HAYES CREEK WATERSHED. Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Summary Overview Assessment

Transcription

1 HAYES CREEK WATERSHED Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Summary Overview Assessment Prepared for: Weyerhaeuser Company Limited Princeton, BC Submitted by: Integrated Woods Services Ltd Hugh Allan Drive Kamloops BC V1S 1J3 Phone: Fax: Website: Contact: Steve Henderson, FMIBC, RPF Phone: March 1, 2006

2 Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION... 1 Table 1: Assessed Sub-basins in Hayes Creek Watershed METHODOLOGY Office Component ECA Calculations Field Component WATERSHED CHARACTERISTICS Water Licensees... 3 Table 2: Water Licensees Surface Erosion (from Henderson Report, 2000) Riparian Assessment (from Henderson Report, 2000) Mass Wasting (from Henderson Report, 2000) Restoration Priorities (from Restoration Plan, Forsite, 2001)... 5 Table 3: Restoration Priorities from Restoration Plan, Table 4: Low and Moderate Hazard Sites identified within the Hydrologic Assessments RECONNAISSANCE CHANNEL ASSESSMENT Governing Conditions for Stream Channels Hayes Creek Watershed Sub-basin 167 Hayes Creek Residual Sub-basin 168 Spukunne Creek Sub-basin 169 Grant Sub-basin 170 Unnamed Creek Sub-basin 171 Finnegan Creek Sub-basin 172 Trehaerne Creek Sub-basin 66 Hayes Creek above Siwash Creek Sub-basins 83, 84, 85, 86 Red Creek Table 5: Watershed Channel Data ECA TABLES Table 6: ECA Tables GIS Evaluation of the Amount of Lodgepole Pine within the Watershed Table 7: Pine Levels by Sub-basin Table 8: Pine Levels Assuming 80% mortality CONCLUSIONS FROM RECONNAISSANCE CHANNEL ASSESSMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT REFERENCES APPENDICES Integrated Woods Services Ltd. i

3 List of Appendices Appendix A: Long Profiles Appendix B: Hayes Creek Watershed Photos Appendix C: Sediment Source Photos Appendix D: Channel Assessment Map Integrated Woods Services Ltd. ii

4 1.0 INTRODUCTION Integrated Woods Services Ltd. (Integrated) was commissioned by Weyerhaeuser Company Limited (Weyerhaeuser) to complete a channel assessment on Hayes Creek watershed. The watershed is located east of Princeton. The southern boundary of the watershed is the confluence of Hayes creek and Similkameen River. The northern boundary is just north of Elkhart Lake off of Highway 97C (Coquihalla Connector). It is bordered on the west by the Allison Creek Watershed (Atlas #148) and on the east by the Trout/Eneas Creek Watershed (Atlas #163) and the Hedley/McNulty Creek Watershed (Atlas #150). The watershed is divided into 18 sub-basins, but this assessment includes 11 of the priority sub-basins in the southern part of the watershed. The prioritization was completed by Weyerhaeuser and based on the results of previous assessments. The assessed sub-basins are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Assessed Sub-basins in Hayes Creek Watershed Sub-Basin Merritt District Area (ha) IWAP Hayes Creek Residual # Spukunne Creek # Grant Creek # Unnamed # Finnegan Creek # Trehaerne Creek # Hayes Creek above Siwash Creek # Residual Red Creek Residual # Red Creek Headwaters # Unnamed that borders Finnegan Creek # Unnamed Tributary in Lower Red Creek # The intent of the assessment is to review the current channel conditions and compare them to previous assessments completed in 2000 by Henderson Consulting (Overview Hydrologic Assessment for the Red Creek Watershed (Sub-basins # 83, 84, 85 and 86); Overview Hydrologic Assessment of Hayes Creek Below Siwash (#167, #168, #169, #170, #171, #172 and #173) and Overview Hydrologic Assessment of Hayes Creek above Siwash Creek Watershed, prepared for Weyerhaeuser Canada Ltd. by Henderson Environmental Consulting, March 1999.) The objectives of the Reconnaissance Channel Assessment were to: 1) Field assess the current stream channel conditions, 2) Assess the sensitivity of the stream channels to impacts from land-use activities, 3) Identify sediment sources within the sub-basins coupled to the streams, 4) Expand on previous assessments, 5) Determine the effects of the current harvesting. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 1

5 2.0 METHODOLOGY 2.1 Office Component A review of existing information included the following reports: Hayes Creek Restoration Plan, Atlas Watershed #149, prepared for Weyerhaeuser Company Limited, prepared by Forsite Consultants, October Overview Hydrologic Assessment of the Merritt District Sub-Basins (#66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 83, 84, 85, 86, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176 and 177) (Henderson Environmental Consulting Ltd., 1999 and 2000). Additionally, water license data was obtained from the Ministry of Water Land and Air Protection to provide a comprehensive source of information for the project. The sub-basins boundaries from the previous hydrology and watershed assessments in year 1999 and 2000 have been re-used for the Reconnaissance Channel Assessment ECA Calculations The Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) is the area that has been harvested, cleared, or burned with consideration given to the silviculture system, regeneration, growth, and location within the watershed. The Peak Flow Index is often referred to as the weighted ECA as it multiplies the harvesting in the upper elevations by a factor. The Peak Flow Index (PFI) is a useful hydrologic analysis tool to establish the balance of harvesting between the upper and lower elevations. The index also accounts for the cumulative impact that results when harvesting occurs in higher elevations where increased snow accumulations are expected in BC s interior (BC Government, 1995). In a typical spring snowmelt governed watershed, low areas are usually snow-free while snow is actively melting at middle and higher elevations at the time that peak flows occur. Utilizing the PFI enables a measure of the harvested area that is contributing to snowmelt when the creeks are at their peak runoff. The PFI accounts for this by weighting disturbed openings above the H 60 line 1 by a factor of 1.5 (BC Government 1995). Weyerhaeuser Company Limited completed the calculations in January The ECA and PFI calculations include all existing cut blocks identified in Weyerhaeuser s Forest Development Plan. The results of these calculations were utilized to assist in developing the probability of a peak flow increase in each sub-basin. 1 The H60 line is defined as that elevation above which 60% of the watershed lies Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 2

6 2.2 Field Component The channel assessment was completed utilizing methodologies that satisfy the requirements of the Channel Assessment Procedure Guidebook (Government of British Columbia, 1996). Field assessments were conducted exclusively on the ground. The channel assessments occurred in September and October 2005, and the locations are identified on the map in the Appendix. The stream reaches assessed in the field were determined by channel characteristics, riparian condition, proximity to known or suspected sediment sources and/or accessibility. The Channel Assessment Procedure (Government of BC, 1996) and the Rosgen (1996) Classification System were utilized to classify stream channel morphology and to evaluate channel sensitivity, while the Channel Assessment Procedure (CAP) was used to classify the stream channel disturbance levels. The longitudinal profiles, watershed report cards, channel assessment maps (including any sediment source sites from the 1999 assessments) and maps are presented in the Appendices. 3.0 WATERSHED CHARACTERISTICS 3.1Water Licensees There are a total of 62 registered water licenses within the Hayes Creek Watershed. They are summarized below: Table 2: Water Licensees Finnegan Creek 6 Irrigation licenses 2 Domestic licenses Red Creek 3 Irrigation licenses 1 Irrigation/Domestic licenses Hayes Creek 25 Irrigation licenses 6 Irrigation/Domestic licenses 5 Domestic licenses 3 Irrigation/Storage licenses 5 Storage Licenses 2 Conservation Construct Works 1 Incidental Domestic 1 Unknown Grant Creek 1 Irrigation license Spukunne Creek 1 Domestic license Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 3

7 3.2 Surface Erosion (from Henderson Report, 2000) Overall, there is a low to moderate surface erosion concern for the watershed, with no high sedimentation hazard sources identified in any sub-basin during the field survey. There were twelve moderate concern sediment sources and seventeen low concern sediment sources in the watershed. The report recommends to stabilize the moderate sediment sources and monitor the low sources. A breakdown of each sediment source by sub-basin can be found in Table 3 and 4 below. There are photographs of typical sites included in the appendix. The watershed was reviewed again in 2005 as part of the channel assessment; as well the moderate and many of the low hazard sites were re-visited to determine if there were any potential impacts to the channel conditions. The review of the sites did not result in the identification of any additional significant sites on the crown land portion of the watershed. 3.3 Riparian Assessment (from Henderson Report, 2000) There was a low to moderate riparian buffer concern for the watershed with most of the riparian clearing occurring on private land around the mainstem channel Hayes Creek Residual The Hayes Creek channel in the residual area is almost entirely located on private property except in the reach below Red Creek which is Crown land. The riparian area was inspected at RIP1, RIP2 and RIP3 where riparian vegetation currently consists of shrubs and residual conifer or deciduous (usually cottonwood) trees Spukunne Creek Logging to the stream edge was inspected at RIP1 and RIP2. At RIP1, selective logging at the west side of the Spukunne Creek channel in a wetland complex with partial coniferous tree cover appears to have resulted in blowdown of residual trees. RIP2 consists of riparian clearing around an S4 channel in the headwaters of Spukunne Creek. Riparian vegetation currently consists of low shrubs and young conifer trees (< 3m tall). Channel impacts were not observed Grant Creek There were no riparian impacts observed during the field survey Unnamed There were no riparian impacts observed during the field survey. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 4

8 3.3.5 Finnegan Creek A low amount of forest development has occurred in this sub-basin. No riparian logging or impacts were observed during the field survey Trehaerne Creek There were no riparian impacts observed during the field survey Hayes Creek above Siwash Creek Residual There were no riparian impacts observed during the field survey Red Creek Examination of ortho-photos and maps showed that no riparian logging has occurred around the mainstem of Red Creek. No riparian impacts associated with forest development were observed during the field survey. 3.4 Mass Wasting (from Henderson Report, 2000) Overall, mass wasting is considered a low concern since only three mass wasting sites were identified during the field survey. The first site was a debris torrent that was initiated on private land and did not impact Hayes Creek. The second site was a landslide that was initiated adjacent to a landing in block and failed towards Grant Creek. The final site was identified as a cutbank failure onto a FSR road in the Red Creek Subbasin. Although there is minor raveling onto the road, the site is away from Red Creek, and is not a concern for sediment delivery. 3.5 Restoration Priorities (from Restoration Plan, Forsite, 2001) The Restoration Plan identified the several surface erosion Hayes sites in the Hayes Watershed. They have been summarized and listed in Tables 3 and 4. The results of the 2005 review are documented in Section 3.2 within. Table 3: Restoration Priorities from Restoration Plan, 2001 Site # (From Hydrological Assessment) Hazard Rating MW1 - Landslide adjacent to landing in block Grant Creek Sub-basin Impact Mapsheet Operating Area Responsible Agent Restoration Options 92H069 Weyerhaeuser Investigate for possible rehabilitation Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 5

9 Table 4: Low and Moderate Hazard Sites identified within the Hydrologic Assessments Site # (From Hydrological Assessment) Hazard Rating Hayes Creek above Siwash Residual Sub-basin Comments SS6 Mod Dispersed fillslope erosion Finnegan Creek Sub-basin SS1 Mod Eroding fillslope at culvert outlet Grant Creek Sub-basin SS1 Mod Eroding ditchline and cutbank for 100m SS2 Mod Eroding ditchline at culvert outlet SS3 Low Sump is full of sediment SS4 Low Partially collapsed wood culvert Spukunne Creek Sub-basin SS1 Low Eroding stream banks due to cattle SS2 Low Piping culvert RIP1 N/A Clearing in a wetland complex - low concern RIP2 N/A Clearing around S4 channel - low concern Trehaerne Creek Sub-basin SS1 Low Road fillslope erosion SS2 Mod Eroding fillslope at old diversion outlet Hayes Creek Residual Sub-basin SS1 Mod Eroding road fillslope SS2 Mod Eroding fillslope at culvert outlet SS3 Mod Eroding ditchline and eroding fillslope at culvert outlet SS4 Mod Eroding approaches at deactivated crossing RIP1 N/A Riparian clearing on both sides of channel - channel is stable to partially aggraded RIP2 N/A Riparian clearing on West side of channel - agriculture RIP3 N/A Riparian clearing on both sides of channel - channel is stable to partially aggraded MW1 N/A Debris torrent initiated on private land road - did not impact creek Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 6

10 Table 4: Cont d Site # Hazard (From Rating Hydrological Assessment) Red Creek Sub-basin Comments SS1 Mod Collapsing culvert, needs upgrading or deactivation SS2 Low Raveling fillslopes at culvert outlet SS3 Low Eroding ditchline SS4 Low Raveling fillslope at culvert outlet SS5 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet SS6 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet SS7 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet and eroding ditchline SS8 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet SS9 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet SS10 Low Raveling fillslope at culvert inlet and outlet SS11 Low Eroding fillslope at culvert inlet and raveling at culvert outlet SS12 Mod Eroding ditchline SS13 Low Eroding ditchline SS14 Low Eroding skidder trail through creek SS15 Mod Eroding approaches at ford and eroding soil at bridge cribbing at deactivated bridge 4.0 RECONNAISSANCE CHANNEL ASSESSMENT 4.1 Governing Conditions for Stream Channels Church (2000) identifies a number of primary conditions governing stream channel morphology. These primary conditions governing stream channel morphology are: 1) the amount and timing of water delivered to the channel, 2) the amount and caliber of sediment delivered to the channel, 3) the supply of wood to the channel (in forested ecosystems), 4) the condition of the stream banks (including riparian vegetation), and 5) the gradient over which the stream flows. Secondary factors governing stream channel morphology are streambed materials, local climate, watershed geomorphology, and land-use activities. Changes in stream channel morphology will occur over time in response to natural or human-influenced variations in bank conditions and supply of water, sediment, and/or debris. Streams are dynamic systems and change is constantly occurring, however, natural events or land-use activities can affect the rate of change. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 7

11 4.2 Hayes Creek Watershed The results of the reconnaissance channel assessments on the 11 assessed sub-basins in Hayes Creek Watershed are described below Sub-basin 167 Hayes Creek Residual Hayes Creek was assessed in seven sections between Siwash Creek and the Similkameen River. The channel morphology was typically riffle pool cobble. The Large Woody Debris (LWD) is functioning in the mainstem, but mostly along the banks due to the greater width of the channel. At the confluence of Hayes Creek and the Similkameen River, the river is carrying large amounts of sediment as observed by the extent of depositional bars. The amount of sediment transported by Hayes Creek was not observed to be altering channel conditions in the river. There is a bar in the Similkameen at the confluence, but relative to the other bars in the river both upstream and downstream of the confluence (see photographs), there were no concerns. There are isolated sections in the mainstem where a disturbed channel was observed. The disturbance was typically associated with a clearing of riparian vegetation up to the banks on private land. The tributaries were not identified as influencing the conditions in Hayes Creek. Downstream of Grant Creek the channel is initially not disturbed but between the two bridges the channel becomes disturbed and then recovers (see photos #15-19). The quick recovery is an indication of the creek s resilience to upstream disturbance. The disturbance between the two bridges is a length of approximately 200m and was associated with activities that have occurred on adjacent private land Sub-basin 168 Spukunne Creek Spukunne Creek was assessed in 4 sections from the confluence with Hayes Creek and up into the high elevations. During the assessment Spukunne Creek was not flowing at the confluence with Hayes Creek and the bed materials were primarily gravel and sand. The creek was not observed to be delivering any coarse material to Hayes Creek that would influence its morphology. Further upstream from the confluence with Hayes, near the highway crossing, the channel morphology is cascade pool cobble and is degraded. However, between the highway and Hayes Creek, the channel gradient decreases (see Figure 2) and any entrained coarse sediment is deposited. This depositional environment upstream of Hayes Creek acts as a buffer between the degraded section and the downstream aquatic environment. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 8

12 Further upstream, in the three assessed sections within the harvested area, the channel was mostly cascade pool cobble. The LWD was functioning in the assessed sections. In sections not harvested, the channel was not disturbed and moss was present on the banks down to the high water line. Two sections were identified in the previous assessment (1999) as disturbed riparian areas. The riparian disturbance has enabled increased cattle access which has resulted in some trampled banks, however, the channels were displaying resilience, and in both sections the channel was classified as not disturbed Sub-basin 169 Grant Grant Creek was assessed in three sections including the confluence with Hayes Creek and two sections where the Finnegan FSR crosses the two primary contributing tributaries. Grant Creek was considered stable to partially disturbed in all three channel sections. In reach one, near the confluence with Hayes Creek, the channel morphology is cascade pool cobble with functioning LWD. There was no disturbance other than slight aggradation in a few areas. The LWD was limited with most cascades relying on stone lines. Grant Creek did not appear to be contributing any coarse sediment that was changing the conditions in Hayes Creek. Grant Creek and its main tributary were assessed at Finnegan FSR crossings near the 16 and 17km marks. At 16km, the main tributary to Grant Creek has cascade pool gravel morphology with functioning LWD and was stable to partially disturbed. The bed was composed of gravel, cobble and sand with moss on cobbles and undercut banks. Upstream of 17km on Finnegan FSR, the channel morphology is cascade pool cobble with functioning LWD and the channel is stable. Downstream, the morphology is step pool cobble with functioning LWD. The bedload is composed of stable cobbles and the banks have moss down to the high-water level Sub-basin 170 Unnamed Creek The channel in this sub-basin was assessed at the highway crossing. There is a culvert at this crossing but no indication of recent flow (see photo #23). There were no concerns associated with channel conditions from historic flows or from the potential of harvesting in the sub-basin to disturb the channel or downstream conditions in Hayes Creek Sub-basin 171 Finnegan Creek Finnegan Creek was assessed at the confluence with Hayes Creek and on both sides of the Finnegan FSR near the 10km mark. The channel morphology ranged between step pool cobble and cascade pool cobble. The LWD was functioning in all channel sections. Bed materials were stable with moss on the larger cobbles or boulders. There is a large pool in Hayes Creek at the confluence with Finnegan, which indicates coarse materials are not transported down the tributary. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 9

13 4.2.6 Sub-basin 172 Trehaerne Creek Trehaerne Creek was assessed upstream and downstream of the old railroad crossing, as well as at the confluence with Hayes Creek. The photos taken of Trehaerne Creek in the 1999 assessment are actually of an adjacent creek to the North. Upstream of the railroad tracks, Trehaerne Creek is an undisturbed channel with step pool boulder channel morphology. The creek is then blocked by a concrete dam that re-directs the creek into a steel culvert that travels under the old railroad. The culvert has a gunbarrel outlet at the top of the railroad fillslope (see photo #36). Downstream of the culvert, the channel is severely degraded. The disturbance is associated with the construction of the railroad. The channel materials from this section have been transported downstream and a sediment bar exists in Hayes Creek at the confluence Sub-basin 66 Hayes Creek above Siwash Creek Hayes Creek mainstem was assessed in sub-basin 66 upstream of Siwash Creek. The assessment indicates that Siwash is actually the larger stream at their confluence although the watershed is named Hayes. In this sub-basin, Hayes Creek is bordered by many private lots and some riparian harvesting has occurred. In the assessed sections the channel morphology ranged from cascade pool cobble to riffle pool cobble. The bed materials were composed of cobble and boulders with some gravel and sand. The banks were composed of cobble, gravel and sand that would be resilient to some disturbance. The mainstem was mostly undisturbed with partially aggraded sections Sub-basins 83, 84, 85, 86 Red Creek Red Creek and its sub-basins were assessed in six different sections. The channels were observed to be undisturbed with infrequent partial disturbance. Channel morphologies assessed included step pool cobble, cascade pool cobble, cascade pool boulder and riffle pool cobble. The LWD was functioning in all sections but was not always required to maintain channel stability. Moss was evident on larger bed material and on the banks. The bed material is also partially colonized by aquatic plants in several sections in the mid and upper reaches. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 10

14 Table 5: Watershed Channel Data Site Slope Depth Diameter Wb Morphology Hayes Ck Residual u/s of old Hedley Rd Bridge 2% 85cm 58cm 13.5m RPc-S to A1 Hayes Ck Confluence w/ Similkameen River 1% 1.1m 35cm 14.5m RPc-A1 Finnegan Ck Confluence w/ Hayes Ck 7% 58cm 16cm 3.2m CPc-W Finnegan Creek ~10km on Finnegan Ck FSR - u/s 6% 60cm 6cm 4.0m SPc-W S Finnegan Creek ~10km on Finnegan Ck FSR - d/s 3% 40cm 4.5cm 3.2m SPc-W S Hayes Creek downstream of Trehaerne Ck 1% 1.18m 4cm 17.6m RPc-W S to A1 Upper Spukunne Ck u/s of logging 4% 35cm 3cm 2.3m CPc-W S Spukunne Ck Riparian Site logging 2% 40cm 2cm 3.2m CPc-W S Spukunne Ck Riparian Site logging 3-4% 45cm 4cm 3.2m CPc-W S Spukunne reach 1 u/s of highway 6% 55cm 38cm 6.0m CPc-W D1 to D2 Spukunne reach 1 d/s of highway 1-2% 50cm 18cm 3.0m RPc Hayes Ck u/s of Spukunne Ck 1-2% 70cm m RPc S D1 Upper Hayes Residual Face-Unit u/s of Siwash Ck 3% 60cm 22cm 3.8m CPc-W to RPc 100m u/s of Upper Hayes Residual Face-Unit 4% 50cm 18cm 5.6m CPc-W to RPc Hayes Ck d/s of Grant Ck bridge 1% 45cm 21cm 11.46m RPc D2 Hayes Ck Residual below Bridge on Private Land 1% 50cm 21cm 16.4m RPc D1 upstream of Red Ck confluence Red Creek ~13km u/s of bridge 3% 75cm 12cm 6.2m CPb-W S Red Creek Sub-basin #86 ~ 10.5km on Red Ck 4% 45cm 2cm 2.5m SPc-W S FSR Red Creek ~19km on Red Ck confluence of sub-basin 4% 50cm 4cm 2.1m CPg-W S Red Creek ~19km on Red Ck FSR u/s of 3% 68cm 9cm 5.1m CPc-W S confluence Red Creek ~19km on Red Ck FSR d/s of confluence 4% 70cm 10cm 5.5m CPc-W S Red Creek ~21.5km on Red Ck FSR 1% 45cm 3cm 4.2m RPg-W S Red Creek ~7km on Red Ck FSR 2% 55cm 5cm 5.2m RPc-W S Grant Ck reach 1 5% 52cm 13cm 3.52m CPc-W A1 Grant Creek tributary ~16km on Finnegan FSR 4% 45cm 6cm 3.1m CPg-W A1 Grant Creek ~17km on Finnegan FSR u/s of rd 3% 50cm - 3.5m CPc-W S Grant Creek ~17km on Finnegan FSR, d/s of rd 6-8% 70cm 5cm 3.0m SPc-W S Morphology: D2 moderately degraded D1 partially degraded S Stable A2 moderately aggraded A1 partially aggraded Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 11

15 4.3 ECA TABLES The following tables indicate the levels of Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) that are currently observed in the watershed, and are expected to occur in 2010 if the proposed harvesting in the forestry plans are completed accordingly. Table 6: ECA Tables ECA Hayes Watershed ECA 2005 Hayes Watershed ECA 2010 Watershed ECA Peak Flow Index ECA Peak Flow Index Hayes 16.71% % 0.29 Sub-basin ECA by Sub-basin Total Area of Subbasin (ha) ECA 2005 ECA 2010 Sub-basin 167 Hayes Creek Residual % 13% Sub-basin 168 Spukunne Creek % 15% Sub-basin 169 Grant % 31% Sub-basin 170 Unnamed Creek % 6% Sub-basin 171 Finnegan Creek % 26% Sub-basin 172 Trehaerne Creek % 9% Sub-basin 66 Hayes Creek above Siwash % 9% Sub-basin 83 Red Creek Residual % 23% Sub-basin 84 Red Creek Headwaters % 38% Sub-basin 85 Unnamed in Upper Red Creek % 10% Sub-basin 86 Unnamed in Lower Red Creek % 17% Sub-total for Red Creek Sub-basins (#83+#84+#85+#86) 11, % 26% Total for Lower Hayes Creek % 20% 4.4 GIS Evaluation of the Amount of Lodgepole Pine within the Watershed The GIS analysis indicates 52% of the stands in the watershed will have lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) as a leading species after the proposed harvesting is completed. If the mountain pine beetle were to result in 80% mortality of the susceptibly pine stands, based on Ministry of Forests entomologists predictions, the ECA could increase by 42% (see Table 7 and 8) from the proposed 20% to 62%. This is based on the assumption that a dead pine stand that is not harvested will have the same ability to intercept snow as a deciduous stand, or 0%. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 12

16 Table 7: Pine Levels by Sub-basin Sub-basin Total area of Pine Leading stands within the Subbasin Currently (not including any harvested areas)(ha) Total area of Pine Leading stands within the Subbasin after removing all existing and planned harvesting (ha) % of area of Pine Leading stands within the Subbasin after removing all existing and planned harvesting Sub-basin 167 Hayes Creek Residual % Sub-basin 168 Spukunne Creek % Sub-basin 169 Grant % Sub-basin 170 Unnamed Creek % Sub-basin 171 Finnegan Creek % Sub-basin 172 Trehaerne Creek % Sub-basin 66 Hayes Creek above Siwash % Sub-basin 83 Red Creek Residual % Sub-basin 84 Red Creek Headwaters % Sub-basin 85 Unnamed in Upper Red Creek % Sub-basin 86 Unnamed in Lower Red Creek % Total % Table 8: Pine Levels Assuming 80% mortality Sub-basin Area in ha assuming 80% mortality of residual pine % of Area that will be dead pine assuming 80% mortality Projected ECA plus 80% of Pine Mortality Sub-basin 167 Hayes Creek Residual % 42% Sub-basin 168 Spukunne Creek % 64% Sub-basin 169 Grant % 73% Sub-basin 170 Unnamed Creek % 55% Sub-basin 171 Finnegan Creek % 77% Sub-basin 172 Trehearne Creek % 61% Sub-basin 66 Hayes Creek above Siwash % 53% Sub-basin 83 Red Creek Residual % 72% Sub-basin 84 Red Creek Headwaters % 75% Sub-basin 85 Unnamed in Upper Red Creek % 76% Sub-basin 86 Unnamed in Lower Red Creek % 75% Total % 62% Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 13

17 Research on hydrologic effects of mountain pine beetle in the interior pine forests of British Columbia have resulted in many recent publications. In general they all indicate that peak and annual flows will increase, and the timing of peak flows may move forward a couple weeks (Unila, Guy and Pike, 2006). The results of the research also indicate there are some concerns that have answers, while others have only been addressed by theory: Changes in forest structure resulting from beetle-kill could modify key hydrologic process (MacDonald and Stednick, 2003). In the interior pine forest of BC, the annual accumulations and melt of the snowpack principally drive the hydrologic regime. This accumulation and melt are modified by hydrologic processes such as interception, evaporation, transpiration, snowpack redistribution (i.e. wind patterns) and melt (i.e. energy absorption), and groundwater storage. The effects of beetlekill on these processes, with or without salvage harvesting, is unknown (Maloney, 2005) and may mimic that of conventional timber harvesting of similar size and extent. While transpiration is expected to be similar between beetle-killed stands and recent harvested areas (since trees do not transpire), the effects of beetle-kill on hydrologic processes may be different than the effects of timber harvesting. Beetlekilled trees retain their needles and branches, stay standing, and potentially affect forest regeneration after they have been killed. Furthermore, beetle-killed stands may retain live understory vegetation and are not necessarily impacted by road development, unlike conventional harvested stands (Unila, Guy and Pike, 2006). The presence of a multi-storied stand may mitigate the hydrologic effects of beetle-kill (Schmid et al., 1991) supports the recent recommendation of BC s chief forester to increase retention levels when salvaging beetle-killed stands (Snetsinger, 2005). Retaining structure such as live trees (including understory) and standing and fallen dead trees may reduce the risks of large-scale salvage, particularly until watersheds have reached hydrologic recovery (Snetsinger, 2005; Unila, Guy and Pike, 2006). A research project on harvesting in drier climates similar to some parts of the assessed watershed indicates the following: A review of paired watersheds by Bosch and Hewlett (1982) noted that annual precipitation must exceed 450 mm in order to detect an increase in runoff as a result of removing a larger fraction of the vegetation cover in a watershed (Helie; Peters, Tattrie and Gibson, 2005). This supports the theory that harvesting drier parts of the watershed will contribute less to hydrologic change than wetter parts. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 14

18 5.0 CONCLUSIONS FROM RECONNAISSANCE CHANNEL ASSESSMENT The Reconnaissance Channel Assessment of Hayes Creek Watershed included 27 channel sections distributed through the watershed and included assessments in 11 priority sub-basins. Water quality and quantity, and the fisheries resource were considered the primary resource values. The reconnaissance channel assessment has identified the channels in the sub-basins and mainstem to be accommodating the current levels of development. The channels were primarily not disturbed with short sections of partial disturbance. The channels in the sub-basins on the west side of the watershed were considered to have more disturbance and to be more sensitive to increased flows than the tributaries on the east side of Hayes Creek. The ECA levels are currently low hazards levels in all sub-basins except 2 of them (#169 and #84) that will have ECA s above 30% in 2010 based on the proposed harvesting. An ECA above 30% could result in a detectable increase in peak flows in the sub-basins. However, based on the results of the reconnaissance channel assessment, an increase in flows resulting from the proposed ECA s should not increase the risk to downstream resources. The channels in these sub-basins were observed to not be disturbed and should be resilient to the increased flows associated with 31% and 38% ECA levels. Sub-basin 84 flows into the mainstem of Red Creek. The overall ECA in Red Creek is proposed to increase to 26%, which is considered a low hazard based on the observed channel conditions and the stability of the channel. The ECA in the assessed part of Hayes Creek Watershed will increase from 17% to 20% between 2005 and This level of ECA may result in a slight increase in peak flows that will probably not be detectable. Based on the conditions observed in the mainstem channel, there are no changes expected to occur if peak flows increase slightly. The mainstems of most tributaries are greater than 1.5m wide in almost all sections except the upper watershed and were inferred fish bearing except for Christian, Trehaerne and Un-named. Under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act that is being replaced by new legislation, these fish-bearing mainstems are considered S3 s or greater. This results in at least a 20 metre riparian reserve being required as well as an additional 20-metre riparian management zone. This degree of riparian management should be adequate to maintain channel conditions relative to the influence of riparian vegetation. The reaches are similar to other watersheds in the area which are generally considered to have the following sensitivities: Moderately sensitive to increased peak flows, Moderately sensitive to increased sediment supply, and Highly sensitive to decreased LWD Supply. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 15

19 The road conditions and existing harvesting were not observed to be significantly impacting the channel conditions in the assessed sub-basins in Hayes Creek. Future management needs to ensure the roads continue to be a minimal source of sediment and that the riparian buffers are maintained where recommended. The Equivalent Clearcut Area in the watershed will be increasing to 20% if the proposed harvesting is completed. At this level there is not expected to be any increase in peakflows or channel disturbance. However, the watershed is identified to have lodgepole pine as a leading species in 52% of the residual stands in the watershed following the proposed harvesting. If the mountain pine beetle were to result in 80% mortality of the susceptible pine stands, the ECA could increase from the 20% to near 62%. The potential for the ECA to increase to 62% as a result of mountain pine beetle is a concern that could result in increased disturbance in the channel if peak flows were to increase. An increase in LWD is not a concern, as it is identified as generally assisting in channel stability. In summary, the sensitivity of the channels to existing and proposed levels of development is considered to be low if existing management strategies continue. However, if the mountain pine beetle infestation results in 80% mortality of the pine stands there would be an expected increase in peak flows and channel disturbance. Based on the observed channel conditions, the sub-basins on the west side of Hayes Creek are expected to be less resilient to channel disturbance than the channels on the east side. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 16

20 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations should be considered when planning future forestry related activities: 1) Any new in-block roads should be a focus for deactivation where future use is unlikely or not required. Stream crossings should be deactivated and minimized where possible to reduce the potential for sediment delivery. 2) Trees in riparian areas are a source of functioning large woody debris and will assist in minimizing future channel disturbance in the watershed. Any new harvesting on streams greater than 1.5 m in width need a 20 metre riparian reserve (this is typical S3 management as per the existing Forest Practices Code). Leaving future LWD recruits should be included in the management strategy for smaller streams where a channel depends on LWD to maintain its integrity. Weyerhaeuser s current riparian strategies for smaller streams (1.5m - 3m) are appropriate. They are the following: Weyerhaeuser generally considers reserves of variable widths on the larger confirmed S4's as well as larger S6 streams (1.5m - 3m). They allow variance due to harvest method i.e. cable, but consider this acceptable as the majority of the ground adjacent to streams is conventional ground where reserves can be left. Variable width reserves are preferred as it provides more flexibility during layout in reacting to what the ground dictates. If the slope break into the riparian draw occurs at 15 m then place the reserve there and if the ground allows harvesting within 5m then take the boundary to that location. Also, Increase retention of reserve trees through the RMZ. 3) Do not remove post-harvesting large woody debris in stream channel without completing a professional assessment. 4) Channel conditions should continue to be monitored if future harvesting levels are proposed to increase. A subsequent reconnaissance channel assessment should be completed in ) Future harvesting plans need to focus on controlling the expected mountain pine beetle infestation. 6) A Fish Passage-Culvert Inspection Assessment (FPCI) was previously recommended due to the high fisheries values within the watershed and should be completed 7) If forest management changes to a liquidation of pine strategy, the sub-basins on the east side of Hayes Creek (Red, Finnegan and Grant Creeks) could be considered preferred areas to harvest as they were considered to be more resilient to increased flows. This strategy will depend on the values of the forest and natural managers and should involve more consideration prior to implementing. Yours truly, Integrated Woods Services Ltd. Stephen Henderson, FMIBC, RPF Forester and Hydrologist Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 17

21 7.0 OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Channel Conditions Hayes Hayes Residual Majority is Crown Land % RPc 10m to 20m 1% to 3% The stream channel is highly coupled to the hillslope in reach 1, varies from coupled to decoupled in reaches 2 and 3 on the meanders. Mostly not disturbed with isolated sections where a disturbed channel was observed. Riparian Condition Road Condition Good, generally not disturbed with some clearing of riparian vegetation up to the banks on private land. Good condition, not affecting downstream reaches. Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions Good condition, few instabilities identified Hayes Creek is inferred fish bearing (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 18

22 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Hayes Red Creek Majority is Crown Land % CPc 2m to 7m 1% to 4% The stream channel is coupled to the hillslope in reach 1, partially coupled in reach 2 and in the upper elevations. Channel Conditions Mostly undisturbed with infrequent partial disturbance. Algae growing on bed material at some sites indicates stability. Riparian Condition Road Condition Good, not disturbed in assessed areas and contributing LWD recruits. Good condition. And sediment from the roads is not affecting downstream channel conditions. Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions Good conditions were observed. Red Creek is an inferred fish bearing stream for approximately 2km upstream of the confluence with Hayes Creek (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 19

23 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Channel Conditions Hayes Hayes Crk above Siwash Crk Majority is Crown Land % CPc-W to RPc 1m to 10m 1% to 5% The watershed is partially coupled to the hillslopes. Good, mostly undisturbed with partially aggraded sections. Riparian Condition Road Condition In this sub-basin, Hayes Creek is bordered by many private lots and some riparian harvesting has occurred. Good condition, not affecting downstream channel condtions. Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions Good Condition, no concerns identified. Hayes Creek above Siwash is considered to be fish bearing. (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 20

24 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Hayes Spukunne Creek Majority is Crown Land % CPc 2m to 6m 1% to 6% The stream channel is highly coupled to the hillslope in reach 1, partially coupled in reach 2. Channel Conditions Ranged from disturbed in harvested areas to not disturbed Riparian Condition Logging to the stream edge was inspected at RIP1 and RIP2. At RIP1, selective logging at the west side of the Spukunne Creek channel in a wetland complex with partial coniferous tree cover appears to have resulted in blowdown of residual trees. RIP2 consists of riparian clearing around an S4 channel in the headwaters of Spukunne Creek. Downstream channel impacts were not observed. Road Condition Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions Good condition, any sediment from the roads is not affecting downstream reaches. Good conditions were observed. The midslope is steep and there may be some natural occurrences, that were not identified in the reconnaissance assessment. Spukunne Creek is inferred fish bearing from 1060m up to the headwaters. (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 21

25 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Channel Conditions Hayes Trehaerne Creek Majority is Crown Land % RPc 17m 1% The watershed is partially coupled to the hillslopes. The tributary is very steep in the mid-slopes and flows across an alluvial fan in reach 1. Upstream of the railroad tracks, Trehaerne Creek has an undisturbed channel. Downstream of the tracks, the channel is severely degraded. Riparian Condition Generally not disturbed except in the lower elevations on private land. Road Condition Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions Good condition, not affecting downstream channel conditions except at the railway crossing. Good Condition and not identified as contributing to channel disturbance. Non fish bearing (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 22

26 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Channel Conditions Riparian Condition Road Condition Hayes Finnegan Creek Majority is Crown Land % SPc 3m to 4m 3% to 6% The stream channel is coupled to the hillslope in reach 1, and partially coupled to decoupled in reach 2. Good, not disturbed and not observed to be contributing coarse sediment to Hayes Creek. Good, not disturbed. Good condition, not affecting downstream reaches. Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions No concerns were identified. Finnegan Creek is assumed to be fish bearing. (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 23

27 Watershed: Sub basin: Area (ha): Tenure: Equivalent Clearcut Area (ECA) % Channel Type (CAP) Width (m) Gradient (%) Watershed Type: Channel Conditions Hayes Grant Creek Majority is Crown Land % CPc 3m to 4m 3% to 8% The stream channel is coupled to the hillslope in reach 1, and partially coupled to decoupled in reach 2. Stable to partially disturbed. No concerns were identified. Riparian Condition Road Condition The riparian conditions were observed to be intact. The roads were in good condition and appeared to be maintained. Hillslope Conditions Fish Target Habitat Conditions There is a mass wasting sites that was previously assessed and evaluated. No other sites were observed. Grant Creek is assumed to be fish bearing. (Henderson, 2000) Not Available Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 24

28 8.0 REFERENCES Forsite Consultants Ltd., Hayes Creek Atlas watershed #149 Restoration Plan Government of British Columbia Interior Watershed Assessment Procedure Guidebook Level 1 Analysis. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Victoria, British Columbia. Government of British Columbia Channel Assessment Procedure Guidebook. British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Victoria, British Columbia. Government of British Columbia Interior Watershed Assessment Procedure Guidebook British Columbia Ministry of Forests. Victoria, British Columbia. Henderson Environmental Consulting Ltd., Overview Hydrologic Assessment of the Merritt District Sub-Basins (#66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 75, 76, 83, 84, 85, 86, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 176 and 177) Henderson Environmental Consulting Ltd., Overview Hydrologic Assessment of the Hayes creek above Siwash Creek Watershed. Henderson Environmental Consulting Ltd., Overview Hydrologic Assessment of Hayes Creek below Siwash (#167, #168, #169, #170, #171, #172, #173). Henderson Environmental Consulting Ltd., Overview Hydrologic Assessment of the Red Creek Watershed (Sub-basin # s 83, 84, 85 and 86). Hewlett, JD, Principles of Forest Hydrology. The University of Georgia Press: Athens Georgia, USA; 183. MacDonald, L.H. and J.D. Stednick Forests and water: a state-of-the-art review for Colorado. Colorado State University, CWRRI Completion Report No p. Maloney, D Mid-term impact of mountain pine beetle on watershed hydrology. Association of BC Forest Professionals. Forum 12(3):23. Available from: Middle Fork GIS, Merritt Forest District- Interior Watershed Assessment Procedure. Ministry of Forests Entomologist, MacLaughlan, L, 2005, pers. comm. Presentation on mountain pine beetle to the Kamloops Timber Supply Area Committee. Nicola Tribal Association/Nicola Watershed Stewardship & Fisheries Authority, 2000-on going (proposed for sub-basins within the Hayes Creek watershed for 2002). Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory for Grant, Finnegan, Red and Asp Creek Watersheds Schmid, J.M., S.A. Mata, M.H. Martinez, and C.A. Troendle Net precipitation within small group infestations of the mountain pine beetle. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. Research Note RM-508. Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 25

29 Snetsinger, J Guidance on landscape- and stand-level structural retention in large-scale mountain pine beetle salvage operations. BC Ministry of Forests and Range, Chief Forester. Available from: mountain_pine_beetle/stewardship/ Unila, Lars; Guy, Brian; Pike, Robin, 2005, Hydrologic Effects of Mountain Pine Beetle in the Interior Pine Forest of British Columbia: Key Questions and Current Knowledge, FOREX, in print. Wildstone Engineering Ltd., Overview Hydrologic Assessment of the Shinish Creek Subbasin (#68) Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 26

30 9.0 APPENDICES Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 27

31 Appendix A: Long Profiles Hayes Creek Longitudinal Profile Reach Elevation (m) Reach 1 Reach Horizontal Distance (m) Figure 1: Longitudinal Profile of Hayes Creek Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 27

32 Longitudinal Profile for Hayes Watershed 1750 Finnegan Grant 1550 Red Elevation (m) Spukunne 950 Trehaerne 750 Hayes Horizontal Distance (m) Figure 2: Hayes Creek Watershed Multi-Longitudinal Profile Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 28

33 Appendix B: Hayes Creek Watershed Photos Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 29

34 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Appendix B: Hayes Creek Watershed Photos Photo #1: Similkameen River Photo # 2: Hayes Confluence w/ Similkameen River Photo #3:Hayes Confluence w/ Similkameen River Photo #4: Hayes Reach 1 u/s of Similkameen Photo #5: Hayes Reach 1 u/s of Highway Photo #6: Hayes Reach 1 u/s of Highway Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 30

35 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo # 7:Hayes u/s of Siwash (sub-basin 66) Photo #8: Hayes u/s of Siwash (sub-basin 66) Photo #9: Spukunne Creek Photo #10: Spukunne Creek Rd Crossing Photo # 11: Spukunne Reach 1 u/s of Highway Photo #12: Spukunne Reach 1 near Hayes Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 31

36 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #13:Grant Creek confluence with Hayes Photo #14: Grant Reach 1 Photo#15: 1 st bridge downstream of Grant Creek Photo # 16: Hayes Creek d/s of Grant Creek Photo #17:Hayes Creek d/s of Grant disturbed Photo#18: 2 nd Bridge downstream of Grant Creek Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 32

37 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #19: Hayes d/s of 2 nd bridge on Grant Photo #20:Grant Reach 1 not disturbed Photo #21: Grant Reach 2 Photo #22:Grant Reach 2 Photo #23 Sub-basin 170 no water at rd crossing Photo #24:Finnegan looking downstream to Hayes Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 33

38 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo # 25: Finnegan Creek Photo #26: Old bridge site near Finnegan Photo #27: Finnegan Reach 1 Photo #28:Finnegan Reach 1 Photo #29: Finnegan Creek Photo #30: Finnegan Creek Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 34

39 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #31: Finnegan Creek Photo #32: Finnegan Creek Photo #33: Railroad Tunnel near Trehaerne Creek Photo #34:Culvert u/s of railroad on Trehaerne Photo #35:Trehaerne upstream of culvert and railroad Photo #36: Outlet of culvert near railroad on Treaherne Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 35

40 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #37:Trehaerne downstream of railroad Photo #38: Trehaerne downstream of railroad Photo #39:Trehaerne downstream of railroad Photo #40Trehaerne confluence with Hayes Creek Photo #41: Trehaerne flows from the left into Hayes Photo # 42: Hayes Creek log jam d/s of confluence w/trehaerne Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 36

41 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #43: Red Creek Reach 1 Photo #44: Red Creek Reach 1 Photo #45: Red Creek Reach 1 Photo #46: Red Creek Reach 2 Photo #47: Red Creek Reach 2 Photo #48: Red Creek Reach 2 Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 37

42 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #49: Red Creek Reach 2 Photo #50: Red Creek Reach 2 Photos #51 and 52: Red Creek Reach 2 d/s of Sub-basin 84 and 85 Photo #53: Red Creek Reach 3 Photo #54: Red Creek Reach 3 Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 38

43 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Photo #55: Red Creek Reach 3 Photo #56: Red Creek in Sub-basin 85 Photo #57: Red Creek in Sub-basin 85 Integrated Woods Services Ltd. 39

44 Hayes Watershed Reconnaissance Channel Assessment and Overview Appendix C: Sediment Source Photos Sub-basin 83 Sediment Source 1 - Collapsed culvert Sub-basin 83 Sediment Source15 Sub-basin 89 Sediment Source 13 Sub-basin 167 Sediment Source 3 Sub-basin 89 Sediment Source 7 Integrated Woods Services Ltd. Sub-basin 89 Sediment Source 40