PORT MELLON RECONNAISSANCE (1:20,000) FISH AND FISH HABITAT INVENTORY

Transcription

1 PORT MELLON RECONNAISSANCE (1:20,000) FISH AND FISH HABITAT INVENTORY McNAB CREEK : POTLATCH CREEK : Prepared for: Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Box 110 Port Mellon, BC V0N 2S0 Prepared by: M.A. Whelen and Associates Ltd. Fisheries Resources Services A Avenue Langley, BC V1M 1B9 Approved by: Mike Whelen, R.P. Bio. December 31, 1999 Volume 2 of 2

2 PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION MELP Project Number CSAG99-06 FRBC Project Number PAM98303 FDIS Project Number 02-SMAR FRBC Region Pacific Region MELP Region 02 - Lower Mainland FW Management Unit 2-5 Fisheries Planning Unit Squamish Planning Unit (P.U. 5) Forest Region Vancouver Forest Region Forest District Sunshine Coast Forest District Forest Licensee and Tenure # Canfor Ltd., TFL FLA19223 First Nations Claim Area Squamish Nation (MoAA, 1998 a ) WATERSHED INFORMATION (McNab ) Watershed Group Squamish River Watershed Name(s) McNab Watershed Codes UTM at Mouth Watershed Area 68.7 km 2 Total of All Stream Lengths km Stream Order 5th order NTS Map 92 G/11 TRIM Maps 092G.053, 092G.054, 092G.063, 092G.064 BEC Zone CWH, MH Air Photos 30BCB95095: 9-18, 34-44, WATERSHED INFORMATION (Potlatch ) Watershed Group Squamish River Watershed Name(s) Potlatch Watershed Codes UTM at Mouth Watershed Area 27.3 km 2 Total of All Stream Lengths km Stream Order 4th order NTS Map 92 G/11 TRIM Maps 092G.054, 092G.064 BEC Zone CWH, MH Air Photos 30BCB95095: 85-93; 30BCB95097: SAMPLING DESIGN SUMMARY Total Number of Reaches 596 Random Sampling Sites 49 Discretionary Sample Sites 5 Total Sample Sites 54 Field Sampling Dates Oct , 1998; Aug. 9-10, 1999 ii

3 CONTRACTOR INFORMATION Project Manager: Recipient: Inventory Sub-contractor: Johny Ellis Canadian Forest Products Ltd. Box 110, Port Mellon, BC V0N 2S0 (604) M.A. Whelen and Associates Ltd A Avenue, Langley, BC V1M 1B9 (604) Field Crew: Mike Whelen Kirby Ottenbreit Heidi Walsh Dave Gummason Shawna Reed Graham Fraser Data Entry by: Report Prepared by: Report Edited by: Maps Prepared by: GIS Services Water Chemistry Analysis by: Fish Aging by: DNA Analysis by: Voucher Species ID by: Kirby Ottenbreit Heidi Walsh Kirby Ottenbreit Mike Whelen, R.P. Bio. Ground Control GeoTechnologies Inc. # Howe Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2A9 (604) Ground Control GeoTechnologies Inc. Norwest Laboratories Langley By-Pass, Langley, B.C. V3S 8P8 (604) North/South Consultants Inc. 2 nd Floor, 1475 Chevrier Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Y7 (204) Susan Pollard Fisheries Branch 2 nd Floor, 781 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 (250) Alex Peden Liparis Biological Services 1555 Mount Douglas Cross Road Victoria, BC V8N 1Z4 (250) iii

4 DISCLAIMER This product has been accepted as being in accordance with approved standards within the limits of Ministry quality assurance procedures. Users are cautioned that interpreted information on this product developed for the purposes of the Forest Practices Code Act and Regulations, for example stream classifications, is subject to review by a statutory decision maker for the purposes of determining whether or not to approve an operational plan. iv

5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Forest Renewal BC (FRBC), provided funding for this Inventory. Johny Ellis, Canfor Ltd. (Port Mellon), provided administrative support for the project. Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Port Mellon) provided boat access to the project watersheds. D. Jesson (Ministry Representative) and other FRBC staff at MoELP, Surrey, reviewed the report and provided helpful comments throughout the pre- and post-field (data entry and reporting) phases of the study. v

6 TABLE OF CONTENTS PROJECT REFERENCE INFORMATION ii WATERSHED INFORMATION ii SAMPLING DESIGN SUMMARY ii CONTRACTOR INFORMATION iii DISCLAIMER iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v LIST OF TABLES viii LIST OF FIGURES ix LIST OF APPENDICES x LIST OF ATTACHMENTS (Available at MoELP Office) x 1.0 INTRODUCTION PROJECT SCOPE/OBJECTIVES LOCATION McNab Access Potlatch Access RESOURCE INFORMATION METHODS Sampling Plan Habitat Assessment Biological Sampling Data Compilation RESULTS AND DISCUSSION LOGISTICS HABITAT AND FISH DISTRIBUTION McNab Potlatch WATER QUALITY RESULTS McNab Potlatch FISH AGE, SIZE AND LIFE HISTORY McNab Potlatch SIGNIFICANT FEATURES AND FISHERIES OBSERVATIONS Fish and Fish Habitat Habitat Protection Concerns Fisheries Sensitive Zones Fish Above 20% Gradients Restoration and Rehabilitation Opportunities vi

7 TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued) 4.6 FISH BEARING STATUS Fish Bearing Reaches McNab Potlatch Non-Fish Bearing Reaches McNab Potlatch Follow-up Sampling Required McNab Potlatch BIBLIOGRAPHY APPENDICES APPENDIX I - FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS APPENDIX II - HARDCOPY MAPS APPENDIX III - WATER QUALITY SUMMARY TABLE vii

8 LIST OF TABLES 3.1 Inaccessible stream sample sites and substitute sample sites; 4 Port Mellon Reconnaissance Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory, EMS numbers for designated water sample locations within 5 the Port Mellon study area, Stream sites for which no fish sampling was conducted Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found 10 in the McNab Watershed Summary of historic and new barriers to fish migration found 13 in the Potlatch Watershed Results from field water quality sampling in the McNab 15 watershed Results from field water quality sampling in the Potlatch 16 watershed Summary of length-at-age data from cutthroat trout sampled in the 16 McNab Watershed, October, Summary of length-at-age data from rainbow trout sampled in the 17 McNab Watershed, October, 1998/August Summary of length-at-age data from fish sampled in the Potlatch 18 Watershed, October, Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches 22 recommended for follow-up sampling in the McNab Watershed, October, Summary of data from surveyed fish bearing reaches and reaches 24 recommended for follow-up sampling in the Potlatch Watershed, October, Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the 26 McNab Watershed, October, Summary of data from surveyed non-fish-bearing reaches in the 27 Potlatch Watershed, October, Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing 28 reaches in the McNab Watershed Follow-up sampling required for classification of non-fish-bearing 29 reaches in the Potlatch Watershed viii

9 LIST OF FIGURES 1.1 Key/overview map of the location of the Port Mellon study 2 area in British Columbia, Length-frequency histogram of sampled cutthroat trout from 17 the McNab Watershed, October Length-frequency histogram of sampled rainbow trout from 18 the McNab Watershed, October 1998/August Length-frequency histogram of sampled Dolly Varden from 19 the Potlatch Watershed, October 1998 ix

10 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX I: APPENDIX II: APPENDIX III: FDIS SUMMARY AND PHOTOGRAPHS HARDCOPY MAPS WATER QUALITY SUMMARY TABLE LIST OF ATTACHMENTS ATTACHMENT I: PLANNING DOCUMENT (Port Mellon Reconnaissance (1: 20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat. Project Plan, July 31, 1998) McNAB CREEK TRIM MAPS: 092G.053, 092G.054, 092G.063, 092G.064 POTLATCH CREEK TRIM MAPS: 092G.054, 092G.064 ATTACHMENT II: FIELD NOTES (54 Site Cards completed; 49 Fish Collection Cards completed) ATTACHMENT III: COLLECTED FISH AGING STRUCTURES (McNab : 28 cutthroat trout fin ray and scale samples and 16 rainbow trout scale samples; Potlatch : 29 Dolly Varden fin ray samples) ATTACHMENT IV: VOUCHER/DNA SAMPLES (DNA Samples: 11 cutthroat trout; 10 Dolly Varden; 9 rainbow trout) (VOUCHER Samples: 2 cutthroat trout, 3 Dolly Varden, 3 rainbow trout) ATTACHMENT V: PHOTODOCUMENTATION (Overflight and Field Program Photobinder with Photo Survey Form 1, Photograph Index, CD Thumbnail Images, Photographs and Negatives; CDs 1-4) ATTACHMENT VI: DIGITAL DATA (Disk 1 - Project Plan - Excel and Word 97; Disk 2 - FDIS Files - MSAccess; Disk 3 - Report Files - Excel and Word 97) ATTACHMENT VII: HARDCOPY FISS AND UPDATE DATA FORMS (NTS Map - 92 G/11 ATTACHMENT VIII: AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Air photos supplied/retained by Canfor; McNab - 30BCB95095: 9-18, 34-44, 62-72; Potlatch - 30BCB95095: 85-93; 30BCB95097: Flight Date: 09/13/95; Altitude: 4,953 m; Scale (Average): 1: x

11 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Scope/Objectives The purpose of this Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory is to describe watershed-wide fish distributions and habitat characteristics for all basins and sub-basins within five watersheds draining into Howe Sound/Thornbrough Channel. The project area encompasses the mainstem and all tributaries visible at a scale of 1:20,000 in Dakota, McNab, McNair, Potlatch and Rainy watersheds. The project was initiated in 1996 (pre-planning) at which time the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory Standards differed significantly from their present form. Hatfield Consultants Ltd. completed pre-field planning for all study drainages and carried out field sampling during 1997 in Rainy River (lake and streams), Dakota (lake and streams) and McNair (streams only) watersheds. In June 1998, the FRBC Fisheries Inventory Specialist requested that pre-field planning (Stage 1, Phases 1 to 3) for the remaining drainages (McNab, Potlatch ; Figure 1) be updated to current inventory standards and the database made compatible with the current version of the Field Data Inventory System (FDIS; version 6.5). The sampling plan for McNair lakes were also to be reviewed and included in the new project plan. An overflight of the project area was conducted on July 23, Lake sampling was not scheduled for Stream sampling was carried out in the McNab and Potlatch watersheds between October 14 and October 21, 1998 and on August 9 and 10, The 1998/99 inventory is intended to provide information related to fish species characteristics, distributions and relative abundance (including identification and mapping of all fish-bearing stream reaches using existing and new field information) as well as stream reach biophysical data (channel classification, identification and characterization of stream reaches, fish migration obstructions, riparian area properties, and critical habitats) for interpretation of habitat sensitivity and fish production capabilities within the project area. 1.2 Location McNAB CREEK McNab (Figure 1) is approximately 13.0 kilometres in length and drains an area of 68.7 km 2 between Mount Wrottesley, Mount Varley and Thirty-nine Mountain on the northwest side of Howe Sound (B.C. Watershed Atlas, 1998). The lower five (5) kilometres of McNab support anadromous populations of chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), coho salmon (O. kisutch), pink salmon (O. gorbuscha), cutthroat trout (O. clarki) and steelhead trout (O. mykiss; FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998) ACCESS Access to the McNab watershed is obtained by boat or helicopter only. During the 1998/99 field program, field crews traveled to and from the watershed by boat and/or helicopter from Port Mellon, B.C. and within the watershed by 4-wheel drive truck supplied by Canfor Ltd. 1

12 Directions from the Langdale Ferry Terminal are as follows: After disembarking from the Langdale ferry turn right at the first intersection on to Highway 101. Drive for 11.4 kilometers on Highway 101 to the Port Mellon Pulp Mill. From Port Mellon, it is a 7.3 kilometre boat ride to the lumber camp at the mouth of McNab POTLATCH CREEK Potlatch (Figure 1) originates near the headwaters of Sechelt and flows southeast for approximately 10 kilometres before entering Howe Sound near Anvil Island. The watershed covers an area of about 27.3 km 2 (B.C. Watershed Atlas, 1998). The lower sections of Potlatch contain important spawning areas for several anadromous salmonid species (chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead trout). Resident cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) are also present in the Potlatch watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998) ACCESS Access to the Potlatch watershed is obtained by boat and four-wheel drive vehicle or by helicopter. During the 1998/99 field program, field crews either traveled to and from the lumber camp at the mouth of McNab by boat from Port Mellon, B.C. and then by four-wheel drive to the Potlatch watershed, or by helicopter from Port Mellon, B.C. Directions from the Langdale Ferry Terminal are as follows: After disembarking from the Langdale ferry turn right at the first intersection on to Highway 101. Drive for 11.4 kilometers on Highway 101 to the Port Mellon Pulp and Paper Mill. From Port Mellon, it is a 7.3 kilometre boat ride to the lumber camp at the mouth of McNab. Drive from the lumber camp for 2.9 kilometres on the McNab mainline and take the right fork and stay on this 4-WD road for approximately 8.9 kilometres to the Potlatch mainstem. 2.0 RESOURCE INFORMATION The study area lies within the Squamish Nation Treaty claim area (MoAA, 1998 a ). Current treaty negotiations are at the Table Ready stage and have been since Feb., 14, There are no treaty meetings scheduled for 1998 (MoAA, 1998 b ). Both McNab and Potlatch watersheds are actively being logged (Canfor Ltd., Port Mellon, B.C.). Logging in the McNab watershed began in the late 1800's. Current logging operations in both watersheds began in the 1960's. Approximately 35% of the McNab drainage has been cut and about 28% of the Potlatch watershed (J. Ellis, pers. comm.). Westcoast Gas Services Inc. has plans to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility on the west side of upper McNab. The development would cover approximately 24 hectares between the McNab mainstem and the McNab mainline just north of Cascara. The facility is designed to store natural gas drawn from the 3

13 Central Vancouver Island Pipeline that runs through the northwest portion of the watershed (Westcoast Gas, 1997). Level 2 Watershed Restoration Program (WRP) assessments have been completed on Potlatch and Box Canyon creeks. No works have been completed in either watershed. Off channel habitat (approx. 1.5 kilometre channel) is being developed in reach 1 of McNab. Salmonids have been observed utilizing the newly created habitat (J. Ellis, pers. comm.). The lower five (5) kilometres of McNab support anadromous populations of chum salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout. Resident cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden have also been documented in the McNab watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998; ENKON, 1997). The lower sections of Potlatch contain important spawning areas for several anadromous salmonid species (chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead trout). Resident cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and starry flounder are also present in the Potlatch watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). 3.0 METHODS 3.1 Sampling Plan Field sampling was conducted on October 14 to 16, 1998, October 20 to 21, 1998 and August 9 to 10, Low cloud cover and fog prevented helicopter access to the watersheds from October 17 to October 19, Fifty-four stream sites (49 random sites and 5 discretionary sites) were scheduled for sampling (M. A. Whelen and Associates Ltd., 1998). Reasonably safe access could not be obtained for six (6) of the stream sample sites during the 1998 field program. Reaches with same/similar characteristics were substituted for those inaccessible sites and sampled in August 1999 (Table 3.1). Table 3.1. Inaccessible stream sample sites and substitute samples sites; Port Mellon Reconnaissance Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory, INACCESSIBLE SAMPLE SITES SUBSTITUTE SAMPLE SITES WSC Reach Grad. (%) Order Pat. Samp. No. WSC Reach Grad. (%) Order Pat. Samp. No SI SI SI SI SI SI SI SI ST ST SI SI 39 4

14 3.2 Habitat Assessment Inventory methods followed those established in the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (1998) and associated Resource Inventory Committee (RIC) manuals, Forest Practices Code Guidebooks and Field Guides. Designated stream sample sites were located using the 1:20,000 interim maps and 1:15,000 air photos. Physical habitat characteristics have been described on Site Cards supplied by Crown Publications. Habitat sampling at pre-selected stream sites included in-stream measurements of the following physical and water quality attributes: site length, channel and wetted widths, residual pool depth, bankfull depth, stream gradient, water temperature, ph and conductivity. The following physical and water quality parameters have been estimated at each site: stream stage, percentage and location of cover (swd, lwd, boulder, cutbank, deep pool, overstream vegetation and instream vegetation), crown closure, bank shape, bank texture, predominant riparian vegetation species and stage, turbidity, dominant and sub-dominant bed materials, D95, D, channel morphology, disturbance indicators, channel pattern, islands, bars, coupling and confinement. Flood signs, special features and obstructions, fisheries sensitive zones (FSZs; tributaries, side-channels, flood channels, swamps/sloughs and beaver dams), wildlife signs, potential fish production limiting factors and habitat restoration have been identified and recorded. Significant habitat quality components (rearing, spawning, overwintering and cover) and concerns have been noted for fish species (salmonids) that occupy the particular reach or watershed. Photographs were taken of all accessible stream sample sites (upstream and downstream), stream riparian areas, features, fish barriers, erosion sites, lake settings, lake inlets and outlets, fish voucher samples, and reach-specific representative habitat. Water samples were collected for laboratory analysis at three locations within the project area. EMS numbers for each water sample site have been obtained from the MoELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist (Table 3.2). Water samples were collected in pre-washed 500 ml sample bottles and sent to Norwest Laboratories (Langley, BC) for analysis (total alkalinity, conductivity, ph, and total dissolved solids). Table 3.2. EMS numbers for designated water sample locations within the Port Mellon study area, Location McNab (WSC ) - Reach 1 Box Canyon (WSC ) - Reach 1 Potlatch (WSC ) - Reach 1 EMS No. E E E All site/habitat feature locations, raw data, observations and photograph comments were recorded in-field on stream site cards and, at day s end, pertinent information was transferred to 1:20,000 TRIM interim project maps. Site and habitat information has been digitally entered into the most current version of the FDIS (version 6.5). 5

15 The following list details specific equipment used to complete habitat sampling for this inventory: SUUNTO Clinometer and/or Abney Level 50 metre Eslon tape hip chain and or surveyor s chain graduated metre stick Bushnell laser range finder (+ 1.0 m) field notebook with waterproof site cards flagging (orange) Pentax MZ mm SLR and/or Pentax P30-T 35 mm SLR 1:15,000 scale aerial photographs of project area 1:20,000 TRIM, UTM Projection, Interim maps hand-held alcohol thermometers (+ 0.5 o C) Hanna Instruments ph meter; units Hanna Instruments DiST WP 3, µs/cm water sample bottles Styrofoam coolers All water quality instruments were calibrated with standard solutions prior to each field day. 3.3 Biological Sampling Fish collection and sampling followed procedures described in the Reconnaissance (1:20,000) Fish and Fish Habitat Inventory: Standards and Procedures (April 1998) and Fish Collection and Methods (Resource Inventory Committee, 1998). Fisheries distribution and species composition sampling was conducted at all designated stream sample sites with two sampling methods where conditions and logistics permitted. Fish sampling was conducted over a minimum of the greater of 100 linear metres of stream or 10 times the average channel width at each stream sample site. The preferred methods for sampling in stream reaches were electrofishing and baited minnow traps. Where conditions did not allow the use of these methods (too shallow, too deep, poor conductivity), other more appropriate methods of sampling were utilized (ie. pole seining, dip netting and/or angling). In 1998, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) did not permit electrofishing in watercourses or anadromous reaches that are known/suspected to support coho salmon. Sampling in anadromous reaches of lower Potlatch and McNab s therefore consisted of baited minnow traps (24-hour sets), pole seining, dip netting and/or angling. During 1999, all sites sampled were located in the non-anadromous sections of Potlatch and McNab watersheds. As such electrofishing was not an issue with DFO in Care was taken to ensure a representative range of all habitat types present within the reach was sampled. All fish data has been recorded on fish collection forms and digitally entered using the FDIS data entry tool (version 6.5). 6

16 Fish species identification, life stage, and fork-length (mm) measurements were completed at each productive fish sampling site. Fish weights (to the nearest 0.1 gram) were taken over a representative range of lengths (up to 30 per watershed on a per species basis) using a calibrated electronic balance. Up to 30 aging structures (scales, fin rays, otoliths; non-lethal structures preferred) were collected from anadromous salmonids and freshwater game fish on a per species basis from each watershed. Aging structures were sent to North/South Consultants Ltd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, for expert age determination. Analysis includes delivery of labeled microfiche reader prints of magnified fish scales with annuli marked. Voucher specimens (three (3) individuals/species, except for coho salmon) were collected from the study area, preserved in 10% buffered formalin, catalogued and delivered to the Liparis Biological Services, in leak-proof polyethylene containers. Voucher specimens were collected from varied habitats within the project area, as they became available. Representative fish captures have been photographed to augment voucher documentation. Fish tissue samples for DNA analysis were collected from each watershed as specified by the MoELP Fisheries Inventory Specialist: up to 30 cutthroat trout samples from anadromous reaches up to 10 char samples up to 10 rainbow trout samples The following list details specific equipment that was required to complete biological sampling for this inventory Smith-Root BP 15-C electrofisher 1997 Smith-Root BP 12-C electrofisher Gee minnow traps and bait (canned pink salmon) angling gear sample collection bucket anesthetic (Alka Seltzer and or clove oil) Field Key to the Freshwater Fishes of British Columbia, RIC (1996) length scale (mm) scale sample envelopes and slides electronic weight scale (+ 0.1 gram) 10% formalin solution and 95% ethanol solution fin clippers tissue sample vials 3.4 Data Compilation All physical habitat, site description and fish data collected in the field were digitally added to the existing Microsoft Access fdisdat.mdb (Attachment 6) file using the FDIS data entry tool (version 6.5) downloaded from the MoELP, IDSS web page (IDSS, 1997). Post field results of fish identification and fish age analysis has also been entered into FDIS (version 6.5). A hardcopy summary of FDIS reach, site and fish information is included in Appendix 1 along with associated photographs. Interim Location Points (ILP's) have been replaced with watershed codes and waterbody identifiers supplied by the Ministry of Fisheries in Victoria and imported into the FDIS tool (version 6.5). 7

17 All original photographs were compiled, labeled, referenced and arranged in a binder along with the negatives (Attachment 5). An indexed digital copy (Kodak CD) of all photographs has also been compiled and cross-referenced with hard copy images. Thumbnail images of the Kodak CD's have been included in each CD as well as in the photo binder. Mapping followed standardized format as per the Standards for Fish and Fish Habitat Mapping (RIC, 1998). All information obtained in this inventory has been summarized for addition to the FISS database (Attachment 7). A clean 1:50,000 NTS map has been annotated with new data and FISS data forms prepared. 4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 4.1 Logistics Reasonably safe access was not available for six (6) of the scheduled stream sample sites (Table 3.1: section 3.1). Substitute reaches were designated for sampling and completed in August Dry conditions or extremely low water levels precluded fish sampling at three (3) sample sites (Table 4.1). No visible/distinct channel was evident at two (2) sample sites and channel conditions (confined canyon) did not permit fish sampling at one further stream sample site (Table 4.1). Table 4.1. Stream sites for which no fish sampling was conducted SITE NO. COMMENT 20 No visible channel 24 McNab mainstem; entire reach is confined canyon; no safe method of fish sampling 35 Dewatering channel; water levels too low for fish sampling 47 Dry channel 50 No defined channel; creek spreads out into boggy wetland 52 Dry channel Road accessible sites were completed from October 14 to 16, 1998 and August 9 and 10, Helicopter accessible site sampling began on October , but cloudy/foggy conditions delayed further helicopter sampling until October 20, Helicopter accessible sites were completed on October 21, Water levels throughout the field program were at low to moderate levels. 8

18 4.2 Habitat and Fish Distribution McNAB CREEK McNab mainstem is characterized by moderate channel widths (10-20m), moderate gradients (4-9%), cascade-pool morphology and predominantly boulder and large cobble substrates. The channel is frequently confined to confined and in short sections (reach 3) entrenched in bedrock. Moderate cover is afforded primarily by boulders and deep pools. The watershed has been heavily logged along both sides of the mainstem for most of its length. Several falls occur along the McNab mainstem (Table 4.2.1). The 10 metre falls at 5.0 kilometre marks the upstream limit of anadromous fish species. The 10 metre falls at 8.0 kilometre marks the upstream limit of all fish species observed/captured during the 1998/99 field program. Fish species in the lower 5.0 kilometres of McNab (reaches 1 and 2) include chum salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Relatively dense populations of cutthroat trout reside throughout the McNab mainstem to the falls at 8.0 kilometres. Dolly Varden have been observed in the McNab watershed as far upstream as the falls at 8.0 kilometres (ENKON, 1997). (Based on field observations of char morphology made during the current study we determined that all char sampled/identified in-field are Dolly Varden and not bull trout (ie. blunt snouts and crowded dorsal surface spotting). First and second order tributaries to the McNab mainstem typically have short, low gradient (< 20%) reaches for the first few hundred metres with dramatically steeper upper reaches (> 30%). The larger sub-basins (3rd and 4th order) generally have short, low gradient sections adjacent to the McNab mainstem, then climb steeply to high elevation hanging valleys where the channel gradient flattens out somewhat. Larger substrate (boulder/cobble) and cascade-pool or step-pool morphology characterizes these sub-basins. Shallow lakes occur in two sub-drainages (WSC's and ). Low ph and a lack of overwintering habitat may be the limiting factors for fish in most higher elevation sub-basins in the McNab watershed. Rainbow trout were sampled downstream of (reach 3; 13 fish) Lost Lake (00755SQAM) located in the McNab tributary Numerous rainbow trout were also observed feeding and rising in the lake. The lake provides excellent rearing and overwintering habitat for these rainbow trout. Good spawning areas exist in watercourses both upstream and downstream of Lost Lake. Cutthroat trout were observed/captured in one small tributary to the McNab mainstem ( ). It is likely that cutthroat trout use the downstream ends of low gradient reaches of most tributaries entering the McNab mainstem as holding and rearing areas during freshet conditions and after precipitation events. No fish were captured/ observed in the upper reaches of McNab 's sub-drainages. It appears that fish presence is limited to the McNab mainstem (to the falls at 8.0 kilometres), the lower sections of McNab tributaries and in Lost Lake and the low gradient watercourses around the lake. All sites where fish were captured have a gradient less than 9%. 9

19 Table Summary of historic and newly identified barriers to fish migration found in the McNab Watershed. Stream Name Watershed Code TRIM map # Reach Obstruction Type Estimated Height (m) Verification Description of Obstruction McNab G Falls 5 Aerial Verification Falls over bedrock; difficult passage; passable to steelhead trout McNab G Falls 10 Aerial Falls over bedrock; impassable to all fish McNab G Falls - No From historic data; couldn't locate from air; perhaps obscured by vegetation McNab G Cascade - No From historic data; couldn't locate from air; perhaps obscured by vegetation McNab G Log Jam 4 Aerial Does not pose barrier; channel has moved around the log jam McNab G Falls 10 Aerial Bedrock falls; impassable to fish; no fish captured/observed above falls in 1998/99 McNab G Falls 4 No From existing information (1996 project plan) Box Canyon G Falls 30 Aerial In steep reach with series of falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Box Canyon G Falls - No Headwaters of Box Canyon ; From Existing Information (1996 project plan) Un-named G Falls 2 Ground Falls over bedrock; impassable at most water levels Un-named G Falls 5 Ground Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Un-named G Falls 10 Ground 10 metre rock chute/falls; impassable to fish Verification Un-named G Falls 46 Ground Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Un-named G Falls 8 Aerial Falls over bedrock; first barrier on tributary; impassable to all fish Un-named G Cascade - Aerial Point of difficult passage; cascade over bedrock and boulder substrate 10

20 Table Continued Stream Name Watershed Code TRIM map # Reach Obstruction Type Estimated Height (m) Verification Un-named G Falls 5 Aerial Un-named G Falls 15 Aerial Un-named G Falls 20 Aerial Un-named G Falls 30 Aerial Un-named G Falls 15 Aerial Un-named G Falls 10 Aerial Un-named G Falls 40 Aerial Cascara G Falls 4 Aerial Description of Obstruction Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish 11

21 4.2.2 POTLATCH CREEK The Potlatch mainstem is characterized by moderate channel widths (8-21m), low to moderate gradients (2-6.5%), cascade-pool morphology and predominantly boulder and large cobble substrates. Some lower gradient sections of the channel have smaller cobble/gravel substrates suitable for spawning. The channel is generally occasionally confined becoming more confined in upper reaches. Moderate cover is afforded primarily by boulders and deep pools with some functional LWD (large woody debris). The watershed has been heavily logged along both sides of the mainstem for most of its length. Several falls occur along the Potlatch mainstem (Table 4.2.2). The 10 metre falls located 700 metres upstream from the mouth marks the upstream limit of anadromous fish species. Fish species in the lower 700 metres of Potlatch (reaches 1 and 2) include chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Relatively dense populations of Dolly Varden reside throughout the Potlatch mainstem. Resident rainbow trout and cutthroat trout have also been observed in the Potlatch watershed (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Tributaries to the Potlatch mainstem typically have short, low gradient (< 20%) reaches for the first few hundred metres with dramatically steeper upper reaches (> 30). Larger substrates (boulder/cobble) and cascade-pool or step-pool morphology characterizes these watercourses. The majority of first and second order tributaries are likely dry or frozen for long periods, flowing only during freshet periods and after precipitation events. A dense population of Dolly Varden (22 fish captured in 100 linear metres of channel) was noted in a first order tributary to the Potlatch mainstem ( ) where no previous Dolly Varden observations have been recorded. (Field observations of fish morphology indicated that all char sampled in-field are Dolly Varden and not bull trout (based on the presence/appearance of blunt snouts and crowded dorsal surface spotting)). One Dolly Varden was also captured in a second order tributary ( ) where no previous Dolly Varden observations have been recorded. It is likely that Dolly Varden use the downstream ends of low gradient sections of most tributaries entering the Potlatch mainstem for holding and rearing during high water levels. No fish were captured/observed in the upper reaches of Potlatch 's sub-drainages. It appears that fish presence is limited to the Potlatch mainstem (to reach 7; 11.9 kilometres upstream of the mouth) and the lower sections of its tributaries. Fish were captured at 6 sites. Eighty-three percent (83%; 5 sites) of these sites have a gradient less than 10%. The maximum gradient where fish were captured/observed was 13%. 12

22 Table Summary of historic and newly identified barriers to fish migration found in the Potlatch Watershed. Stream Name Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Potlatch Watershed Code TRIM map # Reach Obstruction Type Estimated Height (m) Verification Description of Obstruction G Falls 3 Aerial Bedrock falls at reach 1/2 break; passable to fish at certain water levels G Falls 4 Aerial Bedrock chute/falls; may pose a barrier to fish passage G Falls 10 Aerial Bedrock falls at reach 2/3 break; impassable to all fish; upstream boundary of anadromous fish G Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan; RAB aquatic biophysical maps); couldn't locate from air G Falls 3 Aerial Bedrock falls; likely passable to fish at some water levels G Falls 15 Aerial From historic data; occurs at reach 3/4 break; impassable to fish G Falls 3 Aerial From historic data (1996 project plan; RAB aquatic biophysical maps) G Cascade - Aerial Cascade chute through bedrock; likely passable to fish G Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan; RAB aquatic biophysical maps); couldn't locate from air Potlatch G Log Jam 2 Ground Potlatch G Log Jam 2 Ground Potlatch G Falls 15 Aerial Un-named G Falls 20 Aerial Un-named G Falls 15 Aerial Does not pose a barrier to fish passage Partial log jam; does not pose a barrier to fish passage Stepped falls over bedrock in headwaters of Potlatch mainstem; impassable to fish Long falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish 13

23 Table continued Stream Name Watershed Code TRIM map # Reach Obstruction Type Estimated Height (m) Verification Description of Obstruction Un-named G Falls 10 Aerial Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Un-named G Falls 25 Aerial Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Un-named G Falls - No From historic data (1996 project plan) Un-named G Falls 10 Ground Un-named G Log Jam 3 Ground Falls over bedrock; impassable to fish Log jam in creek at confluence with Potlatch mainstem; passable to fish 14

24 4.3 Water Quality Results McNAB CREEK Water temperature, ph, conductivity and turbidity were measured/estimated at all stream sample sites with water present (Table 4.3.1). Measured ph was below recommended values for salmonids (6.5) at 16 sites in the McNab drainage and below toxic limits (5.0) at one site (Sigma, 1983). Measured conductivity was low (< 10 us/cm) at all sites, however this is typical of coastal British Columbia streams (T. Wilkinson, pers. comm.). All other parameters measured were within acceptable limits for salmonids (Sigma, 1983). Table Results from field water quality sampling in the McNab watershed. Site Temp. ph Cond. Turbidity Site Temp. ph Cond. Turbidity ( o C) (us/cm) ( o C) (us/cm) < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear Clear < 10 Clear 47 Dry channel < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Light < 10 Clear < 10 Clear 50 No distinct channel - wetland Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear 52 Dry channel 35 Dry channel < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear Water samples were collected at two sites outlets of McNab and Box Canyon (reach 1) - for more detailed laboratory water quality analysis (Appendix III). ph and electrical conductivity values of water samples analyzed by the laboratory are similar to field results (ph: ; EC: us/cm) POTLATCH CREEK Water temperature, ph, conductivity and turbidity were measured/estimated at all stream sample sites with water present (Table 4.3.1). Measured ph was below recommended values for salmonids (6.5) at 5 sites in the Potlatch drainage Sigma, 1983). Measured conductivity was low (< 10 us/cm) at all sites, however this is typical of coastal British Columbia streams. All other parameters measured were within acceptable limits for salmonids (Sigma, 1983). One water sample collected at the mouth of Potlatch for laboratory analysis had low ph (5.67) and electrical conductivity (15 us/cm) values (Appendix III). 15

25 Table Results from field water quality sampling in the Potlatch watershed. Site Temp. ph Cond. Turbidity Site Temp. ph Cond. Turbidity ( o C) (us/cm) ( o C) (us/cm) < 10 Clear Clear Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear Clear Clear 18 Dry channel < 10 Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear Clear 9 Dry channel < 10 Clear Clear < 10 Clear < 10 Clear <10 Clear < 10 Clear Clear < 10 Clear <10 Clear < 10 Clear 4.4 Fish Age, Size and Life History McNAB CREEK Fish were observed/captured at seven (7) sites in the McNab watershed, four of which are located in the McNab mainstem. Coho and rainbow/steelhead trout were captured in the anadromous section (reach 2) of the McNab mainstem. Existing information confirms the presence of these species as well as chum and pink salmon and cutthroat trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Resident cutthroat trout were observed/captured throughout the McNab mainstem to the 10 metre falls 8,000 metres upstream of the mouth. Cutthroat trout were also captured in one small tributary ( ) that enters McNab immediately downstream of the falls at 8,000 metres. Rainbow trout were captured/observed in the McNab tributary in Lost Lake (00755SQAM) and in the low gradient reaches (reaches 3 to 5) downstream of the lake. No char were observed/captured during the 1998 field program although Dolly Varden have been reported as far upstream in the watershed as the falls at 8,000 metres (ENKON, 1997). Twenty-eight (28) cutthroat trout sampled in the McNab Watershed range from 0 to 2 years in age, 48.0 mm to mm in length and 0.9 g to 58.5 g in weight (Table ). Mean fork length for all ages of sampled cutthroat trout is mm with a 95% confidence interval between 52.7 mm and mm (Figure ). Table Summary of length-at-age data from cutthroat trout sampled in the McNab Watershed, October, 1998 Stream Name Watershed Code McNab CT Spp. Age Number of Fish Mean Length (mm) Range of Measured Lengths (mm)

26 5 4 n = 28 m ean fo rk length = m m 95% c o nfidenc e lim its = 52.7 m m to m m Number of Fish Fork Length (mm) Figure Length-frequency histogram of sampled cutthroat trout from the McNab Watershed, October Six (6) rainbow/steelhead trout were captured at one site in the anadromous section of the McNab mainstem and ten (10) rainbow trout were captured in the un-named tributary , near Lost Lake (00755SQAM). Sampled rainbow trout range between 0 and 2 years in age, 45.0 mm to mm in length and 0.9 g to 24.4 g in weight. Mean fork length for all ages of sampled rainbow/steelhead trout is 85.6 mm with a 95% confidence interval between 48.8 mm and mm. Table Summary of length-at-age data from rainbow trout sampled in the McNab Watershed, October, 1998/August Stream Name Watershed Code McNab RB Spp. Age Number of Fish Mean Length (mm) Range of Measured Lengths (mm) One coho salmon was captured at the sample site in the anadromous section of the McNab mainstem. The fish had a fork length of 82 mm and weighed 6.8 grams POTLATCH CREEK Dolly Varden were observed/captured at six (6) sites in the Potlatch watershed, four of which are located in the Potlatch mainstem. Field sampling in 1998 extended the known distributions of Dolly Varden in the Potlatch mainstem (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998) to 11.9 kilometres upstream of the mouth. Dolly Varden were also captured in two tributaries to the Potlatch mainstem, where no previous observations had been documented. 17

27 5 4 n = 16 m ean fo rk length = 85.6 m m 95% c o nfidenc e lim its = 48.8 m m to m m Number of Fish Fork Length (mm) Figure Length-frequency histogram of sampled rainbow trout from the McNab Watershed, October 1998/August No other fish species were observed in the Potlatch watershed during the 1998 field program, though existing information reports observations of resident rainbow and cutthroat trout (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Fish sampling was not conducted in the anadromous reaches of Potlatch (reaches 1 and 2), during the 1998 field program. Chum salmon, coho salmon, chinook salmon, cutthroat and steelhead trout utilize these sections of the Potlatch mainstem (FISS, 1998; MoELP, 1998). Seventy-four (74) Dolly Varden sampled in the Potlatch Watershed range from 0 to 4 years in age, 56.0 mm to mm in length and 1.4 g to 60.2 g in weight (Table 4.4.2). Mean fork length for all ages of sampled cutthroat trout is mm. Table Summary of length-at-age data from fish sampled in the Potlatch Watershed, October, 1998 Stream Name Watershed Code Potlatch DV Spp. Age Number of Fish Mean Length (mm) Range of Measured Lengths (mm)

28 n = 74 m ean fo rk length = m m 95% c o nfidenc e lim its = 59.7 m m to m m Number of Fish Fork Length (mm) Figure Length-frequency histogram of sampled Dolly Varden from the Potlatch Watershed, October, Significant Features and Fisheries Observations FISH AND FISH HABITAT The lower five (5) kilometres of McNab contain important spawning and rearing habitat for several anadromous salmonid species (chum, coho and pink salmon, and cutthroat and rainbow trout). Lost Lake (00755SQAM), and the low gradient water courses around the lake, provide rearing, spawning and overwintering habitat for a relatively dense population of rainbow trout. Also, though fish populations are relatively sparse, the low gradient sections of tributaries near both the McNab and Potlatch mainstems contain valuable rearing and holding habitat for resident populations of Dolly Varden, cutthroat and rainbow trout. Good sport fishing opportunities for several anadromous salmonid species (coho, chum, cutthroat trout and steelhead trout) exist in the McNab mainstem to the barrier at the top of reach 3. Resident cutthroat trout offer additional sport fishing opportunities in the middle reaches ( 4 to 7) of the McNab mainstem. Sport fishing for anadromous species is limited to the first several hundred metres of the Potlatch mainstem. Resident Dolly Varden however, provide for some sport fishing throughout almost the entire length of the Potlatch mainstem. 19