Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project

Transcription

1 Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Results Summary, BACKGROUND To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast in 1987 and again in Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to re-establish elk populations in historically occupied watersheds, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project in Utilizing HCTF funding, the LMRERP made successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River from 2001 to In 2007, backed by HCTF funding, the LMRERP began a second five year plan to re-introduce Roosevelt elk to priority watersheds on the Southern Coast of BC until Based on preliminary habitat assessments, release sites outlined in the elk recovery plan include: Theodosia/Powell-Daniels River, Toba Inlet, Quatam River, Phillips River, and Bute Inlet. With achievement of these objectives, the recovery phase of the LMREP is expected to be complete and elk relocations for the purpose of population recovery will no longer be required. Figure 1 Elk herd at Myrtle Point Golf Course trap. (Photo: Trail Cam) During the trapping season, 40 Roosevelt elk were captured (Table 1). A total of 21 elk were removed from the Sechelt Peninsula, while 19 elk were removed from the Powell River area. The recovery objectives were met with the capture of 38 nuisance elk from Kleindale, Myrtle Point Golf Course (Figure 1), and Beaver/Nanton Lake. Elk were released in two priority watersheds; Quatam River, and Powell/Daniels (Figure 2), and a bull was released at Stave Lake to augment a small herd released there in Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the LMR, /12/07 - Myrtle Point Golf Course 21/12/07 - Quatam River 12 1 spike bull, 7cows, 4 calves 10/01/08 Kleindale 11/01/08 - Olsens Creek (3) cows, 9 calves Powell-Daniels (17) 08/02/08 Beaver FSR/ 09/02/08 - Quatam River 6 6 cows Nanton Lake 17/02/08 Halfmoon Bay 18/02/08 - Stave Lake 1 1 bull 18/02/08 - Halfmoon Bay 19/02/08 - Quatam River 1 1 bull TOTAL 40 Table 2 Spring Heli Survey data, March Classified Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearlings Bulls >2yrs Ratio Monitoring of elk relocated in previous years is ongoing, preliminary survey results for indicate these elk herds are productive (Table 2). Population units monitored during spring aerial surveys include: Stave, Pitt, Indian, Squamish, McNab, Rainy, Clowhom, Narrows, Jervis, Skwawka, Brittain, Sechelt Peninsula, Powell/Daniels, Theodosia, Quatum, and Phillips. To complete relocations in 2007 and 2008, the LMRERP utilized two BC Conservation Corps members. In-kind support was provided by MOE wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and members of the Sunshine Coast Fish and Wildlife Management Committee. Volunteer assistance was received from the Sunshine Coast Rod and Gun Club, Powell River Rod and Gun Club and ATV Club, Myrtle Point Golf Club staff, and many other local supporters of elk recovery. Additional funding was received through BC Hydro s Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. Overall, the recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. Figure 2 Bull elk released at Quatam River landing (Photo: I. Spendlow)

2 Figure 1 Corral trap at Snake Bay trap site. (Photo: Billy Wilton) The recovery objectives were met with the capture and relocation of 54 Roosevelt elk (Table 1). Thirty-three elk originated from the Sechelt Peninsula (Figure 1), and the remaining 21 elk were captured from the Powell River area (Figure 2). Elk were released into three priority watersheds; Brem River (14), Orford River (20), and Homathko Estuary (20). Monitoring of elk relocated in previous years is ongoing. Preliminary survey results for indicate these elk herds are productive (Table 2). Population units monitored during spring aerial surveys include: Stave, Pitt, Indian, Squamish, McNab, Rainy, Clowhom, Narrows, Jervis, Skwawka, Brittain, Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Results Summary, BACKGROUND To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast from 1987 to Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project in Utilizing HCTF funding, the LMRERP made successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River from 2001 to In 2007, backed by HCTF funding, the LMRERP began a second five year plan to re-introduce Roosevelt elk to priority watersheds on the Southern Coast of BC until Based on preliminary habitat assessments, release sites outlined in the elk recovery plan include: Theodosia River, Powell- Daniels River, Toba Inlet, Quatam River, Bute Inlet and Phillips River. Augmentation of the Phillips herd may be performed following DNA analysis to determine the origin of this herd. With achievement of these objectives, the recovery phase of the LMREP is expected to be complete and elk relocations for the purpose of population recovery may no longer be required. Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the LMR, /01/09 Kleindale 08/01/09 - Brem River 9 1 spike bull, 4cows, 4 calves 28/01/09 Snake Bay 03/02/09 29/01/09 Homathko Estuary 04/02/ raghorn bull, 2 spike bull, 7cows, 7 calves 16/02/09 Kleindale 17/02/09 Brem River 5 3 cows, 2 calves 17/02/09 Duck Lake 18/02/09 Orford River 7 6 cows, 1 calves 08/03/09 Secret Cove 10/03/09 Orford River 1 1 bull 09/03/09 11/03/09 Homathko Estuary 1 1 bull 09/03/09 Haslam Lake 10/03/09 Orford River (12) cows, 1 calf, 11/03/09 Homathko Estuary (2) 1 spike TOTAL 54 Sechelt Peninsula, Powell/Daniels, Theodosia, Quatum, Phillips, Homathko, Orford, and Brem. Additionally, 30 samples have been collected from Phillips for DNA analysis. Natural predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bears has become evident. Table 2 Spring Heli Survey data, March Classified Cows Bulls Total Elk >2yrs Calves Yearlings >2yrs Ratio To complete relocations in 2008 and 2009, the LMRERP utilized two BC Conservation Foundation wildlife technicians. In-kind support was provided by MOE wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and members of the Sunshine Coast Fish and Wildlife Management Committee. Volunteer assistance was received from Powell River ATV Club and Rod and Gun Club, Myrtle Point Golf Club, the Sunshine Coast Rod and Gun Club, and many other local supporters of elk recovery. Additional funding was received through BC Hydro s Bridge Coastal Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. Overall, the recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund. Figure 2 Elk herd released at Orford River. (Photo: Billy Wilton

3 Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Project Summary, BACKGROUND To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast from 1987 to Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project in Utilizing HCTF and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure funding, the LMRERP made successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River from 2001 to This project is planned to continue to at least 2012 with release priorities for 2010/11 of Theodosia, Brem, and Southgate Rivers. Based on preliminary habitat assessments, release sites outlined in the current elk recovery plan include: Powell-Daniels River, Toba Inlet, Quatam River, Bute Inlet and Phillips River. Augmentation of the Phillips herd may be performed following DNA analysis to determine the origin of this herd. With achievement of these objectives, the recovery phase of the LMREP is expected to be complete and elk relocations for the purpose of population recovery may no longer be required. The project objectives were met with the translocation of 30 Roosevelt elk (Table 1). Twenty seven nuisance elk originated from the Sechelt Peninsula, including Kleindale and Middle Point (Figure 1,2). The other 3 elk were captured from the Powell River area. Elk were released into three priority watersheds; Toba River (20), Powell/Daniels (7), and Theodosia River (3). These relocations bring the total number of restocked populations units in the South Coast Sub-Region to 19 units. In chronological order of recovery stocking, these units include; McNab (26), Rainy-Gray (20), Skwawka (19), Narrows (24), Clowhom (20), Deserted (20), Pitt (23), Brittain (20), Indian (20), Vancouver (21), Stave (20), Squamish (26), Quantum (19), Powell Daniels (24), Theo (6), Brem (14), Homathko (20), Orford (20) and Toba (20) (The number of individuals originally released in brackets). A total of 382 elk have been successfully released. Monitoring of herds translocated prior to this season is ongoing. Preliminary survey results for indicate these elk herds are productive (Table 2). Population units monitored during spring aerial surveys include the 19 units mentioned above, plus the Sechelt Peninsula unit. Natural predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bears has become evident. Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the LMR, /12/09 Kleindale 31/12/09 - Toba River 10 1 bull (raghorn), 6 cows, 3 calves 16/01/10 Middle Point 17/01/10 Toba River 10 7 cows, 3 calves 20/01/10 Kleindale 21/01/10 Powell/Daniels 7 1 bull (raghorn), 5 cows, 1 calves 05/02/10 Powell River (14M Goat Main) 05/02/10 Theodosia River 3 2 cows, 1 calf TOTAL 30 Figure 1. Middle Point herd relocated to Toba River (Photo: Trail Cam) Table 2 Spring Heli Survey data, March Figure 2. This elk herd at Stave River was relocated from Kleindale on the Sechelt Peninsula in (Photo: Billy Wilton) Classified Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearlings Bulls >2yrs Ratio The BC Conservation Foundation provided two wildlife technicians to assist in the completion of the 2009/2010 elk translocations. In-kind support was provided by MOE wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and members of the Sunshine Coast Fish and Wildlife Management Committee. Volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery. Overall, the recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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5 Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Project Summary , April 26, 2011 BACKGROUND To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast from 1987 to Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project (LMRERP) in Utilizing Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) funding, the LMRERP has completed more than 60 successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on the Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River area from 2001 to present. The current LMRERP project has objectives that will require the winter of to fulfill; however, there are plans to broaden the scope of management objectives once all objectives are fulfilled. The priority release sites for the season were Southgate River and Theodosia River. Based on preliminary habitat assessments, release sites outlined in the current elk recovery plan include: Powell-Daniels River, Toba Inlet, Quatam River, Bute Inlet and Phillips River. Augmentation of the Phillips herd will not be completed until DNA analysis determines the origin of that herd. With achievement of these objectives, the recovery phase of the LMREP is expected to be complete and elk relocations for the purpose of population recovery may no longer be required. Figure 1. This herd of 20 Roosevelt elk captured in Kleindale was released at Southgate River near the head of Bute Inlet in early January The project objectives were met with the translocation of 34 Roosevelt elk (Table 1). All of the 34 elk originated from the either Kleindale or Sechelt on the Sechelt Peninsula (Figure 1). Elk were released into three priority watersheds; Southgate River (20), Theodosia River (13), and Rainy/Gray (1). These relocations bring the total number of restocked populations units in the South Coast Region to 20 units. Since 2000, a total of 415 elk have been successfully captured, relocated and released in the South Coast. Monitoring of all South Coast elk herds is ongoing. Survey results for indicate these elk herds are productive (Table 2, Figure 2). Population units monitored during spring aerial surveys included most of the watersheds where elk have been relocated during this project. Natural predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bears has become evident. Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the South Coast, /01/11 Kleindale 12/01/11 - Southgate cows, 3 yearling River bulls, 7 calves 19/01/11 Sechelt Golf Course 20/01/11 Theodosia River 13 6 cows, 1 bull (5x6), 6 calves 25/01/11 Sechelt Golf Course 26/01/11 Gray Creek 1 1 bull (raghorn) TOTAL 34 Table 2 Spring Heli Survey data, March Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearlings Bulls >2yrs Classified Sightability Corrected 1108* Ratio *Sightability correction factor of 0.6 for cows and calves, 0.4 for bulls Figure 2. These elk observed on the Homathko River during the spring surveys were released during the season. In-kind support was provided by Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and the BC Conservation Foundation. Volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery. The recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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7 BACKGROUND AND FUTURE DIRECTION South Coast Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Project Status Update, May 2013 To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests and to increase opportunities for wildlife use, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast from 1987 to Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project (LMRERP) in Utilizing Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) funding, the LMRERP has completed more than 65 successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on the Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River area since 2001 (Table 3). The translocation objectives for the current LMRERP project year were fulfilled in the winter of ; including relocation of elk from Sechelt Peninsula to West Harrison Lake and Grey Creek (Table 1, Fig. 1). The plan includes continued translocation of nuisance herds, continuation of spring aerial survey protocols, and expansion of survey intensity to include more global positioning systems data. Over the summer, consultation will continue to take place for proposed elk releases in Chehalis/ West Harrison and Lower Lillooet/Port Douglas. Additionally, a Draft Roosevelt elk management plan paper is near completion for the Coast Area. Based on preliminary evaluations, release sites outlined for the future of elk recovery (fall ) on the mainland coast are as follows; trap approximately elk each winter and relocate these herds to the following release sites: Chehalis-Statlu/ Harrison Lake 20 mile Lower Lillooet / Tipella Gold Creek/ Allouette (Florence Lake) Augmentation at Phillips River & Heydon Lake Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the South Coast, /01/ /01/2013 Gray 1 1 bull S. peninsula Creek 09/01/ /01/2013- West 13 7 cows, 6 calves S. Peninsula Harrison 22/01/ /01/2013- West 2 1 bull, 1 calf S. Peninsula Harrison 24/01/2013 S. Peninsula 25/01/2013- West Harrison 1 1 bull TOTAL 17 Since 2000, 462 elk have been successfully released in the South Coast resulting in re-establishment of 22 South Coast elk herds (Fig. 3). Monitoring of all herds is ongoing and survey results for indicate that these herds are productive (Table 2). Figure 2. Roosevelt elk were first captured near Sechelt, BC in 2005 and relocated to the Indian River, population has grown from 20 to ~56 animals since release. Photo: Craig McLean Total population estimates for the relocated herds exceeds 1500 animals and harvests in many elk population units (EPU) are occurring or are planned (Table 3). Spring aerial surveys occur on an annual basis in watersheds where elk have been released. These surveys provide information concerning the sex composition, age structure, population size and mortality factors in each watershed. There is increasing evidence suggesting that natural predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bear is occurring in many EPUs. Figure 1. This herd of Roosevelt elk as was captured near Sechelt, BC in 2013 and relocated to this new high-value habitat along the West Harrison. Photo: Paul McFadden Table 2 Spring 2012 Heli Survey data Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearlings Bulls >2yrs Classified Sightability Corrected 1286* Ratio *Sightability correction factor of 0.6 for cows and calves, 0.4 for bulls In-kind support was provided by Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and the BC Conservation Foundation. Volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery. The recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure as well as individual volunteer and corporate donations.

8 Table 3. This table outlines how many Roosevelt elk were relocated during winter translocations and to which elk population units (EPU). Estimates are given for each EPU as are dates of initial harvest or planned dates for harvest initiation. Recovered EPUs are highlighted in green indicating where harvest is currently being used as a management tool. Recovering EPUs are highlighted in blue indicating plans for future harvest. EPUs scheduled for potential release or augmentation are also listed, and highlighted in pink and orange. Original Release Population Unit Title Elk Released Conservation Status 2013 Estimated Population Initiation of Harvest Comments & Plans Sechelt Peninsula 24 Recovered Lois/ Powell River 25 Recovered McNab 26 Recovered Skwawka River 19 Recovered Rainy River / Grey Creek 27 Recovered LEH hunt planned for 2014 on Chapman/Grey side Narrows/ Tzoonie 22 Recovered Salmon/ Clowhom 28 Recovered Deserted River 20 Recovered Brittain River 20 Recovered Vancouver River 21 Recovered Indian River 20 Recovered Squamish River 26 Recovered Powell/Daniels 24 Recovered Pitt River 23 Recovering Stave River 20 Recovering Quatum River 19 Recovering Theodosia 19 Recovering Brem 24 Recovering Homathko River 20 Recovering Orford River 20 Recovering Toba River 20 Recovering Southgate 20 Recovering Mamquam 8 Recovering Chehalis/ West Harrison 16 Recovering elk released 2013, More releases planned for Lower Lillooet/ Tipella Few Elk 3 Release ~25 elk during Alouette Lake Present Few Elk 3 Release release of elk (CoqsSeymorSeymor Phillips Present Low 15 Augment to >25 elk Heydon Low 10 Augment to >25 elk Total Figure 3. This map illustrates the recovery status of Roosevelt elk in the South Coast by elk population unit (EPU). Elk icons represent release sites. For more information please contact: Darryl Reynolds Wildlife Biologist MFLNRO, Province of BC Phone: Darryl.Reynolds@gov.bc.ca

9 BACKGROUND AND FUTURE DIRECTION Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project Project Update, May 2014 To restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests and to increase opportunities for wildlife use, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast from 1987 to Eventually the need to control nuisance animals, combined with the desire to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas, led to the development of the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project (LMRERP) in Utilizing Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) funding, the LMRERP has completed more than 60 successful translocations of Roosevelt elk from source populations on the Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River area since 2001 (Table 3). The translocation objectives for the current LMRERP project year were fulfilled in the winter of ; including relocation of elk from Sechelt Peninsula to West Harrison Lake, Port Douglas and Chehalis River (Table 1, Fig. 1). The plan includes continued translocation of nuisance herds, continuation of spring aerial survey protocols, and expansion of survey intensity to include more global positioning systems data. Over the 2014 summer, consultation will continue to take place for further elk releases in Lower Lillooet/Port Douglas, Chehalis valley and Philips Arm. Additionally, a Roosevelt elk management plan/discussion paper is near completion for the Coast Area. Based on preliminary evaluations, release sites outlined for the future of elk recovery (fall ) on the mainland coast are as follows; trap approximately elk each winter and relocate these herds to the following release sites: Lower Lillooet / Port Douglas Cap-Seymour, Alouette/ Gold Creek, and Upper Coquitlam Augmentation of elk herds in Phillips, Heydon and Stafford Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the South Coast, /012/2013 S. peninsula 16/12/2013 Port Douglas 14 3 bulls, 6 cows, 5 calves 04/01/2014 S. Peninsula 05/01/2014- Chehalis River 10 1 Bull, 7 cows, 3 calves 22/01/2013 S. Peninsula 23/01/2013- West Harrison Lake 14 2 bull, 8 cows, 4 calves TOTAL 38 Since 2000, 500 elk have been successfully released in the South Coast resulting in re-establishment of 21 South Coast elk herds (Fig. 3). Monitoring of all herds is ongoing and survey results for indicate that these herds are productive (Table 2). Figure 2. Roosevelt elk were first captured near Sechelt, BC in 2005 and relocated to the Indian River, population has grown from 20 to >50 animals since release. Photo: Craig McLean Total population estimates for the relocated herds exceeds 1500 animals and harvests in many elk population units (EPU) are occurring or are planned (Table 3). Spring aerial surveys occur on an annual basis in watersheds where elk have been released. These surveys provide information concerning the sex composition, age structure, population size and mortality factors in each watershed. There is increasing evidence suggesting that natural predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bear is occurring in many EPUs. Figure 1. This herd of Roosevelt elk as was captured near Pender Harbour, BC in 2014 and relocated to this new high-value habitat in the Chehalis valley. Photo: Cody Ambrose Table 2 Spring 2014 Heli Survey data Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearlings Bulls >2yrs Classified Sightability Corrected 943* Ratio *Sightability correction factor of 0.6 for cows and calves, 0.4 for bulls In-kind support was provided by Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and the BC Conservation Foundation. Volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery. The recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

10 Table 3. This table outlines how many Roosevelt elk were relocated during winter translocations and to which elk population units (EPU). Estimates are given for each EPU as are dates of initial harvest or planned dates for harvest initiation. Recovered EPUs are highlighted in green indicating where harvest is currently being used as a management tool. Recovering EPUs are highlighted in blue indicating plans for future harvest. EPUs scheduled for potential release or augmentation are also listed, and highlighted in pink and orange. Original Release Population Unit Title Elk Released Conservation Status 2014 Estimated Population Initiation of Harvest Comments & Plans Sechelt Peninsula 24 Recovered Lois/ Powell River 25 Recovered McNab 26 Recovered Skwawka River 19 Recovered Rainy River / Grey Creek 27 Recovered Narrows 22 Recovered Clowhom River 28 Recovered Deserted River 20 Recovered Brittain River 20 Recovered Vancouver River 21 Recovered Indian River 20 Recovered Squamish River 26 Recovered Powell/Daniels 24 Recovered Pitt River 23 Recovering Stave River 20 Recovering Quatum River 19 Recovering Theodosia 19 Recovering Brem 24 Recovering 20 TBD Homathko River 20 Recovering Orford River 20 Recovering Toba River 20 Recovering Southgate 20 Recovering Mamquam 8 Recovering 15 TBD Chehalis/ West Harrison 40 Recovering 45 TBD 16 elk released 2013, 24 elk released in Lower Lillooet/ Port 14 Recovering 14 TBD 14 elk released in Douglas Alouette, Coquitlam, Few Elk 2 TBD Consider release of elk Seymor Phillips Present Low 10 TBD Assess current population then augment to Heydon Low 10 TBD Assess current population then augment to Stafford Low 5 TBD Assess current population then augment to 25 Total Figure 3. This map illustrates the recovery status of Roosevelt elk in the South Coast by elk population unit (EPU). Elk icons represent release sites. For more information please contact: Darryl Reynolds Wildlife Biologist MFLNRO, Province of BC Phone: Darryl.Reynolds@gov.bc.ca

11 South Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Annual Project Summary, May 2015 BACKGROUND AND FUTURE DIRECTION From 1987 to 1983, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast in order to restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests and to increase opportunities for wildlife use. In 2000, the Coastal Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery and Management Project (CMRERMP) was initiated to continue re-establishing elk populations in additional areas and to manage the established South Coast elk populations. From source populations on the Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River area, CMRERMP has completed more than 70 translocations of Roosevelt elk to 25 Population Units throughout Region 2 (Table 3). Funding for this initiative has primarily been provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) and Ministry of Transportation and approximately 12 elk will be released each site for a total Translocation of approximately 36 elk during CMRERMP translocation objectives for the current project year were fulfilled in the winter of , which included relocation of elk from Sechelt Peninsula to Tipella and Chehalis River (Table 1, Fig. 1). Additionally 20 elk were fitted with GPS collars. Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the South Coast, /01/ /01/ spike bull, 4 cows S. peninsula 20 Mile Bay 05/01/2015 S. Peninsula 07/01/2014 Tipella 14 2 spike bulls, 7 cows, 5 calves 27/01/2015 S. Peninsula 28/01/2015 Chehalis Lake 10 1 bull, 5 cows, 4 calves TOTAL 29 Since 2000, >500 elk have been successfully released in the South Coast resulting in re-establishment of 25 South Coast elk Populations (Fig. 3). Monitoring of all herds is ongoing and survey results for indicate that these herds are stable to increasing (Table 2). The total number of Roosevelt elk estimated for the South Coast exceeds 1600 and hunting in many elk population units (EPU) is occurring or is planned (Table 3). There is increasing evidence suggesting that predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bear is occurring in many EPUs. Table 2 Spring 2015 aerial survey results Fig 1. Roosevelt elk captured near Sechelt, BC (2015) being released into high-value habitat in the Chehalis valley. Photo: Dan Kriss Infrastructure (MoTI) as well and numerous volunteers Translocation efforts will continue to be an important directive for CMRERMP in coming years. However as the distribution and numbers of elk increase the focus of CMRERMP must expand to include the management of recovered elk populations. A Roosevelt Elk Management Plan has been completed to guide this work in the Coast Area. Annual aerial surveys will continue to be the principle method for monitoring population size, sex composition and age structure. A relatively new tool for CMRERMP will be the use of satellite-telemetry collars to collect detailed information on mortality, seasonal ranges and habitat use of elk. These data will provide valuable information for wildlife staff to evaluate management objectives for elk and also to better understand the ecological implications of elk recovery. Preparations continue regarding potential elk releases at Phillips River, Eldred River and Lois River. Preliminary objectives and timelines for these release sites are: Total Elk Cows >2yrs Calves Yearling Bulls > 2yrs Classified Sightability Corrected Ratio Project leadership and management was provided by Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and the BC Conservation Foundation. Volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery. The recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

12 Table 3. Number of Roosevelt elk relocated during winter translocations and to which elk population units (EPU). Estimates are given for each EPU as are dates of initial harvest or planned dates for harvest initiation. Recovered EPUs are highlighted in green indicating where harvest is currently being used as a management tool. Recovering EPUs are highlighted in blue indicating plans for future harvest. EPUs scheduled for potential release or augmentation are also listed, and highlighted in pink and orange. Original Release Population Unit Title Elk Released Conservation Status 2015 Estimated Population Initiation of Harvest Comments & Plans Sechelt Peninsula 24 Recovered Haslam/ Powell River 25 Recovered McNab 26 Recovered Skwawka River 19 Recovered Rainy River / Grey Creek 27 Recovered Narrows 22 Recovered Clowhom River 28 Recovered Deserted River 20 Recovered Brittain River 20 Recovered Vancouver River 21 Recovered Indian River 20 Recovered Squamish River 26 Recovered Powell/Daniels 24 Recovered Pitt River 23 Recovering Stave River 20 Recovering Quatum River 19 Recovering 30 TBD Theodosia 19 Recovering Brem 24 Recovering 20 TBD Homathko River 20 Recovering Orford River 20 Recovering Toba River 20 Recovering Southgate 20 Recovering Mamquam 8 Recovering 15 TBD Chehalis/ West Harrison 55 Recovering Lower Lillooet 28 Recovering Eldred / Lois Few Elk 10 TBD Augment by release of ~12-24 elk Phillips Low 10 TBD Assess current population then augment to > 25 Total Fig 3. This map illustrates the recovery status of Roosevelt elk in the South Coast by elk population unit (EPU). Elk icons represent release sites For more information please contact: Darryl Reynolds Wildlife Biologist MFLNRO, Province of BC Phone: Darryl.Reynolds@gov.bc.ca

13 South Coast Roosevelt Elk Management Project Update, February 2016 BACKGROUND AND FUTURE DIRECTION From 1986 to 1987, Roosevelt elk were relocated from Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast in order to restore natural biodiversity and ecosystem function in coastal forests, and to increase opportunities for wildlife use. In 2000, the Lower Mainland Roosevelt Elk Recovery Project (LMRERP) was initiated to manage the increasing Sunshine Coast herd and nuisance elk on the highway corridor, golf courses, agricultural areas, and land-owners property. The primary objective of the LMRERP is the relocation of these elk in order to re-establish historical populations in less developed and more suitable habitat throughout the south coast region. From source populations on the Sechelt Peninsula and Powell River, LMRERP has completed more than 70 translocations of Roosevelt elk to 25 Population Units throughout Region 2 (Table 3). Funding for this initiative has been provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI), the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF), Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (MoFLNRO) and many others. Figure 1 -A herd of Roosevelt elk on the highway Translocation efforts (Figure 2) will continue to be an important directive for LMRERP in coming years. However, as the distribution and numbers of elk change, the focus of LMRERP must expand to include the management of recovered elk populations. A management plan for Roosevelt elk in BC has been completed. LMRERP translocation objectives for the current project year were fulfilled in the winter of , which included relocation of elk from the Sechelt highway corridor (MoTI Ruby Lake gravel pit and Pender Harbour Elementary/Secondary School), to Eldred River valley. Table 1 Summary of Roosevelt elk translocations in the South Coast, /01/2016 MoTI Ruby Lk gravel pit 06/01/2016 Eldred River 8 2 raghorn bulls, 1 spike bull, 4 cows, 1 calf 11/01/2016 Pender Harbour school Since 2000, >500 elk have been successfully translocated in the South Coast resulting in, the re-establishment of most South Coast elk Populations(Fig. 3) and a significant reduction of elk related conflicts. Monitoring of all herds is ongoing and survey results for indicate that these herds are stable to increasing. The total number of Roosevelt elk estimated for the South Coast exceeds 1600 and hunting in many elk population units (EPU) is occurring or is planned (Table 3). There is increasing evidence suggesting that predation of elk by cougar, wolf, and grizzly bear is occurring in many EPUs. 12/01/2016 Eldred River TOTAL spike bulls, 1 cow, 3 calves Roosevelt elk recovery objectives were primarily met through funding received from the MoTI and HCTF. In-kind support was provided by MoFLNRO wildlife biologists in collaboration with First Nations and the BC Conservation Foundation. Invaluable volunteer assistance was received from many local supporters of elk recovery, including Capilano Highways employees who graciously donated their time to volunteer with the LMRERP. Figure 2- A young bull (male) Roosevelt elk captured at the MoTI Ruby Lake gravel pit on the Sechelt peninsula (2016), being released into high-value habitat in the Eldred River valley. Photo: Dan Kriss

14 Table 3. Number of Roosevelt elk relocated during winter translocations and to which elk population units (EPU). Estimates are given for each EPU as are dates of initial harvest or planned dates for harvest initiation. Recovered EPUs are highlighted in green indicating where harvest is currently being used as a management tool. Recovering EPUs are highlighted in blue indicating plans for future harvest. EPUs scheduled for potential release or augmentation are also listed, and highlighted in pink and orange Estimated Population Original Release Population Unit Title Elk Released Conservation Status Sechelt Peninsula 24 Recovered Haslam/ Powell River 25 Recovered McNab 26 Recovered Skwawka River 19 Recovered Rainy River / Grey Creek 27 Recovered Narrows 22 Recovered Clowhom River 28 Recovered Deserted River 20 Recovered Brittain River 20 Recovered Vancouver River 21 Recovered Indian River 20 Recovered Squamish River 26 Recovered Powell/Daniels 24 Recovered Pitt River 23 Recovering Stave River 20 Recovering Quatum River 19 Recovering 30 TBD Theodosia 19 Recovering Brem 24 Recovering 20 TBD Homathko River 20 Recovering Orford River 20 Recovering Toba River 20 Recovering Southgate 20 Recovering Mamquam 8 Recovering 15 TBD Chehalis/ West Harrison 55 Recovering Initiation of Harvest Comments & Plans Lower Lillooet/ 28 Recovering PDouglasDouglas Eldred Few Elk 10 TBD Released 14 elk in Eldred River valley in Phillips Present Low 10 TBD Assess current population then augment to 25 Total Fig 3. This map illustrates the recovery status of Roosevelt elk in the South Coast by elk population unit (EPU). Elk icons represent release sites For more information please contact: Darryl Reynolds Wildlife Biologist MFLNRO, Province of BC Phone: Darryl.Reynolds@gov.bc.ca