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E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E E ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( ( [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ CWHxm1 GEL CWHdm GEL CWHdm GEL CWHdm GEL CWHdm SPR CWHdm CWHdm GEL SPR CWHdm GEL 1 2 3 1 M T K E S k o o k u m I s l a n d K i l l a m B a y W a u g h L a k e S K O O K U M C H U C K N A R R O W S D O R I S T O N N o r t h L a k e A g a m e m n o n B a y A G A M E M N O N C H A N N E L K l e i n L a k e B r o w n L a k e C A P T A I N I S L A N D R U B Y L A K E S e c r e t B a y A g n e w P a s s a g e E G M O N T B o o m I s l e t S a k i n a w L a k e S u t t o n I s l e t s M T S U M N E R M i l l e r I s l e t C A R E N R A N G E E a r l e C r e e k R o l a n d P o i n t E a s t P o i n t I s l e t J E R V I S I N L E T M T L O U I E N i l e P o i n t R a p i d I s l e t S E C H E L T I N L E T S e c h e l t I s l e t s N e l s o n I s l a n d R u b y C r e e k E A R L E R A N G E E g m o n t P o i n t S E C H E L T P E N I N S U L A K l e i n C r e e k S e c h e l t R a p i d s 1 6 5 6 1 6 5 2 1 5 7 1 H e a d 1 6 9 0 7 1 4 2 A435 V607 V613 G246 V232 V233 V549 V700 V597 V550 V598 V668 V600 V702 V701 V599 V555 V557 V574 V573 V577 V576 V575 V601 V552 G248 V595 V608 V630 A434 G247 A433 G134 V596 G115 V611 V609 V614 V553 V551 V610 4539 5MF:co 3MF:co 2RI:ff 3647 5MF:co 4MF:co 1RI:ff 4104 4WD:co 4WD:co 2WD:co 4276 6WD:co 3WD:co 1HB:hb 3746 6OF:co 4OF:co 4243 5WD:co 3WD:co 2MF:co 4648 7MF:co 3RI:ff 4640 8MF:co 2OF:co 4012 6WD:co 2WD:co 2WD:co 4469 8MF:co 2RI:ff 4360 4MF:co 4MF:co 2RI:ff 3997 6MF:co 2RI:ff 2WN:sp 4016 7MF:co 2MF:co 1RI:ff 4280 4MF:co 3MF:co 3MF:co 4271 6MF:co 4MF:co 4307 9MF:co 1RI:ff 4353 6MF:co 4WD:co 3671 6MF:co 4WD:co 4383 6MF:co 4OF:co 4339 8RI:ff 2RI:ff 3508 8MF 68 :co :ff 3657 5WD:co 4MF:co 1CL:ic 4636 8WD:mx 2CL:cc 3720 5MF:co 3MF:co 2MF:co 4420 4MF:co 3MF:co 3RI:ff 4082 7MF:co 2MF:co 1WD:co 3692 5WD:co 5MF:co 4540 7MF:co 2MF:co 1WD:mx 4481 5WD:co 5MF:co 3817 7MF:co 3RI:ff 4251 5WD:co 3WD:co 2WD:co 3728 7RI:ff 3WN:sp 4533 10WD:co 4173 7MF:co 2WD:co 1MF:co 4348 7WD:co 2YF 1HB:hb 4164 10RI:ff 3846 5MF:co 3MF:co 2MF:co 3813 5WD:co 5MF:co 3925 5MF:co 5MF:co 3750 7WD:co 3MF:co 4068 8WD:co 2WD:co 4614 5WN:sp 3WN:sp 2RI:ff 4426 10MF:co 4289 10MF:co 4548 10WD:co 4364 5MF:co 5RI:ff 3679 5RI:ff 4WN:sp 1WN:sp 4009 4RI:ff 4RI:ff 2RI:ff 3616 8RI:ff 2RI:ff 4160 10MF:co 4647 10RI:ff 4225 4RI:ff 3MF:co 3RI:ff 4208 6WN:bg 3WN:sp 1WN:sw 4362 7WN:sp 3RI:ff 3519 8MF:co 2RI:ff 4248 4MF:co 4WD:co 2WD:co 3770 6WN:sp 2WN:sp 2RI:ff 4522 5MF:co 4WD:mx 1CL:ic 14370 9HB:sh 1HB:cs 14426 10HB:cs 3944 10HB:cs 3954 10HB:cs 4169 8WD:co 2HB:cs 4096 5WD:co 5HB:cs 4177 7WD:co 3HB:cs 3843 5WD:co 4WD:co 1HB:hb 4265 7WD:co 3MF:co 4202 10RI:ff 4257 4WN:sp 4RI:ff 2WN:ms 4092 6RI:ff 4RI:gu 4479 8RI:ff 2RI:ff 3982 6WD:mx 3WD:co 1HB:hb 4595 8WD:co 2CL:cc 3994 10RI:ff 4500 7RI:ff 3RI:ff 4332 4WN:sp 4WN:sp 2WN:ms 14146 7WD:co 3HB:cs 4078 4RI:ff 4OF:co 2RI:ff 3762 4WD:co 3WD:co 3MF:co 4240 10RI:ff 3990 5WN:sp 5WN:sp 4266 8RI:ff 2WN:sp 4461 5MF:co 3WD:co 2WD:co 4025 4MF:co 4MF:mx 2RI:ff 3821 10WN:sw 4263 5MF:co 3RI:ff 2RI:ff 4557 8WN:sp 2WN:sp 4252 7RI:ff 3RI:ff 4645 10RI:ff 3732 8MF:co 2RI:ff 4585 5RI:ff 4RI:ff 1WN:ms 3996 5MF:co 3MF:co 2RI:ff 4146 9MF:co 1WD:co 3694 7WN:sp 2WN:sp 1WN:sp 4408 4WN:bg 4WN:sp 2RI:ff 3918 5WD:co 5WD:co 4384 8RI:ff 2WN:sp 4534 5MF:co 3RI:ff 2RI:ff 3651 5RI:ff 4WN:sp 1WN:sp 4181 5MF:co 5WD:co 4313 6WN:sp 4MF:co 4064 4RI:ff 3WN:sp 3WN:bg 4005 8MF:co 2MF:co 3793 8RI:ff 2WN:sp 3900 10MF:co 3775 5WN:sp 3WN:sp 2RI:ff 4646 10WD:mx 4619 6WD:co 2HB:vs 2HB:sh 3661 8MF:co 2WD:mx 14453 8WD:co 2HB:cs 4318 6CL:ic 4WD:co 4273 8WN:sp 2WN:bg 4126 6WN:sp 4RI:ff 3805 6WN:sp 4WN:sp 4192 5MF:co 5WN:sp 4073 6WD:co 4HB:hb 4361 10WN:sp 4350 6WN:sp 4WN:fn 14202 8WD:co 2HB:cs 3889 10WD:co 4337 10WN:sp 14265 5WD:co 5HB:cs 4399 7WN:sp 3WN:sp 14271 6HB:sh 4HB:cs 14566 9WD:co 1HB:cs 3669 8MF:co 2RI:ff 3909 10WD:co 14540 8WD:co 2HB:cs 4566 5RI:ff 3RI:ff 2WN:sp 14384 8WD:co 2HB:cs 4306 7WN:sp 3WN:sp 14280 6WD:co 4HB:cs 14351 6HB:sh 4HB:cs 4 28 000m. E 4 28 000m. E 30 30 32 32 34 34 36 36 38 38 40 40 4 42 000m. E 4 42 000m. E 55 06 000m. N 55 06 000m. N 08 08 10 10 12 12 14 14 55 16 000m. N 55 16 000m. N 124°0'W 124°0'W 123°48'0"W 123°48'0"W 49°42'0"N 49°42'0"N 49°48'0"N 49°48'0"N 092G.071 092G.071 092G.071 092G.071 Sensitive ecosystems are fragile and/or rare, or are ecologically important because of the diversity of species they support. Sensitive Ecosystems Variant 1 Biogeoclimatic Zone CWH xm Subzone Ecosection Unit GEL CWHxm1 Biogeoclimatic Unit Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of the Sunshine Coast and Adjacent Islands Sensitive and Terrestrial Ecosystems Labels Map Symbols Field sample point Air photo centre Flight line Map Code Site Unit Name Map Code Site Unit Name Map Code Site Unit Name CDFmm CWHvm1 con't CWHdm CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood AS amabilis fir - western red-cedar - salmonberry CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge DA* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - arbutus CWHxm1 CW* black cottonwood - willow DG* Douglas-fir - grand fir - Oregon grape CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood DC* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina DO* Douglas-fir - oniongrass CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge DF* Douglas-fir - sword fern DS* Douglas-fir - salal CW* black cottonwood - willow DS* Douglas-fir - western hemlock - salal EM* estuarine marsh DB dune grass - beach pea EM* estuarine marsh FC* fescue - camas DC* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina FC* fescue - camas FG* fescue - gumweed DF* Douglas-fir - sword fern FG* fescue - gumweed FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium DS* Douglas-fir - western hemlock - salal FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium HS hardhack - sedge swamp EM* estuarine marsh HD* western hemlock - western red-cedar - deer fern JM* juniper - hairy manzanita FC* fescue - common camas HM* western hemlock - flat moss LP* Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog FG* fescue - gumweed HS hardhack - sedge swamp LR western hemlock - lodgepole pine - Racomitrium FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium JM* juniper - hairy manzanita LS* lodgepole pine - Sphagnum bog HD* western hemlock - western red-cedar - deer fern LP Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog MS sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen HK* western hemlock - Douglas-fir - Eurhynchium LS lodgepole pine - Sphagnum NF northern wormwood - red fescue - gumweed HS hardhack - sedge swamp MS* sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen OR oceanspray - rose JM* juniper - hairy manzanita RB* western red-cedar - salmonberry RC* western red-cedar - skunk cabbage LP Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog RC* western red-cedar - Sitka spruce - skunk cabbage RF* western red-cedar - grand fir - foamflower LS lodgepole pine - Sphagnum RF* western red-cedar - foamflower RK* western red-cedar - Douglas-fir - Eurhynchium MS* sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen RS* western red-cedar - sword fern RP* western red-cedar - Indian-plum RB* western red-cedar - salmonberry SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen RS* western red-cedar - snowberry RC* western red-cedar - Sitka spruce - skunk cabbage SM sedge marsh RV* western red-cedar - vanilla-leaf RF* western red-cedar - foamflower SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen RS* western red-cedar - sword fern WP water shield - pond lily SM* sedge marsh RT* western red-cedar - black twinberry SS spirea - sedge wetland SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen Sparsely and Non-vegetated Units WP* water shield - pond lily SM* sedge marsh CL cliff: steep vertical or overhanging rock face CWHvm1 SP* Sitka spruce - Pacific crab apple RI river AB western hemlock - amabilis fir - blueberry SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry CF cultivated field, subject to agricultural practices AD* amabilis fir - Sitka spruce - devil's club WG* white beak-rush - green sedge fen OC ocean AF amabilis fir - western red-cedar - foamflower WP* water shield - pond lily PI spit * Indicates site unit is correlated to a red or blue listed natural plant community. See report for further details. Consult with the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) for changes in classification since printing. http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/ Table adapted from the Provincial Site Series and Mapcodes List (mapcodes_jan2003.xls) available at: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/ecology/tem/list.html Terrestrial Ecosystem Map Codes and Site Unit Names 092G.061 092G.071 092F.080 092G.051 092F.070 092G.062 092G.072 092G.081 092G.052 092F.090 092G.082 VAN C OUVER I SLAND BRITISH COLUMBIA Acknowledgements Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) and the B.C. Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM) jointly managed this project. Major funding came from Environment Canada and MSRM as part of the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative, BC Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. The multi agency steering committee included the above agencies as well as B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (WLAP), Sechelt Indian Band, Sliammon First Nation, Powell River Regional District, Comox-Strathcona Regional District, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and Terminal Forest Products Ltd. Co-ordination and extension: Carmen Cadrin, Judith Cullington, Jan Kirkby, Jo-Anne Stacey and Peggy Ward. Ecosystem Mappers: Carmen Cadrin, Corey Erwin, Bob Fuller, Claudia Schaefer, Shearwater Mapping Ltd. and Jo-Anne Stacey. Digitizing and Cartography: Bon Lee of Baseline Geomatics Inc. and AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd. GIS support: Tim Brierley, Steve Moslin and Mike Wolowicz (MSRM). Field Crews: Louise Blight, Carmen Cadrin, Corey Erwin, Deepa Spaeth Filatow, Moraia Grau, Edwin Hubert, Stephen Hureau, Marc Johnson, Anre McIntosh, Will MacKenzie, Claudia Schaefer, Jo-Anne Stacey and Leah Westereng. $ 092G.071 UTM Projection Zone 10 NAD83, Contour Interval 20 metres March 2005 Scale: 1:20,000 200 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 metres Structural Stage 1 1 Sparse/bryoid Substages 1a Sparse 1b Bryoid 2 Herb Substages 2a Forb-dominated 2b Graminoid-dominated 2c Aquatic 2d Dwarf shrub 3 Shrub/Herb Substages 3a Low shrub; less than 2 m. tall 3 Tall shrub; 2 – 10 m. tall 4 Pole/Sapling Trees > 10 m. tall; typically densely stocked 5 Young Forest Generally 40 – 80 years old depending on species and ecological conditions; forest canopy has begun to differentiate 6 Mature Forest Generally 80 – 250 years since last disturbance; understory becomes well developed as canopy opens up; shade tolerant trees established 7 Old Forest Generally over 250 years since last disturbance; structurally complex stands; Coarse woody debris (CWD) common. 1 In the assessment of structural stage, structural features and age criteria are considered together. Broadleaf stands will generally be younger than coniferous stands belonging to the same structural stage. Abbreviated from Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia (RIC 1998) Biogeoclimatic Units CDFmm CWHxm1 CWHdm CWHvm1 Coastal Douglas-fir Moist Maritime Subzone Coastal Western Hemlock Eastern Very Dry Maritime Variant Coastal Western Hemlock Dry Maritime Subzone Coastal Western Hemlock Submontane Very Wet Maritime Variant GEL SOG OUF SPR Georgia Lowlands Ecosection Strait of Georgia Ecosection Outer Fiordland Ecosection Southern Pacific Ranges Ecosection Ecosections Ecosystem Components Some polygon labels will have class and subclass repeated up to three times. This is not an error; it reflects the variability in site units and structural stages occurring within a polygon. More than one site unit can be correlated to a SE class and subclass. Polygon labels on the map do not include the site units. The Sensitive and Terrestrial Ecosystem Labels on the left side of the map provide details about site units mapped in each polygon. This cartographic product uses Dot Density to indicate where more than one ecosystem class is mapped in a polygon. The number of dots indicates the proportion of the polygon represented by the 2nd and 3rd ecosystem; the colour of the dots indicates the 2nd and 3rd ecosystem class. The base colour represents the first ecosystem component. Coloured dots overlaid upon the base colour indicate a second ecosystem component. Two colours of dots indicate a second and third ecosystem. Terminal Forest Products Limited Sensitive and Terrestrial Ecosystems Label The example label above indicates the SEI and TEM attributes mapped for polygon 7838. The polygon occurs in the Coastal Western Hemlock Eastern Very Dry Maritime variant; 80% of the polygon is RI:ff - Riparian: fluvial fringe (component 1 and 2). Of this 80%, 60% is site unit Western red-cedar - salmonberry (RS), structural stage 5 and 20% is site unit Western red-cedar - foamflower (RF), structural stage 5. The remaining 20% of the polygon is WD:co - Woodland:conifer dominated, site unit Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina (DC), structural stage 6. 7838 * CWHxm1 6RI:ff RS 5 2RI:ff RF5 2WD:co DC 6 * indicates a field sample was completed but was not mapped Polygon Number Biogeoclimatic Zone, Subzone & Variant % of polygon (as decile) Structural Stage Mapcode SE Class 1 st component 2nd component 3rd component SE subclass Polygon Boundary Biogeoclimatic Boundary Roads 20m contours TRIM Streams Additional streams Intermittent/Potential Stream Drainage Route Study Area Boundary BCC984145 ( 106 Ecosection Boundary G153 [ Environment Canada Environnement Canada Conifer-dominated dry to moist forest types, structural stage 7 (see table), generally >250yrs. Subclasses: co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species Dry open forests, generally between 10 and 30% tree cover, can be conifer dominated or mixed conifer and arbutus stands; because of open canopy, will include non-forested openings, often with shallow soils and bedrock outcroppings. Subclasses: co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species mx (mixed conifer and deciduous) – a minimum of 25% cover of either group is included in the total tree cover Non-forested ecosystems (less than 10% tree cover), generally with shallow soils and often with bedrock outcroppings; includes large openings within forested areas, coastal headlands, shorelines vegetated with grasses and herbs, sometimes low shrubs, and moss and lichen communities on rock outcrops. Subclasses: hb (herbaceous) – central concept of the category, non-forested, less than 10% tree cover, generally shallow soils, often with exposed bedrock; predominantly a mix of grasses and forbs, also lichens and mosses cs (coastal herbaceous) - as hb but influenced by proximity to ocean, windswept shoreline and slopes; > 20% vegetation, grasses and herbs, some rock outcrops, moss and lichen communities vs (vegetated shoreline) - low-lying rocky shoreline, soil pockets in rock cracks and crevices; salt-tolerant vegetation, generally with < 20% vegetation cover sp (spit) - finger-like extension of beach, comprised of sand or gravel deposited by longshore drifting; low to moderate cover of salt-tolerant grasses and herbs du (dunes) - ridge or hill, or beach area created by windblown sand; may be more or less vegetated depending on depositional activity, beach dunes will have low cover of salt-tolerant grasses and herbs sh (shrub component) - > 20 % of total vegetation cover is shrub cover, with grasses and herbs Old Forest (OF): Woodland (WD): Herbaceous (HB): Areas adjacent to water bodies (rivers, lakes, ocean, wetlands) which are influenced by factors such as erosion, sedimentation, flooding and/or subterranean irrigation due to proximity to the water body. Structural stages 1 – 7. Subclasses : fl (low bench floodplain) - flooded at least every other year for moderate periods of growing season; plant species adapted to extended flooding and abrasion, low or tall shrubs most common fm (medium bench floodplain) - flooded every 1-6 years for short periods (10-25 days); deciduous or mixed forest dominated by species tolerant of flooding and periodic sedimentation, trees occur on elevated microsites fh (high bench floodplain) - only periodically and briefly inundated by high waters, but lengthy subsurface flow in the rooting zone; typically conifer-dominated floodplains of larger coastal rivers ff (fringe) - narrow linear communities along open water bodies (rivers, lakes and ponds) where there is no floodplain, irregular flooding gu (gully riparian) - watercourse is within a steep sided V-shaped gully ri (river) – watercourse is large enough to represent >10% of the polygon Riparian (RI): Usually conifer-dominated, occasionally deciduous, dry to moist forest types, structural stage 6, generally >80yrs; > 25 ha. or buffering sensitive ecosystems. Subclasses: co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species mx (mixed conifer and deciduous) - a minimum of 25% cover of either group is included in the total tree cover Annually flooded cultivated fields or hay fields; important migrating and wintering waterfowl habitat. Mature Forests (MF): Seasonally Flooded Agricultural Fields (FS): Limited to areas of young forest dispersed among sensitive and other important ecosystems. Young Forests (YF): Areas that are saturated or inundated with water for long enough periods of time to develop vegetation and biological activity adapted to wet environments. This may result from flooding, fluctuating water tables, tidal influences or poor drainage conditions. Subclasses : bg (bog) – nutrient poor wetland, on organic soils (sphagnum peat), water source predominantly from precipitation; may be treed or shrub dominated fn (fen) – nutrient medium wetland (sedge peat) where ground water inflow is the dominant water source, open water channels common; dominated by sedges, grasses and mosses ms (marsh) – wetland with fluctuating water table, often with shallow surface water, usually organically enriched mineral soils; dominated by rushes, reeds, grasses and sedges sp (swamp) – poor to very rich wetland on mineral soils or with an organic layer over mineral soil, with gently flowing or seasonally flooding water table; woody vegetation sw (shallow water) – standing or flowing water less than 2 m. deep, transition between deep water bodies and other wetland ecosystems (i.e. bogs, swamps, fens, etc.); often with vegetation rooted below the water surface wm (wet meadow) – periodically saturated but not inundated with water, organically enriched mineral soils; grasses, sedges, rushes and forbs dominate Very steep slope, often exposed bedrock, may include steep sided sand bluffs; habitat for rare species. Subclasses : cc (coastal cliffs) ic (inland cliffs) Wetland (WN): Cliffs (CL): Other Important Ecosystems Other important ecosystems have high biodiversity values. Other mapped ecosystems occur in mosaic with sensitive ecosystems and are not possible to delineate separately at the mapping scale. Other Mapped Ecosystems What is a Sensitive Ecosystem? For the purpose of this study, an ecosystem is considered to be a portion of the landscape with relatively uniform dominant vegetation. Sensitive ecosystems are those which are fragile and/or rare, or those ecosystems which are ecologically important because of the diversity of species they support. Rationale Ecologically significant lands and important wildlife habitats are fast disappearing throughout the lowlands surrounding the Strait of Georgia. Intense development pressures fuelled by population and economic growth have fragmented and degraded many terrestrial ecosystems. A high proportion of these ecosystems are now designated as “at risk”. Sensitive ecosystems typically have high biological diversity and are a vital part of the landscape. They provide ecosystem services for a healthy economy and for social well being. They regulate climate, clean water, generate and clean soils, recycle nutrients and pollinate our crops. To protect these areas, sensitive ecosystems must be located, identified and mapped. Along the Sunshine Coast the wave-beaten shorelines, coastal plains, rugged mountain slopes, fjords and estuaries contribute to high biodiversity values. Here one finds coastal temperate rainforests, dry shoreline woodlands, herbaceous meadows and rocky coastal bluffs, wetlands and riparian ecosystems. Purpose The purpose of the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) of the Sunshine Coast is to identify, classify and map sensitive terrestrial ecosystems along the coastal lowlands (including the adjacent islands) from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. The goal of the SEI is to encourage informed land-use decisions that will conserve sensitive ecosystems. The SEI on Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands (1993 – 1997) shows that this information can be used in a variety of land-use planning processes and can contribute to the conservation of many sites. Decision makers, consultants and non-government organizations have found the SEI to be an effective planning and management tool. SEI data provides site-specific ecological information that can be used to flag sites of conservation concern, to prompt detailed field studies prior to development projects, and to provide input to Forest Stewardship Plans. Methodology The mapping methods are based on the Vancouver Island SEI project and the Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) in BC. Ecosystem categories include six Sensitive Ecosystem (SE) classes, two Important Ecosystem classes, and one Other Ecosystem class. The legend to the right of the map provides definitions. Ecosystem classes, subclasses, the corresponding Terrestrial Ecosystem site units and structural stages, and stream and drainage corridors not included in TRIM, are mapped. Field survey protocols followed Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Field (RISC 1998) with the addition of a conservation evaluation form to document ecosystem condition and viability. Approximately 20% of the polygons were field checked. Data Limitations The SEI is a tool to alert decision makers to the existence of sensitive ecosystems, however when land-use changes are proposed detailed site-level assessments are necessary. For sites not field checked, the accuracy of the data depends heavily on the professional judgement of the mapper and the availability of source data. Because the area is changing rapidly, reference to the date of the information source is advised. Aerial photographs used were flown between 1994 and 1999, most are at 1:10,000 scale, some at 1:16,000 scale. Due to the mapping scale, minimum polygon size is usually ½ hectare. Minimum riparian polygon width is 20 metres regardless of the stream channel width. Enlargement of the data beyond the source scale may result in unacceptable distortion and faulty registration with other data sets. What can be done to protect sensitive ecosystems? Direct and indirect impacts to these ecosystems can be avoided by: Retaining or creating vegetated buffers around sensitive ecosystems to isolate them from outside disturbance; Controlling land and water access to fragile ecosystems; Controlling invasive species; Allowing natural disturbances to occur; Maintaining water quality. If development must occur, develop carefully! Conduct an ecological inventory to identify the existing flora and fauna and to locate any threatened or endangered plant and animal species, plant communities, and habitat features needing protection; Plan and implement all development activities in a manner that will not adversely affect or disturb the sensitive ecosystem. Consult a qualified professional to interpret the ecological inventory data and work to incorporate designs that maintain the functions and values of the natural ecosystem. If you are: A property owner: learn more about the natural values of your land, including the location of any sensitive ecosystems. Find out how to protect, maintain, and enhance those values. Consider using conservation covenants or other measures to ensure that the natural features you value are protected in perpetuity. A developer: consider a design for your project that is creative and flexible enough to protect and enhance sensitive ecosystems. Treed lots and neighbourhood greenspaces can increase market values. A planner: ensure that conservation is given as high a priority as other community programs such as housing, transportation, recreation, employment, public works, and community services. Encourage use of the many legal and planning tools available, such as development permit areas, tree protection by-laws, and conservation covenants to protect sensitive ecosystems. A decision-maker (such as a politician or resource manager): ensure that protection of remaining sensitive ecosystems is a priority at all levels, and support programs, plans and operational activity that will help protect sensitive ecosystems. Encourage and facilitate the development and implementation of biodiversity conservation strategies. A member of an advocacy group: contribute your time and expertise to help locate and protect sensitive ecosystems. For example, ratepayers’ groups, service organizations, naturalist clubs, land trusts, and conservancies often provide a link between local landowners and voluntary stewardship programs. As a member of one of these groups, you can work cooperatively with local governments to promote land use decisions that protect sensitive ecosystems. A volunteer: participate in educational programs, conservation fundraising, or in programs to remove invasive species. A scientist: use your expertise to help identify sensitive ecosystems, define issues that need to be addressed, formulate conservation plans, contribute to the development of conservation and management strategies and explain to other professionals and decision makers the importance of sensitive ecosystems. Polygon Label SE subclass SE Class 20% of polygon (as decile) 2167 * 5 RI:ff 1 st component 3 MF:co 2 nd component 2 WN:sp 3 rd component * indicates a field sample was completed but was not mapped Polygon Number Old Forest Wetland Herbaceous 3616 CWHdm 8RI:ff RS5 2RI:ff RF3b 3647 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 4MF:co DS6 1RI:ff RS6 3657 CWHdm 5WD:co DC6 4MF:co DS6 1CL:ic CL1 3661 CWHxm1 8MF:co HK6 2WD:mx DC5 3671 CWHdm 6MF:co DS6 4WD:co DC6 3679 CWHdm 5RI:ff RS6 4WN:sp RC5 1WN:sp HS3b 3692 CWHdm 5WD:co DC5 5MF:co DS6 3694 CWHdm 7WN:sp HS3 2WN:sp HS3a 1WN:sp RC5 3720 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 3MF:co DS6 2MF:co RS6 3728 CWHdm 7RI:ff RS5 3WN:sp RC6 3732 CWHdm 8MF:co HM6 2RI:ff RS6 3746 CWHdm 6OF:co HM7 4OF:co RS7 3750 CWHdm 7WD:co DC6 3MF:co DS6 3762 CWHdm 4WD:co DC4 3WD:co DC6 3MF:co DS6 3770 CWHdm 6WN:sp HS3 2WN:sp RC6 2RI:ff RF5 3775 CWHdm 5WN:sp HS3b 3WN:sp RC5 2RI:ff RF5 3793 CWHdm 8RI:ff RS5 2WN:sp RC5 3805 CWHdm 6WN:sp RC3 4WN:sp HS3a 3813 CWHdm 5WD:co DC5 5MF:co DS6 3817 CWHdm 7MF:co HM6 3RI:ff RS6 3821 CWHdm 10WN:sw WP 3843 CWHdm 5WD:co DC5 4WD:co DC4 1HB:hb FO2b 3846 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 3MF:co DS6 2MF:co RS6 3889 CWHdm 10WD:co DC4 3900 CWHdm 10MF:co DS6 3909 CWHdm 10WD:co DC5 3918 CWHdm 5WD:co DC4 5WD:co DC5 3925 CWHdm 5MF:co DS6 5MF:co HM6 3944 CWHdm 10HB:cs FC2 3954 CWHdm 10HB:cs FC2 3982 CWHdm 6WD:mx DC5 3WD:co DC4 1HB:hb FO2b 3990 CWHdm 5WN:sp RC5 5WN:sp RC3 3994 CWHdm 10RI:ff RS3b 3996 CWHdm 5MF:co DS6 3MF:co HM6 2RI:ff RS5 3997 CWHdm 6MF:co HM6 2RI:ff RS5 2WN:sp RC5 4005 CWHdm 8MF:co HM6 2MF:co RS6 4009 CWHdm 4RI:ff RF5 4RI:ff RS6 2RI:ff RS5 4012 CWHdm 6WD:co DS4 2WD:co DC5 2WD:co DC4 4016 CWHdm 7MF:co HM6 2MF:co RS6 1RI:ff RS6 4025 CWHdm 4MF:co HM6 4MF:mx RS6 2RI:ff RS4 4064 CWHdm 4RI:ff RS4 3WN:sp RC4 3WN:bg LS3a 4068 CWHdm 8WD:co DC4 2WD:co DC5 4073 CWHdm 6WD:co DC4 4HB:hb FO2b 4078 CWHdm 4RI:ff RS5 4OF:co RS7 2RI:ff RS7 4082 CWHdm 7MF:co DS6 2MF:co HM6 1WD:co DC5 4092 CWHdm 6RI:ff RF3 4RI:gu RS3 4104 CWHdm 4WD:co DS4 4WD:co DC5 2WD:co DC4 4126 CWHdm 6WN:sp HS3 4RI:ff RF5 4146 CWHdm 9MF:co DS6 1WD:co DC6 4160 CWHdm 10MF:co HM6 4164 CWHdm 10RI:ff RS4 4169 CWHdm 8WD:co DC4 2HB:cs FC2b 4173 CWHdm 7MF:co DS6 2WD:co DC4 1MF:co HM6 4177 CWHdm 7WD:co DC6 3HB:cs FC2b 4192 CWHdm 5MF:co RF6 5WN:sp RC5 4202 CWHdm 10RI:ff RS4 4208 CWHdm 6WN:bg LP2b 3WN:sp HS3a 1WN:sw WP 4225 CWHdm 4RI:ff RS5 3MF:co HM6 3RI:ff RF5 4240 CWHdm 10RI:ff RS5 4243 CWHdm 5WD:co DC5 3WD:co DS4 2MF:co DS6 4248 CWHdm 4MF:co DS6 4WD:co DC6 2WD:co DC4 4251 CWHdm 5WD:co DC5 3WD:co DC4 2WD:co DS4 4252 CWHdm 7RI:ff RS4 3RI:ff RF4 4257 CWHdm 4WN:sp RC5 4RI:ff RF5 2WN:ms SM2c 4263 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 3RI:ff HD5 2RI:ff HD3 4265 CWHdm 7WD:co DC6 3MF:co DS6 4266 CWHdm 8RI:ff HM5 2WN:sp HS3a 4271 CWHdm 6MF:co RS6 4MF:co HM6 4273 CWHdm 8WN:sp RC5 2WN:bg LS6 4276 CWHdm 6WD:co DC5 3WD:co DS5 1HB:hb FO2b 4280 CWHdm 4MF:co HM6 3MF:co DS6 3MF:co RS6 4289 CWHdm 10MF:co HM6 4306 CWHdm 7WN:sp HS3 3WN:sp RC5 4307 CWHdm 9MF:co HM6 1RI:ff RS5 4313 CWHdm 6WN:sp RC5 4MF:co RS6 4318 CWHdm 6CL:ic CL1 4WD:co DC5 4332 CWHdm 4WN:sp HS3 4WN:sp RC4 2WN:ms SM2b 4337 CWHdm 10WN:sp HS3 4339 CWHdm 8RI:ff RS5 2RI:ff RF5 4348 CWHdm 7WD:co DC6 2YF 1HB:hb FO2b 4350 CWHdm 6WN:sp RC5 4WN:fn MS3b 4353 CWHdm 6MF:co DS6 4WD:co DC5 4360 CWHdm 4MF:co HM6 4MF:co RS6 2RI:ff RF5 4361 CWHdm 10WN:sp HS3 4362 CWHdm 7WN:sp RC5 3RI:ff RF5 4383 CWHdm 6MF:co HM6 4OF:co HM7 4384 CWHdm 8RI:ff RF6 2WN:sp HS3b 4408 CWHdm 4WN:bg LP3 4WN:sp RC5 2RI:ff RF5 4420 CWHdm 4MF:co HM6 3MF:co RS6 3RI:ff RS4 4426 CWHdm 10MF:co DS6 4461 CWHdm 5MF:co DS6 3WD:co DC5 2WD:co DC3b 4469 CWHdm 8MF:co HM6 2RI:ff RS5 4479 CWHdm 8RI:ff RS5 2RI:ff RF5 4481 CWHdm 5WD:co DC4 5MF:co DS6 4500 CWHdm 7RI:ff RS5 3RI:ff RF5 4522 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 4WD:mx DC3b 1CL:ic CL1 4533 CWHdm 10WD:co DC4 4534 CWHdm 5MF:co HM6 3RI:ff RS6 2RI:ff RF6 4539 CWHdm 5MF:co DS6 3MF:co HM6 2RI:ff RS5 4540 CWHdm 7MF:co HM6 2MF:co DS6 1WD:mx DC5 4548 CWHdm 10WD:co DC4 4557 CWHdm 8WN:sp RC5 2WN:sp HS3a 4566 CWHdm 5RI:ff RS5 3RI:ff RF5 2WN:sp RB5 4585 CWHdm 5RI:ff RS5 4RI:ff RS3a 1WN:ms EM2b 4595 CWHdm 8WD:co DC5 2CL:cc CL1 4614 CWHdm 5WN:sp RB5 3WN:sp HS3 2RI:ff RS5 4619 CWHdm 6WD:co DC6 2HB:vs FG1 2HB:sh JM3 4636 CWHdm 8WD:mx DC5 2CL:cc CL1 4640 CWHdm 8MF:co HM6 2OF:co HM7 4645 CWHdm 10RI:ff RS6 4646 CWHdm 10WD:mx DC6 4647 CWHdm 10RI:ff HD5 4648 CWHdm 7MF:co HM6 3RI:ff RS6 14146 CWHdm 7WD:co DC6 3HB:cs FC1b 14202 CWHdm 8WD:co DC5 2HB:cs FC1b 14265 CWHdm 5WD:co DC6 5HB:cs FC1b 14271 CWHdm 6HB:sh JM3 4HB:cs FC1b 14280 CWHdm 6WD:co DC6 4HB:cs FC1b 14351 CWHdm 6HB:sh JM3 4HB:cs FC1b 14370 CWHdm 9HB:sh JM3 1HB:cs FC1b 14384 CWHdm 8WD:co DC5 2HB:cs FC1b 14426 CWHdm 10HB:cs FC2 14453 CWHdm 8WD:co DC6 2HB:cs FC1b 14540 CWHdm 8WD:co DC6 2HB:cs FC1b 14566 CWHdm 9WD:co DC6 1HB:cs FC1b

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Page 1: Ecosystems Labels Environment Canada Environnement Canada ...a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r3758/sun... · D OR I S T N N o r t h L a k e A g a me no B a y A G A M E3793

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092G.071092G.071

092G.071 092G.071

Sensitive ecosystems are fragile and/or rare, or are ecologically important because of the diversity of species they support.

Sensitive Ecosystems

Variant

1

Biogeoclimatic Zone

CWH xm Subzone Ecosection Unit GEL

CWHxm1 Biogeoclimatic Unit

Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory of the Sunshine Coast and Adjacent IslandsSensitive and TerrestrialEcosystems Labels

Map Symbols

Field sample point

Air photo centre

Flight line

Map Code Site Unit Name Map

Code Site Unit Name Map Code Site Unit Name

CDFmm CWHvm1 con't CWHdm CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood AS amabilis fir - western red-cedar - salmonberry CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge DA* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - arbutus CWHxm1 CW* black cottonwood - willow DG* Douglas-fir - grand fir - Oregon grape CD* black cottonwood - red-osier dogwood DC* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina DO* Douglas-fir - oniongrass CS* western red-cedar - slough sedge DF* Douglas-fir - sword fern DS* Douglas-fir - salal CW* black cottonwood - willow DS* Douglas-fir - western hemlock - salal EM* estuarine marsh DB dune grass - beach pea EM* estuarine marsh FC* fescue - camas DC* Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina FC* fescue - camas FG* fescue - gumweed DF* Douglas-fir - sword fern FG* fescue - gumweed FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium DS* Douglas-fir - western hemlock - salal FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium HS hardhack - sedge swamp EM* estuarine marsh HD* western hemlock - western red-cedar - deer fern JM* juniper - hairy manzanita FC* fescue - common camas HM* western hemlock - flat moss LP* Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog FG* fescue - gumweed HS hardhack - sedge swamp LR western hemlock - lodgepole pine - Racomitrium FO* red fescue - poverty oatgrass - Racomitrium JM* juniper - hairy manzanita LS* lodgepole pine - Sphagnum bog HD* western hemlock - western red-cedar - deer fern LP Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog MS sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen HK* western hemlock - Douglas-fir - Eurhynchium LS lodgepole pine - Sphagnum NF northern wormwood - red fescue - gumweed HS hardhack - sedge swamp MS* sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen OR oceanspray - rose JM* juniper - hairy manzanita RB* western red-cedar - salmonberry RC* western red-cedar - skunk cabbage LP Labrador tea - bog laurel - peat moss bog RC* western red-cedar - Sitka spruce - skunk cabbage RF* western red-cedar - grand fir - foamflower LS lodgepole pine - Sphagnum RF* western red-cedar - foamflower RK* western red-cedar - Douglas-fir - Eurhynchium MS* sweet gale - Sitka sedge fen RS* western red-cedar - sword fern RP* western red-cedar - Indian-plum RB* western red-cedar - salmonberry SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen RS* western red-cedar - snowberry RC* western red-cedar - Sitka spruce - skunk cabbage SM sedge marsh RV* western red-cedar - vanilla-leaf RF* western red-cedar - foamflower SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen RS* western red-cedar - sword fern WP water shield - pond lily SM* sedge marsh RT* western red-cedar - black twinberry SS spirea - sedge wetland SB* slender sedge - white beak-rush fen Sparsely and Non-vegetated Units

WP* water shield - pond lily SM* sedge marsh CL cliff: steep vertical or overhanging rock face CWHvm1 SP* Sitka spruce - Pacific crab apple RI river

AB western hemlock - amabilis fir - blueberry SS* Sitka spruce - salmonberry CF cultivated field, subject to agricultural practices AD* amabilis fir - Sitka spruce - devil's club WG* white beak-rush - green sedge fen OC ocean AF amabilis fir - western red-cedar - foamflower WP* water shield - pond lily PI spit

* Indicates site unit is correlated to a red or blue listed natural plant community. See report for further details. Consult with the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC) for changes in classification since printing. http://srmapps.gov.bc.ca/apps/eswp/

Table adapted from the Provincial Site Series and Mapcodes List (mapcodes_jan2003.xls) available at: http://srmwww.gov.bc.ca/ecology/tem/list.html

Terrestrial Ecosystem Map Codes and Site Unit Names

092G.061

092G.071092F.080

092G.051

092F.070 092G.062

092G.072

092F.060

092G.081

092G.052

092F.090 092G.082

VANCOUVER ISLAND

BRITISHCOLUMBIA

Acknowledgements Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) and the B.C. Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management (MSRM) jointly managed this project. Major funding came from Environment Canada and MSRM as part of the Georgia Basin Ecosystem Initiative, BC Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, and the Sunshine Coast Regional District. The multi agency steering committee included the above agencies as well as B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (WLAP), Sechelt Indian Band, Sliammon First Nation, Powell River Regional District, Comox-Strathcona Regional District, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and Terminal Forest Products Ltd.

Co-ordination and extension: Carmen Cadrin, Judith Cullington, Jan Kirkby, Jo-Anne Stacey and Peggy Ward.

Ecosystem Mappers: Carmen Cadrin, Corey Erwin, Bob Fuller, Claudia Schaefer, Shearwater Mapping Ltd. and Jo-Anne Stacey.

Digitizing and Cartography: Bon Lee of Baseline Geomatics Inc. and AXYS Environmental Consulting Ltd.

GIS support: Tim Brierley, Steve Moslin and Mike Wolowicz (MSRM).

Field Crews: Louise Blight, Carmen Cadrin, Corey Erwin, Deepa Spaeth Filatow, Moraia Grau, Edwin Hubert, Stephen Hureau, Marc Johnson, Anre McIntosh, Will MacKenzie, Claudia Schaefer, Jo-Anne Stacey and Leah Westereng.

$092G.071

UTM Projection Zone 10 NAD83, Contour Interval 20 metresMarch 2005

Scale: 1:20,000

200 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 metres

Structural Stage1

1 Sparse/bryoid Substages 1a Sparse 1b Bryoid 2 Herb Substages 2a Forb-dominated 2b Graminoid-dominated 2c Aquatic 2d Dwarf shrub 3 Shrub/Herb Substages 3a Low shrub; less than 2 m. tall 3 Tall shrub; 2 – 10 m. tall 4 Pole/Sapling Trees > 10 m. tall; typically densely stocked

5 Young Forest

Generally 40 – 80 years old depending on species and ecological conditions; forest canopy has begun to differentiate

6 Mature Forest Generally 80 – 250 years since last disturbance; understory becomes well developed as canopy opens up; shade tolerant trees established

7 Old Forest Generally over 250 years since last disturbance; structurally complex stands; Coarse woody debris (CWD) common.

1 In the assessment of structural stage, structural features and age criteria are considered together. Broadleaf stands will generally be younger than coniferous stands belonging to the same structural stage.

Abbreviated from Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping in British Columbia (RIC 1998)

Biogeoclimatic UnitsCDFmmCWHxm1CWHdmCWHvm1

Coastal Douglas-fir Moist Maritime SubzoneCoastal Western Hemlock Eastern Very Dry Maritime VariantCoastal Western Hemlock Dry Maritime SubzoneCoastal Western Hemlock Submontane Very Wet Maritime Variant

GELSOG

OUFSPR

Georgia Lowlands EcosectionStrait of Georgia Ecosection

Outer Fiordland EcosectionSouthern Pacific Ranges Ecosection

Ecosections

Ecosystem Components

Some polygon labels will have class and subclass repeated up to three times. This is not an error; it reflects the variability in site units and structural stages occurring within a polygon. More than one site unit can be correlated to a SE class and subclass. Polygon labels on the map do not include the site units. The Sensitive and Terrestrial Ecosystem Labels on the left side of the map provide details about site units mapped in each polygon.

This cartographic product uses Dot Density to indicate where more than oneecosystem class is mapped in a polygon. The number of dots indicates theproportion of the polygon represented by the 2nd and 3rd ecosystem; the colourof the dots indicates the 2nd and 3rd ecosystem class.

The base colour represents the first ecosystem component.

Coloured dots overlaid upon the base colour indicate asecond ecosystem component.

Two colours of dots indicate a second and third ecosystem.

Terminal Forest Products Limited

Sensitive and Terrestrial Ecosystems Label

The example label above indicates the SEI and TEM attributesmapped for polygon 7838. The polygon occurs in the CoastalWestern Hemlock Eastern Very Dry Maritime variant; 80% of the polygon is RI:ff - Riparian: fluvial fringe (component 1 and 2). Of this80%, 60% is site unit Western red-cedar - salmonberry (RS), structural stage 5 and 20% is site unit Western red-cedar -foamflower (RF), structural stage 5. The remaining 20% of the polygon is WD:co - Woodland:conifer dominated, site unit Douglas-fir - lodgepole pine - Cladina (DC), structural stage 6.

7838 * CWHxm1

6RI:ff RS 5 2RI:ff RF5

2WD:co DC 6

* indicates a field sample was completed but was not mapped

Polygon Number

Biogeoclimatic Zone, Subzone & Variant

% of polygon (as decile)

Structural Stage Mapcode

SE Class

1st component

2nd component

3rd component

SE subclass

Polygon Boundary

Biogeoclimatic Boundary

Roads

20m contoursTRIM StreamsAdditional streams

Intermittent/Potential Stream Drainage Route

Study Area Boundary

BCC984145

( 106Ecosection Boundary

G153[

EnvironmentCanada

EnvironnementCanada

Conifer-dominated dry to moist forest types, structural stage 7 (see table), generally >250yrs.

Subclasses:

co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species

Dry open forests, generally between 10 and 30% tree cover, can be conifer dominated or mixed conifer and arbutus stands; because of open canopy, will include non-forested openings, often with shallow soils and bedrock outcroppings.

Subclasses: co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species

mx (mixed conifer and deciduous) – a minimum of 25% cover of either group is included in the total tree cover

Non-forested ecosystems (less than 10% tree cover), generally with shallow soils and often with bedrock outcroppings; includes large openings within forested areas, coastal headlands, shorelines vegetated with grasses and herbs, sometimes low shrubs, and moss and lichen communities on rock outcrops.

Subclasses:

hb (herbaceous) – central concept of the category, non-forested, less than 10% tree cover, generally shallow soils, often with exposed bedrock; predominantly a mix of grasses and forbs, also lichens and mosses

cs (coastal herbaceous) - as hb but influenced by proximity to ocean, windswept shoreline and slopes; > 20% vegetation, grasses and herbs, some rock outcrops, moss and lichen communities

vs (vegetated shoreline) - low-lying rocky shoreline, soil pockets in rock cracks and crevices; salt-tolerant vegetation, generally with < 20% vegetation cover

sp (spit) - finger-like extension of beach, comprised of sand or gravel deposited by longshore drifting; low to moderate cover of salt-tolerant grasses and herbs

du (dunes) - ridge or hill, or beach area created by windblown sand; may be more or less vegetated depending on depositional activity, beach dunes will have low cover of salt-tolerant grasses and herbs

sh (shrub component) - > 20 % of total vegetation cover is shrub cover, with grasses and herbs

Old Forest (OF):

Woodland (WD):

Herbaceous (HB):

Areas adjacent to water bodies (rivers, lakes, ocean, wetlands) which are influenced by factors such as erosion, sedimentation, flooding and/or subterranean irrigation due to proximity to the water body. Structural stages 1 – 7.

Subclasses:

fl (low bench floodplain) - flooded at least every other year for moderate periods of growing season; plant species adapted to extended flooding and abrasion, low or tall shrubs most common

fm (medium bench floodplain) - flooded every 1-6 years for short periods (10-25 days); deciduous or mixed forest dominated by species tolerant of flooding and periodic sedimentation, trees occur on elevated microsites

fh (high bench floodplain) - only periodically and briefly inundated by high waters, but lengthy subsurface flow in the rooting zone; typically conifer-dominated floodplains of larger coastal rivers

ff (fringe) - narrow linear communities along open water bodies (rivers, lakes and ponds) where there is no floodplain, irregular flooding

gu (gully riparian) - watercourse is within a steep sided V-shaped gully

ri (river) – watercourse is large enough to represent >10% of the polygon

Riparian (RI):

Usually conifer-dominated, occasionally deciduous, dry to moist forest types, structural stage 6, generally >80yrs; > 25 ha. or buffering sensitive ecosystems.

Subclasses:

co (conifer dominated) – greater than 75% coniferous species

mx (mixed conifer and deciduous) - a minimum of 25% cover of either group is included in the total tree cover

Annually flooded cultivated fields or hay fields; important migrating and wintering waterfowl habitat.

Mature Forests (MF):

Seasonally Flooded Agricultural Fields (FS):

Limited to areas of young forest dispersed among sensitive and other important ecosystems.

Young Forests (YF):

Areas that are saturated or inundated with water for long enough periods of time to develop vegetation and biological activity adapted to wet environments. This may result from flooding, fluctuating water tables, tidal influences or poor drainage conditions.

Subclasses:

bg (bog) – nutrient poor wetland, on organic soils (sphagnum peat), water source predominantly from precipitation; may be treed or shrub dominated

fn (fen) – nutrient medium wetland (sedge peat) where ground water inflow is the dominant water source, open water channels common; dominated by sedges, grasses and mosses

ms (marsh) – wetland with fluctuating water table, often with shallow surface water, usually organically enriched mineral soils; dominated by rushes, reeds, grasses and sedges

sp (swamp) – poor to very rich wetland on mineral soils or with an organic layer over mineral soil, with gently flowing or seasonally flooding water table; woody vegetation

sw (shallow water) – standing or flowing water less than 2 m. deep, transition between deep water bodies and other wetland ecosystems (i.e. bogs, swamps, fens, etc.); often with vegetation rooted below the water surface

wm (wet meadow) – periodically saturated but not inundated with water, organically enriched mineral soils; grasses, sedges, rushes and forbs dominate

Very steep slope, often exposed bedrock, may include steep sided sand bluffs; habitat for rare species.

Subclasses:

cc (coastal cliffs)

ic (inland cliffs)

Wetland (WN):

Cliffs (CL):

Other Important EcosystemsOther important ecosystems have high biodiversity values.

Other mapped ecosystems occur in mosaic with sensitive ecosystems and arenot possible to delineate separately at the mapping scale.

Other Mapped Ecosystems

What is a Sensitive Ecosystem?

For the purpose of this study, an ecosystem is considered to be a portion of the landscape with

relatively uniform dominant vegetation.

Sensitive ecosystems are those which are fragile and/or rare, or those ecosystems which are

ecologically important because of the diversity of species they support.

Rationale Ecologically significant lands and important wildlife habitats are fast disappearing throughout the lowlands surrounding the Strait of Georgia. Intense development pressures fuelled by population and economic growth have fragmented and degraded many terrestrial ecosystems. A high proportion of these ecosystems are now designated as “at risk”. Sensitive ecosystems typically have high biological diversity and are a vital part of the landscape. They provide ecosystem services for a healthy economy and for social well being. They regulate climate, clean water, generate and clean soils, recycle nutrients and pollinate our crops. To protect these areas, sensitive ecosystems must be located, identified and mapped. Along the Sunshine Coast the wave-beaten shorelines, coastal plains, rugged mountain slopes, fjords and estuaries contribute to high biodiversity values. Here one finds coastal temperate rainforests, dry shoreline woodlands, herbaceous meadows and rocky coastal bluffs, wetlands and riparian ecosystems.

Purpose The purpose of the Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory (SEI) of the Sunshine Coast is to identify, classify and map sensitive terrestrial ecosystems along the coastal lowlands (including the adjacent islands) from Howe Sound to Desolation Sound. The goal of the SEI is to encourage informed land-use decisions that will conserve sensitive ecosystems. The SEI on Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands (1993 – 1997) shows that this information can be used in a variety of land-use planning processes and can contribute to the conservation of many sites. Decision makers, consultants and non-government organizations have found the SEI to be an effective planning and management tool. SEI data provides site-specific ecological information that can be used to flag sites of conservation concern, to prompt detailed field studies prior to development projects, and to provide input to Forest Stewardship Plans.

MethodologyThe mapping methods are based on the Vancouver Island SEI project and the Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) Standard for Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) in BC. Ecosystem categories include six Sensitive Ecosystem (SE) classes, two Important Ecosystem classes, and one Other Ecosystem class. The legend to the right of the map provides definitions. Ecosystem classes, subclasses, the corresponding Terrestrial Ecosystem site units and structural stages, and stream and drainage corridors not included in TRIM, are mapped. Field survey protocols followed Describing Terrestrial Ecosystems in the Field (RISC 1998) with the addition of a conservation evaluation form to document ecosystem condition and viability. Approximately 20% of the polygons were field checked.

Data Limitations The SEI is a tool to alert decision makers to the existence of sensitive ecosystems, however when land-use changes are proposed detailed site-level assessments are necessary. For sites not field checked, the accuracy of the data depends heavily on the professional judgement of the mapper and the availability of source data. Because the area is changing rapidly, reference to the date of the information source is advised. Aerial photographs used were flown between 1994 and 1999, most are at 1:10,000 scale, some at 1:16,000 scale. Due to the mapping scale, minimum polygon size is usually ½ hectare. Minimum riparian polygon width is 20 metres regardless of the stream channel width. Enlargement of the data beyond the source scale may result in unacceptable distortion and faulty registration with other data sets.

What can be done to protect sensitive ecosystems? Direct and indirect impacts to these ecosystems can be avoided by: • Retaining or creating vegetated buffers around sensitive

ecosystems to isolate them from outside disturbance; • Controlling land and water access to fragile ecosystems; • Controlling invasive species; • Allowing natural disturbances to occur; • Maintaining water quality.

If development must occur, develop carefully!

Conduct an ecological inventory to identify the existing flora and fauna and to locate any threatened or endangered plant and animal species, plant communities, and habitat features needing protection;

Plan and implement all development activities in a manner that will not adversely affect or disturb the sensitive ecosystem.

Consult a qualified professional to interpret the ecological inventory data and work to incorporate designs that maintain the functions and values of the natural ecosystem.

If you are:

A property owner: learn more about the natural values of your land, including the location of any sensitive ecosystems. Find out how to protect, maintain, and enhance those values. Consider using conservation covenants or other measures to ensure that the natural features you value are protected in perpetuity.

A developer: consider a design for your project that is creative and flexible enough to protect and enhance sensitive ecosystems. Treed lots and neighbourhood greenspaces can increase market values.

A planner: ensure that conservation is given as high a priority asother community programs such as housing, transportation, recreation, employment, public works, and community services. Encourage use of the many legal and planning tools available, such as development permit areas, tree protection by-laws, and conservation covenants to protect sensitive ecosystems.

A decision-maker (such as a politician or resource manager): ensure that protection of remaining sensitive ecosystems is a priority at all levels, and support programs, plans and operational activity that will help protect sensitive ecosystems. Encourage and facilitate the development and implementation of biodiversity conservation strategies.

A member of an advocacy group: contribute your time and expertise to help locate and protect sensitive ecosystems. For example, ratepayers’ groups, service organizations, naturalist clubs, land trusts, and conservancies often provide a link between local landowners and voluntary stewardship programs. As a member of one of these groups, you can work cooperatively with local governments to promote land use decisions that protect sensitive ecosystems.

A volunteer: participate in educational programs, conservation fundraising, or in programs to remove invasive species.

A scientist: use your expertise to help identify sensitive ecosystems, define issues that need to be addressed, formulate conservation plans, contribute to the development of conservation andmanagement strategies and explain to other professionals and decision makers the importance of sensitive ecosystems.

Polygon Label

SE subclass SE Class

20% of polygon (as decile)

2167 * 5 RI:ff 1st component 3 MF:co 2nd component 2 WN:sp 3rd component

* indicates a field sample was completed but was not mapped

Polygon Number

Old Forest

Wetland

Herbaceous

3616CWHdm

8RI:ff RS52RI:ff RF3b

3647CWHdm

5MF:co HM64MF:co DS61RI:ff RS6

3657CWHdm

5WD:co DC64MF:co DS61CL:ic CL1

3661CWHxm1

8MF:co HK62WD:mx DC5

3671CWHdm

6MF:co DS64WD:co DC6

3679CWHdm

5RI:ff RS64WN:sp RC51WN:sp HS3b

3692CWHdm

5WD:co DC55MF:co DS6

3694CWHdm

7WN:sp HS32WN:sp HS3a1WN:sp RC5

3720CWHdm

5MF:co HM63MF:co DS62MF:co RS6

3728CWHdm

7RI:ff RS53WN:sp RC6

3732CWHdm

8MF:co HM62RI:ff RS6

3746CWHdm

6OF:co HM74OF:co RS7

3750CWHdm

7WD:co DC63MF:co DS6

3762CWHdm

4WD:co DC43WD:co DC63MF:co DS6

3770CWHdm

6WN:sp HS32WN:sp RC6

2RI:ff RF5

3775CWHdm

5WN:sp HS3b3WN:sp RC5

2RI:ff RF5

3793CWHdm

8RI:ff RS52WN:sp RC5

3805CWHdm

6WN:sp RC34WN:sp HS3a

3813CWHdm

5WD:co DC55MF:co DS6

3817CWHdm

7MF:co HM63RI:ff RS6

3821CWHdm

10WN:sw WP

3843CWHdm

5WD:co DC54WD:co DC41HB:hb FO2b

3846CWHdm

5MF:co HM63MF:co DS62MF:co RS6

3889CWHdm

10WD:co DC4

3900CWHdm

10MF:co DS6

3909CWHdm

10WD:co DC5

3918CWHdm

5WD:co DC45WD:co DC5

3925CWHdm

5MF:co DS65MF:co HM6

3944CWHdm

10HB:cs FC2

3954CWHdm

10HB:cs FC2

3982CWHdm

6WD:mx DC53WD:co DC41HB:hb FO2b

3990CWHdm

5WN:sp RC55WN:sp RC3

3994CWHdm

10RI:ff RS3b

3996CWHdm

5MF:co DS63MF:co HM6

2RI:ff RS5

3997CWHdm

6MF:co HM62RI:ff RS5

2WN:sp RC5

4005CWHdm

8MF:co HM62MF:co RS6

4009CWHdm

4RI:ff RF54RI:ff RS62RI:ff RS5

4012CWHdm

6WD:co DS42WD:co DC52WD:co DC4

4016CWHdm

7MF:co HM62MF:co RS61RI:ff RS6

4025CWHdm

4MF:co HM64MF:mx RS6

2RI:ff RS4

4064CWHdm

4RI:ff RS43WN:sp RC43WN:bg LS3a

4068CWHdm

8WD:co DC42WD:co DC5

4073CWHdm

6WD:co DC44HB:hb FO2b

4078CWHdm

4RI:ff RS54OF:co RS72RI:ff RS7

4082CWHdm

7MF:co DS62MF:co HM61WD:co DC5

4092CWHdm

6RI:ff RF34RI:gu RS3

4104CWHdm

4WD:co DS44WD:co DC52WD:co DC4

4126CWHdm

6WN:sp HS34RI:ff RF5

4146CWHdm

9MF:co DS61WD:co DC6

4160CWHdm

10MF:co HM6

4164CWHdm

10RI:ff RS4

4169CWHdm

8WD:co DC42HB:cs FC2b

4173CWHdm

7MF:co DS62WD:co DC41MF:co HM6

4177CWHdm

7WD:co DC63HB:cs FC2b

4192CWHdm

5MF:co RF65WN:sp RC5

4202CWHdm

10RI:ff RS4

4208CWHdm

6WN:bg LP2b3WN:sp HS3a1WN:sw WP

4225CWHdm

4RI:ff RS53MF:co HM6

3RI:ff RF5

4240CWHdm

10RI:ff RS5

4243CWHdm

5WD:co DC53WD:co DS42MF:co DS6

4248CWHdm

4MF:co DS64WD:co DC62WD:co DC4

4251CWHdm

5WD:co DC53WD:co DC42WD:co DS4

4252CWHdm

7RI:ff RS43RI:ff RF4

4257CWHdm

4WN:sp RC54RI:ff RF5

2WN:ms SM2c

4263CWHdm

5MF:co HM63RI:ff HD52RI:ff HD3

4265CWHdm

7WD:co DC63MF:co DS6

4266CWHdm

8RI:ff HM52WN:sp HS3a

4271CWHdm

6MF:co RS64MF:co HM6

4273CWHdm

8WN:sp RC52WN:bg LS6

4276CWHdm

6WD:co DC53WD:co DS51HB:hb FO2b

4280CWHdm

4MF:co HM63MF:co DS63MF:co RS6

4289CWHdm

10MF:co HM6

4306CWHdm

7WN:sp HS33WN:sp RC5

4307CWHdm

9MF:co HM61RI:ff RS5

4313CWHdm

6WN:sp RC54MF:co RS6

4318CWHdm

6CL:ic CL14WD:co DC5

4332CWHdm

4WN:sp HS34WN:sp RC4

2WN:ms SM2b

4337CWHdm

10WN:sp HS3

4339CWHdm

8RI:ff RS52RI:ff RF5

4348CWHdm

7WD:co DC62YF

1HB:hb FO2b

4350CWHdm

6WN:sp RC54WN:fn MS3b

4353CWHdm

6MF:co DS64WD:co DC5

4360CWHdm

4MF:co HM64MF:co RS62RI:ff RF5

4361CWHdm

10WN:sp HS3

4362CWHdm

7WN:sp RC53RI:ff RF5

4383CWHdm

6MF:co HM64OF:co HM7

4384CWHdm

8RI:ff RF62WN:sp HS3b

4408CWHdm

4WN:bg LP34WN:sp RC5

2RI:ff RF5

4420CWHdm

4MF:co HM63MF:co RS63RI:ff RS4

4426CWHdm

10MF:co DS6

4461CWHdm

5MF:co DS63WD:co DC52WD:co DC3b

4469CWHdm

8MF:co HM62RI:ff RS5

4479CWHdm

8RI:ff RS52RI:ff RF5

4481CWHdm

5WD:co DC45MF:co DS6

4500CWHdm

7RI:ff RS53RI:ff RF5

4522CWHdm

5MF:co HM64WD:mx DC3b

1CL:ic CL1

4533CWHdm

10WD:co DC4

4534CWHdm

5MF:co HM63RI:ff RS62RI:ff RF6

4539CWHdm

5MF:co DS63MF:co HM6

2RI:ff RS5

4540CWHdm

7MF:co HM62MF:co DS61WD:mx DC5

4548CWHdm

10WD:co DC4

4557CWHdm

8WN:sp RC52WN:sp HS3a

4566CWHdm

5RI:ff RS53RI:ff RF5

2WN:sp RB5

4585CWHdm

5RI:ff RS54RI:ff RS3a

1WN:ms EM2b

4595CWHdm

8WD:co DC52CL:cc CL1

4614CWHdm

5WN:sp RB53WN:sp HS3

2RI:ff RS5

4619CWHdm

6WD:co DC62HB:vs FG12HB:sh JM3

4636CWHdm

8WD:mx DC52CL:cc CL1

4640CWHdm

8MF:co HM62OF:co HM7

4645CWHdm

10RI:ff RS6

4646CWHdm

10WD:mx DC6

4647CWHdm

10RI:ff HD5

4648CWHdm

7MF:co HM63RI:ff RS6

14146CWHdm

7WD:co DC63HB:cs FC1b

14202CWHdm

8WD:co DC52HB:cs FC1b

14265CWHdm

5WD:co DC65HB:cs FC1b

14271CWHdm

6HB:sh JM34HB:cs FC1b

14280CWHdm

6WD:co DC64HB:cs FC1b

14351CWHdm

6HB:sh JM34HB:cs FC1b

14370CWHdm

9HB:sh JM31HB:cs FC1b

14384CWHdm

8WD:co DC52HB:cs FC1b

14426CWHdm

10HB:cs FC2

14453CWHdm

8WD:co DC62HB:cs FC1b

14540CWHdm

8WD:co DC62HB:cs FC1b

14566CWHdm

9WD:co DC61HB:cs FC1b