Conservation plan for Brook Trout within the management zone of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation

Transcription

1 Conservation plan for Brook Trout within the management zone of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation Prepared by Mary Finch Project Coordinator Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation April

2 Acknowledgements: This report is a summary of a project undertaken by Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation during Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 that focussed on Brook Trout. Many individuals were involved in the development of this document. Much appreciation to the following individuals for the contributions and advice. Souris and Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation: Fred Cheverie Sandra Meade Tony Meade Michael Jacklyn Jill MacPhee Joe MacDonald Harry Meade Board of Directors Robert MacDonald PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Shelley Cole- Arbing PEI Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Roseanne MacFarlane PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry Daryl Guignion University of Prince Edward Island Cameron Ross On the Fly PEI Scott Roloson University of Prince Edward Island Funding and support for this project was provided by the following groups: PEI Government Watershed Management Fund PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation PEI Watershed Alliance PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry This project was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through Environment Canada s Habitat Stewardship Program and Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program 2

3 Contents Acknowledgements:... 2 Background... 5 Management zone of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation... 5 Figure 1: Highlighted area represents the management area of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation... 5 Life cycle and habitat needs of Brook Trout Current assessment of Brook Trout within SAB s management zone... 7 Table 1: Electrofishing assessment sites within the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation Management Zone and number of fish caught at each site in 2013 and Figure 2: Map showing Brook Trout redd locations (marked with blue triangles) in 2014 within the Souris River, North Lake Creek, Mill Creek, Priest Pond Creek, Cross River, Hay River and Bear River watersheds Figure 3: Map showing Brook Trout redd locations (marked with blue triangles) in 2014 within the Fortune River, Naufrage River, Bear River and Hay River watersheds Future opportunities for increased knowledge of Brook Trout populations in the region... 9 Threats to Brook Trout Habitat Connectivity Issues Figure 4 Map showing culvert conditions for the following watersheds: East Lake Creek, Basin Head, Black Pond, Souris River, Rollo Bay, Priest Pond Creek, Cross River and Hay River Figure 5: Map showing culvert conditions for the following watersheds: Bear River, Naufrage River and Fortune River Fishing Pressure Poor Habitat Conditions Rainbow Trout Main components of Conservation Plan Future Enhancement Activity Plan Figure 4: Targeted locations of enhancement and stream restoration projects to improve Brook Trout habitat within the following watersheds: East Lake Creek, South Lake (Basin Head), Black Pond Creek, Souris River, North Lake Creek, Cross River and Hay River East Lake Creek Watershed Figure 7. Targeted locations of enhancement and stream restoration projects to improve Brook Trout habitat within the following watersheds: Naufrage River, Fortune River and Bear River Basin Head (South Lake) Watershed

4 Black Pond Watershed Souris River Watershed Figure 8: Picture of Brook Trout Nursery showing pondweed growth and small pea-gravel Figure 9: Picture of run-off into the spring near the Kelly Property in Souris Line Road Fortune River Watershed Naufrage River Watershed Bear River Watershed Figure 10. Culvert on Bear River at Northside Road. Culvert flow is shallow during low-flow conditions creating a fish passage issue Figure 11. Culvert on Bear River at Bear River Road. Culvert is perched during low flow conditions creating a fish passage issue Hay River North Lake Creek Watershed Cross River Watershed Monitoring activities Public Outreach and engagement Figure 12: Outreach sign design for posting at key habitat areas within management area of Souris and Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation References Appendix Naufrage Culvert Report Background Culvert Assessments Figure D. Location of the culverts assessed by TIR and SAB staff in the fall of Mitigation Actions Culvert at Hermitage Road (K1 016) Beaver Management Hanging Culverts Replacement of Culverts Culvert Assessments

5 Background Management zone of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation The Souris & Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat in eastern Prince Edward Island. Our volunteer Board of Directors and 200 members represent the angling, hunting, conversationalist and naturalist sectors within our community. We have been involved in projects and partnerships with local, government, and private organizations in the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife habitat enhancement areas, erosion reduction and control projects, fish habitat enhancement and watershed planning. The goals of our organization include: 1. The protection and enhancement of fish and wildlife and their habitat 2. Planning, protection and restoration activities at the watershed scale 3. To establish our management area as the Sports Fishing Capital of Prince Edward Island 4. To become the model watershed group on Prince Edward Island 5. To bring unprecedented environmental awareness to all our stakeholders, both locals and tourists 6. To promote our management area as one of the most pristine natural areas in Prince Edward Island to attract visitors through eco-tourism activities In 2012, we were a recipient of the Department of Fisheries & Oceans National Recreational Fisheries Award for our efforts in leading community based projects to restore and enhance fisheries and fish habitat to promote sustainable recreational angling practices. Our organization has become one of the most reputable watershed groups in Prince Edward Island, which is reflected in our rich community history. Figure 1: Highlighted area represents the management area of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation Our management area is approximately 62, 000 hectares, encompassing 24 watersheds, representing 10% of the total area of Prince Edward Island (See Figure 1). Freshwater aquatic fauna include: Brook Trout (Salvenlius fontinalis), Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar), Rainbow Smelt (Osmerus mordax) and gaspereau (Alosa pseudoharengus). Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are also found in our management zone however populations are currently 5

6 limited to southshore rivers including Fortune River and Souris River. Prominent land-use activities within the management zone include resource industries such as agriculture (row crop) and woodlot. The vegetated portion of the watersheds range from approximately 60 90%. Despite the relatively high percentage of vegetation, the management zone is not immune to many of habitat issues facing PEI including: sedimentation, poor water quality, poor habitat (aquatic and riparian), sedimentation and connectivity issues due to beaver activity and transportation infrastructure. Brook Trout is an iconic species within our management zone and are important to the local ecosystem as few other fish species are endemic to PEI. Brook Trout are an important socio-economic species for the Souris Area with many residents partaking in angling activities. The opening day of Brook Trout season is a highly anticipated event with many residents taking the day off work or school to go fishing. Brook Trout are classified as a cold-water fish meaning that they require clean, cold water conditions for survival, conditions that are threatened by current landuse practices, habitat conditions and climate change. In 2014, Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation received a grant through Environment Canada s Habitat Stewardship Program, Prevention Stream to improve Brook Trout populations in our region. Our project goal is the improvement of Brook Trout populations and habitat within the Souris Area through the development of this conservation plan. Main project components include; the assessment of the current Brook Trout populations and current habitat conditions within 10 watersheds in our management area and the development of detailed plans and a conservation plan for on-theground enhancement, mitigation and improvement projects targeting Brook Trout for implementation in summer Involving the local community is important component of this project. Life cycle and habitat needs of Brook Trout. Brook Trout also known as speckled trout, brook charr, or sea-run trout is the only native steam dwelling trout in Prince Edward Island (Guignion et al. 2010). Brook Trout require excellent water quality and habitat conditions for survival and prefer water temperatures lower than 20C (Power 1980; Wehrly et al 2007). The presence of a healthy Brook Trout population is indicative of excellent water quality which benefits the entire ecosystem. Brook Trout can be anadromous meaning and the exact mechanism of why some trout migrate is relatively unknown although thought to be linked to overproduction of juveniles and the propensity to move and disperse (Curry et al. 2010). Populations of both anadromous and resident (non-migratory) can persist in the same river (Curry et al 2010). Typically, migratory Brook Trout move in the spring towards the ocean where they will live for 2-3 months or upwards of a year in the shallow inshore ocean waters. Food is more abundant in the ocean compared to freshwater environments so these sea-run trout are larger compared to their freshwater counterparts (Scott and Crossman 1973). Brook Trout are carnivorous eating a variety of aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates including aquatic insects (both larval and adult phases) such as mayflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, blackflies and midges. Brook Trout will eat smaller fish, salmon eggs and are cannibalistic eating their own species. Fish that migrate to the ocean eat mummichugs, silversides, smelt and even small eels (Scott and Crossman 1973). Brook Trout spawn in the fall and seek groundwater upwelling areas (springs) for redds in freshwater. Groundwater remains the same temperature year round around 7ºC in PEI, so these spring areas are 6

7 warmer than the surrounding creek during the winter providing an excellent growing environment for the eggs over the winter (Witzel and MacCrimmon 1983; Curry and Noakes 1995). Circulating water due to the upwelling ground moves oxygen across the eggs and removes metabolic waste (Franssen et al. 2013). Brook Trout will also retreat to these groundwater upwelling areas in the heat of the summer as the water temperature in these areas is cooler than the surrounding streams. Spring areas are so vital to the survival of Brook Trout that their scientific name is Salvenlius fontinalis with fontinalis being latin for from springs (Curry and Noakes 1995). Habitat conditions for Brook Trout have been documented within Melanson et al (2006) and provide very detailed description of the type of substrate, flow and cover for optimal survival of Brook Trout. Identification of these upwelling areas and ensuring that Brook Trout can reach these critical habitat areas will be a focus for Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation in 2015 and Melanson et al. (2006) will be referenced frequently during surveys and work completed in 2015 to ensure that optimal habitat for Brook Trout is enhanced in a manner ensuring proper stream morphology and hydrology. Current assessment of Brook Trout within SAB s management zone A comprehensive population assessment of the all of the watersheds within the management zone of Souris and Area Branch of the PEI wildlife federation has not been completed. While Brook Trout are appear ubiquitous throughout the zone, the extent and abundance throughout the entire management zone has never been quantified. A study by Guignion et al. (2010) catalogued the abundance of distribution of salmonids in PEI and included 9 (19 sites) of the streams in our region (Bear, Cross, Hay, Souris, Cow, Naufrage Rivers and North Lake, Black Pond, Priest Pond Creeks) in Based on this study, Brook Trout abundances ranged from 0.5 ± 0.7 to ± 9.5 Brook Trout per 100 m 2 with an average of Interestingly, the lowest value in this study was recorded for Naufrage River which in recent years has been the focus of much stream enhancement, beaver management and restoration activities. Naufrage River in the past few years has had the largest abundance of Atlantic Salmon redds in the management zone and it well-known locally having many Brook Trout (SAB 2015). Since 2000, electrofishing surveys and fish abundance studies have been sporadic due to a lack of resources available to the local watershed group. Individuals trained in electrofishing techniques are employed by Souris and Area Wildlife however the organization does not own an electrofisher and must borrow a unit to complete assessments. Table 1 provides a summary of the electrofishing sites and the number of fish caught in the past 2 years of assessments. 7

8 Table 1: Electrofishing assessment sites within the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation Management Zone and number of fish caught at each site in 2013 and 2014 Watershed Bear River Cow River Cross River Hay River Naufrage River North Lake Creek Priest Pond Creek Souris River Stream Reach Upstream from Northside Highway Downstream from Selkirk Road Downstream from Souris Line Road (Below MacInnis ) Downstream from Northside Road (Below L Esperances) Below Larkin s Pond Downstream from East Baltic Road Downstream from Pensioners Road East Branch :Keenan s Field West Branch: MacDonald Bridge Atlantic salmon Brook trout Rainbow trout American eel Atlantic salmon Brook trout Rainbow trout In 2014, a Brook Trout spawning survey was conducted by SAB by walking sections of the following watersheds: Souris, Cross, Hay, Bear, Fortune, Cow Rivers and North Lake, Priest Pond, Mill, and identifying locations of redds. Brook Trout tend to spawn in large aggregations in a small area so an accurate count of the exact number of redds is difficult which can limit any population quantification Figure 2: Map showing Brook Trout redd locations (marked with blue triangles) in 2014 within the Souris River, North Lake Creek, Mill Creek, Priest Pond Creek, Cross River, Hay River and Bear River watersheds. 8

9 Figure 3: Map showing Brook Trout redd locations (marked with blue triangles) in 2014 within the Fortune River, Naufrage River, Bear River and Hay River watersheds. estimates. However, by identifying spawning locations, we get a better understanding of the key critical habitats for Brook Trout in our systems as well as identify areas where we should focus enhancement activities to ensure connectivity and access to spring areas. Figures 2 and 3 shows the locations of these redds in our region. Future opportunities for increased knowledge of Brook Trout populations in the region 1) Increased monitoring and population assessment of Brook Trout within Souris and Area Branch. Increased population assessment using standardized protocols such as the Zippin (1958) 3 pass method with a backpack electrofishing unit. Monitoring for the presence and absence of Rainbow Trout within watersheds in our management zone. Currently Rainbow Trout are limited to the South shore of our management zone. Studies indicate the potential for negative competitive interaction between Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout (Guignion et al. 2010). 2) The need for baseline information on habitat and temperature within SAB s management zone to better understand temperature regime and current habitat conditions identifying critical areas to focus rehabilitation and enhancement activities. 9

10 Threats to Brook Trout Habitat Brook Trout are the only endemic trout to PEI and populations in the Souris Area are on the decline due to decreased water quality, poor habitat conditions, climate change and competition from invasive Rainbow Trout. Poor habitat conditions include fragmented habitat and a loss of connectivity making it difficult for Brook Trout to reach critical refugia areas specifically groundwater upwelling areas; sedimentation erosion and run-off issues and altered hydrologic regime. Additionally, angling puts pressure on the stocks and the presence of invasive Rainbow Trout also contribute to Brook Trout population success. Connectivity Issues Fragmented stream sections makes it difficult for Brook Trout to reach refugia areas and for sea-run Brook Trout to reach saltwater. Connectivity can be compromised by stream blockages including beaver dams as well as man-made structures such as dams and road infrastructure that does not allow fish to pass. In the Fall of 2014, fish passage at culverts along major roads within the region were investigated and classified. Figure 4 and Figure 5 provides a summary of the classifications and highlights areas where culverts are compromising connectivity for Brook Trout and other fish species. Additionally, a N Hanging culvert no fish passage Structural issues with culvert potentially compromising fish passage Adequate fish passage and culvert in good shape Figure 4 Map showing culvert conditions for the following watersheds: East Lake Creek, Basin Head, Black Pond, Souris River, Rollo Bay, Priest Pond Creek, Cross River and Hay River. detailed survey of all the road structures within Naufrage River Watershed was completed by SAB and TIR staff in the fall of A report generated for this survey made detailed notes about the steps necessary to ensure fish passage at each structure. This document is included in Appendix 1. 10

11 Hanging culvert no fish passage Structural issues with culvert potentially compromising fish passage Adequate fish passage and culvert in good shape Figure 5: Map showing culvert conditions for the following watersheds: Bear River, Naufrage River and Fortune River Fishing Pressure Recreational Fishing is very popular within SAB s management zone and while the vast majority of anglers in our region practice good fishing practices there is a need for continued outreach and education about sustainable fishing practices especially catch and release methods. Poor Habitat Conditions Sedimentation reduces the survival of Brook Trout eggs and juveniles as it smothers redd areas and does not allow for the necessary respiratory processes to occur (Opperman et al 2005). This is a concern especially, near the spring as any sedimentation in these groundwater upwellings can cause a large decrease in Brook Trout populations. Ensuring proper hydrology in these areas and that adequate buffer zones are in place to mitigate any overland flow into the springs. Public outreach and education explaining the importance of the upwelling areas to the stream health and Brook Trout will be implemented through this plan. Climate change will magnify habitat issues as unpredictable weather patterns will increase air temperatures and rainfall leading to increased water temperatures (poor water quality) and extreme flow conditions. Groundwater temperatures remain constant throughout the year, so ensuring that these upwelling areas can continue to provide baseflow into our aquatic systems will be critical to ensuring the cool water temperatures necessary for Brook Trout survival. Enhancing and improving the natural function including hydrological, ecological and biological components of an ecosystem is the 11

12 best defense about climate change. Healthy aquatic ecosystems have a higher level of resiliency then degraded systems. Rainbow Trout Another potential threat to Brook Trout in our region is invasive Rainbow Trout. Rainbow Trout are a highly adaptive species and able to out-compete fish species such as Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon for food and habitat areas (Guignion et al, 2010, S. Roloson pers. comm). Currently, Rainbow Trout are limited to southshore rivers, such as Fortune River and Souris River and Atlantic Salmon are not presently found in these southshore rivers. The general consensus among resource managers in the area, is that the movement of Rainbow Trout into Northside Rivers such as North Lake Creek and Naufrage River will negatively impact local native fish populations. Main components of Conservation Plan To combat the threats to Brook Trout and aquatic resources within the Souris area, this conservation plan proposes three main components: 1) On-the-ground habitat enhancement projects such as: a. Installation of brush mattresses to improve spawning substrate and remove fine substrates (Following the guidelines in Melanson et al. 2006). b. Removal of blockages and restoration of stream hydrological function both in the mainstem and upper headwaters areas of the watersheds to accommodate both Atlantic Salmon and Brook Trout habitat areas (Following the guidelines in Melanson et al. 2006). c. Hanging culvert mitigation projects through the installation of rock dams to increase water level at the entrance of the culverts increasing watershed connectivity (Using the guidelines set out in DFO 2015). d. Improvement of Brook Trout spawning habitat (springs) but improving riparian cover and ensuring connectivity to the watershed. 2) Monitoring of current habitat, water quality and fish population status within the watersheds to guide future rehabilitation efforts and stewardship initiatives a. Electrofishing surveys combined with habitat surveys (substrate composition, velocity, geomorphology) to assess population distribution of species through the watersheds and to identify critical juvenile habitat. b. Water quality surveys (benthic invertebrate monitoring and temperature logger) to identify areas of poor water quality (thermal barriers) and plan for future rehabilitation efforts. 3) Outreach, Landowner and Community Stewardship a. Initiation of a community citizen science program to engage the local community in the understanding of local ecosystems and the components of a healthy watershed through the collection of watershed health parameters (I.e., volunteer workdays to collect benthic invertebrates, help with restoration activities, deploy temperature loggers and monitor fish weir) b. Outreach to local school children through in-class instruction and on-the-ground practical field trips. 12

13 c. Community meetings and workshops to discuss current rehabilitation and monitoring efforts and present results of efforts. d. Landowner stewardship: contact local landowners and provide support in the creation of property specific rehabilitation plans focusing on improvement of aquatic habitat focusing on Brook Trout. e. Informing the community of project progress through social media posts, website updates and newsletters Future Enhancement Activity Plan Areas outlined for future enhancement activities including stream clearing of blockages, trimming of alders, beaver management, culvert mitigations and the installation of structures such as rock dams, instream cover, tree deflectors and brush mattresses are outlined in this section. Figure 6 and 7 provide the location of targeted work while the text in this section further outlines the scope of work to be completed at each location. Legend: Stream enhancement project Major rehabilitation project Maintenance of current enhancement work Figure 4: Targeted locations of enhancement and stream restoration projects to improve Brook Trout habitat within the following watersheds: East Lake Creek, South Lake (Basin Head), Black Pond Creek, Souris River, North Lake Creek, Cross River and Hay River. 13

14 Legend: Stream enhancement project Major rehabilitation project Maintenance of current enhancement work Figure 7. Targeted locations of enhancement and stream restoration projects to improve Brook Trout habitat within the following watersheds: Naufrage River, Fortune River and Bear River. East Lake Creek Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015: Maintenance work in the headwaters ensuring adequate cover for Brook Trout while making sure that stream blockages such as blow-downs and beaver dams are removed allowing for connectivity of Brook Trout to groundwater upwelling areas 2) Future work: Explore the possibility of restoring the sea outlet to the original channel to mitigate infilling of sand into the East Lake. East Lake is a popular fishing hole for sea-run Brook Trout and previously was managed as a pond for waterfowl. Currently the infilling is compromising habitat for Brook Trout within the lagoon area. Basin Head (South Lake) Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015: Maintenance work for the branch following into the lagoon at Ching s Bridge. Work will occur between the East Point Rd and Snake Road ensuring adequate cover for Brook Trout while ensuring stream connectivity. An extremely perched culvert at Snake Road is currently preventing any fish passage beyond this point. 14

15 2) Future work: Continue to work with Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) staff to mitigate perched culverts in this watershed. Communication with TIR about road work planning with the goal of dropping these culverts or building structures when future road construction is completed. It is important to note that the streams within the Basin Head watershed flow into the Basin Head Marine Protected Area. Black Pond Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015: Enhance the upper headwaters for this system above where current enhancement work has been completed. Remove stream blockages and ensure connectivity for Brook Trout. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for hiding and foraging habitat for Brook Trout. 2) Future work: This area receives siltation from the surrounding fields and roads and often runs red. A plan to mitigate this siltation is needed and communication with TIR staff and local farmers is needed to address the siltation issues. Placement of brush mattresses and silt trap construction are possibilities in this system once the source of the siltation is addressed. Souris River Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015: o Major Enhancement Projects Brook Trout Nursery removal of exotic pond weed out of Brook Trout nursery and placement of larger pea gravel (See Figure 8). Ensure connectivity of fish to this area through culverts at Souris Line Road. Brook Trout are known to spawn in this area. Original construction of the Brook Trout Nursery was undertaken by SAB in Construction of berms around the spring near the Kelly Property to deflect runoff and sediment from entering the spring area and smothering a known Brook Trout spawning habitat (Figure 9). Figure 8: Picture of Brook Trout Nursery showing pondweed growth and small pea-gravel. Figure 9: Picture of run-off into the spring near the Kelly Property in Souris Line Road. 15

16 o Planting of increased riparian vegetation near the newly installed hybrid fishway at Harmony Pond to increase streamside cover. This work will complement the plantings completed in Fall 2014 through our Habitat Stewardship Program project. Stream enhancement activities: Enhance the 1st order tributaries that empty into both the East and West Tributaries of Souris River to ensure that connectivity with the main stem of the river. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for Brook Trout s hiding and foraging habitat. 2) Future work: - Continue to work with TIR to address to address culvert and road issues at stream crossings. - Increase instream cover to provide more habitat to address competition issues with invasive Rainbow Trout. Fortune River Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015: - Enhance the 1 st order tributaries near the sheep farm near Albion Road and Route 4 as well as upstream of Little River Road. Clear blockages and restore the natural stream hydrology in this area. Beaver activity in this region is heavy which has altered the natural flow and hydraulic regime of the river. A beaver management plan covers this watershed. Identification of active beaver populations and removal with the use of trappers. - Enhance the 1 st order tributaries emptying into Johnson Pond off the Klondyke Road. A pond exists downstream of these tributaries therefore maintaining the flow of cold clean water from these tributaries is necessary for overall stream branch health. Clear blockages to ensure that Brook Trout can seek refuge in these tributaries from poor water quality and high water temperatures in the pond during the summer. 2) Future work - A watershed management plan would be beneficial for this watershed especially given the large geographical area that it occupies. The watershed is known for beavers, waterfowl, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout and historically Atlantic Salmon. A revision of the Beaver Management Plan for this watershed is needed to ensure that Brook Trout can reach sensitive habitat areas. Continue to work with PEI Government Fish and Wildlife officials on these documents. - - There is also a need to target more headwater enhancement work to be completed in this watershed would could include structures such as silt traps. The monitoring plan outlined in this plan will help to identify the best places to focus enhancement activities. Naufrage River Watershed In the fall of 2014, SAB and TIR staff conducted detailed assessments of the culverts within the Naufrage River watershed. The report outlining these assessment is included in Appendix 1. 1) Work Plan for 2015: o Major Enhancement Projects Perched culvert mitigation for 3 culverts along the St. Charles Road involving the construction of rock weir/dam downstream of these culverts to raise the water 16

17 o level allowing for fish passage. Souris and Area Branch will invest resources in 2015 to document the amount of useable aquatic habitat for fish upstream and downstream of these locations ensuring that the placement of any mitigation structures is warranted. Following the freshet 2015, detailed design can be completed for the construction of these rock dams and construction can be planned for summer with 2015 with the support of both TIR and SAB. Replacement of culvert near the Line of the Lot Road and Church Road as the current culvert is undersized causing flooding fish connectivity issue. Fish passage is currently compromised at this wooden box culvert. Water is flowing underneath the culvert which also compromises the integrity of the structure and road infrastructure. Currently in high water events, it is common for the water to flow over the road in this location. Replacement of this culvert with concrete pipe with larger diameter then the current box culvert. Replacement of a culvert on the Curtis Road (3rd culvert when heading West from Selkirk Rd (Route 309)). A new watercourse culvert is needed at this location as there is no fish passage. The culvert is currently blocked as the new shale applied to the road was push into the culvert outflow. There is evidence the previous culvert was blown out. There is also an environmental concern due to sediment washing from the road at this location. Installation of brush mattresses downstream of Larkins Pond to improve stream hydrology and remove sediment for the system. This would be in preparation for the draw-down of Larkins Pond. Stream enhancement activities: Enhance the 1st order tributaries of the West branch of the Naufrage River to ensure that connectivity to the main stem of the river is kept. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for Brook Trout s hiding and foraging habitat. Engage in discussion with Gerard Peters, the past coordinator of the Naufrage River watershed for his suggestions on access routes and areas of best bets for restoration work. Beaver management is key for this tributary. Enhance the 1 st order tributary near the Hughie Joseph Road and Hermitage Road junction. Ensure that connectivity is available to the ground water upwelling areas and to provide adequate instream cover. Enhance the tributary near the old silt trap on the Line of the Lot Road. Ensure that connectivity is available to the ground water upwelling areas and to provide adequate instream cover. Maintain the 2014 level of stream enhancement activities throughout the Naufrage River especially in the West Branch region and upstream of the railway bridge and Confederation Trail in Larkins Pond. Beaver management is also very key to this watershed. Continue to work with TIR to ensure the proper crowning and clearing of diversion ditches near the Hermitage Road culvert so that sedimentation issues are mitigated. 17

18 2) Future work - Mitigation of sedimentation issues at the Hermitage Road culvert. Continue to work with the TIR in the redesigning of the culvert at this location to mitigate erosion issues and ensure overall stability of the culvert. - Plan for the drawing down of Larkins Pond to flush sediment from the pond and improve the channel morphology. - Continue working with the Northside Windmill Committee and Naufrage Harbour Committee allowing for the future development of a Naufrage River Management Plan. Bear River Watershed 1) Work Plan for 2015 The culverts at the Northside Roads and Bear River Roads are an issue for fish passage. The culvert at the Northside Road is wide and shallow without baffles that creates a fish passage issue during low-flow conditions (See Figure 10). Baffles will be installed using the guidelines set out in Fisheries and Oceans Canada (2015) s guide to culvert mitigation. Working with TIR staff will alleviate the potential issues with confined spaces regulations that dictate working in these types of structures. The potential for a large freshet in the spring 2015 and the instability of the culvert/ stream upstream of this culvert prevented SAB and TIR from completing the measurements and necessary design work for the baffle design as the stream and culvert is expected to experience change this spring. The culvert at the Bear River Road is perched during low flow conditions (Figure 11). There is a small distance between this culvert and the one on the Northside Road. Work in 2014, worked to stabilize the bank between these culverts with Figure 10. Culvert on Bear River at Northside Road. Culvert flow is shallow during low-flow conditions creating a fish passage issue. Figure 11. Culvert on Bear River at Bear River Road. Culvert is perched during low flow conditions creating a fish passage issue. 18

19 rock gabion baskets. This has created an armoured channel that does not allow for energy to be dissipated increasing the flow into the downstream Northside Road culvert. This increases the potential for a culvert malfunction at the downstream culvert. The addition of a rock dam below the Bear River Road Culvert will increase fish passage although the design of this structure will require engineers and communication with TIR staff to ensure that culvert structures are not compromised causing further damage. While fish passage is important, a culvert failure would add considerable siltation to the system that would compromise river and fish health. Design for the rock dam is scheduled for Spring 2015 with implementation in late Summer A good resource for this work is Fisheries and Ocean s 2015 publication on the design of culvert mitigations. o Stream enhancement activities - Continue beaver management activities within this watershed as this area currently has a high populations of beavers. Work with local trappers, TIR staff and PEI Fish and Wildlife to ensure that problem beavers are removed and their dams taken out to ensure connectivity. Hay River 1) Work Plan for Maintenance work in the headwaters ensuring adequate cover for Brook Trout while making sure that stream blockages such as blow-downs and beaver dams are removed allowing for connectivity of Brook Trout to groundwater upwelling areas. - Installation of Brush mattresses and tree deflectors upstream of Northside Road to improve stream hydrology and remove sediment from the water course improving Brook Trout habitat. North Lake Creek Watershed 1) Work Plan for Enhance the upper headwaters located above East Baltic Road and where current enhancement work has been completed. Remove stream blockages and ensure connectivity for Brook Trout. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for hiding and foraging habitat for Brook Trout. - Enhance and clear stream blockages ensuring that Brook Trout can reach spring areas off the Alder Brook Tributary. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for hiding and foraging habitat for Brook Trout. - Perched culvert mitigation for the culvert at the East Baltic Road involving the construction of rock weir/dam downstream of the culvert to raise the water level allowing for fish passage. Following the freshet 2015, detailed design can be completed for the construction of these rock dams and construction can be planned for summer with 2015 with the support of both TIR and SAB. - Maintenance work in the headwaters ensuring adequate cover for Brook Trout while making sure that stream blockages such as blow-downs and beaver dams are removed allowing for connectivity of Brook Trout to groundwater upwelling areas. - Gabion basket maintenance for the structures located at the tidal confluence. These structures narrow the creek and create holding areas for Brook Trout and Atlantic Salmon. Cross River Watershed 1) Work Plan for

20 - Enhance the upper headwaters located above the 1 st road crossing of Souris Line Road (West Branch). Remove stream blockages to ensure proper stream hydrology will improving connectivity for Brook Trout. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for hiding and foraging habitat of Brook Trout. - Enhance the upper headwaters located on the West Branch upstream of the Forks. Remove stream blockages and ensure connectivity for Brook Trout. Ensure that adequate instream cover is kept allowing for hiding and foraging habitat of Brook Trout. 2) Future work Realignment of stone in culvert mitigation project downstream of Souris Line Road and McInnis Dam that has moved as a result of high water events. The original design was a culvert mitigation project that allowed fish passage past the perched culvert. Fish passage will soon be compromised as some of the rock has moved to create perches in low-flow conditions. Design of this project will take place following the spring freshet This is a large project that will require detailed engineer design and heavy machinery. Work to secure funding to complete this project. Monitoring activities 2015 The last comprehensive fish population and aquatic habitat surveys were completed for our region in Not surprising, current information on fish density values, available aquatic habitat, critical habitats for our fish populations, temperature regime and benthic invertebrate community composition are lacking for our watersheds. Without such valuable knowledge, SAB as the resource manager for the area is faced with increasingly complex management decisions and tough decision on where to focus rehabilitation efforts. These decisions will only get more difficult with increased pressures from climate change and the threat of invasive Rainbow Trout. Collection of baseline information outlined in this proposal will provide accurate population status information and identify areas of critical habitat necessary of species survival. Through the identification of these areas, we can then ensure the best-bet projects on where to focus our on-the-ground work for the biggest benefits towards species conservation. Recent efforts within our watersheds have focused primarily on the downstream portions however increased information on Brook Trout refugia areas will pinpoint the best areas within the headwaters to focus energy and resources. We are proposing a monitoring program for our watersheds. A site would be identified for each watershed where information on the following parameters would be collected: 1) Fish species abundance using electrofishing surveys using quantifiable measurements such as Zippin (1959) catch curves and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) measurements. The goal would be to complete a minimum of 15 watersheds annually (1 site per watershed). 2) Benthic invertebrate composition surveys using the CABIN (Environment Canada 2012) protocol. By using this protocol and entering data into their database, we can measure the health of ecosystems against the reference sites. 3) Habitat survey looking at the substrate, geomorphology, elevation, riparian cover, entrenchment, slope and instream cover will be completed at each site. The protocol for 20

21 this survey will follow the parameters set out in Melanson et al and Nova Scotia s Fish Habitat Assessment Protocol (NS Adopt a Stream 2015). Additional monitoring efforts that will take place within the management zone include: 1) Establishment of monitoring electrofishing stations in the creeks that border the southshore rivers to detect any movement of Rainbow Trout in these systems. Stations would be set on creeks such as Black Pond, East Lake and North Lake Creek. 2) Temperature regime studies through the installation of temperature loggers at a variety of sites though a watershed to gain further understanding of temperatures throughout the river. This can provide baseline information on the temperatures experienced by the watershed and will help to guide restoration activities especially with regards to Brook Trout due to their cool water temperature requirements. The current plan is to monitor 2 watersheds annually due the number loggers available to our group. Fortune River and North Lake Creek with be the focus for Public Outreach and engagement Involvement of the public in project activities is key to success. An informed and engaged community is the key to ensuring future Brook Trout population viability. We will hold a variety of events and activities to connect with a wide range of the community: Key events and activities planned for 2015 include: 1) A fishing derby at Larkin Pond in Naufrage River Watershed. This event will provide information on catch and release fishing techniques and highlight the importance of habitat for the success of Brook Trout. 2) Citizen science monitoring outreach program. A minimum of 3 outreach events will be held during 2015 when volunteers will help to collect information on water temperature, benthic invertebrate composition and habitat parameters (substrate composition, stream morphology). 3) Redd surveys involving volunteers. During the fall, volunteers will be solicited to walk creek sections identifying Brook Trout redds. 4) Tree planting and stream enhancement volunteer days where community members Figure 12: Outreach sign design for posting at key habitat areas within management area of Souris and Area Branch of PEI Wildlife Federation 21

22 have a chance to complete on-the-ground stream enhancement work. 5) Classroom presentation and field trips discussing the local ecology of our streams and the importance of Brook Trout and healthy environments. 6) Public presentations about the topics related to Brook Trout and fishing on topics including catch and release techniques and scientific research on fish populations in our region. 7) Social media posts and website articles on the activities within our watershed and to highlight important conservation measures. 8) Placement of signage at key habitat areas including well- used spring areas outlining why these upwelling are so important to the survival of Brook Trout (See Figure 12). 22

23 References Curry, R.A. and Noakes, D.L.G Groundwater and the selection of spawning sites by brook trout (Salvenlinus fontinalis). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 52: Environment Canada Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network Field Manual, Wadeable Streams. 2012, En84-87/2012E-PDF. 57 pp. Fisheries and Oceans Canada Guidelines for the design of fish passage for culverts in Nova Scotia. Fisheries Protection Program, Maritimes Region, 95 pp. Franssen, J., Pepino, M., Lapointe, M. and Magnan, P Alternative tactics in spawning site selection by brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) related to incubation microhabitats in a harsh water environment. Freshwater Biology 58: Guignion, D., Dupuis, T., Teather, K. and MacFarlane, R Distribution and abundance of salmonids in Prince Edward Island streams. Southeastern Naturalist 17: Melanson, Terry, Lea Murphy, Danielle Goff, Charles MacInnis, Delly Keen, Sophie Bastien- Daigle, Bill Ritchie, Ernest Ferguson, Denis Haché, Jim Weldon, Daniel Caissie, Michèle LeBlanc, Marie Cormie Ecological Restoration of Degraded Aquatic Habitats: a Watershed Approach. Gulf Region Publication, pg.180 Power, G The Brook charr, Salvelinus fontinalis. In Charrs: salmonid fishes of the genus Salvelinus. Kluwer Boston Inc., Boston, U.S.A. pp Opperman, J.J., Lohse, K.A., Brooks, C., Kelly, N.M. and Merenlender, A.M Influence of land use on 0fine sediment in salmonid spawning gravels within the Russian River Basin, California. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Science 62: Nova Scotia Adopt a Stream Nova Scotia Fish Habitat Assessment Protocol. Available online: Scott, W.B. and Crossman, E.J Freshwater Fishes of Canada. Fisheries Research Board of Canada, Ottawa, Canada Souris and Area Branch (SAB) of PEI Wildlife Federation Website: accessed March 20, Wehrly, K.E. and Wang, L Field-based estimates of thermal tolerance limits for trout: incorporating exposure time and temperature fluctuation. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society. 136: Witzel, L. D. and MacCrimmon, H. R Redd-site selection by Brook Trout and Brown Trout in southwestern Ontario streams. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 112: Zippin, C The removal method of population estimation. Journal of Wildlife Management 22:

24 Appendix Naufrage Culvert Report Culvert Assessments within the Naufrage Watershed Fall 2014 Prepared by M. Finch, Project Coordinator, Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation 24

25 Contents Background Figure A. Map of Naufrage River Watershed (highlighted in grey) in Northeast Prince Edward Island Figure B. Map identifying culverts surveyed during Naufrage River road crossing assessments in Fall 2014 and Atlantic Salmon Redd locations from Fall Figure C. Map showing SAB stream enhancement efforts in 2014 within Naufrage River Watershed Culvert Assessments Figure D. Location of the culverts assessed by TIR and SAB staff in the fall of Mitigation Actions Culvert at Hermitage Road (K1 016) Beaver Management Hanging Culverts Replacement of Culverts Appendix 1 Culvert Assessments

26 Background The Naufrage Watershed is located in northeastern PEI, with an area of 4,357 hectares (See Figure A). Approximately 80% of this watershed is forested which provides excellent riparian zones which keeps silt out of the river and provides cover for fish and keeps the water temperatures low. This watershed has active farms, but only 222 ha under cultivation which is less than 10% of the total watershed, which is very minimal. Naufrage watershed contains a large freshwater wetland approximately 100 ha at Larkins Pond area which is one of our largest wetland areas on PEI. Naufrage River is approximately 56 km in length with approximately 1.25 km acting as an estuary area emptying into the Gulf of St Lawrence at Naufrage Harbour. Naufrage is very similar to other northeastern PEI rivers with exceptional riparian areas along the river and high quality cobble bottom in most areas contributing to pristine areas for fish spawning. This watershed is under the management of the Souris & Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation (SAB). N Figure A. Map of Naufrage River Watershed (highlighted in grey) in Northeast Prince Edward Island. 26

27 Naufrage River has been a popular river for recreational fishing for decades. It has known runs of Atlantic salmon, Brook trout, White Perch, Gasperaux, eels, and other anadromous fish. In 2009 a report entitled, A Conservation Strategy For Atlantic Salmon in Prince Edward Island written by Daryl Guignon, a well acclaimed wildlife biologist. This report assessed all rivers on PEI and categorized from class 1though 5 with class 1 being the highest. Only 11 rivers of 226 waterways on PEI received this designation and obviously Naufrage was one of these 11. The Atlantic Salmon is a species of decline within Atlantic Canada in recent years. It has been designated by COSEWIC as a species of Special Concern. SAB has been conducting Atlantic salmon redd counts in recent years as a method to monitor stocks in each of our rivers. See Figure B, for a map outlining the Atlantic Salmon redd locations in relation to the Naufrage culvert locations. Figure B. Map identifying culverts surveyed during Naufrage River road crossing assessments in Fall 2014 and Atlantic Salmon Redd locations from Fall

28 In recent years the number of redds on Naufrage River has increased as a result of our enhancement efforts as evidenced in the table below: # of Redds within Naufrage Watershed The Naufrage River has the highest abundance of Atlantic Salmon redds within SAB s management zone, indicating a large healthy population of this species. In the Atlantic Salmon Federation s State of the North American Atlantic Salmon Populations 2014 document, Naufrage is identified as one of only four rivers that met Atlantic Salmon conservation limits within PEI. SAB in partnership with the PEI Fish & Wildlife Division and the PEI Trappers Association has developed a Beaver Management Plan to insure that the main branches remain beaver free and insure fish passage for spawning. SAB has a trained trapper on staff to remove nuisance beaver according to permits granted under this plan. Map Legend ---- Stream Enhancement ---- Watershed Boundary ---- Rivers & Streams Beaver Dam Nuisance Beaver Removed (SABPEIWF) Figure C. Map showing SAB stream enhancement efforts in 2014 within Naufrage River Watershed. 28

29 SAB annually performs stream enhancement on Naufrage River ensuring fish passage and improving stream hydrology and overall ecological function. In 2014, a total of km worth of stream enhancement with 11 large blockages removed (See Figure C). Detailed values on the stream enhancement work completed in 2014 can be found in the table below: # of m enhanced habitat # m 2 of habitat restored # of beaver dams # of nuisance beaver trapped (by SABPEIWF) # of large blockages removed Naufrage River 12, , In the 1990 s several wooden gabions were established to create pools for fish refuge. Annually, our field crews enhance the main branch from tidal to St. Charles Road. On a regular basis SAB with input from Fisheries & Oceans Canada and PEI Fish & Wildlife division hire contractors to excavate two sediment traps above Larkins Pond. For the past two years attempts have been made to begin restoration efforts on the West Branch of Naufrage River and we have successfully completed a section totalling approximately 1.5 km in Below Hermitage Rd to Tidal, brush matting was installed to capture silt within the water column. Limited success was noted with this project as much silt is deposited in this section a due to the overland flow and erosion from the Hermitage Road. Sedimentation is especially evident at the tidal confluence as the water slows in this area allowing for the deposition of silt. Unfortunately, this area is a prime Atlantic Salmon spawning region raising questions about the survival of eggs and juveniles due to silt smothering. SAB operated a fish trap at Larkins Pond in the fall of 2012 and 2013 to collect data on the number of Atlantic Salmon and other fish moving past the dam at Larkin s pond. Minimal fish were collected with this trap and it was SAB s opinion that the trap design of trap was not optimal for the dam contributing to low trapping numbers. The lower sections of Naufrage watershed hosts some native tree species especially White Ash that do not occur in other northeastern PEI watersheds. SAB plans to initiate more study in this watershed to cataloguing this data. Culvert Assessments Naufrage River is an environmental significant watershed with relatively health populations of fish and animals. In the fall of 2014, Souris and Area Branch (SAB) and Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (TIR) conducted surveys of the road culverts within the Naufrage River to assess environmental concerns with respect to fish passage, beaver issues, sedimentation issues and the potential for blow-outs. Each culvert was assessed for any potential mitigation actions needed with action items listed. Climate change and the potential for increased storm events further strengthens the need to improve culverts and ensure 29

30 ecological functionality. In total, 22 culverts were assessed (see Figure D for a map of these culvert and road crossing locations). A detailed assessment of each stream crossing is included in Appendix 1 Culvert Assessments. 30

31 N Legend: Culvert location Figure D. Location of the culverts assessed by TIR and SAB staff in the fall of

32 Mitigation Actions Increased communication between SAB and TIR staff is necessary to ensure the continued health and improvement of the ecosystem with the Naufrage River watershed. Watersheds are complex and dynamic systems and road crossings can change frequently due to high water and storm events. Frequent communication will allow for future and existing problems to be addressed quickly and successfully. Culvert at Hermitage Road (K1 016) The most critical area of action is surrounding the culvert at Hermitage Road (culvert #3, TIR # K1 016). Erosion and overland flow have caused considerable sedimentation in Naufrage River at this location in an area of critical spawning and rearing habitat for Atlantic Salmon. Additionally, erosion is undermining the overall stability of the culvert putting it at risk for collapse or wash-out during high water and storm events. (See pictures in Appendix 1). A culvert fail at this location would be catastrophic with the potential for decreased fish connectivity and degraded environmental conditions from increased sedimentation and changed hydrology. Naufrage River has the highest number of Atlantic Salmon redds within the Souris and Area Branch of the PEI Wildlife Federation s management zone and conservation and protection of this river is of upmost importance to the continued success of Atlantic Salmon populations and overall biodiversity in our region. A detailed plan needs to be implemented to mitigate this culvert threat and significant resources need to be invested. Road grading, proper crowning and clearing of diversion ditches are also very necessary to ensure that overland flow is not putting extra sedimentation into the watercourse at this location. Beaver Management Beaver cages also known as beaver deceivers should be removed in a few locations specifically Culvert #13 on the Church Road, #14 on the New Road as these structures are compromising fish passage and not acting to mitigate the beaver blocking risk. Culvert #16 on the St. Charles Road has a functioning beaver cage although it needs to be checked regularly to ensure that debris and beaver activity does not block it causing fish passage issues. Continued communication between TIR and SAB is necessary so that any new beaver activity is properly mitigated. Hanging Culverts The following culverts can be classified as hanging resulting in a fish passage issue with fish unable to move past these culvert locations: Culvert #4 on the Hughie Joseph Road and Culvert #7 on Mill Road. Mitigation options are limited at these locations however SAB and TIR will keep open communication ensuring that if these culverts are up for replacement the new design will mitigate the hang. Culvert #10, Culvert #11 and Culvert #15 on the St. Charles Road are hanging and the potential exists for the installation of a rock dam/weir downstream of these culverts to raise the water level allowing for fish passage. Souris and Area Branch will invest resources in 2015 to document the amount of useable 32

33 aquatic habitat for fish upstream and downstream of these locations ensuring that the placement of any mitigation structures is warranted. Following the freshet 2015, detailed design can be completed for the construction of these rock dams and construction can be planned for summer with 2015 with the support of both TIR and SAB. Replacement of Culverts Culvert #12 on the Line of the Lot Road is undersized causing flooding and a fish connectivity issue. Fish passage is currently compromised at this wooden box culvert. Water is flowing underneath the culvert which also compromises the integrity of the structure and road infrastructure. Currently in high water events, it is common for the water to flow over the road in this location. Our suggestion with the input of Robert MacDonald is to replace this wooden culvert some of the surplus TIR concrete 18" pipes. By removing the wooden box and placing 2 of these concrete pipes we could increase fish passage and mitigate flooding issues. Culvert #22 located on Curtis Road (3rd culvert when heading West from Selkirk Rd (Route 309)): A new watercourse culvert is needed at this location as there is no fish passage. The culvert is currently blocked as the new shale applied to the road was push into the culvert outflow. There is evidence the the previous culvert was blown out. There is also an environmental concern due to sediment washing from the road at this location. 33

34 Culvert Assessments Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #1 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Harbour Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross Pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: No water following through culvert. Culvert drains a field that looks to be cultivated in blueberries. Appears to be a headwaters tributary. Action Items: NONE 34

35 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #2 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Hermitage Rd Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Pipe slightly rotten. No major structural issues. New guardrail installed this year. There was no seed or mulch placed on the bare ground. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Robert to have mulch and rye added in Fall

36 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #3 Location (GPS): Structure ID: K1-016 Road: Hermitage Rd Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Arch Culvert Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Poor condition. Culvert has come off its base. Bottom of culvert is rotten with no flooring remaining. Souris and Area Wildlife is concerned about the stability of the culvert especially given that prime Atlantic Salmon habitat is located upstream and downstream of this location. Culvert is compressed laterally on the downstream side while on upstream side the side of the culvert is being held open by aircraft cable tethered to adjacent trees. Erosion has occurred on both the upstream and downstream side of the culvert so that much of the culvert casing is protruding from the bank. Hermitage Road erosion and run-off is also a concern in this location as considerable red water runoff is making its way into Naufrage River at this location. Work this fall included the proper crowning of the road and placement of diversion ditches to minimize run-off/ Potential solutions for this culvert include: - Remove several sections of the culvert and put in gabion baskets to stabilize banks. Realign the culvert so that it is on its base. - Necessity of keeping this road open as there are no houses in this section? Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Completion of this Naufrage River Culvert report highlighting the need for work to be done Mary Continued discussion between SAB and TIR staff on the issues with this culvert allowing for communication on projects to be completed within the watershed. Mary and Robert Continued discussion at TIR about the need for this culvert to be remediated especially given the ecological significance of the Naufrage Watershed Robert 36

37 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #4 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Hughie Joseph Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: There is beaver activity at the upstream end of this culvert. Recently, the beaver has been removed and the deceiver cleared within the last week. The culvert is in okay shape. Downstream, the culvert is hanging by approximately 1ft. There is low flow going through the culvert and a large pool immediately downstream of the culvert making it difficult for any construction of rock dams to mitigate the hanging culvert. There is more beaver activity downstream. This road was redone 2 years ago and the big berms removed from the road then. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: If any work needs completed at this culvert in the future, TIR and SAB will discuss potential mitigation options for the hanging culvert issue. 37

38 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #5 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Hughie Joseph Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Type of Structure: New plastic culvert Condition of Culvert: Excellent. A new culvert was installed this year as the road blew out in this location due to the freshet. Robert had a rock dam installed downstream to ensure fish passage through the culvert. Robert did surveys upstream and downstream to determine the flow and necessary culvert size to ensure functionality. There currently is not much flow through the culvert. Some mulching is needed in the culvert area and Robert is addressing this internally with TIR. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Robert to address the mulching issues. No fish issues. 38

39 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #6 Location (GPS): Structure ID: K1-03 Road: Mill Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Culvert Condition of Culvert: Good. No issues. Baffles have been installed to help fish move through. Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: None 39

40 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #7 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Mill Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Culvert Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Hanging culvert with no fish passage upstream through this culvert. Mitigation of this hanging culvert difficult. This is a 20 year old culvert on a 45 degree angle across the road. There is a beaver deceiver on the upstream end that needs cleared. It looks like a beaver pond on the upstream end however there are not beavers in this location. Fish rises were evident in the pond and there was evidence of fishing downstream of the culvert. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Robert to put clearing of beaver cage on his to-do list. If any work needs completed at this culvert in the future, TIR and SAB will discuss potential mitigation options for the hanging culvert issue. The amount of usable habitat upstream is limited. 40

41 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #8 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: St Charles Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross pipe Condition of Culvert: No issues. Replaced 5 years ago. Currently no water flowing through. Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: None 41

42 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #9 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: St Charles Road Condition of Culvert: No issues. Currently no water flowing through. Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: None 42

43 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #10 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: St Charles Road (Middle culvert) Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Plastic pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Downstream portion of the culvert is hanging. Likely approximately 1 km of habitat upstream. This is 2 nd order stream. There is reoccurring beaver management issues upstream and the cage was recently cleaned and a nuisance permit issued. E Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: SAB staff to walk the creek between the hanging culvert and mainstem Naufrage River to assess fish connectivity. Investigate the upstream portions of the creek to determine the suitability of the upstream habitat for fish habitat. If suitable fish passage downstream and adequate habitat upstream, investigate the possibility of rock dam at this location to improve connectivity. 43

44 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #11 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: St Charles Road Date examined: Oct 16 th, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Downstream portion of the culvert is hanging. Recently cleared from beaver activity and 9 beavers were removed last year. There is more floatsum upstream possibly from beaver. Questions about the about available habitat upstream and the nature slope of the river downstream of the culvert. 3 years ago the water was at the road as a result of the beaver activity. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: SAB staff to walk the creek between the hanging culvert and mainstem Naufrage River to assess fish connectivity. Investigate the upstream portions of the creek to determine the suitability of the upstream habitat for fish habitat. This culvert is up for replacement soon so possibility exists to fix hanging culvert and improve connectivity. 44

45 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #12 Location (GPS): Condition of Culvert: Structure ID: NA Road: Line of Lot Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Type of Structure: Wood box 2 ft x 4 ft Fish passage is currently compromised at this wooden box culvert. Water is flowing underneath the culvert which also compromises the integrity of the structure and road infrastructure. Currently in high water events, it is common for the water to flow over the road in this location. Bad beaver deceiver at the location, however there is not a lot of beaver activity here at the moment. Suggestion with the input of Robert MacDonald is to replace this wooden culvert some of the surplus TIR concrete 18" pipes. By removing the wooden box and placing 2 of these concrete pipes we could increase fish passage and mitigate flooding issues. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: SAB to send request into TIR about the replacement of the wooden box with concrete pipes. Mary TIR to investigate the possibility of replacement work to occur next year. Robert SAB to investigate in 2015, the fish density and habitat present upstream and downstream of the location. 45

46 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #13 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Church Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Culvert Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Upstream beaver deceiver is in poor condition. There is debris currently in the culvert although the amount is hard to see with current water levels making it hard to assess fish passage. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Remove the beaver deceiver Robert Remove the debris from this culvert Robert Reassess the fish passage at this culvert Mary 46

47 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #14 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: New Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Culvert Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Upstream beaver deceiver is not seated properly which is causing a fish passage issue. This is also a beaver issue as the beaver can get into the culvert and blockage water. Downstream passage is good. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Remove the beaver deceiver Robert 47

48 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #15 Location (GPS): Structure ID: KI Road: St. Charles Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Metal Culvert Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: This culvert is hanging approximately 8 inches at the downstream end. There is plenty of room downstream to install a rock pools and rock weirs to bring up the level of water ensuring fish passage. Within the culvert, it looks like fish passage might be compromised due to shallow minimal flow of water. The possibility exists to install baffles to help with passage although health and safety regulations dictating confined spaces might be an issue. There were fish present upstream of the culvert. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Make plans to install rock weirs mitigating the hanging culvert. This work to be completed in Mary to lead with help from Robert Investigate the possibility of installing baffles in culvert and how to work within health and safety regulations Robert 48

49 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #16 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: St. Charles Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Plastic pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: There was an issue with beavers at the upstream portion of this culvert although beaver is being trapped. Once the beavers are gone, the deceiver will need to be cleared. No other issues with fish passage. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Follow up with Mike McCormick to ensure that beaver has been removed and then clean beaver cage Robert 49

50 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #17 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Selkirk Rd Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Plastic pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: This is a recently replaced culvert that is draining a creek high in the system. No issues, no beavers, cage looks good and good fish passage. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: NA 50

51 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #18 Location (GPS): Structure ID: KC-001 Road: Selkirk Rd Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Wooden Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: A new center wall was installed in the last few years. Historically, there were plenty of beaver issues at this location. No current beaver or fish passage issues. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: NA 51

52 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #19 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Abeerdeen Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Type of Structure: 24 steel culvert Condition of Culvert: Low flow in general through this culvert and likely no flow during the summer. Limited fish habitat upstream and a wetland is located immediately downstream of the culvert. Culvert outflow hard to see and is not easily visible. No fish passage issues Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: NA 52

53 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #20 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Curtis Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross Pipe Condition of Culvert: no flow currently. Good grading on the Curtis Road. Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: NA 53

54 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #21 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Curtis Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross Pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: No pipe perhaps it was crushed when the road was being graded. No fish passage although unlikely that there is much usable fish habitat upstream as it appears to be at the edge of the tributary. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: NA 54

55 Culvert Number: Naufrage Culvert #22 Location (GPS): Structure ID: NA Road: Curtis Road Date examined: Nov. 4, 2014 Type of Structure: Cross Pipe Examiners: Robert MacDonald and Mary Finch Condition of Culvert: Need new watercourse culvert. There is a defined stream channel with sedimentation evident at the downstream end of the culvert. Culvert is currently blocked at the downstream end with no fish passage. This is also an environmental concern due to the sedimentation. It looks like the new shale applied to the road was pushed into the outflow and the creek. Upstream Picture Downstream Picture Action Items: Installation of a new culvert and remove the blockage at the downstream location. Mary to send an to Robert documenting SAB s concerns with this culvert to start the necessary discussions with TIR. 55