consultants ltd. p.o. box 41, bowen island, b.c. canada

WHITEHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD.

P.O. Box 41, Bowen Island, B.C. Canada V0N 1G0 604-947-0144 - [email protected]

May 4, 2016

Our Project File: 090-2 Tom Fletcher Fletcher & Company Municipal Consulting Inc. 393 67A Street Delta, B.C. V4L 2B8 Tel: 604-948-9697 Via Email: [email protected]

ENVIRONMENTAL DUE-DILIGENCE REPORT: Capital Regional District Parks and Recreation Program Land Acquisition Project at 181 Brinkworthy Road, Salt Spring Island.

Dear Tom; This letter presents the findings of our high-level environmental study (the project) of the 15-acre (6.1 ha) property at 181 Brinkworthy Road, Salt Spring Island (Figure 1). The assessment is based on a detailed reconnaissance of the subject parcel on March 31st and April 1st, 2016; review of background documentation provided by the Capital Regional District (CRD) or obtained from online sources including conceptual sketches of the proposed development layout; discussions with CRD staff and planning consultants; and an incidental interview with a neighbouring resident of Brinkworthy Place during the field work.

1. Introduction

The objectives of the study were to assist the CRD to complete its due-diligence, as part of the land acquisition process, to (a) confirm whether or not the property has any environmental constraints that will hinder its development for the proposed use; (b) identify those environmental aspects which need to be addressed as part of the development process; and (c) address any previously identified concerns that the community may have regarding the potential impact of the park development on the local environment.

In accordance with the Terms of Reference for the project, we are providing in this report a detailed biophysical description of the existing ecosystems including locations of watercourses, wetlands and associated riparian areas, critical habitat for species protected under the Wildlife Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act (e.g., active bird nests and heron & raptor nesting trees); a review the possible presence of species and ecosystems at risk; and recommended follow-up issues to be addressed in the event that the proposed sports fields are to be developed at this location.

Our understanding of the proposed land use is based on the conceptual sketches shown in Figure 2, which would likely be implemented in a phased approach.

Environmental Due-diligence Report: CRD Land Acquisition at 181 Brinkworthy Road, p.2 of 28 Salt Spring Island. May 4, 2016.

Whitehead Environmental Consultants Ltd. 604-947-0144 - [email protected]

2. Biophysical Description

The field reconnaissance was completed on March 31 and April 1 during a period of dry weather. Rainfall during the previous 14 days had been 37.5 mm, with 9.6 mm falling on March 26-28.1 Deciduous vegetation was at the very early stage of breaking dormancy and birds were in the very early stages of breeding activity.

2.1 Existing development

Existing development on the property includes agriculture (hayfield), a residence and out-buildings, a well and pump-house, power poles and electrical cables, and an unsurfaced driveway to the residence. The location of the residence’s likely septic field was not ascertained. There is also an informal trail and a raised boardwalk within the northwest side forest that appear to be accessed from the neighbouring property (625 Upper Ganges Road), which appear to be used recreationally. Fencing was observed along much of the perimeter except the west side (north of the driveway) and at the north end of the hayfield (Figure 3). Accumulations of miscellaneous debris (metals, plastics and glass) were present around the house and in several areas of the forest.

2.2 Topography, drainage and soils

The property is located in an area of nearly flat to very gently sloping terrain near the height of land, and drains to three watersheds. According to Islands Trust mapping, the elevation ranges from 64 to 69 m above sea level (Figure 3). The approximate watershed divides and drainage routes identified within the property during the reconnaissance are shown in Figure 3. The northern half drains to Madrona Creek (Long Harbour) (~ 3.1 ha), while most of the southern half drains to Okano Creek (Booth Canal) (~2.9 ha), and a small area in the southeast corner drains to Ganges Creek (Ganges Harbour) (~0.13 ha).

A patchwork of standing water was observed in the central field area, most of which appeared to drain toward the south and a smaller portion to the north (Photos 1 and 2). The direction of drainage in the cleared area is strongly influenced by past plowing or grading by agricultural use, such that the watershed divide was very irregular when inspected (Figure 3). Drainage ditches were also seen along the southern boundary within the lots of Brinkworthy Place, ranging from swales to concrete lined channels (Photos 3 and 4). These ditches were not continuous and it was not possible to discern their ultimate points of discharge (if any exist) either within Brinkworthy Place or farther down slope toward Lower Ganges Road or Brinkworthy Road. A resident of one of the lots that appears to receive the most runoff, interviewed during the field work, indicated that drainage from the field was only a concern for her garden during the winter rainy season.2

Groundwater was not investigated, as this topic was beyond the scope of the present assessment. However, the following two observations may be pertinent to the hydrological and hydrogeological assessments being conducted as part of the due-diligence and planning for the future sports fields’ development. First, an excavated pond was observed in the neighbouring lot to the north (601 Upper Ganges Road) (Figure 3). Although not inspected in detail, it appears that this pond may be fed, in part,

1 Based on records for St. Mary Lake kindly provided by the North Salt Spring Waterworks District. 2 The frontage of this lot on the subject property was very small, less than 5 m; rather than having a ditch, as did her neighbours

on either side with larger frontages, she had built a small berm to divert the water to either side of her parcel.



by runoff from 181 Brinkworthy; it was not possible to ascertain whether this pond may also be fed by groundwater. Secondly, the pump house on the west side of the driveway near Brinkworthy Road is understood to contain a well; and another well was also noted on the neighbouring lot to the east (210 Norton Road) (Figure 3). Information on the seasonal changes in the water table in these wells and pond will be important for planning both the development and the maintenance of the sports fields.

Soils mapping by Agriculture Canada is shown in Figure 4. The soil types that most closely match our field observations of ponding and saturated soils in the hayfield and part of the forested east side are Brigantine and Parksville soils, described as poorly to imperfectly drained (van Vliet et al. 1987).3 Piles of stones, many overgrown by vegetation, were observed in the uncultivated areas outside the northern perimeter of the hayfield (Photo 5); it is presumed that these stones had been removed from the cultivated area in the past. Widely scattered larger stones were also observed at surface within the forest (Photo 6). This information on stoniness is included here because it may be relevant for planning of future excavation, grading, drainage, and disposal of spoils.

2.3 Vegetation

The property contains three distinct vegetation types: forest in two areas (approx. 19,600 + 16,100 = 37,000 m2); grass including the hayfield (approx. 20,000 m2) and garden (approx. 1200 m2); and shrub including the hayfield-to-forest transition zone (approx. 2100 m2) and the “hedgerow” along the south boundary of the lot (approx. 1300 m2). Plant species observed in each vegetation type are listed in Table 1. This list must be considered incomplete since it was not possible to identify all annual or deciduous plants due to the early-spring timing of the field observations and resulting lack of leaves and flowers.

The forested areas are a young-to-mature second-growth coniferous forest dominated by Douglas-fir with secondary abundance of red alder, western redcedar, arbutus, grand fir, and a small amount of black cottonwood and bitter cherry. Tree diameters at breast height (dbh) average approximately 0.4 m, with a range between ~0.2 to 1.2 m (Photos 7 and 8). The canopy (crown closure) is generally dense (40-50%) although there are some open areas where the tree density is lower. Standing dead trees (snags, mainly red alder and a much lesser number of Douglas-fir) and fallen trees (red alder and conifers) were common. Cavities made by birds are present in many of the snags (see discussion of wildlife, below). The understorey is typically sparse where the canopy is closed and becomes denser in the more open areas. Common understorey species in the forest interior include salal, swordfern, Oregon grape and stinging nettle. A small wetland area (wetland-forest complex) within the south edge of the east forest area is dominated by an unidentified species of sedge (Figure 3, Photo 9).

The hayfield is dominated by several species of unidentified grasses, which are mowed periodically. Scattered Scotch broom plants were present in areas of higher ground (Photo 10), and rushes, forbs4 and mats of unicellular algae were observed within the wetter areas. The “garden” area around the house is comprised mainly of grasses, and appears to be unmaintained (Photo 11). There is a row of several

3 Imperfectly drained soils are wet and saturated with water to approximately 60 cm of the surface during winter months. The subsoil remains in a moist condition during the rest of the year. Surface soil may be dry to even droughty during prolonged dry periods in the summer. Poorly drained soils are very wet and saturated, with water tables close to the surface for most of the year. During winter, water tables may be at the surface, but dropping to below 60 cm during the summer, allowing the surface to become dry. (van Vliet et al. 1987)

4 Forbs are soft-stemmed annual flowering plants that are not grasses, sedges and rushes.



Lombardy poplar trees along the south side of the driveway, a weeping willow near the house on the east side, and a bigleaf maple in the outer yard to the south.

The shrub zone between the hayfield and the forest varies in width from approximately 3 to 15 m and is typically very dense (Photos 12 and 13). The dominant species in this zone include Scotch broom, oceanspray and Himalayan blackberry in the driest areas; and rose, salmonberry, willow, red osier dogwood and others where the ground is seasonally wetter (Photo 14). The hedgerow along the south boundary of the property is discontinuous and consists mainly of a row of Douglas-fir trees with an average dbh of approximately 0.4 m, and a variable undergrowth that ranges from un-mowed grasses to patches of salal, Himalayan blackberry, Scotch broom and other shrub species (Photos 15 and 16).

Invasive plants

Invasive plant species observed on the property were identified by reference to online information available from the Salt Spring Island Conservancy (SSC 2016) and the provincial government (Ralph et al. 2014), and are listed in Table 1. The invasive plants most commonly observed included patches of reed canary grass in the wetter portions of the hayfield, Scotch broom in the hayfield and along its edges, Himalayan blackberry and holly along the edge of the hayfield and in the forest, and spurge laurel within the forest (Photo 20). In general, the surface area affected by invasive plant species was limited.

2.4 Wildlife

Wildlife species observed during the study, either directly (by sight or sound) or indirectly (by droppings, tracks or other sign), are listed in Table 2. This list must be considered incomplete since the observations were made during the early spring before the arrival of most migratory species and before the emergence of hibernating species. (It is worth noting that seasonal cultivation and mowing may render large areas of the hayfield uninhabitable by some species.)

Birds were by far the most abundant wildlife, particularly along the edge zone between the hayfield and the forest. No bird nesting activity was noted during the two periods of observation; however, it is recognized that this lack of observations is largely a result of the earliness of the season. Several of the snags of red alder and Douglas-fir contained cavities that may be used for nesting by smaller birds (e.g., Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatch and others) and, to a lesser extent, by larger species such as woodpeckers and owls (Photos 17 and 18). One tree in particular, a 0.4 m dbh red alder in the northwest part of the property, was found to contain a larger cavity that may be used by nesting owls (Figure 3). Examination with binoculars revealed the presence of spider webs across the opening, which suggests that the cavity was not in use; also, no owl pellets or droppings were found at the base of the tree (however, this does not mean that the cavity will not be used this season). Other than the latter unconfirmed potential owl nest, no other raptor or heron nests were found in the trees on the property.

It is noted that three neighbouring residents who attended the public consultation event regarding the CRD’s potential purchase of the subject property reported having heard owl calls in the area, as well as the possible presence of a heronry in the northwest forested area. However, during our detailed inspection of the forest, no owls were heard and no heron nests were found. A mature Douglas-fir tree with a heavy infestation of mistletoe was found (Photo 19), which did present the appearance of a group of nests around the trunk high above the ground, albeit much smaller than those made by herons.



Mammals observed during the inspection included Columbia black-tailed deer (a doe and a yearling in the hayfield and in the forest), red squirrel (heard) and raccoon (tracks in the mud). A resident of Brinkworthy Place interviewed during the field work reported having observed up to eight deer in the hayfield in the past. Smaller rodents such as voles, mice and shrews are also likely to be present but were not observed.

No reptiles or amphibians were seen or reported. It is recognized that, as with other species, the likelihood of observing reptiles and amphibians during the study was very low due to the earliness of the spring season. Reptiles and amphibians that may occur are listed in Table 2. No aquatic habitat was found within the property that provides the conditions normally favoured for reproduction by amphibian species that have an aquatic larval stage; however, an excavated pond in one of the neighbouring properties to the north (601 Upper Ganges Road) may provide suitable reproductive habitat for frogs and salamanders that disperse into the adjacent forest during the growing season.

Invasive or nuisance animals

Invasive and nuisance wildlife species were also identified by reference to the online information available from the Salt Spring Conservancy (SSC 2016). The only invasive animal species observed during the study was an unidentified feral rabbit on Brinkworthy Road near the driveway, while the only so-called nuisance species observed was the deer in the hayfield and forest.

3 Species and ecosystems at risk

3.1 Overview

Species and ecosystems at risk are identified by the Salt Spring Conservancy (SSC 2016) based on the classifications developed by the provincial Conservation Data Centre (CDC) and the federal Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC).

The evaluation of species and ecosystems at risk in the present study focused on plants and animals that were either observed on site or are considered likely to be present based on available information. In the case of birds, the focus was limited to species that may nest on the property. It is noted that mosses and lichens, as well as mollusks and insects, were not investigated, although incidental sightings are reported.

3.2 Species at risk

Most of the plant species that are classified as being at risk on the island tend to be found in undisturbed ecological communities such as Garry oak meadows, open areas and dry sites with southern exposures (SSC 2016). However, six of the listed plant species at risk do occur in habitats observed in the subject property (Table 3). (As indicated above, it was not possible to identify all annual or deciduous flowering plants due to the early spring timing of the field study.) The likelihood of significant populations of any such species being present in the hayfield area, in particular, is considered low due to the multiple years of periodic cultivation and annual mowing during the growing season. Nonetheless, additional detailed surveys during the flowering season would be necessary to confirm the presence or absence of any of these species from the property (see 5. Recommendations, below).



Nine animal species at risk whose reproductive habitat may occur on the property, particularly in the forested area, are listed in Table 4. None of these species were observed during the reconnaissance. However, as indicated above, many migratory bird species that may occur on the property would not have been present during the study due to the earliness of the season. Additional surveys during the spring and summer would be necessary to confirm the absence of any of these species from the property (see 5. Recommendations, below).

It is noted that species listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) are protected on federal lands and/or in projects or situations in which the federal government is involved.

3.3 Sensitive Ecosystems

The Islands Trust mapping identifies the ecological communities on the property as a primary ecosystem of Douglas-fir – Grand fir – Oregon Grape (Islands Trust 2016b). The forest areas are described as Young Forest and the hayfield area as Shrub/Herb. A search of the BC Ministry of Environment’s online BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer confirmed that neither ecosystem type is classified as sensitive or at risk (MoE 2016).

4 Public concerns regarding environmental aspects

The issues discussed below have been identified as environmental concerns by members of the community who participated in the CRD’s public consultation process regarding the subject property.5 The importance of each issue is evaluated in light of our field observations, and recommended next steps are identified as appropriate.

Water supply: The seasonal scarcity of water supplies on the island leads to a recurring concern over the demands on surface or groundwater resources and, in an environmental context, possible impacts to local flora and fauna. In order to address this concern, the CRD has already commissioned additional hydrological and hydrogeological assessments which also focus on the implementation phase.

Stormwater Drainage: The main concern identified around stormwater is the potential for increased flooding along lower Ganges Creek during high-runoff events, due to the perception that playing fields would necessarily reduce the land’s ability to retain water (i.e. increase imperviousness). However, it was found during the present study that the proportion of the property that drains to Ganges Creek (2%) is likely smaller (Figure 3) than is suggested by the Islands Trust watershed mapping. For this reason, and assuming that the same proportion of stormwater draining to Ganges Creek would be retained after construction of the sports fields, it would appear unlikely that the effect on peak flows in lower Ganges Creek would be measurable. Moreover, any potential effect that may result from increased imperviousness after development can be readily mitigated through the use of onsite detention and/or diversion of the Ganges Creek runoff to one or both of the other watersheds where downstream flooding is not a concern. Regarding the latter option of diversion to another watershed, our preliminary impression is that, considering the likely very small amount of water involved, any impacts on the receiving watershed would be negligible to beneficial, while impacts on the Ganges Creek ecosystem would likely be minor to negligible. We understand that an evaluation of alternative approaches is being

5 Aesthetic impacts of sports field development are considered separate from environmental aspects and are beyond the scope of

this report.



undertaken as part of the hydrological and hydrogeological assessments mentioned above (see 5. Recommendations, below).

Loss of Owl Habitat: Two community members have reported hearing the calls of an (unidentified) owl from the forest in the property, and have expressed a concern regarding the loss of owl habitat. The forested areas have the potential to be used as nesting and feeding habitat for some species of owls (Table 2), and the hayfield may be used as feeding habitat. As indicated above, at least one tree in the forested area of the property contains cavities that may be used by nesting owls. The only owl species whose nests are explicitly protected under the Wildlife Act is the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) which does not occur in coastal B.C. However, the active nest of any bird is protected under the Act and the disturbance or destruction of any active nest without approval is an offense.6 The bird nesting season in south coastal B.C. is typically from mid-March to late August. Accordingly, compliance with the Wildlife Act will require that any clearing should be undertaken, either outside of the bird nesting season (i.e., between late August and mid-March) or, otherwise, only after a nesting bird survey by a qualified professional confirms the absence of any active bird nests on the property (see 5. Recommendations, below).

Unconfirmed Presence of a Heronry: A participant at one of the community consultation events reported the possible presence of a heron nesting colony (heronry) in the northwest forested area of the property. This area was inspected in detail during the present study and no large nests (of herons or other species) were observed. It was concluded that there is no evidence of a heronry on the subject lands.

Impacts of Artificial Lighting on Wildlife: Artificial lighting such as is used at outdoor sports facilities can affect migrating and nesting birds, mammals and other wildlife. CRD staff have indicated, however, that no artificial lighting system is proposed at this time. In the event that artificial lighting were to be contemplated in the future, it is recommended that the lighting system design should include mitigation of potential adverse impacts on adjacent wildlife habitat.

Climate Change Adaptation: Improving access to the property by pedestrians and cyclists has been identified by CRD staff as a way of reducing the reliance on motor vehicles and thereby diminishing the related carbon footprint of the sports facility’s use. This issue, although environmental in the broadest sense, is beyond the scope of the present assessment.

5 Recommendations

We offer the following recommendations to enable completion of the due-diligence regarding existing biophysical aspects of the property and potential impacts of the proposed development on nearby ecosystem values.

5.1 Ensure that the hydrological and hydrogeological assessments already underway also address the potential impacts of the proposed development on natural ecosystems off-site. In the event that potentially significant adverse impacts are identified, planning for the facility should incorporate appropriate mitigation into the facility’s design.

6 Other federal, provincial or regional legislation, policies or guidelines may also apply; however the focus here is on the B.C. Wildlife Act because it is the most pertinent in the context of the proposed sports field development.



5.2 Undertake a detailed vegetation survey by a qualified specialist during the flowering season to confirm whether or not the property in its present condition supports any plant species at risk. In the event that plant species at risk are found, develop a program, under the direction of a qualified specialist, to salvage and transplant the specimens or otherwise contribute to their preservation (e.g., through seed collection) and to comply with pertinent government policies and guidelines.

5.3 Undertake a detailed wildlife survey by a qualified specialist during the breeding season to confirm whether or not the property in its present condition supports any animal species at risk and/or species whose inactive nests (such as raptors) or other critical habitat are protected under the Wildlife Act. (Note that nests of the owl species found in south coastal B.C. are not protected under the Wildlife Act unless they are being used by a nesting owl.) In the event that animal species at risk or protected nests or other critical habitat are found, develop a program, under the direction of a qualified specialist, to comply with the Wildlife Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act and pertinent government policies and guidelines, and/or contribute to the particular species’ preservation (e.g., through protection of the critical habitat, or salvage and relocation).

6 Conclusions

The conclusions of the reconnaissance-level environmental due-diligence study described in this report are as follows:

6.1 The subject property does not appear to present significant environmental constraints - such as watercourses, wetlands and associated riparian areas; and legally protected species at risk or their critical habitat - that would hinder its development for sports fields use. However, additional detailed assessment of selected aspects is recommended to increase the certainty of this conclusion and facilitate development planning including measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts during construction and operation.

6.2 Field investigation of the concerns previously identified by members of the community regarding

potential impact of sports fields development on the local environment determined that: • no active owl nests were found; however, the property does contain potential owl nesting trees

that would need to be protected if a bird nest is confirmed to be in use; and • no heron nests were found on the property.

6.3 Additional hydrological and hydrogeological assessments, which are already underway, will

provide the additional information necessary to adequately address and mitigate any potential off-site biophysical impacts.

7 Statement of Limitations

This report was prepared exclusively for the Capital Regional District (the Client) by Whitehead Environmental Consultants Ltd. (WEC) for the project located at 181 Brinkworthy Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C. The quality of information, estimates and conclusions contained herein are consistent with the level of effort expended (please also see Figure 5) and are based on: (i) information available at the time of preparation; (ii) data collected by WEC and/or supplied by outside sources; and (iii) the assumptions, conditions and qualifications set forth in this report. The report is intended for use by the Client and the Bowen Island Municipality for this project only, subject to the



terms and conditions of the Client’s agreement with WEC concerning this assignment. Any other use or reliance on this report by any third party is made at that party’s sole risk.

8 References

Islands Trust. 2016a. Ecosystem Mapping – Sensitive Ecosystems. Available online at: http://www.islandstrust.bc.ca/maps/trust-area-mapping/ecosystem-mapping/; accessed Apr. 11, 2016

___________. 2016b. Map Islands Trust (MapIT). Available online at:

http://mapit.islandstrust.bc.ca/ecosystems.html; accessed Apr. 11, 2016 Ministry of Environment (MoE). 2016. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. Available online at:

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/atrisk/toolintro.html; accessed Apr. 11, 2016 Ralph, D, V. Miller, C. Hougen and J. Leekie. 2014. Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Invasive

Plants of British Columbia. 8th Edition. Invasive Species Council of B.C. and Inter-Ministry Invasive Species Working Group. Available online (accessed Apr. 11, 2016) at: http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Field_Guide_to_Noxious_Weeds_Final_WEB_09-25-2014.pdf

Salt Spring Conservancy (SSC). 2016. Plants – Animals. Available online at:

http://saltspringconservancy.ca/wp/plants-animals/ ; accessed Apr. 8, 2016 Van Vliet, L.J.P. A.J. Green, and E.A. Kenney. 1987. Soils of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Volume

1 Soils of Saltspring Island. Rep. No., 43. British Columbia Soil Survey, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada. 136 p. plus map. Report and map available online at: http://sis.agr.gc.ca/cansis/publications/surveys/bc/bc43-1/index.html; accessed Apr. 5, 2016

9 Closure

We trust the above report meets your needs for this project. Should you have any questions, please contact the undersigned at your convenience. Yours truly, WHITEHEAD ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS LTD. Alan J. Whitehead, M.Sc. R.P.Bio. President & Senior Environmental Specialist Attachments: Figures, Tables and Photos c.c. Dan Ovington, Capital Regional District, Salt Spring Island

ES

Environmental DuSalt Spring Island

601 U

611 Upper G

625 Upper G

192 Brinkwo

188 Brinkwo

171 Brinkw

ue-diligence Repo. May 4, 2016.

pper Ganges Rd

Ganges Rd

Ganges Rd

Ov

orthy Rd

orthy Rd

worthy Rd

ort: CRD Land Ac

verview of 181 Br

(Adapt

quisition at 181 B

rinkworthy Road

ed by Whitehead En

Brinkworthy Road

“Brin

55

Lot

Figure 1. and neighbourin

vironmental Consult

d,

181 Brinkwort

nkworthy Place”

51 Upper Ganges

4 Upper Ganges

210 Norton Rd

ng properties, Sa

ants Ltd., 15-Apr-201

Whitehe

thy Rd

s Rd

Rd

d

alt Spring Island.

16)

ead Environmental C604-947-0144 - ala

p.10 of 28

Consultants Ltd. [email protected]



Figure 2. Conceptual layout of the CRD’s proposed sports fields at 181 Brinkworthy Road

(compiled from drawings prepared by CRD staff.)



*

* To be confirmed by a qualified professional during the nesting season.



Figure 4. Soils map of the Project Area (adapted from van Vliet et al. 1987)

LEGEND Id = imperfectly drained W = small bodies of water (Ponds, dugouts) 4 = gentle slope (6-9%), 5 = moderate slope (10-15%)

Symbol Name Dominant soil Subdominant or minor soil Landscape position and surface form Soil materials and depth Drainage Soil materials and depth Drainage HA-BE Haslam-

Brigantine Channery and shaly sandy loam to silt loam colluvial, residual, and glacial drift materials less than 100 cm deep over sandstone, siltstone or shale bedrock (Haslam soil, 75-100%)

Well Loamy sand to sandy loam marine or fluvial deposits (30-100 cm thick) over silty clay loam to silty clay marine deposits more than 100 cm deep (Brigantine soil, 25-50%)

Imperfect Series of long, narrow ridges with Haslam soils separated by depressions and draws with Brigantine soils and occasionally minor amounts of Parksville soils.

ME Mexicana Gravelly sandy loam to gravelly loam morainal deposits less than 100 cm deep over compact unweathered till (Mexicana soil, 80-100%)

Moderately well

Gravelly sandy loam to gravelly loamy sand marine or fluvial capping (0-30 cm thick) over Mexicana soil (0-20%)

Moderately well

In subdued terrain, usually on sideslope positions throughout the map area. Marine or fluvial capping occurs at random.

PA Parksville Loamy sand to sandy loam marine or fluvial deposits (30 to 100 cm thick) over silty clay loam to silty clay marine deposits more than 100 cm deep (Parksville soil, 65-100%)

Poor Loamy sand to sandy loam marine or fluvial deposits (30-100 cm thick) over silty clay loam to silty clay marine deposits more than 100 cm deep (Brigantine soils, 0-35%)

Imperfect In depressions, swales, and drainage ways on level to undulating terrain. Brigantine soils occupy the higher landscape positions.

TR Trinciomali Gravelly sandy loam to gravelly loamy sand (30-100 cm thick) marine, fluvial, or glaciofluvial deposits over compact, unweathered till within 100 cm (Trincomali soil, 65-100%)

Moderately well

Gravelly sandy loam to gravelly sand glaciofluvial, fluvial, or marine deposits more than 150 cm deep (Qualicum soil, 0-35%)

Rapid to well

Trincomali soils occur as shallow beach, terrace or outwash deposits over till. Qualicum soils occur at random where till is absent or deeper than 150 cm.

Brin

kwor

thy

Rd

PROJECT



Figure 5. GPS track (purple lines) of the reconnaissance traverses completed at 181 Brinkworthy Road on March 31 and April 1, 2016, during the environmental reconnaissance described in this report.

Boundary of subject property



Table 1. Preliminary list of plant species present at 181 Brinkworthy Road (x = observed during a reconnaissance on March 31 and April 1, 2016)

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Type a Notes Forest Hayfield Shrub Trees

1 Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii x x 2 Western redcedar Thuja plicata x x 3 Grand fir Abies grandis x x 4 Red alder Alnus rubra 5 Arbutus Arbutus menziesii x 6 Bigleaf maple Acer macrophyllum x 7 Black cottonwood Populus balsamifera x 8 Bitter cherry Prunus emarginata x x 9 Lombardy poplar Populus nigra italica x Non-native, ornamental

10 Weeping willow Salix × sepulcralis x Non-native, ornamental Shrubs

11 Oceanspray Holodiscus discolor x x 12 Willow, unidentified Salix sp. x 13 Red Osier dogwood Cornus sericea x 14 English holly Ilex aquifolium x x x Invasive 15 Indian Plum Oemleria cerasiformis x 16 Salmonberry Rubus spectabilis x x x 17 Rose, unidentified Rosa sp. x 18 Red elderberry Sambucus racemosa x 19 Red huckleberry Vaccinium parvifolium x 20 Oregon grape Mahonia aquifolium x 21 Scotch broom Cytisus scoparius x Invasive 22 Spurge laurel Daphne laureola x Invasive, toxic bark 23 Salal Gaultheria shallon x x x 24 Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus Invasive 25 Hairy honeysuckle Lonicera hispidula x 26 Trailing blackberry Rubus ursinus x 27 English Ivy Hedera helix x Invasive

Herbaceous species 28 Stinging nettle Urtica dioica x 29 Northern Bedstraw Galium boreale x 30 Vanilla leaf Achlys triphylla x 31 Western Trillium Trillium ovatum ovatum x 32 Sedge, unidentified Carex sp. x 33 Pacific water-parsley Oenanthe sarmentosa x 34 Wood rush Luzula sp. x 35 Common rush Juncus effusus x 36 Swordfern Polystichum munitum x x 37 Bracken Pteridium aquilinum x x x 38 Skunk cabbage Lysichiton americanus x x 39 Reed Canary grass Phalaris arundinacea x Invasive 40 Grasses, unidentified Poaceae x x Several species41 Mosses, unidentified Bryophyta x x Several species42 Lungwort (lichen) Lobaria pulmonaria x x 43 Lichens x Several arboreal species

a – Forest is the tree-dominated zone; Shrub is the shrub-dominated zone between the hayfield and the forest, including the treed hedgerow along the south boundary; Hayfield is the grass-dominated zone and includes the grassy area around the house.



Table 2. Preliminary list of animal species observed or potentially present at 181 Brinkworthy Road (x = observed during a reconnaissance on March 31 and April 1, 2016)

Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Typea Notes Forest Hayfield Shrub Birds 1 American Robin Turdus migratorius x x x abundant 2 Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus x x very common 3 Brown Creeper Certhia americana x Heard and seen 4 Red-Breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis x heard 5 Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia x heard and seen 6 Sparrow, unidentified x heard 7 Pacific Wren Troglodytes pacificus x common 8 Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas x heard 9 Orange-crowned warbler Oreothlypis celata x heard and seen

10 Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatu x heard drumming 11 Woodpecker, unidentified x heard 12 Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus x at south boundary 13 Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus x heard and seen 14 Common Raven Cyanocorax affinis x x x heard 15 Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus x x reported by a neighbour Mammals

16 Black-tailed Deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus

x x x common

17 Raccoon Procyon lotor x x tracks in mud 18 Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus x heard 19 Rabbit, unidentified Sylvilagus? x seen on Brinkworthy Rd 20 Townsend vole c Microtus townsendii ? ? 21 Deer Mouse c Peromyscus maniculatus ? ? ? 22 Vagrant Shrew c Sorex vagrans ? ? ? 23 Little Brown Myotis (bat)b Myotis lucifugus x Endangered under COSEWIC and

SARA but considered secure in BC 24 California Myotis b Myotis californicus x Reptilesb

25 Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis ? ? ? 26 NW Garter Snake Thamnophis ordinoides ? ? ? 27 Sharp-Tailed Snake Contia tenuis ? ? ? red-listed 28 Northern Alligator Lizard Elgaria coerulea ? ? Amphibiansc

29 Northern Pacific Tree Frog Pseudacris regilla ? 30 N. Red-Legged Frog Rana aurora ? blue-listed 31 Western Toad Anaxyrus boreas ? blue-listed 32 W Redback Salamander Plethodon vehiculum ? 33 Wandering Salamander Aneides vagrans ? 34 Ensatina Salamander Ensatina eschscholtzii ? Insects

35 Unidentified flies x x x many species 36 Ants, unidentified x 2 anthills on E forest edge

a – Forest is the tree-dominated zone; Shrub is the shrub-dominated zone between the hayfield and the forest, including the treed hedgerow along the south boundary; Hayfield is the grass-dominated zone and includes the grassy area around the house.

b – None observed; species listed are considered potentially present because elements of their preferred habitat exist on the subject property.

c – None observed; species listed are considered potentially present because they do not require aquatic habitat for reproduction and/or because elements of their preferred habitat exist on the subject property.

A question mark (?) indicates that the species may occur in the habitat but was not observed during the study. A blank cell indicates that the species is unlikely to be present in that habitat type.



Table 3. Plant Species at Risk whose known habitat may occur at 181 Brinkworthy Road. (None of these species were observed during the reconnaissance on March 31 and April 1, 2016)

Common Name

Scientific Name Conservation status1

Habitat2

1 California Hedge-parsley

Yabea microcarpa red-listed Usually found in Gary oak woodlands and meadows but also occurs in Douglas-fir forests

2 Heterocodon Heterocodon rariflora blue-listed Found in open to forested habitats with moist seepages and seasonally moist areas

3 Leafless Wintergreen

Pyrola aphylla blue-listed Found in forests with deep compost and decaying wood under a dense tree canopy in deep shade

4 Phantom Orchid Cephalanthera austiniae red-listed Found on south and west-facing slopes, usually on the forest floor under dense stands of trees

5 Poverty Clover Trifolium depauperatum var. depauperatum

blue-listed Found in wet or moist grassy areas at low elevations

6 Nuttal’s Quillwort

Isoetes nutallii blue-listed Found in seasonally moist habitats and mud; associated species include Nootka rose, reed canary grass and others.

1 – Provincial status: blue list includes any indigenous species or subspecies considered to be of Special Concern (formerly Vulnerable) in British Columbia; red list includes any indigenous species or subspecies that have, or are candidates for, Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened status in British Columbia; Extirpated taxa no longer exist in the wild in British Columbia, but do occur elsewhere; Endangered taxa are facing imminent extirpation or extinction; Threatened taxa are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. (MoE 2016)

2 – Adapted from information available on the Salt Spring Conservancy website (SSC 2016) and associated information sources.



Table 4. Animal Species at Risk whose reproductive habitat may occur at 181 Brinkworthy Road. (None of these species were observed during the reconnaissance on March 31 and April 1, 2016)

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation

status1 Critical Habitat2

1 Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata special concern/ blue-listed

Coniferous or broad-leaved trees in closed canopy forests near edges, in which to nest.

2 Northern Pygmy Owl Glaucidium gnoma swarthi

- / blue-listed

Natural tree cavities in which to nest. Conservation includes protecting known nests from disturbance, preserving large diameter old trees and snags, and preserving younger trees that eventually will qualify as nest and roost trees. Nest boxes may be of benefit.

3 Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi threatened / blue listed

Coniferous trees, preferring forest edges and openings with meadows and ponds. The nest is located at the tip of a branch, in a small cup-shaped nest of twigs, lichens and small roots.

4 Western Screech Owl Megascops kennicottii kennicottii

special concern / blue-listed

Cavities of large trees, especially dead trees (snags), in low elevation forests. Nest boxes may be of benefit.

5 Western Bluebird (Georgia Depression population)

Sialia mexicana - / red-listed

Considered extirpated from the coastal island region. Nest in secondary cavities already excavated by other bird species. Readily use nest boxes of the appropriate size.

6 Sharp-tailed Snake Contia tenuis endangered / red-listed

Found in open areas, forest edges, roadsides, arbutus-oak-Douglas-fir woodlands, and south-facing rocky slopes. High-quality habitat is likely to have concealment cover such as rocks, logs, decaying debris, stumps, boards, and underground burrows.

7 Dun Skipper (butterfly)

Euphyes vestris threatened / blue-listed

Associated with soft, fine leaved sedges (Carex species), on which the eggs are laid and the caterpillars feed. Any site that supports a stand of suitable sedges is potential dun skipper habitat, including roadside ditches and seasonally wet fields. Sometimes, these butterflies may be found around ‘micro wetlands’ only a few metres wide that may be dry through much of the summer.

8 Pacific Sideband (snail)

Monodenia fidelis - / blue-listed

Occurs in deciduous, coniferous, and mixed forest habitats, as well as in open woodlands.

9 Threaded Vertigo (snail)

Nearctula spp special concern / red-listed

Typically occurs in mature second growth and old growth forests. Often found 5-6 feet up on large bigleaf maple trees.

1 – Upper line: federal status under the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC); - / indicates the species in not listed under COSEWIC; special concern means the species has characteristics that make it is particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events. Lower line: provincial status: blue list includes any indigenous species or subspecies considered to be of Special Concern (formerly Vulnerable) in British Columbia; red list includes any indigenous species or subspecies that have, or are candidates for, Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened status in British Columbia; Extirpated taxa no longer exist in the wild in British Columbia, but do occur elsewhere; Endangered taxa are facing imminent extirpation or extinction; Threatened taxa are likely to become endangered if limiting factors are not reversed. (MoE 2016)

2 – Adapted from information available on the Salt Spring Conservancy website (SSC 2016).



Photo 1. Standing water and saturated soils in the hayfield at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 2. Standing water with algal growth in the hayfield at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016



Photo 3. Drainage swale with standing water along the lot line of Brinkworthy Place outside the south boundary of 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016.

Photo 4. Dry, concrete lined drainage ditch along the north lot line of Brinkworthy Place outside the south boundary of 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016.



Photo 5. Piled stones in the forest of 181 Brinkworthy Road near the east edge of the hayfield. 1-Apr-2016

Photo 6. Naturally occurring boulder in the forest at 181 Brinkworthy Road. Notebook for scale is approximately 0.2 m wide. 1-Apr-2016



Photo 7. Closed canopy forest on the west side of the property at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 8. Mature Douglas-fir tree in the forest on the east side of the property at 181 Brinkworthy Road. This is one of several large-diameter trees, also including western redcedar, black cottonwood and arbutus, observed on the property. Notebook for scale is approximately 0.2 m wide. 1 Apr-2016



Photo 9. Sedge wetland complex in a depression in the forest on the east side of the property at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 10. Grasses and Scotch broom plants in an area of higher ground in the hayfield at 181 Brinkworthy Road. Note dense fringe of shrubs along the transition from hayfield to forest. 1-Apr-2016



Photo 11. “Garden” area beside the existing house at 181 Brinkworthy Road, viewed from north side of driveway. 1-Apr-2016

Photo 12. Dense growth of shrubs (bitter cherry, unidentified willow and Scotch broom) along the east edge of the hayfield at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 1-Apr-2016



Photo 13. Dense growth of shrubs Scotch broom along the east edge of the hayfield at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 1-Apr-2016

Photo 14. Dense growth of red-osier dogwood and, possibly, willow ion the seasonal wetland area at the northeast corner of the wester forest area at 181 Brinkworthy Road, viewed toward hayfield. 1 Apr-2016



Photo 15. Douglas-fir trees with an understorey of grasses and salal in the eastern portion of the hedgerow along the south boundary of 181 Brinkworthy Road, viewed to east. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 16. Gap in the hedgerow of Douglas-fir trees along the south boundary of 181 Brinkworthy Road, viewed to west. 31-Mar-2016



Photo 17. Standing trunk of dead Douglas-fir tree with abundant cavities (arrow) made by woodpeckers, and which may also serve as nesting habitat for smaller bird species. Photo was taken in the east forest area at 181 Brinkworthy Road. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 18. Larger cavity (arrow) in the trunk of a dead red alder in the eastern forest area at 181 Brinkworthy Road. Larger cavities such as this may be used by owls for nesting. 31-Mar-2016



Photo 19. Infestation of mistletoe in a Douglas-fir in the eastern forest area at 181 Brinkworthy Place has the appearance of a group of nests. However, these are deformation of the branchlets, not nests. 31-Mar-2016

Photo 20. Spurge laurel (Daphne laureola), a noxious invasive plant that occurs in widely scattered the forested areas at 181 Brinkworthy Road. Whole plant is ~30 cm in diameter and 30 – 60 cm high. 31-Mar-2016

consultants ltd. p.o. box 41, bowen island, b.c. canada

Documents