poor habitat near the crossing. The recommended second season sampling was used to confirm fish presence/absence at the crossings. This report includes a description and appropriate classification of all of the reaches re-sampled. All classifications detailed in this report are based on field inspections by qualified fisheries personnel. 1.2 Project Objective The primary objective of this report is to classify, as per Forest Practice Code guidelines, all of the reaches re-sampled. The primary characteristics utilized to determine stream classifications include: fish presence/absence, stream gradient and stream width. Additional information including biophysical descriptions is recorded to provide resource managers with a complete overview of existing riparian values. 1.3 Project Location Access to the Anzac culvert audit sites is attained by 2 wheel drive vehicle. From Prince George travel north on Hwy 97 approximately 15km s past ear Lake and turn right onto the 2000 Rd. Follow the 2000 Rd and turn left onto the 800Rd and follow the 800 Rd across the Parsnip River. After several kilometers turn right onto the Chuchinka-Crocker Forest Service Road (FSR) and access sites from the road. 2.0 FIEL SURVEY TECHNIQUES All drainages were classified using procedures recommended in the Riparian Management Area Guidebook (1995), the Fish Stream Identification Guidebook (1998) and the Fish Stream Crossing Guidebook (2002). All measurements were taken in such a fashion as to comply with Resource Inventory Committee Standards (1998). Field investigations were conducted using a two-person crew outfitted with forest survey and fish sampling equipment. The primary fish sampling technique was backpack electrofishing using a Smith-Root Model 12 Electrofisher. aited minnow traps were also used as a supplementary method of fish sampling in some areas. Stream channel and wetted widths were determined using a meter tape. Multiple channel width measurements were made along each reach. Stream depth measurements were also determined using a meter tape. Stream gradient measurements were determined using a clinometer along several sections of the site. Stream channel widths and gradients were

4 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION averaged for stream classification purposes. Site lengths were determined either by hip chain, map estimates, or ground estimates. arriers to fish passage were quantified where possible. When unable to quantify a barrier, ground estimates were utilized where operationally feasible. Stream water temperatures were determined using an alcohol thermometer. Conductivity and ph levels were measured using a Hanna Watercheck combination meter. All survey information was recorded on RISC stream Site Cards. 3.0 RESULTS AN RECOMMENATIONS Maps, photograph and site card documentation of the surveyed reaches are included in appendices 1, 2 and 3 respectively. A comprehensive summary of all the watercourses and waterbodies re-sampled is included in appendix 4. Table 1 is a listing of all the reaches, and their appropriate classifications, that were re-sampled along the Chuchinka-Crocker FSR. Table 1. Total number of reaches found under each classification. Riparian S2 S3 S4 S6 NC NVC Total Classification Number Found Fish earing Stream Reaches Site ANZ 005 (ILP ) Reach 1 S3 Table A-1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 005 Reach 1. Channel Width Water epth ank Height Site Length Gradient (%) Table A-2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 005 Reach 1. Value Rating Habitat Type (Nil, Poor, Comments Moderate, Good) Over-Wintering Poor This reach has 1 pool 40cm deep. Rearing Good This reach provides abundant cover in the form of undercut banks and pools. Spawning Moderate Large amount of gravel sized substrate that is angular (shale) and may be unsuitable. Upstream Poor TRIM maps show increasing stream gradient with no large upstream waterbodies.

5 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Table A-3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 005 Reach 1. ate EF Length Voltage Frequency Pulse Conductivity Temperature Species Time (sec) (V) (Hz.) (msec) (msec) ( o C) 04/06/ R 05/06/ R This stream is classified as S3 based on the presence of fish found in both years of a multiple season sampling effort. The re-sample did find fish farther upstream than the previous sampling. One rainbow trout was caught 170 m downstream of the culvert and another was visually observed at 140 meters downstream. The reach does contain many soft barriers upstream of the fish capture locations which may impede further ascent. There are also similar soft barriers downstream of the capture locations; therefore, the upstream plunge pools cannot be considered actual barriers to fish ascent. The fish habitat is relatively good as there are adequate spawning gravels and appropriate cover for rearing salmonids. Over-wintering in the stream is poor as there are limited pools of adequate depth to support over-wintering fish. TRIM maps show no upstream waterbodies and an increase in gradient that indicates a possible gradient barrier and poor fish habitat. The stream is classified S3 up to and beyond the road crossing due to lack of fish migration barriers. This stream exhibits good rearing and spawning habitat but lacks over-wintering habitat Site ANZ 007 (WC: ) Reach 1 efault S4 Table -1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 007 Reach 1. Channel Width Water epth ank Height Site Length Gradient (%) Table -2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 007 Reach 1. Value Rating Habitat Type (Nil, Poor, Comments Moderate, Good) Over-Wintering Nil This reach has no deep pools and TRIM maps do not show any upstream waterbodies. Rearing Poor This reach provides cover in the form of undercut banks and dense overhanging vegetation, but provides poor habitat due to dry sections of channel. The stream provides valuable high water refuge from mainstem. Spawning Poor A fair amount of suitable substrate was found in the surveyed portion, but access is limited due to low stream flows. Upstream Poor TRIM maps show the stream continues for a significant distance at a moderate gradient, then increases gradient farther upstream.

6 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Table -3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 007 Reach 1. ate EF Length Voltage Frequency Pulse Conductivity Temperature Species Time (sec) (V) (Hz.) (msec) (msec) ( o C) 04/06/ NFC 05/06/ NFC This reach is classified as a default S4 because arctic grayling juveniles were caught in the mainstem near the confluence in 2004 and no permanent barriers exist to prevent fish ascent. The channel was dry in 2004 and was again found to be dry on the date of the re-sample in There is evidence of flow during high water. The channel is well defined but has a poor connection with the mainstem as it flows over terrestrial vegetation. The dry channel will prevent fish ascent at present flow rates but fish could access the stream during high flows. The stream offers extremely marginal fish habitat and is not likely to be highly used by fish. The stream has boulder and cobble substrates exposed from scour during high water events, which are not suitable for spawning. The reach lacks complexity that would allow for rearing and overwintering. The reach could only be sampled in the lower 5m where backflow from the mainstem fills the channel. The water was shallow and no fish were captured. Overall fish habitat is poor, but a direct connection to the fish bearing mainstem will allow fish ascent during high flow Site ANZ 010 (WC: ) Reach 1 S3 Table C-1. Summary of biophysical stream attributes for Site ANZ 010 Reach 1. Channel Width Water epth ank Height Site Length Gradient (%) Table C-2. Summary of values of various fish habitat types for Site ANZ 010 Reach 1. Value Rating Habitat Type (Nil, Poor, Comments Moderate, Good) Over-Wintering Poor This reach has few deep pools that are suitable for overwintering. Rearing Moderate This reach has several pools with LW and overhanging vegetation that provides suitable rearing habitat. Spawning Moderate Extensive gravel is found throughout entire surveyed length, though suitability is limited by shallow depths in the upper portion of the reach. Upstream Moderate TRIM maps show that the stream continues for a considerable distance upstream with no large water bodies present.

7 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Table C-3. Summary of electrofishing sampling results for Site ANZ 010 Reach 1. ate EF Length Voltage Frequency Pulse Conductivity Temperature Species Time (sec) (V) (Hz.) (msec) (msec) ( o C) 04/06/ NFC 05/06/ NFC 05/06/ R On June 30, 2004 this reach was surveyed and classified as a default S3 stream based on a connection to fish bearing waters with no permanent fish barriers. The entire reach from the road crossing down to the confluence of Site 9 (S6) was electrofished and no fish were caught. There are many large step pools that are soft barriers and may act as temporary barriers to fish passage. TRIM maps show that upstream above the road crossing there is a drastic increase in gradient that would likely act as a barrier to fish ascent. TRIM maps do not show any upstream waterbodies. Overall this stream has poor to moderate fish habitat with a fairly steep average gradient (11%) and a lack of over-wintering habitat. This reach was sampled a second time on June 7, 2005 from the road crossing down to the confluence of Site 9 (S6). This reach was electrofished for 105 seconds, but this second sampling effort did not produce any fish. As a result of the lack of fish capture in the stream it was theorized that a downstream barrier may exist and was preventing fish ascent. TRIM maps showed sections of steep gradient downstream from the Site 9 confluence where a barrier may be located. ue to the absence of fish caught during the second sampling event, a third sampling effort was conducted on June 28, 2005 to determine if any downstream barriers were preventing fish from accessing the upper portions of the reach. This reach was electrofished approximately 550 meters downstream of the Site 9 (S6) confluence. A juvenile rainbow trout was caught after 50 meters of sampling and several other salmonids were observed in pools along the reach. The reach was surveyed upstream to the confluence of Site 9 (S6) and was free of permanent barriers. It offers abundant fish habitat in the form of step pools, with LW providing cover. The pressence of fish caught during sampling and no permanent barriers results in this reach being classified as S REFERENCES Forest Practices Code of ritish Columbia Fish-stream crossing guidebook. ritish Columbia Ministry of Forests and ritish Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, C. Forest Practices Code of ritish Columbia Fish-stream identification guidebook. ritish Columbia Ministry of Forests and ritish Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. Victoria, C. Resources Inventory Committee Reconnaissance (1:20 000) fish and fish habitat inventory: Standards and procedures.

8 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION APPENIX 1 SITE LOCATIONS MAP ANZ 010 ANZ 011 ANZ 009 ANZ 008 ANZ 007 Anzac River ANZ 006 ANZ 005 ANZ 004 ANZ 003 ANZ R Chuchinka-Crocker FSR ANZ 001

9 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION APPENIX 2 PHOTOGRAPHS Photo 1 Site ANZ 001 Reach 1 S6 Representative photo of the stream showing alluvium and overhanging vegetation. Photo 2 Site ANZ 001 Reach 1 S6 Photo of the 1.78m soft barrier with a 30 cm deep plunge pool at 780m downstream of road CMP.

10 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Photo 4 Site ANZ 005 Reach 1 S3 Representative photo of the S3 stream showing wide channel, alluvium and overhanging vegetation. Photo 5 Site ANZ 005 Reach 1 S3 Photo of rainbow trout (8cm) caught 50m upstream from the mainstem confluence during 2004 sampling.

11 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Photo 6 Site ANZ 005 Reach 1 S3 Photo of rainbow trout captured 170 m downstream of the road crossing during second season sampling in Photo 7 Site ANZ 007 Reach 1 efault S4 Photo of the default S4 showing the dry stream bed at the mainstem confluence.

12 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Photo 9 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 1m soft barrier that may be the reason for NFC during sampling. Photo taken June 30, Anode pole used for scale. Photo 10 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 Representative photo of the S3 stream showing adequate cover and flow taken June 30, epicts steep grade of 10% with step pools.

13 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Photo 11 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 1m soft barriers observed during June 30, 2004, which may be the reason for NFC during sampling. Anode pole used for scale. Photo 12 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 Juvenile rainbow trout caught during sampling 550m downstream of Site 9 (S6) confluence on resample June 28, 2005.

14 CANAIAN FOREST PROUCTS PRINCE GEORGE IVISION Photo 13 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 ownstream photo of reach on June 28, 2005 showing a large channel, extensive over hanging vegetation and undercut banks providing suitable fish habitat. Photo 14 Site ANZ 010 Reach 1 S3 Upstream photo of S3 showing good habitat with deep pools, LW, and overhanging banks. This is where the rainbow trout was captured and another was observed. Photo taken on June 28, 2005.