environmental impact statement for the slave falls tramway ...environmental impact statement for the...

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Environmental Impact Statementfor the Slave Falls Tramway

Conversion ProjectAppendices

APPENDIX A

TAC REVIEW COMMENTS ON EAPF

APPENDIX B

DETAILED SOIL SURVEY INFORMATION August 2007

Prepared by

MMM Group

For

Manitoba Hydro

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #1 Location: Near 1009 kp posting – Aspen stand GPS Coordinate: 15U 0316502 5567311 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 308 masl Aspect: SE 160 degrees Slope: 1-3% Surface Expression: Undulating Slope Position: upper slope Parent Material: Till

Duff Depth: 3 cm Humus Form: Moder Drainage: Moderately Well Soil Classification: Dark Gray Luvisol

PROFILE DESCRIPTION Horizon Depth (cm) Color Texture Structure Consist. Mottles

Ahe 0 – 9 Dark gray SiCL – SiL Granular Loose No

Bt 9 – 54 Gray Brown SiCL - C Blocky Hard No

C (Ck?) >54 - Rock - - No

Vegetation observed: Aspen, baneberry, wild strawberry, cream-colored vetch, wild sarsaparilla, grass, buckbrush, common yarrow, ciliolate aster, prickly wild rose, chokecherry and purple avens.

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #2 Location: Near 920 kp posting – Black Spruce Stand with Tamarack GPS Coordinate: 15U 0316107 5567749 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 290 masl Aspect: 0 degrees Slope: 0% Surface Expression: level Slope Position: slight depression Parent Material: Organic

Duff Depth: n/a Humus Form: n/a Drainage: Very poor

Soil Classification: Typic Mesisol


Of 0 – 10 Black - - - No

Om 10 – 225+ Brown - - - No

Vegetation observed: Black Spruce, Tamarack, labrador tea, Sphagnum sp., reindeer lichen, small bog cranberry, leather-leaf, common blueberry, low bush blueberry.

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #3 Location: Near 908 kp posting – Pine stand on Bedrock GPS Coordinate: 15U 0315779 5568612 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 297 masl Aspect: W 300 degrees Slope: 1-3 % Surface Expression: Undulating Slope Position: mid slope Parent Material: Bedrock

Duff Depth: 1.5 cm Humus Form: Moder Drainage: Rapid

Soil Classification: Non-soil


Ah (Ahe?) 0 – 8 Gray SL Granular Crumb.-Loose

No

R (Bedrock) 8+ - - - - No

Vegetation observed: Pine, aspen, ground cedar, pincherry, green alder, raspberry, balsam poplar, northern bedstraw, paper birch, bunchberry, Saskatoon, prickly rose, wild sarsaparilla, blueberry, ciliolate aster, common polypody, bluebells, strawberry, Schreber’s feathermoss, buckbrush, cream-colored vetch, common juniper, grass

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #4 Location: Near 714 kp posting – Grass Area with willow GPS Coordinate: 15U 0315918 5570318 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 283 masl Aspect: 0 degrees Slope: 0% Surface Expression: Level Slope Position: depression Parent Material: Organic

Duff Depth: n/a Humus Form: n/a Drainage: Very Poor

Soil Classification: Typic Humisol

PROFILE DESCRIPTION Horizon Depth (cm) Color Texture Structure Consist. Mottles Oh (1) 0 – 90 Black - - - No

Oh (2) 90 - 190 Gray Brown - - - No

C 190 + Dark Brown Clay - - No

Vegetation observed: Grass, willow, purple-stemmed aster, marsh bellflower, purple avens

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #5 Location: Near 618 kp posting – Aspen/Balsam Fir Stand GPS Coordinate: 15U 0316202 5571004 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 296 masl Aspect: 0 degrees Slope: 0% Surface Expression: Level Slope Position: level Parent Material: Till

Duff Depth: 3 cm Humus Form: Moder Drainage: Moderately Well

Soil Classification: Dark Gray Luvisol



Btgj 10 – 50 Gray Brown SiCL - C Blocky Hard Yes

C (Ckgj?) 50 – 60+ Light Gray CL-C Massive Hard Yes

Vegetation observed: Aspen, balsam fir, coltsfoot, strawberry, bunchberry, fragrant bedstraw, viney meadowrue, bishop’s cap, violet, rose, bracken fern, dewberry, big-leafed aster.

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #6 Location: Near 706 kp posting – Previously harvested site which has been replanted (Originally was an Aspen/Spruce stand) GPS Coordinate: 15U 0315990 5570655 (NAD 83)

Elevation: 289 masl Aspect: E 118 degrees Slope: 1-2% Surface Expression: Undulating Slope Position: mid slope Parent Material: Till

Duff Depth: 2 cm Humus Form: Moder Drainage: Moderately Well

Soil Classification: Dark Gray Luvisol



Bt 7 – 30 Gray Brown SiCL - C Blocky Hard No

IIB 30 – 50 Light Brown SiL Granular Loose No

C (Ckgj?) 50 - Light Brown CL – C Massive Hard Yes

Vegetation observed: Aspen, spruce, goosefoot, goldenrod, thistle, woodland horsetail, ciliolate aster, red-osier dogwood, currant (Ribes sp.)

Photograph of Site

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Date of Survey: August 15, 2007 Site Number: #7 Location: Near 510 kp posting – Jack Pine with some White Spruce GPS Coordinate: 15U 0316845 5572087 (NAD 83) Elevation: 298 masl Aspect: 0 degrees Slope: 0% Surface Expression: Level Slope Position: Level Parent Material: Organic Duff Depth: n/a Humus Form: n/a Drainage: Very Poor Soil Classification: Typic Humisol


Om 0 – 60 Brown - - - No

Oh 60 – 190 Black - - - No

Vegetation observed: Jack pine, white spruce, sphagnum, grass, mushrooms

Photograph of Site

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Description of Soil Types and Horizons found in the Project Area

Dark Gray Luvisols are characterized as having:

“Ahe” horizons have undergone eluviation (removal of soil material, such as clay, in suspension from a layer or layers of soils) as evidenced by streaks and splotches of different shades of gray and often platy (flaky) structure.

“Bt” horizons are illuvial horizons (material carried from an overlying horizon has accumulated in this horizon) enriched with silicate clay and form below an eluvial horizon. At Site #5, the soil investigated had a Btgj horizon which are horizons that have mottling (g) [spots of different color interspersed within the dominant color] but are juvenile (j) in nature and do not meet the criteria of a Bg horizon.

“C” horizons are comparatively unaffected by the pedogenic processes operating in the A and B horizons. The soils identified at Sites #5 and #6 had evidence of mottling (g) but are juvenile in nature (j) and do not meet the criteria of a Cg horizon.

Non-Soils:

A non-soil was classified at Site #3 (Pine stand on Bedrock) which is defined as the aggregate of surficial materials that do not meet the definition of soil. Non-soils include (but are not limited to) unconsolidated mineral or organic material thinner than 10 cm overlying bedrock.

Organic Typic Mesisol are characterized as having:

“Of” is an organic horizon which consists largely of fibric material which is defined as having ¾ or more of recognizable fibers of undecomposed plant remains.

“Om” is an organic horizon that consists of mesic material which is defined as being at a stage of decomposition intermediate between fibric and humic material (highly decomposed soil organic material containing little fiber).

Organic Typic Humisols are characterized as having:

“Om” horizon (see definition above).

“Oh” is an organic horizon that consists of humic material which is at an advanced stage of decomposition and contains little fiber.

APPENDIX C

AQUATIC HABITAT ASSESSMENTS

APPENDIX D

BOTANICAL SURVEY REPORT

BOTANICAL SURVEY

OF THE PROPOSED CONVERSION OF TRAMWAY TO PRIVATE

ALL-WEATHER ROAD, POINTE DU BOIS TO SLAVE FALLS, MANITOBA

Prepared by Elizabeth Punter

Crescent Botanical Services

for

Manitoba Hydro

February 2008

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SUMMARY

A botanical survey of the Proposed Conversion of Tramway to Private All-weather Road, Pointe du Bois to Slave Falls was conducted in June, July, and August 2007.

No species listed by the federal Species At Risk Act or the Manitoba Endangered Species Act were found.

A number of plants considered very rare1, rare2, uncommon3, uncommon to apparently secure4 in Manitoba were located along and adjacent to the tramway right-of-way.

Very rare plants: Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass. (big-leaf aster) Carex merritt-fernaldii Mack. (Fernald’s sedge) Glyceria canadensis (Michx.) Trin. (rattlesnake grass)

Rare plants: Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt. (three-way sedge) Vaccinium caespitosum Michx. (dwarf bilberry)

Uncommon plants: Bidens beckii Torr. ex Spreng. (water-marigold) Botrychium multifidum (Gmel.) Rupr. (leathery grapefern) Carex gracillima Schw. (slender sedge) Fraxinus nigra Marsh. (black ash) Persicaria sagittata (L.) H. Gross (arrow-leaved tearthumb) Solidago uliginosa Nutt. (bog goldenrod)

Uncommon to apparently secure: Asarum canadense L. (wild ginger) Carex intumescens Rudge (swollen sedge) Carex pedunculata Muhl. ex Willd. (long-stalked sedge)

General recommendations to protect these plants include:

Clearing the right-of-way after the growing season has ended.

Making minor adjustments to the road route and reducing the width of right-of-way in the vicinity of very rare and rare plant occurrences.

Restricting construction activities to the right-of-way.

Specific recommendations are identified in the “recommendations” section of this report on page xx.

1 Very rare in the province (5 or fewer occurrences). May be especially vulnerable to extirpation. 2 Rare throughout the province (6 to 20 occurrences). May be vulnerable to extirpation. 3 Uncommon in the province (20 to 100 occurrences). 4Uncommon to apparently secure in the province, but uncertainty exist about the exact rarity of the species.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary ................................................................................................................................. i

Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1

Methods.................................................................................................................................. 2

Results and Discussion .......................................................................................................... 3

Recommendations................................................................................................................ 25

Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. 26

References ........................................................................................................................... 27

APPENDICES

Appendix I. Checklist of species for the June-August 2007 surveys of the Proposed Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, by scientific name.

Appendix II. Checklist of species for the June-August 2007 surveys of the Proposed Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, by common name.

Appendix III. Probability of finding plant species listed by the Manitoba Endangered Species Act (MESA) & the Canada Species at Risk Act (SARA) in the Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls area.

Appendix IV. Definitions of conservation status ranks.

Appendix V. Description of the vegetation along the Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls tramway.

Appendix VI. Coordinates of the kilometer sections along the Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls tramway.

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INTRODUCTION

A botanical and rare plant survey was undertaken in June, July, and August 2007 of the tramway between Pointe du Bois and Slave Falls (Proposed Conversion of Tramway to Private All-weather Road, Pointe du Bois to Slave Falls, Manitoba). The objective of the survey was to record a list of vascular plants, to describe plant community types, and to record locations of rare plants along and adjacent to the tramway right-of-way.

The Pointe du Bois to Slave Falls Tramway is approximately 11 km long. It runs from the turnaround or wye (North wye) on the western side of the village of Pointe du Bois south to the South wye on the mainland, then crossing the Winnipeg River via an island to the power house at Slave Falls Generating Station. The tramway consists of standard-gauge rails and ties mounted on a crushed rock aggregate base.

The Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls Tramway went into operation in 1929. The route had been surveyed in 1925 and was cleared by early 1928. Construction of the tramway was completed by late December 1928. A spur was built in 1955 at Mile Four for a logging operation in 1955 and 1956, after which it was dismantled. In 1963, the Lac du Bonnet to Point du Bois Tramway was dismantled. A new turn-around (North wye) was built in 1964 closer to the village of Point du Bois (Lacey 1996). A line of overhead wires suspended on utility poles follows the tramway from Pointe du Bois to just past the 10 km mark whence it cuts through forest, then across the river to the Slave Falls power house. These poles are numbered, indicating the kilometer distance along the tramway.

Physical features

The Point du Bois-Slave Falls area is underlain by Precambrian granitic bedrock. The topography is hummocky with frequent rock outcrops as rocky knolls. The elevation of the right-of-way is just above to just below the 305 m (1000 foot) contour. The right-of-way follows a course between rock knolls. At one point the track runs for a short stretch along the side of a slope, which drops steeply to the east. In places, the tramway traverses or is adjacent to several wetlands. At the 9 km mark, the tramway crosses an inlet to the Winnipeg River known as Moose Creek and at the 10 km mark, a large wetland complex. Wide, deep ditches provide drainage for the tramway along the right-of-way at many points along the route. In June, water levels were high in wetland areas and ditches and decreased somewhat over the summer. Rock outcrops project into the right-of-way from adjacent ridges in several places.

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Vegetation

The vegetation of the Pointe du Bois area is mainly forest that varies in composition depending on site conditions. Bedrock and well-drained sandy deposits support jack pine (Pinus banksiana). Trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides), white spruce (Picea mariana), balsam fir (Abies balsamea), black spruce (Picea mariana), and jack pine (Pinus banksiana) may occur on upland sites with clayey or loamy soils. Clayey glaciolacustrine deposits are found in low-lying depressions. Organic soils, derived from wood, moss or sedge deposits have developed in poorly drained depressions. Bogs support black spruce (Picea mariana), alder (Alnus species) and other shrubs. Tamarack (Larix laricina) and sedges with alder and swamp birch (Betula pumila) form the dominant vegetation in fens (Smith et al. 1998). The area is within the Lower English River Section of the Boreal Forest Region. Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), white elm (Ulmus americana), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) also occur on suitable sites within this section (Rowe 1972).

METHODS

Prior to fieldwork, a list of rare plants for the area around Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls was obtained from the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre. A rare plant is “one that has a small population within the province. It may be restricted to a small geographic area or it may occur sparsely over a wider area” (White and Johnson 1980). Rare plant surveys are not only conducted for special status plants, those species listed under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) and Manitoba Endangered Species Act (MESA) but also for those species with a conservation status rank of S1-S3 by the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre (definitions of ranks in Appendix IV). The objectives of a rare plant survey are to determine the presence and location of all rare plant species within the sphere of influence of a proposed development. Rare plant surveys can confirm the presence of a rare plant species, but can seldom rule out its existence in a given area.

Descriptions, habitat preferences, ecological and biological information for the list of rare species were reviewed. Geology, surficical geology, soil and topographic maps, and aerial photos of the project area were consulted. Late May or early June, first half of July, and early to mid-August 2007 were determined to be suitable times for the botanical surveys. An application for a permit to conduct botanical surveys in Whiteshell Provincial Park was made to Parks Branch, Manitoba Conservation. A Scientific Research Permit (Work Permit No.

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WPB 21729) was granted in April 20, 2007 to conduct botanical studies in Manitoba’s provincial parks and park reserves, including the collection of specimens necessary for laboratory analysis and identification purposes.

In the field, floristic surveys were used as the method for finding rare plants along the tramway right-of-way and adjacent area. A floristic survey is one in which each plant species encountered is identified to a taxonomic level that allows the surveyor to determine its rarity. A list of species was recorded in each representative habitat and plant association encountered along the tramway and adjoining area. Two types of search patterns were used, depending on the vegetation density, visibility in tree or shrubby plant communities, plant size and type of plant. A meander search involves walking randomly through a site or plant association. A patterned search involves walking along a series of parallel transects within a search unit. In both methods, each new species encountered is noted until no additional species are observed (Nelson 1986, 1987).

Locations of rare plants were recorded using a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. Estimate of population size, extent of area occupied by the population of a rare plant and its habitat parameters (aspect, slope, substrate) were also recorded. Voucher specimens of rare plants were collected where population levels allowed (at least 12 plants). Voucher specimens of plants in representative habitats were collected to provide documentation of species in the study area. Where possible, habitats and rare plants were photographed.

Post-field activities involved identification or confirmation of identification of voucher specimens. The voucher specimens will be deposited in a publicly accessible herbarium (University of Manitoba Herbarium WIN) as a record for this project, for future reference, scientific research or educational purposes. A species list for Manitoba plants was obtained from the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre to be used as a reference for the conservation status of species.

RESULTS & DISCUSSION

Botanical surveys were undertaken June 11-12, July 11-12, and August 14-16 from the North wye (Pointe du Bois) to the South wye (Slave Falls) along the right-of-way and in the adjacent forest at certain locations. The utility poles of the overhead wires are numbered, providing a reference point for locations along the right-of-way. In June, water levels in the ditches hindered safe access to the forest adjacent to the tramway. In July and August,

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levels were lower. However, water in ditches along the tramway where it crosses wetlands remained high.

Previous botanical surveys in the general area of the project

The University of Manitoba Herbarium (WIN) has a small number of plant specimens from Pointe du Bois collected by Dr. B. Boivin and Dr. D. Löve in the 1950’s. Dr. J. R. Dugle published two checklists of plants of the Whiteshell area. The total number of plants listed is 770 species. These checklists include plants that do occur in the Whiteshell area and those that have the potential to occur in the area (Dugle 1969, Dugle and Smith 1984). Voucher specimens from collections made for these publications were deposited in the Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment Herbarium (WNRE). This collection is now housed in the Manitoba Museum Herbarium (MMMN). The Department of Botany, University of Manitoba staff have collected plant specimens at Lac du Bois (10 km east of Pointe du Bois) from the late 1970’s to the mid 1990’s. These collections were deposited in the University of Manitoba Herbarium (WIN). A plant inventory of the Manitoba Model Forest was undertaken in 1993. An annotated checklist of vascular plants was produced with the addition of plant collections in local herbaria and published and unpublished reports (Punter 1994). Pointe du Bois is just outside the southeastern edge of the Model Forest. A total of 720 vascular plants were recorded in the Model Forest that represents 45% of the provincial flora and 17% of the national flora.

2007 plant survey of the tramway right-of-way (RoW) and selected adjacent areas.

The survey produced a list of 344 species present on the RoW and in the adjacent area. The total number of species is high for such a small area (11 km2). In contrast, this is 50% of the number of species found in the Manitoba Model Forest whose area is 1 047 067 hectares. The number of species recorded is an indicator that the area along and adjacent to the tramway is diverse and botanically rich. A list of species recorded is presented in Appendix I (by scientific name) and Appendix II (by common name). The total number of species represents 311 native species and 33 introduced (alien or exotic) species.

The diversity of the flora along the tramway is possibly due to it location adjacent to the boundaries between the Manitoba Lowlands and Northern Coniferous sections of the Boreal Forest Region, and the Quetico and Rainy River sections of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest Region. Shifting vegetation zones since deglaciation will have contributed to the diversity of the area. The diversity of the flora is also influenced by the undulating

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topography that has resulted in a number of different upland and wetland habitat types in the area. The open areas on the RoW provide habitats for species not normally found under forest cover.

Introduced plants

The introduced species represent 10% of the total flora recorded along the tramway. Some of these introduced species would have been part of seed mixes used to re-vegetate disturbed soil along the RoW (smooth brome, timothy, creeping bent, alfalfa, red and alsike clover). Other introduced species found would have been brought into the RoW as seeds on the wheels/tracks of vehicles, by mammals and birds, or been blown in by the wind. Timothy is found some distance away from the RoW on rock outcrop areas.

Native plants

Many of the native plants recorded along the tramway and adjoining area are widely distributed within the province. However, the species listed below have a range restricted to the southeastern quarter of Manitoba, an area approximately from the Narrows on Lake Winnipeg south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border and east to the Manitoba-Ontario border

Asarum canadense (Wild ginger), S3? Carex gracillima (Slender sedge), S3 Carex intumescens (Swollen sedge), S3? Carex merritt-fernaldii (Fernald’s sedge), S1 Clintonia borealis (Bluebead lily), S4? Dichanthelium depauperatum (Starved panicgrass), S4 Dulichium arundinaceum (Three-way sedge), S2 Eupatorium perfoliatum (Common boneset), S4? Eurybia macrophylla (Bigleaf aster), S1 Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen), S3S4 Glyceria canadensis (Rattlesnake grass), S1 Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive fern), S3S4 Prunus nigra (Canada plum), S4 Solidago uliginosa (Bog goldenrod), S3 Streptopus lanceolatus (Rose mandarin), S4 (Eastern North American range)

The above species are at the northwestern limit of their range in North America. The conservation status ranks of the above species range from S1 (very rare) to S4 (apparently

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secure). Clintonia borealis, apparently secure to secure (S4?), occurs in trembling aspen and/or balsam poplar mixedwood and pine mixedwood vegetation types on fresh to moist, fine to coarse mineral soils as a ground cover species (Zoladeski et al. 1995). These vegetation types are encountered frequently in the southeastern quarter of Manitoba. Glyceria canadensis, a wetland grass, is very rare (S1) in Manitoba and has only been recorded from a few locations close to the Manitoba-Ontario border. Population size is usually very small at each occurrence.

Allium stellatum (Pink-flowered onion), S5 (widespread, abundant, and secure) was recorded west of the tramway RoW on a rocky knoll. It is at or near the northeastern limit of its range in North America. It does occur in northwestern Ontario around the eastern side of Lake of the Woods. In Ontario, it has a conservation status rank S3 (uncommon). Allium stellatum is a prairie species but is found on rock outcrops, open sandy ground and open jack pine forest in southeastern Manitoba. Adjacent to the tramway it was growing with big bluestem, hoary pucoon, and ox-eye, three typical prairie species. These prairie species may be remnants of populations of grassland species that moved northwards during the climatic warming 8 000 and 4 000 years BP.

Populations of species at the outer limits of their distribution range are often characterized by unique adaptive traits, as they tend to be under stronger selective pressure on account of local environmental and competitive stresses (Mosquin & Whiting 1992).

Plants of conservation concern (‘rare plants’)

No plants listed under the Manitoba Endangered Species Act or the Canada Species At Risk Act were found during the plant surveys in 2007. The probability of any species listed under the above acts occurring in the Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls general area is low to very low. Plants listed under both acts can be found in Appendix III.

The term ‘rare plant’ is used here in the generic sense in that it refers to those plants of conservation concern, whether endangered, threatened or vulnerable. These latter categories of ‘rareness’ are usually used for those species that have legal status under the Manitoba Endangered Species Act or the federal Species at Risk Act.

A rare plant is one that has a small number of occurrences in the province.

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a). It may be a species that occurs over a wide geographical area but is scarce wherever it occurs. Generally, these species have narrow ecological tolerances and are confined to specific habitats.

b). The species may have a very small geographic range. It may be locally abundant but, because of its limited distribution in the province, it can be threatened by any change in its habitat, or populations may be easily over-collected. Such a species or population may be

(i.) A relic of flora that had a much greater range; (ii.) A newly evolved species; (iii.) A species that was formerly wide-ranging but is being rapidly depleted because

its habitat is being modified or destroyed by human intervention; (iv.) A disjunct population that has larger populations elsewhere which are not

threatened in any way; (v.) A peripheral population, at the edge of a species range in the province.

The conservation data centres throughout North America use The Nature Conservancy (US) methodology to determine the level of rarity, S1 (very rare), S2 (rare), S3 (uncommon) for those species within their political jurisdictions. Definitions of these conservation status ranks are given in Appendix IV.

A search of the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre’s database between latitude 50˚ 08’N to 50˚ 25’N and longitude 95˚ 24’W to 95˚ 42’W for rare plant occurrences generated a list of 14 species with a provincial conservation status rank of S1-S3S4.

Carex merritt-fernaldii Mack. (Fernald’s sedge) S1 (very rare) Collinsia parviflora Lindl. (Blue-eyed Mary) S1 (very rare) Glyceria canadensis (Trin.) Michx. (Rattlesnake grass) S1 (very rare) Huperzia lucidula (Michx.) Trevisan (Shining club-moss) S1 (very rare) Nymphaea odorata Ait. subsp. tuberosa (Paine) Wiersema & Hellquist (Tuberous white water-lily) S1(very rare) Brasenia schreberi J.F. Gmelin (Water-shield) S2 (rare) Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt. (Three-way sedge) S2 (rare) Heteranthera dubia (Jacq.) MacM. (Water star-grass) S2 (rare) Nymphaea odorata Ait. subsp. odorata (Fragrant water-lily) S2 (rare)

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Nymphaea tetragona Georgi ( Pygmy water-lily) S2 (rare) Platanthera hookeri (Torr. ex A. Gray) Lindl. S2 (rare) Carex emoryi Dewey (Emory’s sedge) S2? (rare to uncommon) Carex pauciflora Lightf. (Few-flowered sedge) S3 (uncommon)) Onoclea sensibilis L. (Sensitive fern) S3S4 (uncommon to apparently secure)

The above species have a medium to high probability of occurring in the area around the tramway.

Plants of conservation concern found along and adjacent to the tramway

In this survey, three very rare (S1) plants, two rare (S2) plants, six uncommon (S3) plants, and three uncommon to apparently secure (S3?) plants were found along or adjacent to the tramway RoW. Their locations are described in detail below.

Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass. – bigleaf aster (Aster macrophyllus L.) Manitoba Conservation Data Centre conservation status rank S1 (very rare).

Its range in North America is from Nova Scotia to southeastern Manitoba south to Missouri and Georgia. It is found growing on moist to dry soils of hemlock-northern hardwood forests, beech-maple or pine forests, Appalachian spruce-fir woodlands, thickets, clearings, and shady roadsides (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2006a). Also in wooded dunes, northern rocky woods with spruce and fir, less often in swamp forests and riverbanks (Voss 1996, Lakela 1965). In northwestern Ontario, bigleaf aster occurs in a number of hardwood and mixedwood vegetation types and a few conifer mixedwood vegetation types (Sims et al. 1997) in the Agassiz Clay Plain and the Lake Wabigoon ecoregions (Dickinson et al. 2004).

In Manitoba, bigleaf aster is recorded from two locations in Whiteshell Provincial Park, and has been reported from at least two other localities within the park. It is at the northwestern limit of its range in southeastern Manitoba.

Bigleaf aster is an herbaceous perennial with branched rhizomes that produces extensive dense clones with many sterile rosettes. It flowers in late summer to fall (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2006a). The number of flowering stems produced by a population of bigleaf aster tends to be sporadic from year to year.

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The occurrence of bigleaf aster adjacent to the tramway is the northwestern-most occurrence known in North America to date.

Bigleaf aster was found adjacent to the tramway at 4 locations:

(1.) Between 50˚ 17’ 05.1N 95˚ 33’ 13.7”W (15U 0318051 557 3177) and 50˚ 17’ 03.4”N 95˚ 33’ 13.2W (15U 0318074 5573146 NAD27), east of poles 309-311. On forest edge east of the RoW and into adjacent open jack pine forest with trembling aspen, black spruce, pussy willow, downy arrow-wood and saskatoon on thin soil over bedrock. There were about 50 flowering stems and a large number of sterile rosettes (vegetative basal leaves).

(2.) Between 50˚ 16’ 45.4”N 95˚ 33’ 23.7W (UTM 15U 0317850 5572587 NAD 27) and 50˚ 16’ 44.4’N 95K 33’ 25.8”W (UTM 15U 0317799 5572566 NAD 27), west of utility poles 402-406. Just beyond the west edge of the RoW over a narrow rocky ridge in open jack pine and occasional trembling aspen with a sparse understory of bush-honeysuckle and velvet-leaf blueberry on shallow soil over bedrock. There were at least 40 flowering stems and many sterile rosettes.

(3.) Near 50˚ 15’ 49.8”N 95˚ 34’ 31.6”W (15U 0316442 5570920 NAD 27). GPS reading taken at edge of bush, west of utility poles 611-612. Bigleaf aster was growing on thin soil over bedrock just inside bush in a shallow gully between rock outcrops. The overstory is open trembling aspen with open understory of pussy willow, downy arrow-wood, meadowsweet and ground cover of wild sarsaparilla, bunchberry, and northern starflower. There were at least 35 flowering stems and many sterile rosettes.

(4.) Between 50˚ 15’ 43.0”N 95˚ 34’ 47.0”W (UTM 15U 0316128 5570721 NAD27) and 50˚ 15’ 43.8”N 95˚ 34’W (UTM 15U 0316101 5570744 NAD27), west of utility poles 616-620, from bush at the edge of the RoW westwards into the logged area. The bush at the western edge of the RoW is open mixedwood (trembling aspen, white spruce and balsam fir) with a sparse understory (beaked hazel, downy arrow-wood) and sparse ground cover (wood horsetail, wild strawberry, pink pyrola, rose mandarin, dewberry) growing on moist clay soil. West of this bush is a large open area that rises slightly to the west and north. This area had been logged, scarified and planted with white spruce that are now 25-30 cm tall. Trembling aspen saplings 1.5-2.0 m tall form the overstory in this area along with beaked hazel and saskatoon. The soil is clay loam.

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Over 100 flowering stems were present with many sterile rosettes. Locations 3 & 4 could be considered parts of a single population (occurrence).

Even though the bigleaf aster occurred in a mixedwood forest (or vegetation type), it was not found in all mixedwood forest stands examined adjacent to the tramway. Although it occurred in a previously logged area (location 4), it was not found in the other three logged areas surveyed.

Carex merritt-fernaldii Mack. – Fernald’s sedge MB CDC conservation status rank S1 (very rare).

The North American range is from southeastern Manitoba east to New Brunswick, south to Minnesota, Ohio to Connecticut. Preferred habitats are acidic substrates such as dry sands, gravel, rocky places, meadows, roadsides, clearings, hillsides (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002, Voss 1972, Lakela 1965).

In Manitoba, Fernald’s sedge has been recorded from the Bird River south to Lac du Bois and Scotts Hill and east to Whiteshell Provincial Park (Caddy Lake and Falcon Lake areas). It is found on exposed granitic rock surfaces with sparse tree cover (jack pine, white spruce). In Manitoba, it is at the northwestern limit of its range.

Fernald’s sedge is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows in clumps with an aerial stem 30-100 cm tall and fruits about mid-summer (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002).

Fernald’s sedge was found at four locations beyond and above the RoW. These locations are characterized by open bare granitic rock with sparse jack pine and white spruce. It was usually growing in fissures in the rock. The sedge was sporadic on these open rock outcrop areas.

(1.) Rock outcrop on hill, above western side of RoW, west of utility poles 717-718. 50˚ 15’ 10.7”N 95˚ 35’ 01.6”W, UTM 15U 0315805 5569731 NAD 27.

(2.) Rock outcrop on hill, above western side of RoW, west of utility pole 803. 50˚ 15’ 05.0”N 95˚ 34’ 59.1”W, UTM 15U 0315850 5569547 NAD27.

(3.) Rock outcrop on hill above western side of RoW, west of utility pole 906. 50˚ 14’ 30.7”N 95˚ 35’ 03.6”W, UTM 0315720 5568500 NAD 27.

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(4.) Rock outcrop on hill above eastern side of RoW, east of utility pole 918. 50˚ 14’ 14.1”N 95˚ 34’ 55.2”W (on RoW.)

Locations 1 & 2 should probably be considered one population or occurrence. They occur on the same rock knoll within about 370 m of each other.

Glyceria canadensis (Michx.) Trin. var. canadensis – rattlesnake grass Manitoba Conservation Data Centre conservation status rank S1 (very rare).

In North America, the range of rattlesnake grass is from southeastern Manitoba to Newfoundland, south to Illinois to northeastern Tennessee (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2007). A disjunct population occurs in southeastern Saskatchewan near Creighton close to the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border (Boivin 1981). Preferred habitats are swamps, bogs, lakeshores, marshes, wet woods, streams and drainage ditches (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2007, Dore & McNeill 1980, Lakela 1965).

In Manitoba, rattlesnake grass has been recorded from two locations in Whiteshell Provincial Park (Star Lake & Caddy areas), two locations in Nopiming Provincial Park (west of Davidson Lake and Flanders Lake areas) and at Wallace Lake (north of Nopiming) on lakeshores, pond edges and a drained beaver pond. In Manitoba, rattlesnake grass is at the northwestern limit of its range in North America. Rattlesnake grass is an herbaceous perennial grass growing up to 150 cm tall.

Scattered individual plants of rattlesnake grass were growing in a wetland on the eastern and western sides of the tramway between utility poles 1006 and to just south of pole 1009. In this area, the tramway crosses through the wetland.

(1.) 50˚ 13’ 59.8”N 95˚ 34’ 44.0”W (UTM 15U 0316079 5567532 NAD 27)

(2.) 50˚ 13’ 59.5”N 95˚ 34’ 43.4”W (UTM 15U 0316088 5567518 NAD 27)

(3.) 50˚ 13’ 58.1”N 95˚ 34’ 41.9”W (UTM 15U 0316121 5567476 NAD 27)

(4.) 50˚ 13’ 51.4”N 95˚ 34’ 34.6”W (UTM 15U 0316259 5567265 NAD 27).

Rattlesnake grass was growing in shallow water on either side of the tramway as it crosses a wetland. Other plants present were bottle sedge, awned sedge, black-girdled bulrush, marsh

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bellflower, water-arum and marsh five-finger. The plants at the above four locations should be considered as one population or occurrence.

Wetlands are common adjacent to the tramway and are representatives of different types (bog, fen, marsh and swamp). The rattlesnake grass was found growing at the edge of a wide ditch parallel to the tramway as it passes through a large wetland. Many ditches along the tramway were examined but rattlesnake grass was only found at the above locations.

Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt. var. arundinaceum – three-way sedge MB CDC conservation rank S2 (rare).

In North America, the range of three-way sedge is from southern British Columbia south to California, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, southeastern Manitoba east to Newfoundland, south to Louisiana and Florida (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002). It is found in open wet places, lake and pond margins, marshes, swamps, bogs, and edges of streams, seldom in water over 60 cm deep (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002, Voss 1972, Lakela 1965).

In Manitoba, three-way sedge has been recorded from Lac du Bois to southern Nopiming Provincial Park (Springer Lake, Davidson Lake, Flanders Lake) south to Whiteshell Provincial Park (Lily Pond). It was also recorded from the Whitemouth River (exact location unknown) in 1938 (Boivin 1979). Three-way sedge is at the northern limit of its range in Manitoba.

Three-way sedge is an herbaceous perennial with rhizomes, aerial stems from 20-100 cm tall and may grow in clumps or not. It fruits in summer to fall (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002).

Three-way sedge was found in the wetland on the eastern side of the tramway, growing at the edge of the water along with rattlesnake grass, common boneset, bottle sedge, marsh-marigold, water arum, and black-girdled bulrush.

(1). Just south of utility pole 1009, in wetland on eastern side of tramway. 50˚ 13’ 51.4”N 95˚ 34’ 34.6”W (UTM 15U 0316259 5567265 NAD 27).

Vaccinium caespitosum Michx. – dwarf bilberry MB CDC conservation status rank S2 (rare).

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In North America, the range of dwarf bilberry extends from southern Alaska to Labrador, south to California, Colorado, Wyoming, northern Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, northern Michigan (south shore of Lake Superior) to northern New England. It is found on gravelly and rocky shores, sandy clearings and thickets in open coniferous forest, mixed woodlands, dry soils in open trembling aspen and other hardwoods, alpine and subalpine herbmats, meadows, basaltic rock outcrops, hillsides and slopes (Porsild & Cody 1980, Cody 1996, Lakela 1965, Mackinnon, Pojar & Coupé 1992, Soper & Heimburger 1985, Voss 1996). It has a scattered distribution in northwestern Ontario.

Dwarf bilberry has a scattered distribution in Manitoba. It is known from Duck Mountain, Riding Mountain, Belair Forest, Wallace Lake area and northeastern Nopiming Provincial Park. In the west of the province, dwarf bilberry is found on dry soils in open mixed woodlands. In the Belair Forest it was found growing on sandy soil in open mature jackpine stands. In Wallace Lake and northern Nopiming Provincial Park, dwarf bilberry was found growing in sandy or dry gravelly substrate between rock outcrops in open jack pine stands.

Dwarf billberry is a very low (up to 30 cm tall), tufted shrub that spreads as the branches on the ground root to form mats. It has a single flower in the axils of the lower leaves. It flowers in May to early July, producing fruit in late July to August (Soper & Heimburger 1985, Lakela 1965).

A very small depauperate patch of dwarf bilberry was found growing on dry gravelly soil at the junction of the bush and western side of the RoW. The bush at this point is open trembling aspen, white birch and balsam fir mixedwood.

(1). At edge of bush on western side of the RoW, west of utility poles 916-917, 50˚ 14’ 19.3”N 95˚ 34’ 57”W.

Bidens beckii Torr. ex Spreng. – water-marigold (Megalodonta beckii (Torr. ex Spreng.) Greene) MB CDC conservation status rank S3 (uncommon).

The North American range of water-marigold is from southern British Columbia south to Oregon, Idaho and Montana (not found in Alberta), east central Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia south to Missouri and Pennsylvania. An aquatic plant, it grows in still or slow moving water (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2006b).

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In Manitoba, the range of water-marigold is southeastern Manitoba south of the Manigotagan River to the Manitoba-Minnesota border. A disjunct population occurs north of the Pas.

Water-marigold is a perennial aquatic with yellow flowers and stems up to 200 cm long. The aerial leaves are lance-shaped while the underwater leaves are finely divided. It flowers in August-September. In Manitoba, it is found in quiet shallow water of lakes and rivers.

Water-marigold was found growing in water on the north and south side of Moose Creek east of the tramway crossing.

(1.) On the eastern side of tramway between utility poles 900-905, growing in water in wetland (part of Moose Creek). 50˚ 14’ 38.3”N 95˚ 34’ 55.9”W, UTM 15U 0315889 5568729 NAD 27 to 50˚ 14’ 31.5”N 95˚ 34’ 58.7W, UTM 15U 0315822 5568523 NAD27.

Botrychium multifidum (Gmel.) Rupr. - leathery grapefern MB CDC conservation rank S3 (uncommon).

The North American range of leathery grapefern is from southern Alaska east to Newfoundland, south to California, Nevada, Arizona to North Dakota to Virginia (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1993). It is found on grassy hillsides, open fields, sandy open places, and borders of woods (Cody and Britton 1989).

In Manitoba, leathery grapefern is found in the southern half of Manitoba in fields, moist open woods, sandy loam soil, base of granitic rock outcrops, and at edges of trails in woods growing on coarse dry soils. It is known from southern Nopiming Provincial Park.

Leathery grapefern was found growing on the edge of the rail bed in the coarse aggregate on the eastern side of the tramway just north of utility pole 513. Only one plant was observed.

(1.) Eastern side tramway rail bed growing amongst the aggregate, just north of utility pole 513. 50˚ 16’ 17.3”N 95˚ 34’ 16.1”W (UTM 15U 0316786 5571762).

Carex gracillima Schw. – slender sedge MB CDC conservation rank S3 (uncommon).

The North American range of slender sedge is from southeastern Manitoba east to Newfoundland, south to Arkansas to Georgia. It is found in mesic to dry deciduous forests,

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mixed coniferous-hardwood forests, coniferous swamps, thickets, meadows, and roadsides (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002).

In Manitoba, the range of slender sedge is the southeastern corner of the province in trembling aspen forest on moist clay soils, and occasionally along wet roadsides through aspen forest. In Manitoba, it is at the northwestern limit of its range.

Slender sedge is a perennial growing in clumps with a flowering stem from 20-90 cm tall. It fruits in late spring to mid summer (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002), usually in June in Manitoba.

(1.) Slender sedge was found near the edge of the track on the slope above the RoW west of the tramway at utility pole 717. (No coordinates).

Fraxinus nigra Marsh. - black ash MB CDC conservation rank S3 (uncommon)

The North American range of black ash is from southeastern Manitoba east to Newfoundland south to Iowa and east to Delaware. It has a disjunct occurrence in North Dakota (Farrar 1995). Black ash is found on moist soils in open places, open woods, swamps, edge of ponds, and along streams. It may occur as a pure stand or with black spruce, balsam fir, eastern white cedar, speckled alder, red maple and silver maple. It can tolerate standing water for several weeks (Farrar 1995, Lauriault 1989).

In Manitoba, black ash occurs on the western side of Lake Winnipeg from the Narrows eastward, south to the Manitoba-North Dakota-Minnesota border and east to the Manitoba-Ontario border. It is found on wet to moist soil of low ground, river valleys and lakeshores. It is at the northwestern limit of its range in Manitoba.

Black ash is a small tree to 20 m tall. The trunk is slender (to 50 cm in diameter) with a narrow open crown with ascending branches. The root system is shallow and wide spreading.

Black ash was found in at least six locations along or adjacent to the tramway RoW.

(1.) Several trees were growing on the eastern edge of RoW, along the bush edge between poles 214-215, with balsam poplar and mountain maple, possibly along an ephemeral stream (no coordinates).

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(2.) Logged bush on low ground east of utility pole 814. Soil moist to wet. (No coordinates).

(3.) Edge of bush on eastern side of tramway between poles 904-905. Black ash growing at edge of bush just above the water level in Moose Creek. 50˚ 14’ 31.5”N 95˚ 34’ 58.7W, UTM 15U 0315822 5568523 NAD27.

(4a.) Edge of bush along the western side of RoW, west of utility poles 915-916. Black ash was growing with balsam poplar at edge of open trembling aspen/white spruce mixedwood with few understory shrubs and sparse groundcover on organic-rich clay. 50˚ 14’ 18”W 95˚ 34’ 57.8W UTM 15U 0315826 5568105 NAD27.

(4b.) Black ash was growing with balsam poplar at edge of bush along western RoW, west of utility pole 915. 50˚ 14’ 18”W 95˚ 34’ 57.8W UTM 15U 0315826 5568105 NAD27

(5.) Edge of bush on eastern side of RoW, east of utility poles 919-920. Black ash was growing with black spruce, tamarack, speckled alder and willows. 50˚ 14’ 12.8”N 95˚ 34’ 54.3W, UTM 15U 0315890 5567942 NAD 27.

Persicaria sagittata (L.) H. Gross – arrow-leaved tearthumb (Polygonum sagittatum L.) MB CDC conservation rank S3 (uncommon).

In North America, the range of arrow-leaved tearthumb is from southeastern Manitoba east to Newfoundland, south to Texas to Florida in moist shaded sites, meadows, pastures, fens, swamps, and shorelines of ponds and streams (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2005).

In Manitoba, its range is in the southeastern corner of the province from the Poplar River south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border in wet to moist woods and wet shrubby thickets. In Manitoba, it is at the northwestern limit of its range.

Arrow-leaved tearthumb is an annual plant with a trailing, prostrate stem. The stem has downwards-pointed barbs, which, as its common name suggests, can easily cut skin.

(1.) Moist clay soil at edge of shrubby wetland, on western side of RoW, west of utility poles 717-718. No coordinates.

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(2.) On the RoW, west of utility pole 915, amongst western snowberry, red baneberry and common mint on moist to wet soil. 50˚ 14’ 18”W 95˚ 34’ 57.8W UTM 15U 0315826 5568105 NAD27.

Solidago uliginosa Nutt. - bog goldenrod (Solidago purshii Porter) MB CDC conservation status rank S3 (uncommon).

The North American range of bog goldenrod is from southeastern Manitoba east to Labrador, south to Alabama, Georgia, in bogs and wet areas, marshes, and occasionally in wet woods (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2006a).

In Manitoba, the range of bog goldenrod is the southeastern quarter of the province in willow-sedge wetlands, open black spruce-tamarack bogs, open sphagnous bogs, fens, wet ditches, and margins of black spruce bogs. A disjunct population is also known from the Knee Lake area. In Manitoba, bog goldenrod is at the northwestern limit of its range in North America.

Bog goldenrod is a perennial, with stems from 30 to 120 cm tall. It produces yellow flowers in August to September.

(1.) On RoW in wetland with Labrador-tea, leather-leaf, sedges on western side of tramway just south of utility pole 711. 50˚ 15’ 26.9”N 95˚ 34’ 55.9”W (UTM 15U 0315935 557031).

(2.) Adjacent to tramway west and east of utility poles 1005-1008 in wetland with Labrador-tea, leather-leaf, sedges, black-girdled bulrush. 50˚ 13’ 59.5”N 95˚ 34’ 43.4”W (UTM 15U 0316088 5567518 NAD 27), 50˚13’ 59.5”N 95˚ 34’ 43.5”W (UTM 15U 0316088 5567518).

Asarum canadense L. - wild ginger MB CDC conservation status rank S3? (Uncommon, but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status).

In North America, the range of wild ginger is from Manitoba to New Brunswick, south to Louisiana to North Carolina (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1997). It is found in deciduous forests. There is a gap in its range in northeastern Ontario (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1997, Dickinson et al. 2004).

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In Manitoba, wild ginger occurs north of the Winnipeg River south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border. Disjunct populations occur in the Duck Mountains, Deloraine area, and Pembina Hills. Typically, wild ginger is found in trembling aspen forests growing on mesic to moist clay soils. In Manitoba, wild ginger is at the northwestern limit of its range.

Wild ginger is a perennial, rhizomatous herb without an aerial stem. Leaves with stalks 6-20 cm long arise from the rhizome. The short-stalked purple flower arises from the end of the rhizome and is usually covered by the leaves. The flowers are produced in late April to mid-May.

Wild ginger was found many times along the tramway at the junction between the RoW and the bush (trembling aspen dominated) on moist soils. This plant grows in small patches. The following are some of the occurrences along the tramway.

(1.) On moist soil under trembling aspen and balsam fir saplings on clay loam soil at edge mixedwood forest and RoW, east of utility poles 505-508.

(2.) On western side of RoW, growing under meadow willow and Bebb’s willow near a wet ditch. Also growing in adjacent mixedwood forest (trembling aspen, white spruce, balsam fir) between west RoW and logged area. Near utility pole 618, UTM 15U 0316101 5570744 NAD27.

(3.) On eastern side of RoW adjacent to mixwood forest (trembling aspen, white birch, white spruce), east of utility pole 703.

(4.) Logged area on slope above western RoW. Under trembling aspen saplings, beaked hazel, saskatoon and mountain maple growing on clay soil, west of utility poles 717-718.

(5.) Logged area east of RoW, near base of slope amongst trembling aspen saplings, beaked hazel and downy arrow-wood on moist soil, east of utility pole 814.

(6.) On western RoW growing with tall meadowrue, red and hybrid clover, and choke cherry, west of utility pole 817.

(7.) At base of rock cut on western side of RoW between utility poles 905-906. 50˚ 14’ 31.5”N 95˚ 34’ 58.7W, UTM 15U 0315822 5568523 NAD27.

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(8.) On the eastern side of the RoW, at the edge of the mixedwood forest (trembling aspen, white spruce, jack pine), east of utility pole 908.

Carex intumescens Rudge - swollen sedge MB CDC conservation status rank S3? (Uncommon but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status).

The North American range of swollen sedge is from Manitoba to Newfoundland, south to Texas to Florida in dry-mesic to wet coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forests, forest openings, thickets, wet meadows, and ditches (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002).

In Manitoba, swollen sedge occurs from the Manigotagan River south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border in thickets, white spruce woods, and deciduous woods on mesic to moist soils. Populations usually consist of one to a few plants. In Manitoba, it is at the northwestern limit of its range.

Swollen sedge grows in small clumps. The flowering stem may be up to 80 cm tall. It flowers in late spring to early summer.

(1.) Mixedwood forest (trembling aspen/balsam fir/white birch) with understory of green alder on moist organic-rich loam soil west of the RoW. One plant observed west of utility poles 411-412, coordinates for pole 411, 50˚ 16’ 37.1”N 95˚ 33’ 35.4W, UTM 15U 0317580 5572386.

(2.) Three plants growing at the edge of small shrubby wetland, at south end of logged area, west of the RoW at utility pole 620. 50˚ 15’ 43.0”N 95˚ 34’ 47.0”W, UTM 15U 0316128 5570721 NAD27.

(3.) Few plants on logged lowland east of the RoW with occasional trembling aspen saplings, speckled alder and alder-leaved buckthorn on moist to wet clay soil, east of utility pole 706.

(4.) Several scattered plants on logged slope between wetland and rock upland, under trembling aspen and beaked hazel, above the western side of RoW between utility poles 717-718.

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(5.) One plant observed in open trembling aspen/white spruce with occasional balsam poplar on clay soil, west of RoW at utility pole 915.

Carex pedunculata Muhl. ex Willd. - long-stalked sedge MB CDC conservation status rank S3? (Uncommon, but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status).

The North American range of long-stalked sedge is from southern British Columbia to Newfoundland, south from Manitoba to Alabama to Georgia in moist to dry mixed forests and woodland openings, on basic and acidic substrates (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002). The distribution in British Columbia to Manitoba is in the southern half of those provinces. Long-stalked sedge is very rare in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In Manitoba, long-stalked sedge is recorded from Duck Mountain, Riding Mountain, and southeastern Manitoba from Beaver Creek south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border in white spruce woodlands on moist soil, white elm and green ash riverine woods, and open woodlands.

Long-stalked sedge is a small (9-28 cm tall) tufted, perennial sedge. It often colonizes openings in woodlands, decreasing in abundance when other woodland species outcompete it (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002). In Manitoba, it fruits from mid May to early June.

Only a few plants were observed at the following locations.

(1.) Mixedwood forest (white spruce, balsam fir, white birch, trembling aspen, mountain maple) west of the RoW at utility pole 411. 50˚ 16’ 37.1”N 95˚ 33’ 35.4”W, 15U 0317580 5572386 NAD27.

(2.) East of the RoW in open to closed jack pine with sparse understory and ground cover of wild strawberry, bunchberry, pink pyrola and two-leaved Solomon’s-seal, east of utility poles 521-522.

(3.) On slope in logged area, growing under trembling aspen saplings, east of RoW at utility pole 814.

Plants with a conservation status rank of S3S4 that were also recorded along the tramway.

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Gaultheria procumbens L. - wintergreen MB CDC conservation status rank S3S4 (uncommon to apparently secure, but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status).

The North American range of wintergreen is from Manitoba to Newfoundland, south to northeastern Minnesota, Wisconsin and to Alabama to Georgia in dry to moist woods (usually coniferous) (Scoggan 1978).

In Manitoba, wintergreen occurs from Victoria Beach east to Wallace Lake and the Manitoba- Ontario border, south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border in coniferous stands on rock outcrops and sandy soils. Wintergreen is at the northwestern limit of its range in Manitoba.

Wintergreen is a low evergreen dwarf shrub with a prostrate stem that produces short (up to 15 cm) aerial branches with a tuft of leaves at the end. Flowers appear late July-August and small red fruit in late August-September.

(1.) Rock ridge east of and above the tramway and RoW. Wintergreen formed a large patch growing amongst pine needles and lichen on the rock surface on the eastern side of a common juniper clump, east of utility poles 410-411. 50˚ 16’ 36.4”N 95˚ 33’ 31.9W, UTM 15U 03177656 5572325 NAD 27.

(2.) Rock plateau east of the RoW and high above the tramway. Wintergreen was growing amongst moss and lichen on bedrock at edge of a black spruce clump. It formed a patch about 3 m wide, east of utility poles 416-417. 50˚ 16’ 33.9”N 95˚ 33’ 42.5W, UTM15U 0317461 5572241 NAD27.

(3.) On rock plateau west of the RoW and high above the tramway. Surface undulating with bare rock, patches of moss and lichen, shrubs, jack pine and white spruce. Wintergreen occurred as a patch about 50 cm square under deadfall beneath white spruce. 50˚ 15’ 11.4”N 95˚ 35’ 09.6”W, UTM 15U 0315647 5569768.

(4.) On rock ridge west of RoW and above tramway. Growing as a patch about 4 m wide in leaf litter in a jack pine clump, west of utility pole 803. 50˚ 15’ 05.0”N 95˚ 34’ 59.1”W, UTM 15U 0315850 5569547 NAD27.

Onoclea sensibilis L. - sensitive fern MB CDC conservation status rank S3S4 (uncommon to apparently secure, but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status)

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The range of sensitive fern in North America is from Manitoba east to Newfoundland, south to Texas, and east to Florida in open swamps, thickets, marshes, and low woods (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 1993).

In Manitoba, the range of sensitive fern is from Hecla Island east to Sasaginnigak Lake, south to the Manitoba-Minnesota border on moist to wet soils in woods and thickets. It is at the northwestern limit of its range in Manitoba.

Sensitive fern has sterile yellow-green leaves and fertile leaves that are green when young. The leaves turn brown to black at the first sign of frost, hence the name “sensitive fern”.

Sensitive fern was common in shallow ditches and wet places along the RoW. The following are a few of the numerous locations where it was observed.

(1.) Wetland in middle of North wye. 50˚ 18’ 03.2”N 95˚ 33’ 52.1”W, UTM 15U 0317362 5575019 NAD27.

(2.) On eastern RoW along ditch (utility poles 410-411). 50˚ 16’ 37.1”N 95˚ 33’ 35.4W, UTM 15U 0317580 5572386.

(3.) On eastern RoW along ditch (utility pole 612). 50˚ 15’ 47.9”N 95˚ 34’ 31.1”W UTM 15U 0316453 5570868 NAD27.

(4.) Wetland on western side of RoW, utility poles 722-800. At utility pole 800, 50˚ 15’ 09.9”N 95˚ 34’ 55.1”W, UTM 15U 0315935 5569698 NAD27.

(5.) On eastern RoW between pole 821-900, coordinates 50˚ 14’ 38.3”N 95˚ 34’ 55.9W, UTM 15U 0315889 5568729 NAD27.

Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf. var. lacera - northern slender ladies-tresses MB CDC conservation status rank S3S4 (uncommon to apparently secure, but more information needed about this plant in Manitoba in order to clarify its conservation status).

The North American range of northern slender ladies’-tresses is from Alberta east to Nova Scotia in dry to moist meadows, open woods, barrens, old fields, and roadsides (Flora of North America Editorial Committee 2002).

In Manitoba, northern slender ladies’-tresses has been recorded from the Flin Flon area to south of the Wanipigow River to the southeastern corner of the province (Ames et al. 2005,

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Scoggan 1957). It is found in jack pine forest on sandy soils, granitic rock outcrops, and open areas on moist sandy soil.

Northern slender ladies’-tresses is a small (15-40 cm tall) white-flowered orchid. The flowers are arranged in a spiral on the stem. It flowers from early July to early August. Usually there are several plants at an occurrence.

(1.) On weathered rock outcrop in the eastern RoW, growing amongst Cladina mitis lichen, about 54 plants, near pole 620. 50˚ 15’ 41.9”N 95˚ 34’ 45.6”W, UTM 15U 0316158 5570685 NAD27.

(2.) On weathered rock outcrop well covered with vegetation on eastern RoW, a large number of plants present, near utility pole 504. 50˚ 16’ 28.5N 95˚ 34’ 09.1W, UTM 15U 0316930 5572095 NAD27.

Populations of species at the outer limits of their distribution range are recognized as being deserving of special consideration for protection (Mosquin & Whiting 1992). Peripheral populations may be genetically adapted to a climate slightly different than that of the main range of the species and potentially an important gene resource. They may be constituents of vegetation types that are rare in the province (Argus 1976).

Vegetation along the right-of-way (RoW)

A wetland surrounds and is in the middle of the triangle of rails at the North wye. This wetland is dominated by shrubs (meadow willow, Bebb’s willow, swamp birch, leather-leaf, speckled alder, Labrador-tea). Wetland grasses (marsh reed grass, narrow reed grass), baltic rush, common goldentop, quill sedge and sensitive fern grow between the shrubs. Bulrushes (small-fruited bulrush, black-girdled bulrush), sedges (lakeshore sedge, bottle sedge, awned sedge) are present in water-filled ditches adjacent to the rail bed. Broad-leaved and narrow-leaved cat-tails are present in small quantities. A number of native and introduced plants grow amongst the ballast of the rail bed.

The RoW is narrow as it turns to the southeast and passes the village to the 2 km tramway mark. The edges of the RoW are dominated by smooth brome, an introduced grass.

Past the 2 km mark the RoW is not homogeneous for the length of the tramway. It differs in width and the vegetation along it varies with soil type and depth, moisture, and maintenance practices. On drier areas, smooth brome is the dominant grass. Native and introduced

24

species grow amongst the smooth brome, and along the aggregate of the rail bed. Ditches along the tramway vary in width and depth. Sensitive fern, ostrich fern, spinulose wood fern commonly grow in shallow ditches. Awned sedge, bottle sedge, lakeshore sedge and black-girdled bulrush occur in deeper water-filled ditches. Small patches of broad-leaved cat-tail and common reed occur occasionally in these ditches. Ditches are wide and deep where the tramway passes through wetlands. Smooth brome usually grows along the edge of the rail bed above the ditch along with small shrubs (prickly rose, meadowsweet, and willows). Rock outcrops occur in the RoW. These may be the ends of a ridge that the tramway has cut through or an isolated rock outcrop that had not been removed during construction. The rock outcrops support a diverse flora of grasses, sedges, small woody plants and herbaceous plants. Some of the plants are typical of those found on the sparsely vegetated tops of rock knolls (common pussytoes, bristly sarsaparilla, common bearberry, hairbell, poverty oat grass, pale panic grass, fringed black bindweed, rock polypody, northern rice-grass, meadowsweet, and rock spike-moss).

The South wye is an open grassy area on clay soil. The dominant grass is smooth brome but timothy and creeping bent are also present. Native plants present include common vetch, dwarf milkweed, common milkweed, spreading dogbane, yellow avens, tall goldenrod, thimbleweed, Lindley’s aster. Introduced plants include common buttercup, red and alsike clover, Canada thistle, black medic, tufted vetch, yellow and white sweet-clover, common mullein and curly dock. More detailed description of the RoW is found in Appendix V.

Vegetation adjacent to the right-of-way (RoW)

The main forest vegetation type found adjacent to the RoW is mixedwood. Trembling aspen is the dominant tree species accompanied with lesser amounts of white spruce and balsam fir. The shrub understory varies from pure beaked hazel to a mixture with mountain maple and downy arrow-wood. The mixedwood occurs on deeper mineral soils on the lower slopes of the ridges. Jack pine is common on very thin soils on the upper levels of the ridges. White spruce and occasionally black spruce may be present. Black spruce occurs on low areas between ridges that have organic soils. Tamarack may be present. Several previously logged areas occur adjacent to the RoW. These are dominated by 2 m high, dense trembling aspen. Most of the wetlands are dominated by shrubs (meadow willow, Bebb’s willow, speckled alder). Others are dominated by marsh reed grass. More detailed description of selected areas adjacent to the RoW is given in Appendix V

25

RECOMMENDATIONS

Conduct a rare plant survey in 2008 of those portions of the proposed road re-alignment that had not been surveyed in 2007 as well as any potential quarry and borrow pit areas, to identify any further very rare (S1) and rare (S2) species

Flag occurrences of very rare (S1) and rare (S2) species prior to construction so they are protected and avoided.

Reduce the width of the right-of-way in vicinity of very rare (S1) and rare (S2) plant occurrences. Protect the occurrences from accidental impacts by fencing.

Make minor adjustments to the road route to avoid occurrences of very rare (S1) and rare (S2) plants.

Clearing of the right-of-way should commence once the growing season has finished.

Restrict all construction activities to the right-of-way.

Stockpile any topsoil removed during construction activities to be used later for top dressing exposed soil surfaces.

Leave the rail bed intact either side and across Moose Creek and also in the 10-11 km tramway section in order to protect the plants that occurs in the wetlands on either side. Rails and ties can be removed.

Avoid using seed mixes that contain seeds of exotic species to re-vegetate exposed soil surfaces. These exotic species include: Smooth brome (Bromus inermis), timothy (Phleum pratense), creeping bent (Agrostis stolonifera), alfalfa (Medicago sativa), bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus), white sweet-clover (Melilotus alba), and yellow sweet-clover (Melilotus officinalis). Preferably, seeds in the seed bank should be allowed to colonize the bare soil.

Monitor construction activities for adherence to mitigation measures and determine their effectiveness.

26

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Many thanks to Dr. Bruce Ford for confirmation of identification of sedges and permission to use the University of Manitoba Herbarium for plant identification and confirmation. Thanks also to the Manitoba Conservation Data Centre for rare plant information and up-to-date list of the provincial flora and to the staff of Manitoba Hydro at Pointe du Bois.

27

REFERENCES

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Argus, G.W. 1976. The conservation of Canadian rare and endangered plants. Pp. 139-143. In Mosquin, T. and C. Suchal (eds.). Canada’s threatened species and habitats. Proceedings on the Symposium on Canada’s threatened species and habitats. Canadian Nature federation, Ottawa.

Boivin, B. 1979. Flora of the Prairie Provinces. Part IV: Monopsida. Herbier Lous-Marie, Université Laval and Department of Agriculture, Ottawa. 251 pp.

Boivin, B. 1981. Flora of the Prairie Provinces. Part V: Gramineae. Herbier Lous-Marie, Université Laval, Quebec. 108 pp.

Cody, W.J. 1996. Flora of the Yukon Territory. NRC Research Press, Ottawa. 643 pp.

Cody, W.J. and D.M. Britton. 1989. Ferns and fern allies of Canada. Agriculture Canada, Research Branch, Ottawa. Publication 1829/E. 430 pp.

Dickinson, T., D. Metsger, J. Bull, and R. Dickinson. 2004. Wildflowers of Ontario. Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, ON and McClelland & Stewart Ltd, Toronto, ON. 415 pp.

Dore, W.G. and J. McNeill. 1980. Grasses of Ontario. Agriculture Canada, Research Branch, Biosystematics Research Institute, Ottawa. Monograph 26. 566 pp.

Dugle, J.R. 1969. Checklist of the vascular plants of Whiteshell area in Manitoba. Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba. Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. AECL-3421. 57 pp.

Dugle, J.R. and P.A. Smith. 1984. Check list of the plants of the Whiteshell area of Manitoba: I. Ferns and ferns allies, conifers and monocots. Whiteshell Nuclear Research Establishment, Pinawa, Manitoba. Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. AECL-8359. 59pp.

Farrar, J.L. 1995. Trees in Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd., Markham, ON and Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Ottawa. 502 pp.

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Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 1993. Flora of North America, North of Mexico. Pteridophytes and gymnosperms. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press, New York. 475 pp.

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Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 2006b. Flora of North America, North of Mexico. Magnoliophyta: Asteridae, part 8: Asteraceae. Part 3. Vol. 21. Oxford University Press, New York. 616 pp.

Flora of North America Editorial Committee. 2007. Flora of North America, North of Mexico. Magnoliophyta: Commelinidae (in part): Poaceae, Part 1. Vol. 24. Oxford University Press, New York. 911 pp.

Lacey, P. 1996. Tramway to the Pointe: The Winnipeg Hydro Tramway 1907-1966. Friesen Printing, Altona. 109 pp.

Lakela, O. 1965. A flora of northeastern Minnesota. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 541 pp.

Lauriault, J. 1989. Identification guide to the trees of Canada. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd., Markham, ON. 479 pp.

MacKinnon, A., J. Pojar, and R. Coupé. 1992. Plants of northern British Columbia. Lone Pine Publishing, Vancouver, BC. 352 pp.

Mosquin, T. and P.G. Whiting. 1992. Canada Country study of Biodiversity. Draft 1.1 The Canada Center for Biodiversity, Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa.

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Scoggan, H.J. 1978. The Flora of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences, Ottawa Canada. Publications in Botany, Number 7. 1711 pp.

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Zoladeski, C.A., G.M. Wickware, R.J. Delorme, R.A. Sims, I.G.W. Corms. 1995. Forest ecosystem classification for Manitoba: field guide. Nat. Resour. Can., Can. For. Serv., Northwest Reg., North For. Cent., Edmonton, Alberta. Spec. Rep. 2. 205 pp.

1

Appendix I. Checklist of species for the June-August 2007 botanical surveys of the Proposed Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, by scientific name.

SPECIES FAMILY COMMON NAME & CONSERVATION STATUS

Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill. Pinaceae, Pine Family Balsam fir, S5 Acer spicatum Lam. Aceraceae, Maple

Family Mountain maple, S5

Achillea millefolium L. Compositae, Composite Family Common yarrow, S5

Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Red baneberry, S5

Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze

Labiatae Family, Mint Family Blue giant hyssop, S4S5

Agrostis scabra Willd. Gramineae, Grass Family Tickle grass, S5

Agrostis stolonifera L. Gramineae, Grass Family Creeping bent, SE

Alisma triviale Pursh Alismataceae, Water-plantain Family Northern water-plantain, S5

Allium stellatum Ker Gawler Liliaceae, Lily Family Pink-flowered onion, S5 Alnus incana (L.) Moench subsp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen Betulaceae, Birch Family Speckled alder, S5 Alnus viridis (Vill) DC. subsp. crispa (Ait.) Turrill Betulaceae, Birch Family Green alder, S5 Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.) Nutt. ex M. Roemer Rosaceae, Rose Family Saskatoon, S5 Anaphalis margaritacea (L.) Benth & Hook. f.

Compositae, Composite Family Pearly everlasting, S4

Andromeda polifolia L. subsp. glaucophylla (Link.) Hult. (A. glaucophylla Link)

Ericaceae, Heath Family Bog-rosemary, S5

Andropogon gerardii Vitman Gramineae, Grass Family Big bluestem, S4

Androsace septentrionalis L. var. puberulenta (Rydb.) Kunth

Primulaceae, Primrose Family Pygmy-flower, S4

Anemone canadensis L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Canada anemone, S5

Anemone cylindrica Gray Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Thimbleweed, S5

Anemone quinquefolia L. var. quinquefolia

Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Wood anemone, S5

Antennaria howellii E.L. Greene subsp. neodioica (E.L. Greene) Bayer

Compositae, Composite Family Common pussytoes, S4

Apocynum androsaemifolium L. Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family Spreading dogbane, S5

2


Apocynum cannabinum L. Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family Indian-hemp, S4

Aquilegia canadensis L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Wild columbine, S5

Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Tower mustard, SE

Aralia hispida Vent. Araliaceae, Ginseng Family Bristly sarsaparilla, S5

Aralia nudicaulis L. Araliaceae, Ginseng Family Wild sarsaparilla, S5

Arctium minus (Hill) Bernhardii Compositae, Composite Family Lesser burdock, SE

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Ericaceae, Heath Family Common bearberry, S5 Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. subsp. ludoviciana

Compositae, Composite Family Western mugwort, S5

Asarum canadense L. Aristolochiaceae, Birthwort Family Wild ginger, S3?

Asclepias ovalifolia Dcne. Asclipiadaceae, Milkweed Family Dwarf milkweed, S4S5

Asclepias syriaca L. Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family Common milkweed, S4

Astragalus canadensis L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Canadian milkvetch S5

Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Mertens var. angustum (Willd.) G. Lawson

Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Northern lady fern, S5

Avena fatua L. Gramineae, Grass Family Wild oats, SE

Betula papyrifera Marsh. Betulaceae, Birch Family White birch, S5 Betula pumila L. Betulaceae, Birch family Swamp birch, S5 Bidens beckii Torr. ex Sprengel (Megalodonta beckii (Torr. ex Spreng.) Greene)

Compositae, Composite Family Water-marigold, S3

Bidens cernua L. Compositae, Composite Family Smooth beggarsticks, S5

Bidens frondosa L. Compositae, Composite Family Common beggarsticks, S4

Botrychium multifidum (S. G. Gmelin) Rupr.

Ophioglossaceae, Adder's-tongue Family Leathery grapefern, S3

Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. Ophioglossaceae, Adder's-tongue Family Rattlesnake fern, S5

Bromus ciliatus L. Gramineae, Grass Family Fringed brome, S5

Bromus inermis Leyss. Gramineae, Grass Family Smooth brome, SE

Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. var. canadensis

Gramineae, Grass Family Marsh reed grass, S5

3


Calamagrsotis stricta (Timm.) Koeler subsp. stricta

Gramineae, Grass Family Narrow reedgrass, S5

Calla palustris L. Araceae, Arum Family Water-arum, S5 Callitriche palustris L. Callitrichaceae, Water-

starwort Family Vernal water-starwort, S5

Caltha palustris L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Marsh-marigold, S5

Calystegia sepium (L.) Br. (Convolvulus sepium L.)

Convolvulaceae, Convolvulus Family Hedge bindweed, S4

Campanula aparinoides Pursh Campanulaceae, Bluebell Family Marsh bellflower, S5

Campanula rotundifolia L. Campanulaceae, Bluebell Family Harebell, S5

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Shepherd's-purse, SE

Caragana arborescens Lam. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Common caragana, SE

Cardamine parviflora L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Small bitter cress, S4

Carex aquatilis Wahl. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Water sedge, S5

Carex atherodes Spreng. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Awned sedge, S5

Carex bebbii (Bailey) Olney ex Fern. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bebb's sedge, S5

Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Brownish sedge, S5

Carex canescens L. subsp. canescens

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Silvery sedge, S5

Carex deweyana Schwein. var. deweyana

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Dewey's sedge, S5

Carex foenea Willd. (C. aenea Fern.) Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Fernald's hay sedge, S5

Carex gracillima Schwein. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Slender sedge, S3

Carex gynocrates Wormskj. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Northern bog sedge S5

Carex interior L. H. Bailey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Inland sedge, S4?

Carex intumescens Rudge Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Swollen sedge, S3?

Carex lacustris Willd. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Lakeshore sedge, S5

Carex leptalea Wahlenb. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bristle-stalked sedge, S5

Carex magellanicum Lamark subsp. irrigua (Wahlenb.) Hiitonen

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bog sedge, S5

4


Carex merritt-fernaldii Mack. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Fernald's sedge, S1

Carex peckii Howe Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Peck's sedge, S5

Carex pedunculata Muhl. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Stalked sedge, S3?

Carex pellita Willd. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Woolly sedge, S5 (previously knownas Carex lanuginosa Michx.)

Carex retrorsa Schwein. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Turned sedge, S5

Carex siccata Dewey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Hay sedge, S5

Carex stipata Muhl. ex Willd. var. stipata

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Awn-fruited sedge, S4

Carex tenera Dewey var. tenera Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Quill sedge, S4

Carex trisperma Dewey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Three-sided sedge, S5

Carex utriculata Boott Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bottle sedge, S5

Cerastium arvense L. L. subsp. strictum Gaudin

Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Field mouse-ear chickweed, S5

Cerastium nutans Raf. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Nodding mouse-ear chickweed, S5

Ceratophyllum demersum L. Ceratophyllaceae, Hornwort Family Hornwort, S5

Chaenorrhinum minus (L.) Large Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family Dwarf snapdragon, SE

Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench Ericaceae, Heath Family Leather-leaf, S5

Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family Lamb's-quarters, SE

Chenopodium simplex (Torr.) Raf. (C. hybridum L. var. simplex Torr.)

Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family Maple-leaf goosefoot, S5

Chimaphila umbellata (L.) Bart Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family Pipsissewa, S4S5

Cicuta bulbifera L. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Bulb-bearing water-hemlock, S5

Cicuta maculata L. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Water-hemlock, S5

Circaea alpina L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose Family Small enchanter's-nightshade, S5

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Compositae, Composite Family Canada thistle, SE

Cirsium muticum Michx. Compositae, Composite Family Swamp thistle, S5

Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf. Liliaceae, Lily Family Bluebead lily, S4?

5


Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt. var. umbellata (C. richardsiana Fern.)

Santalaceae, Sandalwwod Family Bastard toadflax, S5

Comarum palustre L. (Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop.) Rosaceae, Rose Family Marsh five-finger, S5 Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist (Erigeron canadensis L.)

Compositae, Composite family Horse-weed, S5

Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Goldthread, S5

Cornus canadensis L. Cornaceae, Dogwood Family Bunchberry, S5

Cornus sericea L. subsp. sericea (Cornus stolonifera Michx.)

Cornaceae, Dogwood Family Red-osier dogwood, S5

Corydalis aurea Willd. subsp. aurea Fumariaceae, Fumitory Family Golden corydalis, S5

Corydalis sempervirens (L.) Pers. Fumariaceae, Fumitory Family Pink corydalis, S5

Corylus cornuta Marsh. subsp. cornuta Betulaceae, Birch Family Beaked hazel, S5 Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe Rosaceae, Rose Family Fireberry hawthorn, S4 Crepis tectorum L. Compositae, Composite

Family Narrow-leaved hawk's-beard, SE

Cypripedium acaule Ait. Orchidaceae, Orchid Family Stemless pink lady's-slipper, S4

Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Fragile fern, S5

Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. ex R. & S.

Gramineae, Grass Family Poverty oat grass, S5

Dichanthelium depauperatum (Muhl.) Gould (Panicum depauperatum Muhl.)

Gramineae, Grass Family Starved panicgrass, S4

Dichanthelium xanthophysum (A. Gray) Freckmann (Panicum xanthophysum A. Gray)

Gramineae, Grass Family Pale panicgrass, S4

Diervilla lonicera P. Mill. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Bush-honeysuckle, S5

Diphasiastrum complanatum (L.) Holub. (Lycopodium complanatum L.)

Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family Northern running-pine, S5

Doellingeria umbellata (Mill.) Nees var. pubens (A. Gray) Britt. (Aster umbellatus Mill. var. pubens A. Gray)

Compositae, Composite Family Flat-topped white aster, S5

Dracocephalum parviflorum Nutt. Labiatae, Mint Family American dragonhead, S5 Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs

Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Spinulose wood fern, S5

Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Crested wood fern, S4

6


Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt. var. arundinaceum

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Three-way sedge, S2

Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Creeping spike-rush, S5

Elodea canadensis Michx. Hydrocharitaceae, Frog-bit Family Canada waterweed, S5

Elymus canadensis L. Gramineae, Grass Family Canada wildrye, S5?

Elymus repens (L.) Gould (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.)

Gramineae, Grass Family Couch grass, SE

Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould subsp. trachycaulus

Gramineae, Grass Family Slender wheatgrass, S5

Epilobium angustifolium L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose Family Fireweed, S5

Epilobium ciliatum Raf. subsp. ciliatum (E. glandulosum Lehm. var. adenocaulum (Haussk.) Fern.)

Onagraceae, Evening primrose Family Willowherb, S5

Epilobium leptophyllum Raf. Onagraceae, Evening primrose Family Willowherb, S5

Equisetum arvense L. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family Common horse-tail, S5

Equisetum fluviatile L. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family Water horse-tail, S5

Equisetum hyemale L. subsp. affine (Engelm.) Calder & Taylor

Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family Common scouring-rush, S5

Equisetum sylvaticum Michx. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family Wood horsetail, S5

Erigeron acris L. var. kamtschaticus (DC.) Herder (E. acris L. var. asteroides (Andrz.) DC.)

Compositae, Composite Family

Northern daisy fleabane, SU (not yet ranked, probably S4 or S5)

Eriophorum angustifolium Honckeny subsp. angustifolium

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Tall cotton-grass, S5

Erysimum cheiranthoides L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Wormseed mustard, SE

Eupatorium perfoliatum L. Compositae, Composite Family Common boneset, S4?

Euphorbia glyptosperma Engelm. Euphorbiaceae, Spurge Family Ridge-seeded spurge, S4

Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass. (Aster macrophyllus L.)

Compositae, Composite Family Bigleaf aster, S1

Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family Common goldentop, S5

Eutrochium maculataum (L.) E.E. Lamont var. bruneri (A. Gray) E.E. Lamont)

Compositae, Composite Family Joepyeweed, S5

Fallopia cilinodis (Michx.) Holub (Polygonum cilinode Michx.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Fringed black bindweed, S5

7


Fallopia convolvulus (L.) A. Love (Polygonum convolvulus L.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Black bindweed, SE

Fallopia scandens (L.) Holub. (Polygonum scandens L.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Climbing false-buckwheat, S4

Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Rosaceae, Rose Family Smooth wild strawberry, S5 Fraxinus nigra Marsh. Oleaceae, Olive Family Black ash, S3 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. Oleaceae, Olive Family Green ash, S5 Galium boreale L. Rubiaceae, Madder

Family Northern bedstraw, S5

Galium trifidum Michx. Rubiaceae, Madder Family Small bedstraw, S5

Galium triflorum L. Rubiaceae, Madder Family Sweet-scented bedstraw, S5

Gaultheria procumbens L. Ericaceae, Heath Family Wintergreen, S3S4 Gentianopsis procera (Holm) Ma (Gentiana procera Holm)

Gentianaceae, Gentian Family Lesser fringed gentian, S4

Geranium bicknellii Britt. Geraniaceae, Geranium Family Bicknell's geranium, S5

Geranium carolinianum L. var. sphaerospermum (Fern.) Breitung

Geraniaceae, Geranium Family Carolina wild geranium, S4

Geum aleppicum Jacq. var. strictum (Ait. ) Fern. Rosaceae, Rose Family Yellow avens, S5 Geum macrophyllum Wild. Rosaceae, Rose family Large-leaved avens, S4S5 Geum rivale L. Rosaceae, Rose family Purple avens, S4 Glyceria borealis (Nash) Batch. Gramineae, Grass

Family Northern manna grass, S5 Glyceria canadensis (Michx.) Trin. var. canadensis

Gramineae, Grass Family Rattlesnake grass, S1

Glyceria grandis S. Wats. Gramineae, Grass Family Tall manna grass, S5

Glyceria striata (Lam.) Hitchc. Gramineae, Grass Family Fowl manna grass, S5

Goodyera repens (L.) R. Br. Orchidaceae, Orchid Family Lesser rattlesnake-plantain, S5

Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman

Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Common oak fern, S5

Hackelia deflexa (Wahleneb.) Opiz var. americana (Gray) Fern. & I. M. Johnston

Boraginaceae, Borage Family Northern stickseed, S5

Helianthus maximilliani Schrad. Compositae, Composite Family Narrow-leaved sunflower, S5

Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet var. scabra (Durnal) Fern.

Compositae, Composite Family Ox-eye, S5

Heracleum lanatum Michx. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Cow-parsnip, S5

Heuchera richardsonii R. Br. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Alumroot, S5

8


Hieracium umbellatum L. (H. scabriusculum Schwein.)

Compositae, Composite Family Hawkweed, S5

Impatiens capensis Merb. Balsaminaceae, Touch-me-not Family Spotted touch-me-not, S5

Juncus arcticus Willd. var. balticus (Willd.) Trauv. (Juncus balticus Willd. var. littoralis Engelm.

Juncaceae, Rush Family Baltic rush, S5

Juncus dudleyii Wiegand Juncaceae, Rush Family Dudley's rush, S5 Juniperus communis L. var. depressa Pursh

Cupressaceae, Cypress Family Common juniper, S5

Lactuca biennis (Moench.) Fern. Compositae, Composite Family Tall blue lettuce, S4

Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch Pinaceae, Pine Family Tamarack, S5 Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook. Leguminosae, Pulse

Family Pale vetchling, S4S5

Lathyrus palustris L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Marsh vetchling, S5

Lathyrus venosus Muhl. ex Willd. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Wild peavine, S5

Ledum groelandicum Oeder (Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd)

Ericaceae, Heath Family Labrador-tea, S5

Lemna trisulca L. Lemnaceae, Duckweed Family Star duckweed, S5

Lemna turonifera Landolt Lemnaceae, Duckweed Family Duckweed, SU (probably S4 or S5)

Lepidium densiflorum Schrad. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Common pepper-grass, S5

Lilium philadelphicum L. Liliaceae, Lily Family Wood lily, S4 Linnaea borealis L. subsp. longiflora (Torr.) Hulten

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Twinflower, S5

Lithospermum canescens (Michx.) Lehm.

Boraginaceae, Borage Family Hoary pucoon, S5

Lonicera dioica var. glaucescens (Rydb.) Butters

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Twining honeysuckle, S5

Lonicera tartarica L. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Tartarian honeysuckle, SE

Luzula acuminata Raf. var. acuminata Juncaceae, Rush Family Hairy wood-rush, S4

Lycopodium annotinum L. Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family Bristly club-moss, S5

Lycopodium dendroideum Michx. Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family Prickly tree club-moss, S5

Lycopodium lagopus (Laest. ex C. Hartm.) Zinserling ex Kuzeneva-Prochorova (L. clavatum L. var. monostachyon Hook. & Grev.)

Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family One-cone club-moss, S4

9


Lycopus americanus Muhl. Labiatae, Mint Family Water-horehound, S5 Lycopus uniflorus Michx. Labiatae, Mint Family Northern bugle-weed, S5 Lysimachia ciliata L. Primulaceae, Primrose

Family Fringed loosestrife, S5 Maianthemum canadense Desf. Liliaceae, Lily Family Two-leaved Solomon's-seal, S5 Maianthemum stellatum (L.) Link (Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf.) Liliaceae, Lily Family Star-flowered Solomon's-seal, S5 Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro var. pensylvanica (Willd.) C. V. Morton

Dryopteridaceae, Wood fern Family Ostrich fern, S5

Medicago lupulina L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Black medic, SE

Medicago sativa L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Alfalfa, SE

Melampyrum lineare Desr. Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family Cow-wheat, S5

Melilotus alba Desr. Leguminosae, Pulse Family White sweet-clover, SE

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas Leguminosae, Pulse Family Yellow sweet-clover, SE

Mentha arvensis L. Labiatae, Mint Family Common mint, S5 Mimulus ringens L. Scropulariaceae, Figwort

Family Blue monkey-flower, S4

Minuartia dawsonensis (Britt.) House Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Rock stitchwort, S5

Mitella nuda L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Mitrewort, S5

Monarda fistulosa L. Labiatae, Mint Family Wild bergamot, S5 Muhlenbergia glomerata (Willd.) Trin.

Gramineae, Grass Family Spike muhly, S4

Mulgedium pulchellum (Pursh) G. Don (Lactuca pulchella (Pursh) DC., L. tatarica (L.) C.A. Meyer subsp. pulchella (Pursh) Stebbins)

Compositae, Composite Family Wild lettuce, S5

Myrica gale L. Myricaceae, Wax-myrtle Family Sweet gale, S5

Myriophyllum sibiricum Komarov Haloragaceae, Water-milfoil family Common water-milfoil, S5

Oenothera biennis L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose Family Evening-primrose, S5

Onoclea sensibilis L. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Sensitive fern, S3S4

Orthilia secunda (L.) House Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family One-sided pyrola, S5

Oryzopsis asperifolia Michx. Gramineae, Grass Family

White-grained mountain rice-grass, S5

10


Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Anise-root, S5

Parnassia palustris L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Northern grass-of-Parnassus, S4

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Vitaceae, Vine family Virginia creeper, S4 Persicaria amphibia (L.) Gray (Polygonum amphibium L.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Water smartweed, S5

Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray (Polygonum lapathifolium L.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Pale smartweed, S5

Persicaria punctata (Elliott) Small (Polygonum punctatum Elliott)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Dotted smartweed, S4

Persicaria sagittata (L.) H. Gross (Polygonum sagittatum L.)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Arrow-leaf tearthumb, S3

Petasites frigidus (L.) Fries var. palmatus (Ait.) Cronq.

Compositae, Composite Family Palmate-leaved colt's-foot, S5

Petasites frigidus (L.) var. x vitifolius (Greene) Cherniawsky

Compositae, Composite Family Vine-leaved colt's-foot, HYB

Phalaris arundinacea L. Gramineae, Grass Family Reed canary grass, S5

Phleum pratense L. Gramineae, Grass Family Timothy, SE

Phragmitis australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.

Gramineae, Grass Family Common reed, S5

Picea glauca (Moench) Voss Pinaceae, Pine Family White spruce, S5 Picea mariana (P. Mill.) B.S.P. Pinaceae, Pine Family Black spruce, S5 Pinus banksiana Lamb. Pinaceae, Pine Family Jack pine, S5 Piptatherum pungens (Torr.) Dorn (Oryzopsis pungens (Torr. ex Spreng) A. S. Hitchc.)

Gramineae, Grass Family Northern rice-grass, S5

Platanthera aquilonis Sheviak Orchidaceae, Orchid Family Northern green bog-orchid, S5

Poa interior Rydb. (P. nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe)

Gramineae, Grass Family Wood blue grass, S5

Poa palustris L. Gramineae, Grass Family Fowl blue grass, S5

Poa pratensis L. Gramineae, Grass Family Kentucky blue grass, S5

Polygala senega L. Polygalaceae, Seneca snakeroot, S4 Polypodium virginicum L. Polypodiaceae,

Polypody Family Rock polypody, S5 Populus balsamifera L. Salicaeae, Willow Family Balsam poplar, S5 Populus tremuloides Michx. Salicaeae, Willow Family Trembling aspen, S5 Potamogeton gramineus L. Potamogetonaceae,

Pondweed Family Various-leaved pondweed, S5

Potamogeton natans L. Potamogetonaceae, Pondweed Family Floating-leaf pondweed, S5

11


Potentilla arguta Pursh Rosaceae, Rose family White cinquefoil, S5 Potentilla norvegica L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Rough cinquefoil, S5 Potentilla tridentata Ait. (Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Ait.) Rydb.) Rosaceae, Rose Family Three-toothed cinquefoil, S5

Prenanthes alba L. Compositae, Composite Family White rattlesnakeroot, S4S5

Prunus nigra Ait. Rosaceae, Rose Family Canada plum, S4 Prunus pensylvanica L. f. Rosaceae, Rose Family Pin cherry, S5 Prunus pumila L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Sand cherry, S4 Prunus virginiana L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Choke cherry, S5 Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex A. Heller

Dennstaedtiaceae Eastern bracken, S4S5

Pyrola asarifolia Michx. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family Pink pyrola, S5

Pyrola elliptica Nutt. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family Shinleaf, S4S5

Pyrola minor L. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family Lesser wintergreen, S3S4

Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Fagaceae, Beech Family Bur oak, S5 Ranunculis acris L. Ranunculaceae,

Crowfoot Family Common buttercup, SE

Ranunculus arbortivus L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Kidneyleaf buttercup, S5

Ranunculus cymbalaria Pursh Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Seaside crowfoot, S5

Ranunculus gmelinii DC. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Small yellow water crowfoot, S5

Ranunculus macounii Britt. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Macoun's buttercup, S5

Ranunculus pensylvanicus L.f. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Bristly crowfoot, S5

Ranunculus sceleratus L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Cursed crowfoot, S5

Rhamnus alnifoliaL'Her. Rhamnaceae, Buckthorn Family Alder-leaved buckthorn, S5

Rhus glabra L. Anacardiaceae, Cashew Family Smooth sumac, S4

Ribes americanum P. Mill. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Wild black currant, S5

Ribes glandulosum Grauer Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Skunk currant, S5

Ribes hirtellum Michx. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Wild gooseberry, S4

Ribes hudsonianum Richards. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Northern wild black currant, S5

12


Ribes oxyacanthoides L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Bristly wild gooseberry, S5

Ribes triste Pall. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Wild red currant, S5

Rosa acicularis Lindl. Rosaceae, Rose Family Prickly rose, S5 Rubus idaeus L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Wild red raspberry, S5 Rubus pubescens Raf. Rosaceae, Rose Family Dewberry, S5 Rudbeckia hirta L. var. pulcherrima Farw.

Compositae, Composite Family Black-eyed Susan, SE

Rumex crispus L. Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Curly dock, SE

Rumex occidentalis S. Wats. Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family Western dock, S5

Sagittaria cuneata E. Sheldon Alismataceae, Water-plantain Family Northern arrowhead, S5

Salix bebbiana Sarg. Salicaeae, Willow Family Bebb's willow, S5 Salix discolor Muhl. Salicaeae, Willow Family Pussy willow, S5 Salix lutea Nutt. var. famelica Ball Salicaeae, Willow Family Yellow willow, S4 Salix petiolaris Sm. Salicaeae, Willow Family Meadow willow, S4 Sanicula marilandica L. Umbelliferae, Parsley

Family Snakeroot, S5 Schizachne purpurascens (Torr.) Swallen

Gramineae, Grass Family Purple oat grass, S5

Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Gmel.) Palla (Scirpus validus Vahl.)

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Soft-stem bulrush, S5

Scirpus atrocinctus Fern. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Black-girdle bulrush, S4

Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Small-fruited bulrush, S5

Scutellaria galericulata L. Labiatae, Mint Family Common skullcap, S5 Selaginella rupestris (L.) Spring Selaginellaceae, Spike-

moss Family Rock spike-moss, S5

Senecio aureus L. Compositae, Composite Family Golden ragwort, S5

Silene antirrhina L. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Sleepy catchfly, S5

Silene chalcedonica (L.) Krause (Lychnis chalcedonica L.)

Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Maltese-cross, SE

Silene csereii Baumg. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Biennial campion, SE

Sisymbrium loeselii L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Tall hedge mustard, SE

Sisyrhinchium montanum Greene Iridaceae, Iris Family Common blue-eyed grass, S5 Smilax lasioneura Michx. Smilacaceae, Catbrier

Family Carrion flower, S4 Solidago canadensis L. var. canadensis

Compositae, Composite Family Canada goldenrod, S5

13


Solidago gigantea Ait. Compositae, Composite Family Tall goldenrod, S5

Solidago hispida Muhl. ex Willd. Compositae, Composite Family Hairy goldenrod, S5

Solidago missouriensis Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family Low goldenrod, S5

Solidago nemoralis Ait. subsp. decemflora (DC.) Brammall ex Semple

Compositae, Composite Family Showy goldenrod, S5

Solidago uliginosa Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family Bog goldenrod, S3

Sonchus arvensis L. Compositae, Composite Family Field sow-thistle, SE

Sparganium eurycarpum Englmn. Sparganiaceae, Bur-reed Family Broad-fruited bur-reed

Sparganium natans L. (Sparganium minimum (Hartman) Fries)

Sparganiaceae, bur-reed Family Small bur-reed, S5

Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf. var. lacera

Orchidaceae, Orchid Family

Northern slender ladies'-tresses, S3S4

Spirea alba Du Roi Rosaceae, Rose Family Meadowsweet, S5 Stachys palustris L. Labiatae, Mint Family Woundwort, S5 Stachys tenuifolia Willd. var. tenuifolia Labiatae, Mint Family Smooth hedge nettle, S4 Stellaria longipes Goldie subsp. longipes

Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Long-stalked stichwort, S5

Streptopus lanceolatus (Ait.) Reveal (S. roseus Michx.) Liliaceae, Lily Family Rose mandarin, S4

Symphoricarpos alba (L.) Blake Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Snowberry, S5

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Western snowberry, S5

Symphyotrichum ciliolatum (Lindl.) A. Love & D. Love (Aster ciliolatus Lindl. in Hook.)

Compositae, Composite Family Lindley's aster, S5

Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) A. Love & A. Love (Aster laevis L.)

Compositae, Composite Family Smooth aster, S5

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L. Nesom var. lanceolatum (Aster simplex Willd.)

Compositae, Composite Family Lance-leaved aster, S5

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L.Nesom var. hesperium (A. Gray) G. L. Nesom (Aster hesperius A. Gray)

Compositae, Composite Family Willow aster, S4

Symphyotrichum puniceum (L.) A. Love & D. Love (Aster puniceum L.)

Compositae, Composite Family Purplestem aster, S5

Taraxacum officinale G.H. Webber exWiggers

Compositae, Composite Family Common dandelion, SE

14


Thalictrum dasycarpum Fisch. & Lall. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Tall meadow-rue, S5

Thalictrum venulosum Trel. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Veiny meadow-rue, S5

Thelypteris palustris Schott var. pubescens (Lawson) Fern.

Thelypteridaceae, Marsh Fern Family Marsh fern, S4

Toxicodendron rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Greene (Rhus radicans L. var. rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Rehd.)

Anarcardiaceae, Cashew Family Poison-ivy, S5

Tragopogon dubius Scop. Compositae, Composite Family Goat's-beard, SE

Trientalis borealis Raf. Primulaceae, Primrose Family Northern starflower, S5

Trifolium hybridum L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Alsike clover, SE

Trifolium pratense L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Red clover, SE

Trifolium repens L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family White clover, SE

Trillium cernuum L. Liliaceae, Lily Family Nodding trillium, S4 Typha angustifolia L. Typhaceae, Cat-tail

Family Narrow-leaved cat-tail, S4

Typha latifolia L. Typhaceae, Cat-tail Family Common cat-tail, S5

Urtica dioica L. subsp. gracilis (Ait.) Seland

Urticaceae, Nettle Family Stinging nettle, S5

Utricularia intermedia Hayne Lentibulariaceae, Bladderwort Family Flat-leaved bladderwort, S5

Utricularia macrorhiza Le Conte (U. vulgaris L.)

Lentibulariaceae, Bladderwort Family Greater bladderwort, S5

Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. Ericaceae, Heath Family Low sweet blueberry, S4 Vaccinium caespitosum Michx. Ericaceae, Heath Family Dwarf bilberry, S2 Vaccinium myrtilloides Michx. Ericaceae, Heath Family Velvet-leaf blueberry, S5 Verbascum thapsus L. Scropulariaceae, Figwort

Family Common mullein, SE Veronica peregrina L. subsp. xalapensis (Kunth) Pennell

Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family purslane speedwell, neckweed, S5

Viburnum lentago L. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Nannyberry, S4

Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Ait.

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Highbush-cranberry, S5

Viburnum rafinesquianum J.A. Schultes

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family Downy arrow-wood, S4

Vicia americana Muhl. ex Willd. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Common vetch, S5

15


Vicia cracca L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Tufted vetch, SE

Viola adunca Sm. var. adunca Violaceae, Violet Family Early blue violet, S5 Viola canadensis L. var. rugulosa (Greene) Hitchc. Violaceae, Violet Family Canada violet, S5 Viola pubescens Ait. var. pubescens Violaceae, Violet Family Downy yellow violet, S4 Viola renifolia Gray Violaceae, Violet Family Kidney-shaped violet, S5 Viola sororia Willd. var. affinis (LeConte) McKinney Violaceae, Violet Family Northern bog violet, S5

Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family Rusty woodsia, S5

Zizania palustris L. var. palustris Gramineae, Grass Family Northern wild rice, S4

16

Appendix II. Checklist of species for the June-August 2007 botanical surveys of the Proposed Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, by common name.

COMMON NAME & CONSERVATION

STATUS SPECIES FAMILY

Alder-leaved buckthorn, S5 Rhamnus alnifoliaL'Her. Rhamnaceae, Buckthorn Family Alfalfa, SE Medicago sativa L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Alsike clover, SE Trifolium hybridum L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Alumroot, S5 Heuchera richardsonii R. Br. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family American dragonhead, S5

Dracocephalum parviflorum Nutt. Labiatae, Mint Family

Anise-root, S5 Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Arrow-leaf tearthumb, S3

Persicaria sagittata (L.) H. Gross (Polygonum sagittatum L.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Awn-fruited sedge, S4 Carex stipata Muhl. ex Willd. var. stipata Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Awned sedge, S5 Carex atherodes Spreng. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Balsam fir, S5 Abies balsamea (L.) P. Mill. Pinaceae, Pine Family Balsam poplar, S5 Populus balsamifera L. Salicaeae, Willow Family

Baltic rush, S5 Juncus arcticus Willd. var. balticus (Willd.) Trauv. (Juncus balticus Willd. var. littoralis Engelm.

Juncaceae, Rush Family

Bastard toadflax, S5 Comandra umbellata (L.) Nutt. var. umbellata (C. richardsiana Fern.)

Santalaceae, Sandalwwod Family

Beaked hazel, S5 Corylus cornuta Marsh. subsp. cornuta Betulaceae, Birch Family

Bebb's sedge, S5 Carex bebbii (Bailey) Olney ex Fern. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Bebb's willow, S5 Salix bebbiana Sarg. Salicaeae, Willow Family Bicknell's geranium, S5 Geranium bicknellii Britt. Geraniaceae, Geranium Family Biennial campion, SE Silene csereii Baumg. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Big bluestem, S4 Andropogon gerardii Vitman Gramineae, Grass Family Bigleaf aster, S1 Eurybia macrophylla (L.) Cass.

(Aster macrophyllus L.) Compositae, Composite Family Black ash, S3 Fraxinus nigra Marsh. Oleaceae, Olive Family Black bindweed, SE Fallopia convolvulus (L.) A. Love

(Polygonum convolvulus L.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Black medic, SE Medicago lupulina L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Black spruce, S5 Picea mariana (P. Mill.) B.S.P. Pinaceae, Pine Family Black-eyed Susan, SE

Rudbeckia hirta L. var. pulcherrima Farw. Compositae, Composite Family

Black-girdle bulrush, S4 Scirpus atrocinctus Fern. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

17



Blue giant hyssop, S4S5

Agastache foeniculum (Pursh) Kuntze Labiatae Family, Mint Family

Blue monkey-flower, S4 Mimulus ringens L. Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family Bluebead lily, S4? Clintonia borealis (Ait.) Raf. Liliaceae, Lily Family Bog goldenrod, S3 Solidago uliginosa Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family

Bog sedge, S5 Carex magellanicum Lamark subsp. irrigua (Wahlenb.) Hiitonen

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Bog-rosemary, S5 Andromeda polifolia L. subsp. glaucophylla (Link.) Hult. (A. glaucophylla Link)

Ericaceae, Heath Family

Bottle sedge, S5 Carex utriculata Boott Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bristle-stalked sedge, S5 Carex leptalea Wahlenb. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bristly club-moss, S5 Lycopodium annotinum L. Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss FamilyBristly crowfoot, S5 Ranunculus pensylvanicus L.f. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Bristly sarsaparilla, S5 Aralia hispida Vent. Araliaceae, Ginseng Family Bristly wild gooseberry, S5 Ribes oxyacanthoides L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family

Broad-fruited bur-reed Sparganium eurycarpum Englmn. Sparganiaceae, Bur-reed Family

Brownish sedge, S5 Carex brunnescens (Pers.) Poir. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Bulb-bearing water-hemlock, S5 Cicuta bulbifera L. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Bunchberry, S5 Cornus canadensis L. Cornaceae, Dogwood Family Bur oak, S5 Quercus macrocarpa Michx. Fagaceae, Beech Family Bush-honeysuckle, S5 Diervilla lonicera P. Mill. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle

Family Canada anemone, S5 Anemone canadensis L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Canada goldenrod, S5

Solidago canadensis L. var. canadensis Compositae, Composite Family

Canada plum, S4 Prunus nigra Ait. Rosaceae, Rose Family Canada thistle, SE Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. Compositae, Composite Family Canada violet, S5 Viola canadensis L. var.

rugulosa (Greene) Hitchc. Violaceae, Violet Family Canada waterweed, S5 Elodea canadensis Michx. Hydrocharitaceae, Frog-bit Family

Canada wildrye, S5? Elymus canadensis L. Gramineae, Grass Family Canadian milkvetch S5 Astragalus canadensis L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family

Carolina wild geranium, S4

Geranium carolinianum L. var. sphaerospermum (Fern.) Breitung

Geraniaceae, Geranium Family

Carrion flower, S4 Smilax lasioneura Michx. Smilacaceae, Catbrier Family

18



Choke cherry, S5 Prunus virginiana L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Climbing false-buckwheat, S4

Fallopia scandens (L.) Holub. (Polygonum scandens L.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Common bearberry, S5

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng. Ericaceae, Heath Family

Common beggarsticks, S4 Bidens frondosa L. Compositae, Composite Family Common blue-eyed grass, S5

Sisyrhinchium montanum Greene Iridaceae, Iris Family

Common boneset, S4? Eupatorium perfoliatum L. Compositae, Composite Family Common buttercup, SE Ranunculis acris L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Common caragana, SE Caragana arborescens Lam. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Common cat-tail, S5 Typha latifolia L. Typhaceae, Cat-tail Family Common dandelion, SE

Taraxacum officinale G.H. Webber exWiggers Compositae, Composite Family

Common goldentop, S5 Euthamia graminifolia (L.) Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family Common horse-tail, S5 Equisetum arvense L. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family

Common juniper, S5 Juniperus communis L. var. depressa Pursh Cupressaceae, Cypress Family

Common milkweed, S4 Asclepias syriaca L. Asclepiadaceae, Milkweed Family

Common mint, S5 Mentha arvensis L. Labiatae, Mint Family Common mullein, SE Verbascum thapsus L. Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family Common oak fern, S5 Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.)

Newman Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family

Common pepper-grass, S5 Lepidium densiflorum Schrad. Cruciferae, Mustard Family

Common pussytoes, S4

Antennaria howellii E.L. Greene subsp. neodioica (E.L. Greene) Bayer


Common reed, S5 Phragmitis australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Gramineae, Grass Family

Common scouring-rush, S5

Equisetum hyemale L. subsp. affine (Engelm.) Calder & Taylor Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family

Common skullcap, S5 Scutellaria galericulata L. Labiatae, Mint Family Common vetch, S5 Vicia americana Muhl. ex Willd. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Common water-milfoil, S5 Myriophyllum sibiricum Komarov Haloragaceae, Water-milfoil family

Common yarrow, S5 Achillea millefolium L. Compositae, Composite Family Couch grass, SE Elymus repens (L.) Gould

(Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) Gramineae, Grass Family

19



Cow-parsnip, S5 Heracleum lanatum Michx. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Cow-wheat, S5 Melampyrum lineare Desr. Scrophulariaceae, Figwort Family Creeping bent, SE Agrostis stolonifera L. Gramineae, Grass Family Creeping spike-rush, S5 Eleocharis palustris (L.) R. & S. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Crested wood fern, S4 Dryopteris cristata (L.) A. Gray Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern

Family Curly dock, SE Rumex crispus L. Polygonaceae, Buckwheat FamilyCursed crowfoot, S5 Ranunculus sceleratus L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Dewberry, S5 Rubus pubescens Raf. Rosaceae, Rose Family Dewey's sedge, S5 Carex deweyana Schwein. var.

deweyana Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Dotted smartweed, S4

Persicaria punctata (Elliott) Small (Polygonum punctatum Elliott)

Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Downy arrow-wood, S4

Viburnum rafinesquianum J.A. Schultes

Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family

Downy yellow violet, S4

Viola pubescens Ait. var. pubescens Violaceae, Violet Family

Duckweed, SU (probably S4 or S5) Lemna turonifera Landolt Lemnaceae, Duckweed Family Dudley's rush, S5 Juncus dudleyii Wiegand Juncaceae, Rush Family Dwarf bilberry, S2 Vaccinium caespitosum Michx. Ericaceae, Heath Family Dwarf milkweed, S4S5 Asclepias ovalifolia Dcne. Asclipiadaceae, Milkweed Family Dwarf snapdragon, SE Chaenorrhinum minus (L.) Large Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family Early blue violet, S5 Viola adunca Sm. var. adunca Violaceae, Violet Family Eastern bracken, S4S5

Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn var. latiusculum (Desv.) Underw. ex A. Heller

Dennstaedtiaceae

Evening-primrose, S5 Oenothera biennis L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose Family

Fernald's hay sedge, S5

Carex foenea Willd. (C. aenea Fern.) Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Fernald's sedge, S1 Carex merritt-fernaldii Mack. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Field mouse-ear chickweed, S5

Cerastium arvense L. L. subsp. strictum Gaudin Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family

Field sow-thistle, SE Sonchus arvensis L. Compositae, Composite Family Fireberry hawthorn, S4 Crataegus chrysocarpa Ashe Rosaceae, Rose Family

Fireweed, S5 Epilobium angustifolium L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose Family

Flat-leaved bladderwort, S5 Utricularia intermedia Hayne Lentibulariaceae, Bladderwort

Family

20



Flat-topped white aster, S5

Doellingeria umbellata (Mill.) Nees var. pubens (A. Gray) Britt. (Aster umbellatus Mill. var. pubens A. Gray)


Floating-leaf pondweed, S5 Potamogeton natans L. Potamogetonaceae, Pondweed

Family Fowl blue grass, S5 Poa palustris L. Gramineae, Grass Family Fowl manna grass, S5 Glyceria striata (Lam.) Hitchc. Gramineae, Grass Family

Fragile fern, S5 Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family

Fringed black bindweed, S5

Fallopia cilinodis (Michx.) Holub (Polygonum cilinode Michx.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Fringed brome, S5 Bromus ciliatus L. Gramineae, Grass Family Fringed loosestrife, S5 Lysimachia ciliata L. Primulaceae, Primrose Family Goat's-beard, SE Tragopogon dubius Scop. Compositae, Composite Family Golden corydalis, S5 Corydalis aurea Willd. subsp.

aurea Fumariaceae, Fumitory Family Golden ragwort, S5 Senecio aureus L. Compositae, Composite Family Goldthread, S5 Coptis trifolia (L.) Salisb. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Greater bladderwort, S5

Utricularia macrorhiza Le Conte (U. vulgaris L.)

Lentibulariaceae, Bladderwort Family

Green alder, S5 Alnus viridis (Vill) DC. subsp. crispa (Ait.) Turrill Betulaceae, Birch Family

Green ash, S5 Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. Oleaceae, Olive Family Hairy goldenrod, S5 Solidago hispida Muhl. ex Willd. Compositae, Composite Family Hairy wood-rush, S4 Luzula acuminata Raf. var.

acuminata Juncaceae, Rush Family Harebell, S5 Campanula rotundifolia L. Campanulaceae, Bluebell Family Hawkweed, S5 Hieracium umbellatum L. (H.

scabriusculum Schwein.) Compositae, Composite Family Hay sedge, S5 Carex siccata Dewey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Hedge bindweed, S4 Calystegia sepium (L.) Br.

(Convolvulus sepium L.) Convolvulaceae, Convolvulus Family

Highbush-cranberry, S5

Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Ait.


Hoary pucoon, S5 Lithospermum canescens (Michx.) Lehm. Boraginaceae, Borage Family

Hornwort, S5 Ceratophyllum demersum L. Ceratophyllaceae, Hornwort Family

Horse-weed, S5 Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist (Erigeron canadensis L.)

Compositae, Composite family

Indian-hemp, S4 Apocynum cannabinum L. Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family Inland sedge, S4? Carex interior L. H. Bailey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

21



Jack pine, S5 Pinus banksiana Lamb. Pinaceae, Pine Family

Joepyeweed, S5 Eutrochium maculataum (L.) E.E. Lamont var. bruneri (A. Gray) E.E. Lamont)


Kentucky blue grass, S5 Poa pratensis L. Gramineae, Grass Family Kidney-shaped violet, S5 Viola renifolia Gray Violaceae, Violet Family Kidneyleaf buttercup, S5 Ranunculus arbortivus L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family

Labrador-tea, S5 Ledum groelandicum Oeder (Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd)

Ericaceae, Heath Family

Lakeshore sedge, S5 Carex lacustris Willd. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Lamb's-quarters, SE Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot

Family

Lance-leaved aster, S5

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L. Nesom var. lanceolatum (Aster simplex Willd.)


Large-leaved avens, S4S5 Geum macrophyllum Wild. Rosaceae, Rose family

Leather-leaf, S5 Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench Ericaceae, Heath Family

Leathery grapefern, S3

Botrychium multifidum (S. G. Gmelin) Rupr.

Ophioglossaceae, Adder's-tongue Family

Lesser burdock, SE Arctium minus (Hill) Bernhardii Compositae, Composite Family Lesser fringed gentian, S4

Gentianopsis procera (Holm) Ma (Gentiana procera Holm) Gentianaceae, Gentian Family

Lesser rattlesnake-plantain, S5 Goodyera repens (L.) R. Br. Orchidaceae, Orchid Family Lesser wintergreen, S3S4 Pyrola minor L. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family

Lindley's aster, S5 Symphyotrichum ciliolatum (Lindl.) A. Love & D. Love (Aster ciliolatus Lindl. in Hook.)


Long-stalked stichwort, S5

Stellaria longipes Goldie subsp. longipes Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family

Low goldenrod, S5 Solidago missouriensis Nutt. Compositae, Composite Family Low sweet blueberry, S4 Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. Ericaceae, Heath Family Macoun's buttercup, S5 Ranunculus macounii Britt. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family

Maltese-cross, SE Silene chalcedonica (L.) Krause (Lychnis chalcedonica L.) Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family

22



Maple-leaf goosefoot, S5

Chenopodium simplex (Torr.) Raf. (C. hybridum L. var. simplexTorr.)

Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family

Marsh bellflower, S5 Campanula aparinoides Pursh Campanulaceae, Bluebell Family Marsh fern, S4 Thelypteris palustris Schott var.

pubescens (Lawson) Fern. Thelypteridaceae, Marsh Fern Family

Marsh five-finger, S5 Comarum palustre L. (Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop.) Rosaceae, Rose Family

Marsh reed grass, S5 Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. var. canadensis Gramineae, Grass Family

Marsh vetchling, S5 Lathyrus palustris L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Marsh-marigold, S5 Caltha palustris L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Meadow willow, S4 Salix petiolaris Sm. Salicaeae, Willow Family Meadowsweet, S5 Spirea alba Du Roi Rosaceae, Rose Family Mitrewort, S5 Mitella nuda L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Mountain maple, S5 Acer spicatum Lam. Aceraceae, Maple Family Nannyberry, S4 Viburnum lentago L. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle

Family Narrow reedgrass, S5 Calamagrsotis stricta (Timm.)

Koeler subsp. stricta Gramineae, Grass Family Narrow-leaved cat-tail, S4 Typha angustifolia L. Typhaceae, Cat-tail Family Narrow-leaved hawk's-beard, SE Crepis tectorum L. Compositae, Composite Family Narrow-leaved sunflower, S5 Helianthus maximilliani Schrad. Compositae, Composite Family Nodding mouse-ear chickweed, S5 Cerastium nutans Raf. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Nodding trillium, S4 Trillium cernuum L. Liliaceae, Lily Family Northern arrowhead, S5 Sagittaria cuneata E. Sheldon Alismataceae, Water-plantain

Family Northern bedstraw, S5 Galium boreale L. Rubiaceae, Madder Family Northern bog sedge S5 Carex gynocrates Wormskj. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Northern bog violet, S5

Viola sororia Willd. var. affinis (LeConte) McKinney Violaceae, Violet Family

Northern bugle-weed, S5 Lycopus uniflorus Michx. Labiatae, Mint Family Northern daisy fleabane, SU (not yet ranked, probably S4 or S5)

Erigeron acris L. var. kamtschaticus (DC.) Herder (E. acris L. var. asteroides (Andrz.) DC.)


Northern grass-of-Parnassus, S4 Parnassia palustris L. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family

23



Northern green bog-orchid, S5 Platanthera aquilonis Sheviak Orchidaceae, Orchid Family

Northern lady fern, S5 Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Mertens var. angustum (Willd.) G. Lawson

Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family

Northern manna grass, S5 Glyceria borealis (Nash) Batch. Gramineae, Grass Family

Northern rice-grass, S5

Piptatherum pungens (Torr.) Dorn (Oryzopsis pungens (Torr. ex Spreng) A. S. Hitchc.)

Gramineae, Grass Family

Northern running-pine, S5

Diphasiastrum complanatum (L.) Holub. (Lycopodium complanatum L.)

Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family

Northern slender ladies'-tresses, S3S4

Spiranthes lacera (Raf.) Raf. var. lacera Orchidaceae, Orchid Family

Northern starflower, S5 Trientalis borealis Raf. Primulaceae, Primrose Family

Northern stickseed, S5

Hackelia deflexa (Wahleneb.) Opiz var. americana (Gray) Fern. & I. M. Johnston

Boraginaceae, Borage Family

Northern water-plantain, S5 Alisma triviale Pursh Alismataceae, Water-plantain

Family Northern wild black currant, S5 Ribes hudsonianum Richards. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Northern wild rice, S4 Zizania palustris L. var. palustris Gramineae, Grass Family

One-cone club-moss, S4

Lycopodium lagopus (Laest. ex C. Hartm.) Zinserling ex Kuzeneva-Prochorova (L. clavatum L. var. monostachyon Hook. & Grev.)

Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family

One-sided pyrola, S5 Orthilia secunda (L.) House Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family

Ostrich fern, S5 Matteuccia struthiopteris (L.) Todaro var. pensylvanica (Willd.) C. V. Morton

Dryopteridaceae, Wood fern Family

Ox-eye, S5 Heliopsis helianthoides (L.) Sweet var. scabra (Durnal) Fern. Compositae, Composite Family

Pale panicgrass, S4 Dichanthelium xanthophysum (A. Gray) Freckmann (Panicum xanthophysum A. Gray)


Pale smartweed, S5 Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Gray (Polygonum lapathifolium L.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Pale vetchling, S4S5 Lathyrus ochroleucus Hook. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Palmate-leaved colt's-foot, S5

Petasites frigidus (L.) Fries var. palmatus (Ait.) Cronq. Compositae, Composite Family

Pearly everlasting, S4 Anaphalis margaritacea (L.) Benth & Hook. f. Compositae, Composite Family

24



Peck's sedge, S5 Carex peckii Howe Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Pin cherry, S5 Prunus pensylvanica L. f. Rosaceae, Rose Family Pink corydalis, S5 Corydalis sempervirens (L.)

Pers. Fumariaceae, Fumitory Family Pink pyrola, S5 Pyrola asarifolia Michx. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family Pink-flowered onion, S5 Allium stellatum Ker Gawler Liliaceae, Lily Family Pipsissewa, S4S5 Chimaphila umbellata (L.) Bart Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family

Poison-ivy, S5 Toxicodendron rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Greene (Rhus radicans L. var. rydbergii (Small ex Rydb.) Rehd.)

Anarcardiaceae, Cashew Family

Poverty oat grass, S5 Danthonia spicata (L.) Beauv. exR. & S. Gramineae, Grass Family

Prickly rose, S5 Rosa acicularis Lindl. Rosaceae, Rose Family Prickly tree club-moss, S5

Lycopodium dendroideum Michx. Lycopodiaceae, Club-moss Family

Purple avens, S4 Geum rivale L. Rosaceae, Rose family Purple oat grass, S5 Schizachne purpurascens (Torr.)

Swallen Gramineae, Grass Family

Purplestem aster, S5 Symphyotrichum puniceum (L.) A. Love & D. Love (Aster puniceum L.)


purslane speedwell, neckweed, S5

Veronica peregrina L. subsp. xalapensis (Kunth) Pennell Scropulariaceae, Figwort Family

Pussy willow, S5 Salix discolor Muhl. Salicaeae, Willow Family Pygmy-flower, S4 Androsace septentrionalis L. var.

puberulenta (Rydb.) Kunth Primulaceae, Primrose Family Quill sedge, S4 Carex tenera Dewey var. tenera Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Rattlesnake fern, S5 Botrychium virginianum (L.) Sw. Ophioglossaceae, Adder's-tongue

Family Rattlesnake grass, S1 Glyceria canadensis (Michx.)

Trin. var. canadensis Gramineae, Grass Family Red baneberry, S5 Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Red clover, SE Trifolium pratense L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Red-osier dogwood, S5

Cornus sericea L. subsp. sericea (Cornus stolonifera Michx.) Cornaceae, Dogwood Family

Reed canary grass, S5 Phalaris arundinacea L. Gramineae, Grass Family Ridge-seeded spurge, S4

Euphorbia glyptosperma Engelm. Euphorbiaceae, Spurge Family

Rock polypody, S5 Polypodium virginicum L. Polypodiaceae, Polypody Family Rock spike-moss, S5 Selaginella rupestris (L.) Spring Selaginellaceae, Spike-moss

Family Rock stitchwort, S5 Minuartia dawsonensis (Britt.)

House Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family

25



Rose mandarin, S4 Streptopus lanceolatus (Ait.) Reveal (S. roseus Michx.) Liliaceae, Lily Family

Rough cinquefoil, S5 Potentilla norvegica L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Rusty woodsia, S5 Woodsia ilvensis (L.) R. Br. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern

Family Sand cherry, S4 Prunus pumila L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Saskatoon, S5 Amelanchier alnifolia (Nutt.)

Nutt. ex M. Roemer Rosaceae, Rose Family Seaside crowfoot, S5 Ranunculus cymbalaria Pursh Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Seneca snakeroot, S4 Polygala senega L. Polygalaceae, Sensitive fern, S3S4 Onoclea sensibilis L. Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern

Family Shepherd's-purse, SE Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.)

Medic. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Shinleaf, S4S5 Pyrola elliptica Nutt. Pyrolaceae, Wintergreen Family

Showy goldenrod, S5 Solidago nemoralis Ait. subsp. decemflora (DC.) Brammall ex Semple


Silvery sedge, S5 Carex canescens L. subsp. canescens Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Skunk currant, S5 Ribes glandulosum Grauer Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Sleepy catchfly, S5 Silene antirrhina L. Caryophyllaceae, Pink Family Slender sedge, S3 Carex gracillima Schwein. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Slender wheatgrass, S5

Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould subsp. trachycaulus Gramineae, Grass Family

Small bedstraw, S5 Galium trifidum Michx. Rubiaceae, Madder Family Small bitter cress, S4 Cardamine parviflora L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family

Small bur-reed, S5 Sparganium natans L. (Sparganium minimum (Hartman) Fries)

Sparganiaceae, bur-reed Family

Small enchanter's-nightshade, S5 Circaea alpina L. Onagraceae, Evening-primrose

Family Small yellow water crowfoot, S5 Ranunculus gmelinii DC. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Small-fruited bulrush, S5

Scirpus microcarpus J. Presl & C. Presl Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Smooth aster, S5 Symphyotrichum laeve (L.) A. Love & A. Love (Aster laevis L.) Compositae, Composite Family

Smooth beggarsticks, S5 Bidens cernua L. Compositae, Composite Family Smooth brome, SE Bromus inermis Leyss. Gramineae, Grass Family Smooth hedge nettle, S4

Stachys tenuifolia Willd. var. tenuifolia Labiatae, Mint Family

Smooth sumac, S4 Rhus glabra L. Anacardiaceae, Cashew Family Smooth wild strawberry, S5 Fragaria virginiana Duchesne Rosaceae, Rose Family

26



Snakeroot, S5 Sanicula marilandica L. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Snowberry, S5 Symphoricarpos alba (L.) Blake Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle

Family

Soft-stem bulrush, S5 Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (Gmel.) Palla (Scirpus validus Vahl.)

Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Speckled alder, S5 Alnus incana (L.) Moench subsp. rugosa (Du Roi) R.T. Clausen Betulaceae, Birch Family

Spike muhly, S4 Muhlenbergia glomerata (Willd.) Trin. Gramineae, Grass Family

Spinulose wood fern, S5

Dryopteris carthusiana (Vill.) H.P. Fuchs

Dryopteridaceae, Wood Fern Family

Spotted touch-me-not, S5 Impatiens capensis Merb. Balsaminaceae, Touch-me-not

Family Spreading dogbane, S5 Apocynum androsaemifolium L. Apocynaceae, Dogbane Family Stalked sedge, S3? Carex pedunculata Muhl. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Star duckweed, S5 Lemna trisulca L. Lemnaceae, Duckweed Family Star-flowered Solomon's-seal, S5

Maianthemum stellatum (L.) Link (Smilacina stellata (L.) Desf.) Liliaceae, Lily Family

Starved panicgrass, S4

Dichanthelium depauperatum (Muhl.) Gould (Panicum depauperatum Muhl.)


Stemless pink lady's-slipper, S4 Cypripedium acaule Ait. Orchidaceae, Orchid Family

Stinging nettle, S5 Urtica dioica L. subsp. gracilis (Ait.) Seland Urticaceae, Nettle Family

Swamp birch, S5 Betula pumila L. Betulaceae, Birch family Swamp thistle, S5 Cirsium muticum Michx. Compositae, Composite Family Sweet gale, S5 Myrica gale L. Myricaceae, Wax-myrtle Family Sweet-scented bedstraw, S5 Galium triflorum L. Rubiaceae, Madder Family Swollen sedge, S3? Carex intumescens Rudge Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Tall blue lettuce, S4 Lactuca biennis (Moench.) Fern. Compositae, Composite Family Tall cotton-grass, S5 Eriophorum angustifolium

Honckeny subsp. angustifolium Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Tall goldenrod, S5 Solidago gigantea Ait. Compositae, Composite Family Tall hedge mustard, SE Sisymbrium loeselii L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Tall manna grass, S5 Glyceria grandis S. Wats. Gramineae, Grass Family Tall meadow-rue, S5 Thalictrum dasycarpum Fisch. &

Lall. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Tamarack, S5 Larix laricina (DuRoi) K. Koch Pinaceae, Pine Family Tartarian honeysuckle, SE Lonicera tartarica L. Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle

Family Thimbleweed, S5 Anemone cylindrica Gray Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family

27



Three-sided sedge, S5 Carex trisperma Dewey Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Three-toothed cinquefoil, S5

Potentilla tridentata Ait. (Sibbaldiopsis tridentata (Ait.) Rydb.)

Rosaceae, Rose Family

Three-way sedge, S2 Dulichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt. var. arundinaceum Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Tickle grass, S5 Agrostis scabra Willd. Gramineae, Grass Family Timothy, SE Phleum pratense L. Gramineae, Grass Family Tower mustard, SE Arabis glabra (L.) Bernh. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Trembling aspen, S5 Populus tremuloides Michx. Salicaeae, Willow Family Tufted vetch, SE Vicia cracca L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Turned sedge, S5 Carex retrorsa Schwein. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Twinflower, S5 Linnaea borealis L. subsp.

longiflora (Torr.) Hulten Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle Family

Twining honeysuckle, S5

Lonicera dioica var. glaucescens(Rydb.) Butters


Two-leaved Solomon's-seal, S5 Maianthemum canadense Desf. Liliaceae, Lily Family Various-leaved pondweed, S5 Potamogeton gramineus L. Potamogetonaceae, Pondweed

Family Veiny meadow-rue, S5 Thalictrum venulosum Trel. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Velvet-leaf blueberry, S5 Vaccinium myrtilloides Michx. Ericaceae, Heath Family Vernal water-starwort, S5 Callitriche palustris L. Callitrichaceae, Water-starwort

Family Vine-leaved colt's-foot, HYB

Petasites frigidus (L.) var. x vitifolius (Greene) Cherniawsky Compositae, Composite Family

Virginia creeper, S4 Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch. Vitaceae, Vine family

Water horse-tail, S5 Equisetum fluviatile L. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family Water sedge, S5 Carex aquatilis Wahl. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family Water smartweed, S5 Persicaria amphibia (L.) Gray

(Polygonum amphibium L.) Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Water-arum, S5 Calla palustris L. Araceae, Arum Family Water-hemlock, S5 Cicuta maculata L. Umbelliferae, Parsley Family Water-horehound, S5 Lycopus americanus Muhl. Labiatae, Mint Family

Water-marigold, S3 Bidens beckii Torr. ex Sprengel (Megalodonta beckii (Torr. ex Spreng.) Greene)


Western dock, S5 Rumex occidentalis S. Wats. Polygonaceae, Buckwheat Family

Western mugwort, S5 Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. subsp. ludoviciana Compositae, Composite Family

Western snowberry, S5

Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook.


28



White birch, S5 Betula papyrifera Marsh. Betulaceae, Birch Family White cinquefoil, S5 Potentilla arguta Pursh Rosaceae, Rose family White clover, SE Trifolium repens L. Leguminosae, Pulse Family White rattlesnakeroot, S4S5 Prenanthes alba L. Compositae, Composite Family White spruce, S5 Picea glauca (Moench) Voss Pinaceae, Pine Family White sweet-clover, SE Melilotus alba Desr. Leguminosae, Pulse Family White-grained mountain rice-grass, S5

Oryzopsis asperifolia Michx. Gramineae, Grass Family

Wild bergamot, S5 Monarda fistulosa L. Labiatae, Mint Family Wild black currant, S5 Ribes americanum P. Mill. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Wild columbine, S5 Aquilegia canadensis L. Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family Wild ginger, S3? Asarum canadense L. Aristolochiaceae, Birthwort FamilyWild gooseberry, S4 Ribes hirtellum Michx. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family

Wild lettuce, S5

Mulgedium pulchellum (Pursh) G. Don (Lactuca pulchella (Pursh) DC., L. tatarica (L.) C.A. Meyer subsp. pulchella (Pursh) Stebbins)


Wild oats, SE Avena fatua L. Gramineae, Grass Family Wild peavine, S5 Lathyrus venosus Muhl. ex

Willd. Leguminosae, Pulse Family Wild red currant, S5 Ribes triste Pall. Saxifragaceae, Saxifrage Family Wild red raspberry, S5 Rubus idaeus L. Rosaceae, Rose Family Wild sarsaparilla, S5 Aralia nudicaulis L. Araliaceae, Ginseng Family

Willow aster, S4

Symphyotrichum lanceolatum (Willd.) G. L.Nesom var. hesperium (A. Gray) G. L. Nesom (Aster hesperius A. Gray)


Willowherb, S5 Epilobium ciliatum Raf. subsp. ciliatum (E. glandulosum Lehm. var. adenocaulum (Haussk.) Fern.)

Onagraceae, Evening primrose Family

Willowherb, S5 Epilobium leptophyllum Raf. Onagraceae, Evening primrose Family

Wintergreen, S3S4 Gaultheria procumbens L. Ericaceae, Heath Family Wood anemone, S5 Anemone quinquefolia L. var.

quinquefolia Ranunculaceae, Crowfoot Family

Wood blue grass, S5 Poa interior Rydb. (P. nemoralis L. var. interior (Rydb.) Butters & Abbe)


Wood horsetail, S5 Equisetum sylvaticum Michx. Equisetaceae, Horse-tail Family

29



Wood lily, S4 Lilium philadelphicum L. Liliaceae, Lily Family Woolly sedge, S5 (previously known as Carex lanuginosa Michx.)

Carex pellita Willd. Cyperaceae, Sedge Family

Wormseed mustard, SE Erysimum cheiranthoides L. Cruciferae, Mustard Family Woundwort, S5 Stachys palustris L. Labiatae, Mint Family Yellow avens, S5 Geum aleppicum Jacq. var.

strictum (Ait. ) Fern. Rosaceae, Rose Family Yellow sweet-clover, SE Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas Leguminosae, Pulse Family

Yellow willow, S4 Salix lutea Nutt. var. famelica Ball Salicaeae, Willow Family

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Appendix III. Probability of finding plant species listed by the Manitoba Endangered Species Act (MESA) & the Canada Species at Risk Act (SARA) in the Pointe du Bois-Slave

Falls area.

SPECIES STATUS

SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME MESA STATUS

SARA STATUS

PROBABILITY & COMMENT

Cypripedium candidum Muhl. ex Willd. Small white lady's-slipper Endangered Endangered Very low Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & Bowles

Western prairie fringed-orchid Endangered Endangered Very low

Spiranthes magnicamporum Sheviak

Great Plains ladies'-tresses Endangered n/a Very low

Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm. Buffalograss Threatened Threatened Very low

Celtis occidentalis L. Hackberry Threatened n/a

Low. This species occurs in the Lake of the Woods area in Ontario and northern Minnesota.

Dalea villosa (Nutt.) Spreng. Hairy prairie-clover Threatened Threatened Very low Solidago riddellii Frank Riddell's goldenrod Threatened Special

Concern Very low Symphyotrichum sericeum (Vent.) Nesom Western silvery aster Threatened Threatened

Low. This species occurs in the Lake of the Woods area in Ontario.

Tradescantia occidentalis (Britt.) Smyth Western spiderwort Threatened Threatened Very low Veronicastrum virginicum (L.) Farw. Culver's-root Threatened n/a Very low

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Appendix IV. Definitions of the conservation status ranks.

Rank Definition

S1 Very rare throughout the province (5 or fewer occurrences, or very few remaining individuals). May be especially vulnerable to extirpation.

S2 Rare throughout the province (6 to 20 occurrences). May be vulnerable to extirpation.

S3 Uncommon throughout the province (21 to 100 occurrences).

S4 Widespread, abundant, and apparently secure throughout the province, with many occurrences, but the element is of long-term concern (> 100 occurrences).

S5 Demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure throughout the province, and essentially irradicable under present conditions.

S#S# e.g. S3S4 A range between two of the numeric ranks. Denotes range of uncertainty about the exact rarity of the species.

S? e.g. S3? Inexact or uncertain; for numeric rank, denotes inexactness.

Source: http://web2.gov.mb.ca/conservation/cdc/

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Appendix V. Description of the vegetation along the Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls tramway.

The composition of the vegetation adjacent to the right-of-way varies due to a number of factors, such as change in elevation, substrate, soil moisture, and aspect.

The following are general descriptions of the vegetation along and adjacent to, the right-of-way in each kilometer section along the tramway. Coordinates for the kilometer sections are found in Appendix VI.

North wye

The north wye is bounded on the northern side by Provincial Road 313, on the western side by a narrow wetland and rock ridge beyond and on the eastern side by a low rocky upland. The area within and immediately around the wye is wetland. The rail bed is built up above the water level in the wetland. The water levels decreased from June to August in the ditches adjacent to the rail bed. A number of native and introduced weedy plants grow amongst the coarse gravel on the roadbed.

The centre of the wye supports a shrubby wetland. Shrubs present include meadow willow, swamp birch, leather-leaf, speckled alder, Labrador-tea and Bebb’s willow. Marsh reed grass grows amongst the shrubs along with sensitive fern, narrow reed grass, Baltic rush, quill sedge, common goldentop. At the edge of the ditch, where there is standing water, species present include small-fruited bulrush, black-girdled bulrush, lakeshore sedge, bottle sedge, awned sedge. Broad-leaved cat-tail and narrow-leaved cat-tail are present in small quantities.

North wye to 2 km tramway mark

The tramway heads to the southeast between a low rocky upland and the village, with the ditch and rock knoll on the western side. Trembling aspen, jack pine, balsam fir with shrubs bush-honeysuckle, mountain maple and downy arrow-wood occur on the sides of the rock knoll. Balsam poplar grows on the lower level near the ditch. Smooth brome, an introduced grass, is the dominant grass along the edge of the tramway. A number of introduced and native species grow amongst the smooth brome on the right–of-way (RoW) and on the gravel of the rail bed. Native plants on the RoW include Lindley’s aster, common scouring-rush, common horse-tail, spinulose wood fern, prickly rose, and ostrich fern.

2-3 km tramway section

The tramway as it proceeds southwards is following along a slope that drops down from west to east. On the eastern side there is a small wetland, about the 2.3 km mark, surrounded by willows. South of that is an open mixedwood (trembling aspen/white spruce/ jack pine/balsam fir) with an understory of beaked hazel. At the 2.5 km mark, the mixedwood becomes closed with a dense understory of beaked hazel and downy arrow-wood and sparse ground cover. Occasionally, bur oak, Canada plum, fireberry hawthorn are present. About the 2.7 km mark, balsam poplar and black ash with mountain maple as understory, occur on moist soil. Open mixedwood (trembling aspen/white spruce/white birch) with

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understory of beaked hazel and ground cover of wild sarsaparilla continues towards the 3 km mark with occasional black spruce and jack pine present.

On the western side of the tramway, the topography gently rises and falls with bedrock exposed in places. Mixedwood of trembling aspen/jack pine/white spruce/balsam fir occurs at lower elevations where the mineral soil is deeper. Jack pine/trembling aspen/white spruce occurs on mid-slope where soil is thinner and open jack pine occupies rock outcrops. A small stream, whose volume varied over the summer, flows down off the slope on the western side of the RoW at the 2.7 km mark.

The RoW is not homogeneous, varying with soil depth, moisture, and maintenance practices. It is somewhat disturbed until it passes the parking lot and sheds to about the 2.3 km mark. The dominant plant on the RoW is smooth brome, an introduced grass. Ditches of various sizes occur along the RoW. Those on the eastern side are wider and were water-filled in the spring and continued to carry some water over the summer. Small amounts of common cat-tail and common reed grass occur in ditches along with awned sedge and bottle sedge. Ostrich fern and flat-topped white aster grow on moist to wet soil. A number of native plants occur along the RoW including American dragonhead, sleepy catchfly, long-stalked chickweed, Lindley’s aster, and red baneberry.

Black ash (Fraxinus nigra), S3 (uncommon) occurs in a small clump adjacent to the RoW east of utility poles 214-215 along with balsam poplar and mountain maple.


On the eastern side of the RoW the open mixedwood (trembling aspen/white spruce/white birch) and understory of beaked hazel and ground cover of wild sarsaparilla continues with occasional balsam poplar and black spruce in low moist areas. Just beyond the 3.5 km mark, the tramway crosses the edge of a wetland for a short distance. Black spruce is present adjacent to the RoW but mixedwood of trembling aspen/white spruce/balsam fir/white birch occurs behind on higher ground with jack pine on rock outcrops. At the 3.8 km mark, the tramway passes over a wetland with tamarack, speckled alder, swamp birch, Bebb’s willow, meadow willow at the periphery and marsh reed grass in the open middle area.

On the western side of the RoW, the sequence of trembling aspen-dominated mixedwoods alternating with jack pine on rock outcrops continues to about the 3.3 km mark. At this point is a small willow/alder/ marsh reed grass wetland behind, which is a mixedwood (trembling aspen/white spruce/jack pine), on higher ground. From the 3.5-3.7 km mark, on the west the tramway passes a black spruce/speckled alder wetland with trembling aspen thicket on the south side. Farther to the south is a wetland with tamarack, speckled alder, swamp birch, and willow at the edge, and marsh reed grass in the centre.

Smooth brome is the dominant plant on moist to dry soils of this section of the RoW. Native and introduced plants also occur. Awned sedge, bottle sedge, and occasionally lakeshore sedge grow in water-filled ditches along the tramway where it passes through wetlands.

Bigleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), S1 (very rare), was found on the eastern forest edge of the RoW (east of utility poles 309-311).

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4-5 km tramway mark

On the eastern side, the tamarack/alder/willow wetland continues with marsh reed grass growing in the open area. A deep water-filled ditch still runs along the edge of the tramway. The tramway is built above grade as it passes along the western edge of this wetland. By the 4.5 km mark, the land rises upwards from the RoW, although the RoW itself remains wetland. The mixedwood forest is trembling aspen/balsam fir with understory of mountain maple and beaked hazel. Black spruce and balsam poplar occur with trembling aspen on lower levels on moist soils. Higher up, jack pine, white spruce, trembling aspen, and occasionally black spruce occur in fissures or soil-filled depressions where the rock is bare or covered with thin soil. This mixedwood forest assemblage continues to the 5 km mark.

On the western side of the tramway, the black spruce/tamarack/alder/willow wetland ends shortly after the 4 km mark as the land rises slightly in elevation. About the 4.2 km mark, a narrow rock ridge runs parallel to the tramway. Open jack pine with occasional trembling aspen and balsam fir grow on the ridge. Mixedwood forest (trembling aspen/white spruce with occasional black spruce and white birch) on lower slopes and jack pine on thin soils and depressions in rock outcrops continue to the 5 km mark.

The RoW, especially on the eastern side, is wet, often with water filled ditches. Smooth brome is the dominant grass where the soil is drier. Blue-eyed grass, Canada goldenrod, hairy wood-rush, white-grained mountain-rice grass, prairie mouse-ear chickweed, narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard, small-flowered buttercup, sleepy catchfly, snakeroot, fringed brome grow also on the drier soils of the RoW. Occasional shrubs are wild gooseberry, meadow willow, and Bebb’s willow. Awned sedge, bottle sedge, spinulose wood fern, ostrich fern, and sensitive fern grow along the edge of wet ditches. Marsh reed grass, occasionally black-girdled bulrush occur on wet soils in and adjacent to wetlands along the RoW.

Bigleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), S1 (very rare), occurs in the forest adjacent west of the RoW (west of utility poles 402-406).


On the eastern side of the tramway, the land rises in elevation to an undulating rocky plateau. The mixedwood forest is composed of jack pine, trembling aspen and white birch growing on loamy soil. The understory is low and discontinuous, composed of bush-honeysuckle along with low-sweet and velvet-leaf blueberries, beaked hazel, and green alder. The ground cover is diverse and includes wild sarsaparilla, bunchberry, twinflower, one-cone club-moss, bristly club-moss, white-grained mountain rice-grass, and purple oat grass, bluebeard lily and wild strawberry. Low areas adjacent to the RoW, where the soil is moist and organic, support mixedwood forest of closed jack pine/black spruce with a sparse understory and ground cover. Shrubs present in the understory include green alder and Labrador-tea. Dewberry, wild strawberry, white-grained mountain rice-grass, rose mandarin, mitrewort, and northern starflower are common ground cover species.

On the western side of the tramway, open jack pine on rock ridge continues to about the 5.2 km mark. As the ridge ends, the tramway crosses the edge of a black spruce wetland that extends southwards adjacent to the tramway to the 5.4 km mark. The shrubs, leather-leaf and Labrador-tea form the low shrub understory with a ground cover of sphagnum moss. From the 5.4 to 6.0 km mark, the land to the west of the RoW rises in elevation. Mixedwood forest of trembling aspen/white birch, and occasionally white or black spruce occurs on lower

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levels of the ridges. Scattered clumps of jack pine grow on upper levels where the soil is thin or in fissures on bare rock. The understory consists of scattered shrubs (bush-honeysuckle, saskatoon, low sweet and velvet-leaf blueberries).

The RoW in this section is wet. Awned sedge, bottle sedge, black-girdle bulrush, meadow reed grass are common. Marsh five-finger, Labrador-tea, and leather-leaf occur occasionally. On drier soils on the RoW, smooth brome is present along with blue giant hyssop, common mullein, fireweed, and pearly everlasting. Occasionally, a rock outcrop occurs in the RoW. These rock outcrops support an assemblage of plants similar to that on the rock knolls adjacent to the tramway. Plants include bristly sarsaparilla, pearly everlasting, wild strawberry, tickle grass, slender wheatgrass, purple oat grass, starved panicgrass, pale panicgrass, common pussytoes, rusty woodsia, common juniper, and pin cherry.

Leathery grape-fern (Botrychium multifidum), S3 (uncommon), was found growing at the edge of the eastern side of the rail bed at about the 5.6 km mark (east of utility pole 513).

6-7 km section

A rocky ridge runs along the eastern side of the tramway to about the 6.6 km mark. Trembling aspen/spruce mixedwood grows on lower slopes. On upper slopes, jack pine/trembling aspen/white birch mixedwood colonize thin soils. The understory shrub is bush-honeysuckle with a ground cover of wild sarsaparilla and moss. Jack pine occupies the higher rock outcrops. Between the 6.6 to 6.7 km mark, the land drops down from the RoW to a large shrubby and graminoid wetland to the east of the rock ridge. South of this opening, the land rises in elevation. A trembling aspen/white spruce/balsam fir/white birch mixedwood with a thick understory of mountain maple and sparse ground cover extends to the 7.0 km mark.

On the western side of the tramway at the 6 km mark there is a small black spruce/tamarack wetland in a low area adjacent to the RoW. The land rises in elevation southwards as an undulating ridge from the south side of the wetland to about the 7 km mark. Gullies contain ephemeral streams that carry water in the spring and after storms. Jack pine along with common juniper grows in fissures or depressions where bare rock is exposed,. Other shrubs present are saskatoon, bush-honeysuckle, sand cherry, low sweet blueberry, and meadowsweet. Herbaceous plants include rusty woodsia, common yarrow, rock spike-moss, three-toothed cinquefoil, pink corydalis, spreading dogbane, and purple oat grass. Where jack pine is growing on thin soil, the understory is bush-honeysuckle with a ground cover of two-leaved Solomon’s-seal, low sweet blueberry, white-grained mountain rice-grass, small pink lady’s-slipper, eastern bracken, northern rice-grass, and twinflower. Mixedwood forest of jack pine, trembling aspen, white birch, balsam fir, white spruce grows on the ridge where soil is present. Bur oak is occasionally present as single trees. Downy arrow-wood and beaked hazel dominate the shrub understory. Bush-honeysuckle and saskatoon are also present. Two-leaved Solomon’s-seal, rose mandarin, bunchberry, wood horsetail, dewberry, and palmate-leaved colt’s-foot are common in the ground cover. Trembling aspen is present in gullies leading off the side of the ridge where downy arrow-wood and pussy willow (Salix discolor) form the understory. Wild sarsaparilla, prickly tree club-moss, eastern bracken, dewberry, northern starflower, bunchberry, and wild strawberry are common in the ground cover. A logged area occurs on the western side of the tramway between the 6.5-6.9 km mark. A narrow band of trees along the RoW screens the area from the tramway. This area may have been logged in 1955-1956 but has been since scarified and planted with white

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spruce seedlings that are now about 25-30 cm in height. Trembling aspen saplings, beaked hazel, and downy arrow-wood compose the open overstory in this area.

The RoW is dominated by smooth brome in the drier areas. Other species present include eastern bracken, small bittercress, wild strawberry, northern grass-of-Parnassus, northern bog violet, red clover, hairy wood-rush, goat’s-beard, kidneyleaf buttercup, common dandelion, poison-ivy, pale vetchling, evening-primrose, thimbleweed, timothy, giant blue hyssop, wild ginger and tower mustard. Bottle sedge, awned sedge, quill sedge, water sedge, black-girdled bulrush and spinulose wood fern occur along ditches. Labrador-tea, leather-leaf, swamp birch, marsh-five-finger, meadow willow, and speckled alder occur on wet soils. A maintenance hut is situated on the eastern side of the tramway at the 6.5 km mark. Rock outcrops jut out into the RoW in places. Plants present on the rock include tickle grass, bearberry, pussytoes, smooth sumac, bristly club-moss, big bluestem, rattlesnake fern and northern slender ladies’-tresses.

Bigleaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), S1(very rare), was found in the bush on the western side of the RoW from the 6.5 km to the 6.9 km mark. At the 6.5 km mark, bigleaf aster was growing in a gully at the interface of the RoW and the bush. More bigleaf aster was found in the edge of the bush and the logged area to the 6.9 km mark (west of utility poles 611-620).

7-8 km section

On the eastern side of the tramway, the undulating rocky upland continues to about the 7.2 km mark. The lower slopes are covered by mixedwood forest of trembling aspen/white spruce/white birch. The understory is composed of beaked hazel and downy arrow-wood with highbush-cranberry on lower slopes. Jack pine occupies the higher bare rock knobs. At the 7.2 km mark, the ridge drops in elevation and then rises gently. The low area had been logged (1955-1956?) and later the ground had been scarified and planted with white spruce seedlings. Trembling aspen saplings are common along with alder-leaved buckthorn, meadow willow, mountain maple, red raspberry, bristly wild gooseberry, prickly rose, red osier dogwood and speckled alder. The ground cover on drier soil includes star-flowered Solomon’s-seal, wild strawberry, tickle grass, hairy wood-rush, northern bedstraw, dewberry, wood horsetail, Lindley’s aster, Dewey’s sedge, common oak fern, and cow-parsnip. In the low area, where the soil is moist to wet, wild mint, small bedstraw, quill sedge, palmate-leaved colt’s-foot, and woundwort are present. Balsam fir had not been logged. The low area became progressively wetter during the summer. South of this area was a narrow wetland, partly on the RoW and extending eastward a short distance to the edge of higher ground. Balsam poplar, black spruce and tamarack grow along the eastern edge of the wetland. The shrubs (meadow willow, Bebb’s willow, speckled alder) grow amongst marsh reed grass along with flat-topped white aster and purplestem aster. The wetland continues to about the 7.8 km mark. At that point the tramway passes through a rock cut in the ridge that extends from the east and ends on the western RoW. On the northern slope of the ridge is a logged area that has been planted with white spruce. The ridge supports a mixedwood forest of jack pine, white spruce, trembling aspen and white birch. About the 7.9 km mark, a wetland begins on the southern side of the ridge and continues to the 8 km mark.

On the western side of the tramway about the 7 km mark, the topography drops sharply in elevation to a wetland, then rises upward for a short distance before descending to a wetland again about the 7.3 km mark. White spruce and jack pine occupy the upper ridge with trembling aspen, white birch and white spruce on the lower level. The remnants of a wye remain at the northern edge of the wetland. It was constructed in 1955 for a logging

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operation in 1955-1956 and later dismantled (Lacy 1996). A trail from the wye crosses the wetland and runs upward to the ridge to the west. Balsam poplar and black spruce are present at the edge of the wetland. Meadow willow and speckled alder grow in the wetland. Marsh reed grass, bottle sedge, awned sedge and lakeshore sedge are present in the open areas of the wetland. This willow/alder wetland continues south to about the 7.5 km mark. From this point the wetland association becomes black spruce/tamarck/Labrador-tea to about the 7.7 km mark and then changes into willow/swamp birch/marsh reed grass that continues to the 8 km mark. At about the 7.9 km mark the tramway passes through a narrow rock cut. The narrow rock ridge ends in the western RoW. West of the RoW and wetland is a high rocky ridge parallel to the tramway for about the last 400 m of this section. The slope of the ridge rises steeply to an uneven rocky plateau. A small stream flows between the wetland and the base of the slope. Trembling aspen saplings about 2 m tall with beaked hazel, downy arrow-wood, and mountain maple form dense thickets on the slope. This slope has been logged and planted with white spruce seedlings that are now about 25 cm tall. The tree cover is variable on top of the ridge. Scattered jack pine grow in soil-filled depressions or fissures on the bare rock areas along with common juniper, sand cherry, meadow sweet, purple oat grass, pale panic grass, rusty woodsia and fringed black bindweed. White spruce, balsam fir and trembling aspen occur where mineral soil is present.

Drier soils on the RoW are dominated by smooth brome. Also present are pearly everlasting, common scouring-rush, wild columbine, fringed loosestrife, Canada goldenrod, wild ginger and fringed brome. Several rock outcrops occur on the RoW. These outcrops are well weathered with soil-filled fissures that support a variety of plants, mosses and lichens. Plants present on these outcrops are hairy wood-rush, purple oat grass, common scouring rush, northern rice-grass, northern bedstraw, hay sedge and pearly everlasting. In this section, the tramway passes through wetlands. Most of these wetlands have willow and speckled alder adjacent to the uplands with marsh reed grass and lakeshore sedge, bottle sedge and awned sedge in wetter areas. Occasionally flat-topped aster, lance-leaved aster, purple-stemmed aster, bog goldenrod, meadowsweet, spotted joepyeweed, black-girdled bulrush, black spruce and tamarack may be present. Labrador-tea and leather-leaf are present on the RoW when it adjoins black spruce-tamarack wetlands. Greater bladderwort, flat-leaved bladderwort and small yellow water crowfoot grow in deep water-filled ditches.

Fernald’s sedge (Carex merritt-fernaldii), S1 (very rare), was found growing on the rocky upland west of the RoW. Slender sedge (Carex gracillima), S3 (uncommon), occurred at the edge of a trail mid-slope on the rocky upland. Bog goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa), S3 (uncommon) occurred in a wetland in the RoW on the western side of the tramway, west of utility pole 711. Arrow-leaved tearthumb (Persicaria sagittata), S3 (uncommon), was found on moist clay soil at the edge of a shrubby wetland on the western RoW, west of utility poles 717-718.

8-9 km section

On the eastern side of the tramway, a wetland extends southwards from the 8 km mark for about 290 m. Willows and speckled alders thickets occur at the wetland edge. Marsh reed grass is the dominant species in the open middle area of the wetland. Lakeshore sedge and meadowsweet are present. Dead willows are present. This wetland extends to the northeast away from the tramway. A deep water-filled ditch is between the rail bed and the wetland. South of the wetland, the land rises to a rocky plateau. Adjacent to the tramway, the forest cover is open mixedwood (trembling aspen/white spruce/balsam fir/white birch). The open understory is dominated by beaked hazel and bush-honeysuckle with the occasional downy

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arrow-wood. The groundcover is patchy, with areas of leaf litter and small, scattered boulders. Species present are white-grained mountain rice-grass, wild sarsaparillla, wild strawberry, bunchberry, fringed brome, dewberry, northern bedstraw, Lindley’s aster, two-leaved Solomon’s-seal and purple oat grass growing on loamy soil. This bush continues southwards at about the 8.5 km mark. The land then drops down to a semicircular shaped wetland. Willows and swamp birch cover the wetland, with balsam poplar, speckled alder, red osier, black ash and high-bush cranberry at the edge. Beyond the southern side of the wetland, the land rises. The slope to the south and east of the wetland has been logged and re-planted with white spruce seedlings, now about 25 cm in height. Trembling aspen, bur oak, balsam poplar saplings cover the area. Occasional mature white spruce, bur oak and trembling aspen trees are present. Beaked hazel, downy arrow-wood, mountain maple, bush-honeysuckle, snowberry, prickly rose, Bebb’s willow, alder-leaved buckthorn, and poison-ivy grow amongst the trembling aspen saplings. The ground cover is diverse. Spotted touch-me-not, common mint, woundwort, marsh-marigold, yellow avens, fringed loosestrife, common skull-cap, dewberry, fringed brome, mitrewort and palmate-leaved colt’s-foot occur on the lower slope where soils are moist. Up-slope, wild sarsaparilla, snakeroot, wild strawberry, bracken fern, crested shield fern, red bane berry, northern bedstraw, Canada goldenrod, maple-leaf goosefoot, northern green bog-orchid, purple meadowrue, hairy wood-rush, bluebeard lily, wild ginger, long-stalked sedge, nodding trillium are some of the species present. The ridge on the south side of this slope drops down to the north shore of Moose Creek about the 8.8 km mark. The tramway crosses Moose Creek on a causeway. A marsh occurs along the shoreline on both sides of the creek. Common cat-tail, blue monkeyflower, broad-fruited bur-reed, common beggarsticks and water smartweed are present. On the north side in deeper water is a bed of wild rice. There are several islands of marsh vegetation in the creek composed of common cat-tails, bulb-bearing water-hemlock and northern arrowhead. Floating vegetation consists of water-marigold, hornwort, bur-reed species and common water-milfoil.

On the western side of the RoW, the vegetation in the wetland adjacent to the tramway is composed of marsh reed grass, lakeshore sedge, black-girdled bulrush, bur-reed, and water-hemlock in the open area. Bebb’s willow, meadow willow, and swamp birch occur adjacent to the upland. Balsam poplar and trembling aspen grow along the edge of wetland. The land rises steeply to the west to an undulating rocky plateau opposite utility pole 803. The sides and upper levels of the plateau are a mosaic of bare rock and patches of vegetation. Open white spruce, white birch, and trembling aspen occur where soil is present. Shrubs present are common juniper, meadowsweet, saskatoon, smooth sumac, prickly rose, wild red raspberry, sand cherry and bearberry. Lindley’s aster, rusty woodsia, wild columbine, rough cinquefoil, sleepy catchfly, rock spike-moss, timothy, tickle grass, and spike muhly occur as understory or in openings. Big bluestem occurs in openings either growing in soil-filled cracks in the rock surface or on thin soil. The top of the ridge has large areas of exposed bedrock with clumps of jack pine and occasional white spruce scattered over it. Velvet-leaf blueberry, saskatoon, snowberry, white-grained mountain rice-grass, Lindley’s aster, two-leaved Solomon’s-seal grow between the trees. On the open bedrock, purple oat grass, northern rice-grass, low sweet blueberry, harebell, three-toothed cinquefoil, and slender wheatgrass grow in cracks in the rock surface. Slender quill sedge, black-girdled bulrush and mosses colonize depressions on the rock surface that retain water. On the ridge with a southerly aspect, pink-flowered onion, slender wheatgrass, purple oat grass, spike muhly, northern bedstraw, hairy goldenrod, big bluestem, hoary puccoon, ox-eye occurred adjacent to a trembling aspen clump with saskatoon, Canada plum, and red osier dogwood. The ridge on the west drops down to a ravine. Trembling aspen with an occasional white spruce grows in the ravine. The understory is composed of saskatoon, downy arrow-wood, highbush-

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cranberry and Canada plum with a ground cover of wild sarsaparilla and two-leaved Solomon’s-seal. The bottom of the ravine appears to be an ephemeral stream. To the south, this rock ridge drops down to a wetland. There is a transition from white spruce-trembling aspen to black spruce-speckled alder to alder and willow at the edge of the wetland. Species present in the open wetland include marsh reed grass, black-girdled bulrush, bottle sedge, bur-reed, meadowsweet, Baltic rush and northern arrowhead, fowl manna grass and tall manna grass. Canada water-weed, duckweed, common water-milfoil and pondweed grow in open water. Remains of beaver houses and dams indicate beaver activity in this wetland. The wetland is interrupted by a low hill at about the 8.4 km mark. At this point, the tramway passes for a very short distance through a rock cut. A mixedwood forest of white spruce, trembling aspen and jack pine grows on the hill. On the south side of the hill is a wetland that extends along both sides of Moose Creek. At this point the tramway crosses the open channel of Moose Creek on a causeway. A large patch of wild rice grows in the deeper water at the edge of the wetland on the north side of the channel. The wetland supports a mixture of marsh reed grass, black-girdled bulrush, broad-fruited bur-reed, water-arum, bottle sedge and northern arrowhead. Common cat-tail grows in places and near the tramway. On the south side of Moose Creek on the western side of the tramway is a round mixedwood-covered rocky hill about 200 m in diameter. The wetland continues on the south side of the hill to the 9 km mark. Other wetland species observed include turned sedge and soft-stem bulrush.

Deep ditches run along both sides of the rail bed in the 8 km section as it is mostly passing through wetlands. A narrow band of vegetation grows on the edge of the rail bed down to the water level. Smooth brome is the dominant species. Other species present include Canadian milkvetch, tall meadow-rue, veiny meadow-rue, purple oat grass, pale vetchling, northern bedstraw, northern rice-grass, bastard toadflax, snakeroot, seneca snakeroot, common burdock, red clover, field sow-thistle, sensitive fern and wild ginger.

Fernald’s sedge (Carex merritt-fernaldii), S1 (very rare), was found growing in a soil-filled fissure in the rock upland west of the RoW (west of utility pole 803). Black ash (Fraxinus nigra), S3 (uncommon), was found growing in the lowland east of the tramway RoW (east of utility pole 814).

9-10 km section

On the eastern side of the tramway, a deep wide ditch leads south from the creek for about 240 m. Water-marigold grows in the water the length of this ditch along with pondweed, common water-milfoil and occasional wild rice plants. Bottle sedge, marsh five-finger, bulb-bearing water-hemlock, and common cat-tail grow along the edge of the ditch. Willows and speckled alder grow along the eastern side of the ditch with black spruce and occasional black ash at the edge of the upland. Open mixedwoods (trembling aspen/white spruce/balsam fir/white birch) occur on the lower slope of the upland that rises in elevation to the east. Mountain maple, bush-honeysuckle, prickly rose, wild gooseberry, low sweet blueberry and snowberry form the open understory. The ground cover is scattered amongst the leaf litter on the moist, organic-rich clay soil. Ground cover plants include white-grained mountain rice-grass, palmate-leaved colt’s-foot, northern bedstraw, wild strawberry, northern lady fern, bunchberry, dewberry, mitrewort and Peck’s sedge. Many old blown down trees were found in this bush east of utility poles 905-906. Jack pine is present at higher elevation where the bedrock is exposed. Low sweet blueberry, purple oat grass, alumroot, fringed black bindweed, rusty woodsia, rough cinquefoil, bearberry, three-toothed cinquefoil, pussytoes, ticklegrass, and pink corydalis grow in open areas between the jack pine.

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Trembling aspen and white spruce are found on thin soil adjacent to areas of exposed bedrock. Beaked hazel forms the understory with a ground cover dominated by wild sarsaparilla. Other ground cover species present are prickly tree club-moss, bunchberry, dewberry, rose mandarin, bluebeard lily, mitrewort, northern starflower, eastern bracken, pink pyrola and twinflower. The mixedwood forest of trembling aspen/white spruce continues southwards to about the 9.8 km mark. Occasional bur oak, black spruce and green ash are present. Mountain maple, downy arrow-wood and saskatoon also occur in the understory along with beaked hazel. At about the 9.8 km mark, the land decreases in elevation to a wetland. Black spruce and tamarack dominate the wetland. Speckled alder, Bebb’s willow and swamp birch are present along with leather-leaf and Labrador-tea. The tramway crosses this wetland to the 10 km mark.

On the western side of the tramway, the wetland that began on the south side of the hill in the 8-9 km section continues to about 9.2 km. The shrubs, speckled alder and swamp birch, are common in this wetland. Past beaver activity is evident. The land rises to the south from the 9.2 km mark to a rocky plateau. Open to sparse jack pine and white spruce occurs on the sparsely vegetated rock outcrop area along with occasional shrubs, saskatoon, common juniper, meadowsweet and low sweet blueberry. Other species present include harebell, slender wheatgrass, purple oat grass, tickle grass, wood blue grass, wood lily, wild strawberry, wild columbine, pink corydalis, fringed black bindweed and rusty woodsia. There is a transition on the sides of the plateau from open jack pine on thin mineral soil to trembling aspen, white spruce and balsam fir overstory on the lower slope where the loamy clay soil is present. The understory is composed of beaked hazel and occasional downy arrow-wood. The ground cover is dominated by wild sarsaparilla. Balsam fir and white birch are occasional. Black ash and balsam poplar occasionally occur at the junction of the bush and RoW where the soil is moist to wet. After the 9.8 km mark, the tramway begins crossing a black spruce/tamarack wetland complex with Labrador-tea, leather-leaf, swamp birch, speckled alder among the spruce and tamarack. White birch occurs at the landward side of the black spruce/tamarack wetland.

The RoW in the 9-10 km section is mostly wetland with a deep water-filled ditches adjacent to the rail bed. From 9 km mark south for about 200 m, a deep ditch on either side of the tramway drains northwards towards Moose Creek. Common cat-tail is present along with bur-reed, northern arrowhead, blue monkey-flower, star duckweed, black-girdled bulrush, bottle sedge, awned sedge, water-arum, marsh five-finger, hornwort, and the water-marigold. Nearer to the ditch, scattered tamarack occurs amongst marsh reed grass and sedges. Smooth brome grows on the sides of the rail bed above the water in the ditch along with low shrubs, native and introduced herbaceous plants.

Fernald’s sedge (Carex merritt-fernaldii), S1 (very rare), occurs on the rocky upland west of the tramway RoW (west of utility pole 906). It was also found on the rocky upland east of the RoW (east of utility pole 918). Dwarf bilberry (Vaccinium caespitosum), S2 (rare), was found on the western side of the RoW adjacent to the edge of the bush, west of utility poles 916-917. Water-marigold (Bidens beckii), S3 (uncommon), an aquatic plant, was found growing in part of Moose Creek (between utility poles 900-905). Black ash (Fraxinus nigra), S3 (uncommon), was growing east of the RoW at the edge of Moose Creek (east of utility poles 904-905). It was also found west of the RoW, west of utility poles 915-916 and east of the RoW (east of utility poles 919-920). Arrow-leaved tearthumb (Persicaria sagittata), S3 (uncommon), was growing on the western RoW (west of utility pole 915) amongst low shrubs on moist to wet soil.

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10-11 km

On the eastern side of the tramway the black spruce/tamarack wetland continues to about the 10.3 km mark. At this point the land rises in elevation to an undulating plateau. A wide deep ditch that extends 100 m to the south separates the tramway from the dry land. To the east, the land increases in elevation. Mixedwood of trembling aspen and spruce occupies the area adjacent to the RoW. At 10.4 km, the utility line leaves the tramway and crosses the low hill to the southeast and then the river on the north side of the causeway to the island. The bush adjacent to the RoW to the 11 km mark is mixedwood composed of trembling aspen/white spruce/balsam fir and occasional bur oak. The understory is beaked hazel with some mountain maple, downy arrow-wood and red osier dogwood with a ground cover of wild sarsaparilla. The ground cover is diverse where the tree cover is open. Bunchberry, dewberry, Lindley’s aster, sweet-scented bedstraw, white-grained mountain rice-grass, snakeroot, wild strawberry, two-leaved Solomon’s-seal are present. Common juniper, Canada plum, prickly rose, fireberry hawthorn, poison-ivy, green ash saplings occur occasionally. A track to the east crosses the hill from near the northern side of the South wye. Several small openings are present that support weedy species, lesser burdock, Canada thistle, red clover, smooth brome and timothy.

On the western side of the tramway, the black spruce/tamarack bog continues for most of the length of this section. At 10.5 km is a small lake surrounded by a floating mat of mosses and low shrubs, which in turn is surrounded by black spruce and tamarack. About 100 m to the south, the land rises to a low rocky plateau. A wide ditch runs between the wetland and the tramway rail bed.

The RoW in this section is a wide ditch and part of the wetland adjacent to it. Other species present in the ditches are greater bladderwort, duckweed, water-arum, marsh five-finger, awned sedge, bottle sedge, black-girdled bulrush and occasionally common cat-tail. Timothy was the dominant grass on dry ground on the eastern side RoW. Present also were harebell, common pussytoes, Bicknell’s geranium, northern bedstraw, bastard toadflax, common yarrow, alsike clover, sleepy catchfly, wild peavine, spreading dogbane, eastern bracken, and tickle grass. Shrubs include low sweet blueberry, common bearberry, common juniper and trembling aspen saplings.

Several plants of rattlesnake grass (Glyceria canadensis), S1 (very rare), in Manitoba, grow in the ditch/wetland on either side of the tramway between utility poles 1006-1009. Three-way sedge (Dulichium arundinaceum), S2 (rare), occurs amongst wetland plants at the edge of the water in the wetland east of the RoW (south of utility pole 1009). Bog goldenrod (Solidago uliginosa), S3 (uncommon), grows in the wetlands on either side of the RoW (between utility poles 1005-1008).

South wye

The two arms of the wye extend 300-350 m to east and south. The wye is an open, grassy area on clay soil. The dominant grass is smooth brome but timothy and creeping bent are also present. Many native and introduced plants are present growing amongst the grass and on the rail bed. Introduced plants present are the above grasses, common buttercup, red clover, alsike clover, Canada thistle, black medic, tufted vetch, yellow sweet-clover, white sweet-clover, shepherd’s-purse, common mullein and curly dock. Native plants include common vetch, dwarf milkweed, common milkweed (with Monarch butterfly caterpillars), spreading dogbane, yellow avens, tall goldenrod, thimbleweed, Canada anemone, Lindley’s

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aster, Canada goldenrod, eastern bracken, northern stickseed, snakeroot, northern bedstraw, field horse-tail, rough cinquefoil, and evening-primrose. Plants that grow on the ballast between the rails include pygmy-flower, American dragonhead, ridge-seeded spurge, Bebb’s sedge, purslane speedwell, common pepper-grass, sleepy catchfly and shepherd’s-purse.

On the eastern side of the wye is a wooded, very steep slope down to the edge of the Winnipeg River. The open mixedwood is composed of trembling aspen and white spruce. The understory consists of beaked hazel, snowberry, red osier dogwood, prickly rose and green ash saplings. The ground cover is composed of wild sarsaparilla, Lindley’s aster, dewberry, star-flowered Solomon’s-seal, snakeroot, and thimbleweed. Smooth brome grows in the openings.

An open trembling aspen stand is present on the western side of the wye. Occasional green ash and balsam fir are present. The understory is dominated by beaked hazel with occasional mountain maple, wild red currant and prickly rose. The ground cover is dominated by wild sarsaparilla. Canada violet, pink pyrola, star-flowered Solomon’s-seal, red baneberry and dewberry are also present. Rotting logs litter the ground indicating that this area may have been logged at some time.

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Appendix VI. Coordinates of kilometer sections along Pointe du Bois-Slave Falls Tramway.

COORDINATES AT KILOMETER SECTIONS ALONG TRAMWAY

POLE NUMBER

DISTANCE FROM N WYE

(km) LAT LONG UTM

EASTING UTM

NORTHING NAD

N WYE 0.0 50˚ 18' 03.2"N 95˚ 35' 52.1"W 15U 0317362 5575019 NAD 27200 2.0 210 2.5 50˚ 17' 29.4"N 94˚ 32' 57.3"W 15U 0318416 5573933 NAD 27300 3.0 50˚ 17' 16.0"N 95˚ 33 02.5"W 15U 0318298 5573527 NAD 27311 3.5 50˚ 17' 02.6"N 95˚ 33' 15.4"W 15U 0318028 5573118 NAD 27400 4.0 50˚ 16' 47.5"N 95˚ 33' 20.3"W 15U 0317916 5572652 NAD 27411 4.5 50˚ 16' 37.1"N 95˚ 33' 35.4"W 15U 0317580 5572386 NAD 27500 5.0 50˚ 16' 31.6"N 95˚ 34' 01.6"W 15U 0317078 5572194 NAD 27510 5.5 600 6.0 50˚ 16' 03.3"N 95˚ 34' 18.6"W 15U 0316713 5571329 NAD 27612 6.5 50˚ 15' 47.9"N 95˚ 34' 31.1"W 15U 0316453 5570868 NAD 27700 7.0 50˚ 15' 41.0"N 95˚ 34' 47.8"W 15U 0316112 5570666 NAD 27711 7.5 50˚ 15' 26.9"N 95˚ 34' 55.9"N 15U 0315935 5570231 NAD 27800 8.0 50˚ 15' 09.9"N 95˚ 34' 55.1"W 15U 0315935 5569698 NAD 27810 8.5 900 9.0 50˚ 14' 38.2"N 95˚ 34' 55.9"W 15U 0315889 5568729 NAD 27910 9.5 50˚ 14' 24.8" N 93˚ 35' 01.5"W 15U 0315763 5568315 NAD 271000 10.0 50˚ 14' 07.3"N 95˚ 34' 50.6"W 15U 0315955 5567777 NAD 271009 50˚ 13' 56.5"N 95˚ 34' 40.0"W 15U 0316156 5567423 NAD 27S WYE 11.0 50˚ 13' 44.5"N 95˚ 34' 24.6"W 15U 0316445 5567046 NAD 27

APPENDIX E

CONSULTATION REPORT

SLAVE FALLS TRAMWAY CONVERSION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT CONSULTATION REPORT

Prepared by

Landmark Planning and Design Inc.

For

Manitoba Hydro

1

Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project

Environmental Assessment Consultation Report

1.0 Process

The environmental assessment consultation process for the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion (SFTC) Project was carried out concurrently with a portion of the environmental assessment program for the Manitoba Hydro Pointe du Bois Modernization Project. A series of Public Open Houses and stakeholder meetings were held jointly for both projects. This report summarizes feedback provided on the SFTC Project only.

SFTC Environmental Assessment Consultation Stakeholder Structure

Although the scope and scale of the SFTC project was relatively minor when compared to the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project, it was felt that running separate environmental assessment consultation processes for each project had the potential to cause public confusion and to create a tendency for ‘stakeholder communication overload’. At each Public Open House and at each stakeholder meeting both projects were discussed.

The public and government consultation process for both projects included the development of a stakeholder structure as a means of facilitating effective and manageable stakeholder consultations, given the scope of, in particular, the Pointe du Bois Modernization project. The stakeholder structure was developed on the basis of a preliminary assessment of the potential for direct or indirect impacts to stakeholder groups. Stakeholder groups were assigned a Tier depending on this preliminary assessment as follows:

2

Tier Criteria Consultation Vehicles

TIER 1

Potential direct impact to livelihood, land owned or quality of life, or governing jurisdiction.

Information/Invitation Letter A Meeting Arranged Open House

TIER 2

Potential indirect impact to livelihood, land owned or quality of life, or governing jurisdiction.

Information/Invitation Letter B Meeting Offered Open Houses

TIER 3

General interest with little to no significant potential direct or indirect impact to livelihood, land owned, or governing jurisdiction.

Information/Invitation Letter C Meeting on Request Open House

Identified Stakeholders

Ninety (90) stakeholder groups were identified as part of the pre-planning consultation effort. Identified stakeholder groups included:

Government Departments and Agencies

Aboriginal Interests

Municipalities and Municipal Associations

Industries and Economic Interests (Trapping, Mining, Outfitting, etc.)

Cottage Associations

Recreation and Tourism Interests

Environmental Groups

A listing of all stakeholders can be found in Appendix 1.

3

Open Houses

On August 10, 2007 all stakeholders received a letter of invitation to participate in a Public Open House for the two projects. Tier 1 stakeholders were also invited to attend a pre-arranged meeting with Manitoba Hydro. Tier 2 stakeholders were invited to call Manitoba Hydro in order to arrange a meeting if they felt they had concerns they wished to discuss. Manitoba Hydro prepared internally, to meet with any Tier 3 stakeholder on an ‘as requested’ basis. Open Houses were scheduled as follows:

Pointe du Bois, MB Sunday, August 26, 2007 1 – 4PM

Lac Du Bonnet, MB Monday, August 27, 2007 1 – 4PM

Winnipeg, MB Wednesday, September 12, 2007 4 – 8PM

A copy of the invitation letters is provided in Appendix 2.

A list of meetings held is provided in Appendix 3.

In addition to the invitation letters advertisements announcing the open houses were placed in local newspapers.

A copy of the advertisements is provided in Appendix 4.

Approximately 126 people attended the Public Open Houses. Hydro staff were on hand to answer questions from participants. SFTC project feedback forms were made available for participants to provide their comments to be submitted at the event or subsequent to the event. Twenty six feedback forms on the tramway conversion project were submitted. Over 92% of respondents indicated that the Public Open House provided them “with a good understanding of the project”. No respondents indicated that the Open House did not provide them “with a good understanding of the project”.

An analysis of results of the Public Open House are provided in Section 2.0 of this report. A complete account of feedback form responses is provided in Appendix 5.

4

Meetings

Government Meetings

A series of meetings was arranged with federal and provincial government departments that have either a regulatory or other interest in the proposed projects.

The results of these meetings are summarized in Section 2.0 of this environmental assessment consultation report.

Aboriginal Stakeholder Meetings

Four First Nations and the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) were invited to a consultation meeting to discuss both the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project as well as the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project. A meeting was held with each of the four First Nations as well as the MMF.

A summary of meeting discussions is provided in Section 2.0 of this report.

Non-aboriginal Stakeholder Meetings

A number of non-aboriginal stakeholders responded to the invitation to meet and six (6) subsequent meetings were held, with representation from 16 groups and one (1) individual (trapper).

A summary of meeting discussions is provided in Section 2.0 of this report.

5

2.0 Results

Overview

The feedback obtained from the Government, Aboriginal, and Non-Aboriginal meetings and the Public Open Houses is provided in this Section.

Government Meetings

Transport Canada – Navigable Waterways – No application or review under the Navigable Waters Protection Act is required.

Manitoba Conservation – Parks Branch – Would like the SFT Road to be private access only. Rare plants discussion/review not yet completed.

Manitoba Environmental Approvals and Licensing – The EAPF is sufficient. Final determination on Section 35 Consultation Requirements is outstanding.

Manitoba Fisheries - MB Fisheries noted that standard in-stream works guidelines would also have to be integrated into the reclamation (e.g. erosion control and timing windows)

Department of Fisheries and Oceans – Discussion concerning Moose Creek crossing. Conclusion: no concerns.

Aboriginal Meetings

Sagkeeng FN – Sagkeeng FN (SFN) expressed an interest in participating in the socio-economic and archealogical assessment. SFN wished to know whether they would be given access to the results of the studies and how SFN input would be characterized in the EIS. SFN asked questions concerning the extent to which the proposed road alignment deviated from the tramway alignment (40%), the length of the roadway, width and total acreage.

MMF – The MMF indicated that their primary concern is that the road would remain private access only. There was interest in the design standard of the roadway and the potential effect on fish as a result of the Moose Creek crossing. The MMF expressed an interest in assisting with the construction tender/RFP and also requested a list of rare and endangered plant species found along the tramway and an indication of specific sensitive areas along the proposed roadway alignment.

Brokenhead Ojibway Nation - No comments relevant to the SFTC project.

6

Wabaseemoong Independent Nation - No comments relevant to the SFTC project.

Grassy Narrows FN - No comments relevant to the SFTC project.

Dalles FN - No comments relevant to the SFTC project.

Non-Aboriginal Meetings

RM of Lac du Bonnet and Town of Lac du Bonnet – The RM asked whether using the existing alignment mean using the same tramway base, and whether the tramway would still be in use. They were advised that the tramway base would be expanded to about double the current width to accommodate a wider roadway, and that the tramway would still be in use until the road is operational, and that the roadway would be for private use only. The Town asked where the road would connect and were advised that it would connect at the same spot as current, and that a security gate would be added. There was concurrence that this made ‘good sense’. The Town also asked whether the roadway would be used in the future if Slave Falls GS required re-building, and were advised that it would be used, however not likely that the SFGS would require rebuilding, rather it may require major/minor work. There was concurrence that this would be a ‘good idea’.

Pointe du Bois Cottagers Association (PdBCA) – The PdBCA indicated a preference/wish that the road would be a private road with the entrance secured against access.

George Lake Cottage Association, Pam’s Place (store), George Lake Outfitters, Eagle Nest Resort, B. McLennan (private landowner and tramway operator) – In response to interest regarding whether the road would be owned by Manitoba Hydro, attendees were advised that it was Hydro’s intent that the road would be private and that Manitoba Hydro would likely obtain an easement for the portion of the road on Crown Land and purchase the private land required. In response to a question regarding the final road alignment, it was indicated that a right-of-way had been identified and that the road alignment would be within the right-of-way. McLennan indicated that the existing tramway line and the proposed road would cross through their property. Hydro indicated that it would follow-up with the tram owner individually in the near future. McLennan indicated that there had been past issues with Winnipeg Hydro in terms of gaining access across the tramway line to obtain firewood.

Lac du Bonnet Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee – No concerns voiced. Expressed an interest in securing ‘rolling’ stock from the tramway for heritage display.

7

RM of Alexander – The RM asked for clarification concerning the length and alignment of the roadway (to what extent would the roadway follow rock ridges), as well as the treatment of sections of land not required for the roadway following decommissioning of the tramway.

RCMP – No major concerns.

LGD of Pinawa – No concerns.

Registered Trapline Holder (Keith Veilleux) – No major concerns.

Lac du Bonnet Airport Authority – No concerns voiced.

Public Open Houses

The feedback provided by a number of participants of the Public Open Houses focused on the following key topic areas:

Access to the new road and cottage development: Participants indicated mixed views on this topic. A little more than half of participants who raised these issues indicated that they felt that the road should be seen as an opportunity for more Manitobans to make use of the land for cottage development and recreational use, while the remainder felt that the road should remain private in order to prevent these uses.

Only one participant in each case, provided comments on each the following topics:

Impact to Highway 313: Concern that current poor condition of the roadway would be made worse due to increase in use from construction.

Opportunity for tourism and recreational uses: Interest in allowing access via the new road to create more opportunities for tourism and recreational uses. Suggestion to retain track for in order to offer tours.

Heritage: Suggestion to preserve an old tram car for heritage value.

Use of timber harvested: Interest in local use of any timber harvested as a result of clearing for the project.

Pointe du Bois Homes: Suggestion to sell existing townsite homes for recreational use.

8

Construction Camp: Desire to have construction camp removed from townsite and cottage area.

Potential Wildlife Disturbance: Concern involving the likelihood of increased wildlife kills as a result of new vehicle traffic.

Noise: Concern regarding construction noise.

Roadway alignment: Suggestion to ensure alignment is well removed from river.

3.0 RESPONSE

Response to Stakeholders

Following the Public Open Houses and the stakeholder consultation meetings, a letter was sent to participants to confirm that their input was received, to advise them of the EIS preparation, and to note that the EIS submission would include responses to concerns and questions asked. The letter included instructions as to how participants could provide further input during the government EIS evaluation process.

9

APPENDIX 1: LIST OF STAKEHOLDER GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS CONSULTED

Group # Category # Stakeholder (boldface indicates meeting was held)

1 MB Conservation - EA&L Branch 2 MB Conservation - Parks Branch 3 MB Water Stewardship 4 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) 5 Crown Lands and Property Agency 6 Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) 7 Transport Canada 8 MB Infrastructure and Transportation 9 MB Historic Resources Branch 10 MB Aboriginal and Northern Affairs 11 MB Aboriginal Relations Branch

1 Government

12 Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) 13 Sagkeeng First Nation 14 Brokenhead Ojibway Nation 15 Wabaseemoong Independent Nations 16 Grassy Narrows First Nation 17 Wiinnibiig Ziibi Numao Board 18 Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. 19 SouthEast Regional Metis Corporation 20 Powerview MMF Local 21 Grand Marais MMF Local 22 Traverse Bay MMF Local 23 Lac du Bonnet MMF Local 24 Ste. Rita Local Manitoba Metis Federation 25 Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC

2 Potential Aboriginal Interests

26 Southeast Tribal Council (SE CFDC) 27 Pointe du Bois Cottagers and Residents Association 28 Eagle Nest Resorts Inc. 29 George Lake Outfitters/Eight Foot Falls Campground 30 George Lake Protective Association 31 Trail End Camp & Outfitters/Sawmill Bay Campground 32 Kendall Point Lodge 33 Pine Island Lodge 34 George Lake Fishing Club Ltd. 35 Scouts Canada - George Lake 36 Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association 37 Manitoba Association of Cottage Owners 38 Whiteshell Cottagers Association Inc. 39 Coalition of Manitoba Cottagers in Provincial Parks

3 Cottage Associations, Lodges, Campgrounds and Outfitters

40 The Lake of the Woods District Property Owners

10


41 Southeast Forest Products 42 RR&D Forest Products (an affiliate of Southeast FP) 43 Tembec – Pine Falls 46 Palliser 47 RTL 21 – Ernie Davidson 48 RTL 22 – Aart Amerongen 49 RTL 24 – Keith Veilleux (Partner 1) 50 RTL 24 - Gord Johnson (Partner 2) 51 RTL 25 – Metro Pedruchny 52 RTL 27 – Fred Pedruchny 53 Whiteshell Trappers Association (Council) 54 Southeast Quota Holders Association 55 Manitoba Trappers Association 56 Tantalum Mining Corporation 57 Mining Association of Manitoba 58 Tembec Inc. 59 Pinawa Chamber of Commerce 60 Lac du Bonnet Chamber of Commerce 61 Eastman Regional Development Inc.

4 Other Businesses and Economic Interests

62 Manitoba Forestry Association 63 RM of Lac du Bonnet 64 Town of Lac Du Bonnet 65 LGD of Pinawa 66 RM of Brokenhead 67 RM of Alexander 68 Town of Beausejour 69 RM of Reynolds 70 RM of St. Clements 71 RM of Springfield 72 RM of Whitemouth 73 Manitoba Municipal Administrators Association

5 Municipalities and Municipal Associations

74 Association of Manitoba Municipalities 75 Lac du Bonnet Planning District 76 Winnipeg River Planning District 77 Brokenhead River Planning District 78 Whitemouth River Planning District 79 Whiteshell School Division 80 Frontier School Division

6 Planning Districts and School Divisions

81 Sunrise School Division 82 Manitoba Recreational Trails Association 83 Manitoba Recreational Canoeing Association

7 Recreational and Tourism Interests

84 Manitoba Wildlife Federation

11


85 Snoman Inc. 86 Paddle Manitoba 87 Manitoba Paddling Association 88 Eastern Manitoba Tourism Association 89 LaVerendrye Tourism Trail Association 90 Manitoba Naturalists Society 91 Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) 92 Manitoba Model Forest Inc. 93 Manitoba Eco-Network 94 Time to Respect Earth's Ecosystems (TREE) 95 Manitoba Wildlands

8 Environmental General Interest

96 Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (Manitoba) 1 Lodge Alan 2 Olie Alto 3 Michelle Lee Anderson 4 Ian Alexander 5 William and Joyce Alexander 6 G. Anthonisen 7 Nick Anthonisen 8 Barbara Ann Anthonisen 9 James William Astwood 10 Joseph Baldes 11 Merle Balsillie 12 David Ian Baty 13 Herbert Bauer 14 Inge Bauer 15 Henry Bergen 16 Brant Bishop 17 Lisa-Beth Anne Bittner 18 Lorraine Boily 19 Gert Willi Borchardt 20 Mark Alfie Gentle Brown 21 Darrell Lyle Brownlee 22 Peter Bung 23 Donald A Busch 24 Rodney Herman Buss 25 Robert Alexander Cameron 26 Jim Caron 27 Guy Etienne Champagne

9 Manitoba General Public (Individuals)

28 Jack Arthur Chapman

12


29 Fred & Irene Coakes 30 Ken Coombs 31 Cuyler Cotton 32 Kevin Charles Dawson 33 Jeff Debooy 34 Dale Dudgeon 35 Jouko Eronen 36 Ted Ferens 37 A.J. Foster 38 Rolande Marie Cecile Garnier 39 T.Hean Gooi 40 George Goovaerts 41 Frances Goovaerts 42 Paul James Gyselinck 43 Joe Hammermayer 44 Niilo Hartikainen 45 Kari Hartikainen 46 John Hawkes 47 Duane Hawkes 48 Lorraine Anne Hercus 49 Carole Jane Hilton 50 Simon Hodab 51 Michael John Hogan 52 Larry Ross Hogan 53 Herbert James Howorth 54 Frederick G. Jackson 55 Dennis Jamieson 56 Robert Jones 57 David Melville + Kim Jones 58 Stanley Kaczanowski 59 Caroline Ketola 60 Leona Adele Knox 61 Joseph Knysh 62 Charles Kovach 63 Walter Kowalzik 64 Clifford Lewis 65 Randy & Helen Loeb 66 Ken Macdonald 67 Patricia Helen Macdonald 68 Leo Mager

13


69 Curt Matte 70 Rob Matthews 71 Lynne Marie Mccarthy 72 Pat McCarthy-Briggs 73 David Lloyd Mccormick 74 Beverley McLennan 75 James Brenton Mcmaster 76 Gary John Mikolaychuk 77 Andrew Drake Millar 78 Peggy Elaine Miller 79 Mark Mitchell 80 Hong Nansheng 81 Melvin Niemi 82 Daniel Olekson 83 Linda Osowski 84 Leon P Parent 85 Metro Pedruchny 86 Brian Peter 87 Bruno Peter 88 Werner Pohl 89 Michael Prokopchuk 90 Conrad Pruden 91 John Timothy Luke Pulak 92 Paul Olavi Rainonen 93 Tom Robinson 94 Lawrence Rogers 95 Cathy Rolland 96 Maurice Romaniuk 97 Russell Wilson Ryan 98 Gilles Sabourin 99 Arja Salo 100 Alvin Sault 101 Jonathan Scarth 102 Cal Schellenberg 103 David Schellenberg 104 Hans Schellman 105 Rudi Gerhard Schneider 106 Michael William Schwartz 107 Gary Schwindt 108 Bruce Scott

14


109 Walter George Seline 110 William James Semkiw 111 Margaret Dorothy Semple 112 James Hamilton Shand 113 Gerald Lyle Skene 114 Rhonda Gail Smerchanski 115 Scott Spicer 116 Glenn Stanley 117 Claire Stephensen 118 Ted Stewner 119 Richard John Stone 120 Gary Maurice Storoschuk 121 Peter + Katherine Strassel 122 Abraham John Suderman 123 Larry Tessier 124 Margaret Caroline Thibert 125 David Thusberg 126 Victor Thusberg 127 David Unrau 128 Diana Lynne Vaile 129 George Wagner 130 Richard B Waisanen 131 Jenine Walker 132 Dennis Leslie White 133 William Charles White 134 Allan Dennis Wiens 135 Ken Wilk 136 Roy Wilke 137 William Arthur Williams 138 Bruno Wilzer 139 Chester E. Wojciechowski 140 Walter Robert Worosz 141 George Ylonen 142 Anonymous

APPENDIX 2: LETTERS OF INVITATION FOR STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION

P.O. Box 815 • Winnipeg Manitoba Canada • R3C 2P4 Fax / No de télécopieur : (204) 474-4974

[email protected] • [email protected]

August 10, 2007

Tier 1 – Invitation Letter A

Dear _____________:

Pointe du Bois Modernization and Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Projects

Manitoba Hydro is seeking regulatory approval to modernize the Pointe du Bois Generating Station. The modernization will entail a rebuild of the facilities, including construction of a new powerhouse and spillway with modern operating, safety and environmental standards in a location adjacent to the existing powerhouse. To make full use of the water resource at this location to generate power, capacity will be increased from 78 MW to approximately 120 MW. The existing structures will be decommissioned upon completion of the modernization.

Manitoba Hydro is conducting an environmental assessment on the project to obtain the required environmental approvals before the project proceeds.

Continued input from various stakeholders and from the general public is an important part of the environmental assessment process. To that end, we would like to invite you to meet with us to discuss the modernization of the generating station and to gain your feedback. We would also be pleased to hold an Open House meeting at [First Nation] as a means of gaining specific feedback from the people of [First Nation]. A representative from Manitoba Hydro will be contacting you shortly by phone in order to arrange a meeting at your convenience.

Later this summer and early fall Manitoba Hydro will hold additional Public Open Houses to continue to share information with other interested parties and the general public, and to receive input regarding the project. You are invited to attend the Open Houses that are scheduled as follows:

Pointe du Bois Lac du Bonnet Winnipeg Sunday Monday Wednesday August 26, 2007 August 27, 2007 September 12, 2007 Old School Gym Lac du Bonnet Canad Inns, Fort Garry 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Legion Hall 1824 Pembina Hwy. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

At all Open Houses, we are having a preview one hour in advance of opening the Open Houses. You are welcome to attend the preview of the Open Houses.

Manitoba Hydro is also undertaking a second project in the Pointe du Bois area, which is the conversion of the existing tramway line between Pointe du Bois and the Slave Falls Generating Station, into a private road. The tramway conversion is required to facilitate operations and maintenance activities at the Slave Falls Generating Station. The tramway conversion is a separate project that is independent of the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project.

Manitoba Hydro is also conducting an environmental assessment of the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project in support of an application for environmental approvals. If you have questions regarding this second project we would be pleased to provide an overview of the project at our meeting or by correspondence. Information regarding the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project will also be presented at the upcoming Public Open Houses.

If you have questions about the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project, please contact:

Ryan Kustra at (204) 474-4334

or

If you have questions about the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, please contact:

Gary Swanson at (204) 474-3396

Yours truly,

Ryan Kustra Gary Swanson Manager Senior Environmental Specialist Major Projects Licensing Environmental Licensing & Protection Power Planning & Development Power Planning & Development RK:GS/bgs

-2-

P.O. Box 815 • Winnipeg Manitoba Canada • R3C 2P4

Fax / No de télécopieur : (204) 474-4974 [email protected] • [email protected]

August 10, 2007

Tier 2 – Invitation Letter B

Dear _____________:


Manitoba Hydro is seeking regulatory approval to modernize the Pointe du Bois Generating Station. The modernization will entail a rebuild of the facilities, including construction of a new powerhouse, spillway, and dam with modern operating, safety and environmental standards in a location adjacent to the existing powerhouse. To make full use of the water resource at this location to generate power, capacity will be increased from 78 MW to approximately 120 MW. The existing structures will be decommissioned upon completion of the modernization.


Continued input from various stakeholders and from the general public is an important part of the environmental assessment process.

To that end, Manitoba Hydro will hold Public Open Houses later this summer and early fall to continue to share information with interested parties and the general public, and to receive input regarding the project. You are invited to attend the Open Houses that are scheduled as follows:

Pointe du Bois Lac du Bonnet Winnipeg Sunday Monday Wednesday August 26, 2007 August 27, 2007 September 12, 2007 Old School Gym Lac du Bonnet Canad Inns, Fort Garry 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Legion Hall 1824 Pembina Hwy. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Manitoba Hydro is also undertaking a second project in the Pointe du Bois area, which is the conversion of the existing tramway line between Pointe du Bois and the Slave Falls Generating Station, into a private road. The tramway conversion is required to facilitate operations and maintenance activities at the Slave Falls Generating Station. The tramway conversion is a separate project that is independent of the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project.

Manitoba Hydro is conducting an environmental assessment of the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project in support of an application for environmental approvals. If you have questions regarding this second project please feel free to contact us. Information regarding the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project will also be presented at the upcoming Public Open Houses.

Should you wish to meet with Manitoba Hydro in order to discuss either project, please feel free to contact:

Ryan Kustra at (204) 474-4334 Concerning the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project

or Gary Swanson at (204) 474-3396

Concerning the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project

Yours truly,


-2-

P.O. Box 815 • Winnipeg Manitoba Canada • R3C 2P4

Fax / No de télécopieur : (204) 474-4974 [email protected] • [email protected]

August 10, 2007

Tier 3 – Invitation Letter C

Dear _____________:


Manitoba Hydro is seeking regulatory approval to modernize the Pointe du Bois Generating Station. The modernization will entail a rebuild of the facilities, including construction of a new powerhouse and spillway with modern operating, safety and environmental standards in a location adjacent to the existing powerhouse. To make full use of the water resource at this location to generate power, capacity will be increased from 78 MW to approximately 120 MW. The existing structures will be decommissioned upon completion of the modernization.


Continued input from various stakeholders and from the general public is an important part of the environmental assessment process.

To that end, Manitoba Hydro will hold Public Open Houses later this summer and early fall to continue to share information with interested parties and the general public, and to receive input regarding the project. Your group/organization is invited to attend the Open Houses that are scheduled as follows:

Pointe du Bois Lac du Bonnet Winnipeg Sunday Monday Wednesday August 26, 2007 August 27, 2007 September 12, 2007 Old School Gym Lac du Bonnet Canad Inns, Fort Garry 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Legion Hall 1824 Pembina Hwy. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Manitoba Hydro is also undertaking a second project in the Pointe du Bois area, which is the conversion of the existing tramway line between Pointe du Bois and the Slave Falls Generating Station, into a private road. The tramway conversion is required to facilitate operations and maintenance activities at the Slave Falls Generating Station. The tramway conversion is a separate project that is independent of the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project.

Manitoba Hydro is conducting an environmental assessment of the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project in support of an application for environmental approvals. If you have questions regarding this second project please feel free to contact us. Information regarding the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project will also be presented at the upcoming Public Open Houses.

If you have questions about the Pointe du Bois Modernization Project, please contact:

Ryan Kustra at (204) 474-4334

or

If you have questions about the Slave Falls Tramway Conversion Project, please contact:

Gary Swanson at (204) 474-3396

Yours truly,


-2-

APPENDIX 3: LIST OF STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS HELD

Date Stakeholder Location

September 19, 2007 and January 29, 2008

Sagkeeng First Nation Winnipeg, MB (Place Louis Riel) Radisson Hotel

September 26, 2007

LGD of Pinawa Pinawa, MB (LGD of Pinawa Office)

October 1, 2007

Manitoba Metis Federation Winnipeg, MB (MMF Offices)

October 1, 2007 RM of Lac du Bonnet Town of Lac du Bonnet Lac du Bonnet Airport Authority Manitoba Municipal Heritage Advisory Council

Lac du Bonnet, MB (RM of Lac du Bonnet Office)

October 5, 2007 Pointe du Bois Cottagers Winnipeg, MB CanadInns Polo Park

October 9, 2007 Tembec Pine Island Lodge Kendall Point Lodge Trail End Camp George Lake Outfitters George Lake Protective Association Eagle Nest Resort George Lake Fishing Club Beverley McLennan (landowner)

Pointe du Bois Old School Meeting Room

October 12, 2007 Brokenhead FN Winnipeg, MB (MB Hydro - 820 Taylor)

October 16, 2007 RM of Alexander St. George, MB (#104058 PTH 11)

October 17, 2007 Dalles FN Winnipeg, MB October 25, 2007 RCMP Lac du Bonnet, MB October 25, 2007 Keith Veilleux (Trapper RTL 24) Lac du Bonnet, MB October 30, 2007 Wabaseemoong (Whitedog) Whitedog FN October 31, 2007 Grassy Narrows FN Kenora, ON

APPENDIX 4: NEWSPAPER OPEN HOUSE ADVERTISEMENTS

APP

END

IX 5

: PU

BLI

C O

PEN

HO

USE

FEE

DB

AC

K

Q.

1 2

3 4

5

Did

the

Ope

n H

ouse

pro

vide

yo

u w

ith a

goo

d un

ders

tand

ing

of th

e pr

opos

ed p

roje

ct?

Ple

ase

chec

k bo

xes

that

app

ly to

you

: a

- Cot

tage

ow

ner o

n W

pg. R

iver

b

- Do

not o

wn

but u

se fo

r rec

reat

ion

c - R

esid

ent o

f Poi

nte

du B

ois

d - R

esid

ent o

f Lac

du

Bon

net

e - R

esid

ent e

lsew

here

(spe

cify

) f -

Oth

er (s

peci

fy)

Resp #

Y/N

C

omm

ent

Wha

t do

you

cons

ider

to b

e im

porta

nt e

ffect

s (p

ositi

ve a

nd

nega

tive)

resu

lting

from

the

proj

ect?

Wha

t do

you

sugg

est c

an b

e do

ne

to a

ddre

ss th

e ef

fect

s yo

u in

dica

ted

abov

e?

Do

you

have

any

furth

er c

omm

ents

or

que

stio

ns

a b

c d

e f

Com

men

t

1 Y

Gre

at p

rese

ntat

ion

with

lots

of

know

ledg

eabl

e pe

ople

ava

ilabl

e to

an

swer

que

stio

ns.

Mos

tly a

s in

dica

ted

on th

e bo

ards

, be

tter a

cces

s fo

r em

ploy

ees

at

anyt

ime.

Any

one

of H

ydro

's

empl

oyee

s co

uld

get t

o S

lave

not

re

quiri

ng s

omeo

ne tr

aine

d to

op

erat

e th

e tra

mw

ay.

Als

o th

e ro

ad c

ould

be

used

to

open

mor

e de

velo

pmen

t. T

he

prop

osed

road

is w

ide

and

coul

d ea

sily

han

dle

the

traffi

c fo

r cot

tage

de

velo

pmen

t or c

ampg

roun

ds.

Just

hop

e th

e co

nver

sion

goe

s ah

ead

as p

lann

ed.

x

x

2 Y

-

Ther

e ar

e no

pos

itive

or n

egat

ive

long

term

impa

cts

or c

once

rns.

C

onst

ruct

ion

dam

age

to ro

adw

ay

may

be

an is

sue.

Ens

ure

road

way

s ar

e no

t dam

aged

N

o.

x

-

3 Y

-

If th

is is

goi

ng to

be

stric

tly a

priv

ate

road

, effe

cts

on th

e pu

blic

will

be

min

imal

and

the

prop

osal

indi

cate

s co

ncer

n fo

r hab

itat a

nd c

are

that

will

be

take

n to

min

imiz

e an

y ne

gativ

e ef

fect

.

- C

onsi

dera

tion

shou

ld b

e gi

ven

to

poss

ibly

futu

re u

se o

f thi

s ro

ad fo

r co

ttage

lot d

evel

opm

ent.

x

-

4 Y

- Th

e ef

fect

s w

ould

be

mor

e po

sitiv

e if

the

road

was

not

priv

ate

but a

lso

perm

itted

pub

lic a

cces

s.

Per

mit

recr

eatio

nal u

ses

(sno

wm

obili

ng, c

ross

cou

ntry

sk

iing,

boa

ting

and

cam

ping

). S

uch

uses

will

hap

pen

anyw

ay s

o yo

u m

ight

as

wel

l allo

w it

.

- x

-

5 Y

-

I und

erst

and

that

the

bus

is n

ot a

s ef

ficie

nt a

s a

road

. W

ith a

road

co

nsid

er th

e po

ssib

le s

now

mob

ile

and

cros

s co

untry

ski

trai

ls.

Eve

n w

ith g

ates

, sno

wm

obile

rs w

ill

still

acc

ess.

Mak

e le

gitim

ate

acce

ss w

ith a

Sno

-pas

s.

-

x

C

ampe

r and

bo

atow

ner a

t E

agle

nest

Lan

ding

6 Y

- -

- -

x

7 Y

Exc

ept f

or w

here

th

ey a

re h

ousi

ng

wor

kers

-

Put

a c

amp

away

from

tow

n.

- x

x

R

esid

ent i

n B

eaus

ejou

r

Q.

1 2

3 4

5

Did

the

Ope

n H

ouse

pro

vide

yo

u w

ith a

goo

d un

ders

tand

ing

of th

e pr

opos

ed p

roje

ct?

Ple

ase

chec

k bo

xes

that

app

ly to

you

: a

- Cot

tage

ow

ner o

n W

pg. R

iver

b

- Do

not o

wn

but u

se fo

r rec

reat

ion

c - R

esid

ent o

f Poi

nte

du B

ois

d - R

esid

ent o

f Lac

du

Bon

net

e - R

esid

ent e

lsew

here

(spe

cify

) f -

Oth

er (s

peci

fy)

Resp #

Y/N

C

omm

ent

Wha

t do

you

cons

ider

to b

e im

porta

nt e

ffect

s (p

ositi

ve a

nd

nega

tive)

resu

lting

from

the

proj

ect?

Wha

t do

you

sugg

est c

an b

e do

ne

to a

ddre

ss th

e ef

fect

s yo

u in

dica

ted

abov

e?

Do

you

have

any

furth

er c

omm

ents

or

que

stio

ns

a b

c d

e f

Com

men

t

8 Y

-

I wou

ld li

ke to

hav

e ac

cess

to th

e ar

ea to

pur

sue

recr

eatio

nal

activ

ities

. Fi

shin

g an

d hi

king

and

tra

il rid

ing.

Why

do

we

need

a p

rivat

e ro

ad,

why

can

't th

e P

rovi

nce

own

it lik

e P

R31

3 an

d th

e pu

blic

hav

e ac

cess

to

the

prov

inci

al p

ark

area

s?

-

x C

otta

ge o

wne

r P

inaw

a B

ay (L

ee

Riv

er)

9 -

Som

ewha

t Hel

pful

.

The

plac

emen

t of t

he ro

ad is

key

. W

e do

n't w

ant t

o se

e th

e ro

ad to

o cl

ose

to th

e riv

er a

s it

mig

ht im

pact

th

e riv

er lo

ng te

rm.

We

need

to d

o th

e le

ast a

mou

nt o

f ha

rm to

the

area

. P

reve

nt c

otta

ge

deve

lopm

ent a

long

the

river

to

Sla

ve.

Pra

irie

Dog

Cen

tral w

as p

urch

ased

fro

m C

PR

; now

runs

to W

arre

n,

MB

; get

s in

com

e by

sel

ling

ticke

ts

on it

. P

oint

e co

uld

do a

sim

ilar

thin

g by

telli

ng th

e hi

stor

y of

P

oint

e/S

lave

, offe

ring

tour

s fro

m

dam

(Poi

nte,

tow

nsite

etc

., th

en

take

the

bus

on th

e tra

cks

dow

n to

S

lave

, tou

r, lu

nch

and

back

. P

rice

wou

ld p

ay fo

r its

elf i

n a

shor

t tim

e.

Offe

r lon

g te

rm e

mpl

oym

ent;

revi

taliz

e a

com

mun

ity; t

each

hi

stor

y. W

in, w

in, w

in.

Don

't ta

ke

out t

he tr

ack

- put

road

alo

ng s

ide.

Tr

ack

beco

mes

for h

isto

rical

tour

s be

fore

it is

lost

; ple

ase

thin

k ab

out

it.

x

x x

Win

nipe

g.

Mot

her w

as b

orn

here

. G

rand

pare

nts

imm

igra

ted

here

fro

m F

inla

nd.

10

- -

- -

Wou

ld li

ke c

opie

s of

Poi

nte

stor

y bo

ards

and

alig

nmen

t of d

am

cons

truct

ion.

-

11

Y -

Eas

e of

get

ting

to w

ork.

-

-

x

-

12

Y -

- -

If yo

u ar

e go

ing

to b

uild

a n

ew

road

, it s

houl

d be

mul

ti-pu

rpos

e an

d pu

t cot

tage

s on

it fo

r the

en

joym

ent o

f oth

er M

anito

bans

.

x

x x

Form

er c

otta

ge

owne

r

13

Y

My

mai

n co

mm

ent i

s th

at I

won

der w

hy

this

was

n't d

one

year

s ag

o.

Pro

vide

eas

ier a

cces

s to

Sla

ve F

alls

w

ith m

oder

n tra

nspo

rtatio

n.

-

His

tory

. O

ver t

he y

ears

ther

e ha

ve

been

man

y di

ffere

nt tr

ain

cars

, bo

th s

team

and

gas

/die

sel.

May

be

the

last

ope

ratin

g ca

r cou

ld b

e pr

eser

ved

and

disp

laye

d.

-

Q.

1 2

3 4

5

Did

the

Ope

n H

ouse

pro

vide

yo

u w

ith a

goo

d un

ders

tand

ing

of th

e pr

opos

ed p

roje

ct?

Ple

ase

chec

k bo

xes

that

app

ly to

you

: a

- Cot

tage

ow

ner o

n W

pg. R

iver

b

- Do

not o

wn

but u

se fo

r rec

reat

ion

c - R

esid

ent o

f Poi

nte

du B

ois

d - R

esid

ent o

f Lac

du

Bon

net

e - R

esid

ent e

lsew

here

(spe

cify

) f -

Oth

er (s

peci

fy)

Resp #

Y/N

C

omm

ent

Wha

t do

you

cons

ider

to b

e im

porta

nt e

ffect

s (p

ositi

ve a

nd

nega

tive)

resu

lting

from

the

proj

ect?

Wha

t do

you

sugg

est c

an b

e do

ne

to a

ddre

ss th

e ef

fect

s yo

u in

dica

ted

abov

e?

Do

you

have

any

furth

er c

omm

ents

or

que

stio

ns

a b

c d

e f

Com

men

t

14

Y

Too

bad

mor

e pe

ople

do

n't a

vail

them

selv

es o

f the

fa

cts.

Bet

ter a

nd fa

ster

tran

spor

tatio

n an

d co

mm

unic

atio

n be

twee

n th

e P

oint

e an

d S

lave

Fal

ls.

Bui

ld a

bet

ter a

nd s

afer

road

via

th

e tra

mw

ay -

reas

ons

stat

ed o

n th

e di

spla

y ch

arts

.

I wou

ld h

ave

liked

to m

ake

the

area

ava

ilabl

e to

tour

ists

but

re

aliz

e th

e lia

bilit

y an

d re

spon

sibi

lity

of a

llow

ing

the

publ

ic

open

acc

ess

to a

n un

-sup

ervi

sed

area

. I c

an u

nder

stan

d an

d ap

prec

iate

kee

ping

the

prop

osed

ro

ad c

lose

d to

the

publ

ic fo

r ob

viou

s re

ason

s - l

iabi

lity

and

resp

onsi

bilit

y as

wel

l as

mal

icio

us

acts

. H

owev

er, a

s a

trade

-off

sell

the

Poi

nte

du B

ois

dwel

lings

to a

pr

ospe

ctiv

e sp

orts

peo

ple

as

seas

onal

and

/or y

ear r

ound

re

side

nces

and

enc

oura

ge u

sing

th

e W

inni

peg

Riv

er u

pstre

am fr

om

the

Poi

nte

as it

is n

ow.

Tour

ism

is

a bi

llion

dol

lar a

yea

r ind

ustry

in

Man

itoba

and

hav

ing

such

a

leng

thy

wat

erw

ay li

ke th

e W

inni

peg

Riv

er s

o cl

ose

to th

e po

pula

ted

porti

on o

f our

Pro

vinc

e is

suc

h a

maj

or a

ttrac

tion

that

it w

ould

be

a lo

ss o

f a p

oten

tial i

ndus

try to

the

Pro

vinc

e if

it w

ere

not t

aken

ad

vant

age

of, e

spec

ially

in th

ese

times

of h

igh

foss

il-fu

el p

rices

.

x

x

Bea

usej

our

resi

dent

. Fis

hing

, ca

mpi

ng, b

ird-

wat

chin

g, e

njoy

ing

natu

re.

15

Y S

ound

s lik

e a

good

id

ea.

It w

ill a

llow

MB

Hyd

ro b

ette

r acc

ess

to th

eir p

ower

hous

e.

- -

x

Geo

rge

Lake

O

utfit

ters

, res

iden

t an

d bu

sine

ss.

Q.

1 2

3 4

5

Did

the

Ope

n H

ouse

pro

vide

yo

u w

ith a

goo

d un

ders

tand

ing

of th

e pr

opos

ed p

roje

ct?

Ple

ase

chec

k bo

xes

that

app

ly to

you

: a

- Cot

tage

ow

ner o

n W

pg. R

iver

b

- Do

not o

wn

but u

se fo

r rec

reat

ion

c - R

esid

ent o

f Poi

nte

du B

ois

d - R

esid

ent o

f Lac

du

Bon

net

e - R

esid

ent e

lsew

here

(spe

cify

) f -

Oth

er (s

peci

fy)

Resp #

Y/N

C

omm

ent

Wha

t do

you

cons

ider

to b

e im

porta

nt e

ffect

s (p

ositi

ve a

nd

nega

tive)

resu

lting

from

the

proj

ect?

Wha

t do

you

sugg

est c

an b

e do

ne

to a

ddre

ss th

e ef

fect

s yo

u in

dica

ted

abov

e?

Do

you

have

any

furth

er c

omm

ents

or

que

stio

ns

a b

c d

e f

Com

men

t

16

Y

It w

ould

hav

e be

en

nice

to h

ave

the

actu

al e

nviro

nmen

tal

asse

ssm

ent

docu

men

t for

revi

ew

at th

e O

pen

Hou

se,

rath

er th

an h

avin

g to

fin

d it

on m

y ow

n on

th

e in

tern

et.

I sub

mitt

ed m

any

of th

ese

sam

e qu

estio

ns a

nd c

once

rns

at th

e la

st

open

hou

se, b

ut fe

el m

any

are

wor

th re

peat

ing,

as

they

hav

e ye

t to

be a

ddre

ssed

.

New

Issu

es:

Will

logg

ing

oper

atio

ns re

mov

e al

l the

tree

s or

w

ill th

e lo

cal a

rea

resi

dent

s be

al

low

ed to

har

vest

the

lum

ber f

or

pers

onal

use

?

Pre

viou

s co

ncer

ns v

oice

d, b

ut y

et

to b

e ad

dres

sed:

1. H

ow w

ill y

ou

addr

ess

nois

e fro

m: a

. Bla

stin

g b.

H

eavy

equ

ipm

ent c

. Wor

k S

ched

ule

24/7

Con

stru

ctio

n 2.

C

onst

ruct

ion

Cam

p: a

. The

tow

n se

wag

e tre

atm

ent p

lan

is ru

nnin

g ne

ar c

apac

ity, h

ow w

ill th

e in

flux

of

wor

kers

be

hand

led?

. In

crea

se

traffi

c an

d hi

ghw

ay w

ear a

nd te

ar:

a. T

he ro

ad is

in v

ery

poor

sha

pe

curr

ently

, add

ing

incr

ease

traf

fic,

incl

udin

g a

high

vol

ume

of tr

acto

r tra

ilers

, will

onl

y ac

cele

rate

its

dem

ise.

Som

ethi

ng m

ust b

e do

ne

befo

re it

bec

omes

a h

azar

d. I

s th

ere

a pl

an to

add

ress

this

? 4.

H

ow d

o yo

u pl

an to

kee

p th

is

priv

ate

road

priv

ate,

as

gate

s do

no

t sto

p A

TV's

?

x

Cot

tage

ow

ner

belo

w th

e da

m.

17

Y

Tour

of t

he P

oint

e du

B

ois

GS

had

a

posi

tive

educ

atio

nal

effe

ct o

n us

cau

sing

us

to re

aliz

e th

e ne

ed

for n

ew c

onst

ruct

ion

to fu

rther

pre

serv

e th

e ar

ea.

Roa

dway

will

follo

w e

xist

ing

built

up

tram

line

so c

onst

ruct

ion

dam

age

shou

ld b

e m

inim

ized

. M

ore

peop

le

and

vehi

cles

like

ly to

infil

trate

pr

istin

e an

d pr

ivat

e w

ilder

ness

.

Con

trol v

ehic

les

able

to u

se n

ew

road

way

(out

side

rs e

.g. f

ishe

rmen

an

d si

ghts

eers

).

Spe

cial

pas

ses

shou

ld b

e re

quire

d by

per

sons

usi

ng ro

adw

ay o

ther

th

an th

ose

conn

ecte

d to

ope

ratio

n an

d m

aint

enan

ce o

f gen

erat

ing

stat

ion.

x

x

Res

iden

t in

Niv

ervi

lle, M

B.

18

Y -

The

mai

nten

ance

of S

lave

Fal

ls is

de

pend

ant o

n re

liabl

e al

l-wea

ther

tra

nspo

rtatio

n.

Exa

ctly

wha

t the

pre

limin

ary

stud

ies

are

doin

g.

-

19

Y

- -

- -

x

Fish

ing

20

Y -

Impr

oves

acc

ess

to fa

cilit

y.

- -

x

21

Y -

Goo

d pr

ojec

t re:

saf

ety,

em

erge

ncy,

ac

cess

, lar

ge v

ehic

les.

-

-

x Fo

rmer

resi

dent

of

Lac

du B

onne

t

Q.

1 2

3 4

5

Did

the

Ope

n H

ouse

pro

vide

yo

u w

ith a

goo

d un

ders

tand

ing

of th

e pr

opos

ed p

roje

ct?

Ple

ase

chec

k bo

xes

that

app

ly to

you

: a

- Cot

tage

ow

ner o

n W

pg. R

iver

b

- Do

not o

wn

but u

se fo

r rec

reat

ion

c - R

esid

ent o

f Poi

nte

du B

ois

d - R

esid

ent o

f Lac

du

Bon

net

e - R

esid

ent e

lsew

here

(spe

cify

) f -

Oth

er (s

peci

fy)

Resp #

Y/N

C

omm

ent

Wha

t do

you

cons

ider

to b

e im

porta

nt e

ffect

s (p

ositi

ve a

nd

nega

tive)

resu

lting

from

the

proj

ect?

Wha

t do

you

sugg

est c

an b

e do

ne

to a

ddre

ss th

e ef

fect

s yo

u in

dica

ted

abov

e?

Do

you

have

any

furth

er c

omm

ents

or

que

stio

ns

a b

c d

e f

Com

men

t

22

Y -

- -

-

x

Fi

shin

g [il

legi

ble

writ

ing

follo

ws]

23

Y -

- -

-

x

24

Y G

ood

Ope

n H

ouse

Neg

ativ

e: M

ore

wild

life

kille

d on

ro

ad.

Logg

ers

usin

g ro

ad to

de

cim

ate

area

eve

n m

ore.

Pos

sibl

e "s

no-p

ass"

brin

ging

mor

e tra

ffic

, cr

ime,

litte

ring,

etc

. R

oads

for

mat

eria

ls b

ranc

hed

off t

ram

way

ro

ad to

sup

ply

'new

dam

' - th

at w

ill

cut d

eepe

r int

o w

ilder

ness

. W

olve

s,

deer

, lyn

x, e

tc. u

se tr

ack

now

, but

w

ith s

peed

incr

ease

d m

ore

chan

ce

of ro

ad k

ills

and

anim

als

leav

ing

area

.

Writ

ten

guar

ante

es ro

ad w

ill n

ever

be

use

d to

cre

ate

extra

cot

tage

de

velo

pmen

t (ar

ea is

alre

ady

unde

r in

crea

sing

pre

ssur

e in

an

area

at

its c

apac

ity).

Say

ing

no to

all

othe

r us

es in

clud

ing

logg

ers,

"sno

-pas

s"

club

.

Gla

d to

see

"Moo

se C

reek

" will

go

back

to it

s or

igin

al s

ize.

Wou

ld b

e in

tere

sted

in a

sum

mar

y of

co

ncer

ns th

at h

ave

been

ex

pres

sed

by p

ublic

and

som

e so

rt of

resp

onse

to th

em.

The

only

real

po

ssib

le p

robl

em is

if th

e ro

ad g

ets

used

for a

nyth

ing

othe

r tha

n fo

r se

rvic

ing

Sla

ve F

alls

(exc

ept t

raffi

c an

d di

stur

banc

e du

ring

cons

truct

ion)

.

x

x

Sel

kirk

, MB

25

Y S

taff

at P

oint

e w

ere

grea

t. P

oste

rs w

ere

very

info

rmat

ive.

Pos

itive

: A

s de

scrib

ed, e

ffici

ency

an

d sa

fety

for w

orke

rs.

Neg

ativ

e: P

oten

tial t

hat,

beca

use

road

is in

Pro

vinc

ial P

ark,

co

nser

vatio

n co

uld

in th

e fu

ture

"ta

ke it

ove

r" a

nd u

se it

as

acce

ss

for f

urth

er c

otta

ge d

evel

opm

ent.

Des

igna

te th

e W

inni

peg

Riv

er "l

ow

dens

ity" r

ecre

atio

n ar

ea (t

he

requ

est w

as m

ade

in th

e ea

rly 9

0's)

an

d re

cogn

ize

the

valu

e of

hav

ing

a w

ater

way

for a

ll bo

ater

s th

at is

stil

l re

lativ

ely

unde

velo

ped

(can

oetri

pper

s an

d fis

hers

).

- x

26

Y A

n up

date

that

is

long

ove

rdue

E

ase

of a

cces

s.

- -

x

x

APPENDIX F

MANITOBA HYDRO

GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Manitoba Hydro General Environmental Protection Measures

1

1.0 Regulatory Requirements

Following receipt of a license under The Environment Act (Manitoba) and prior to construction activities commencing, a site-specific Environmental Protection Plan (EnvPP) will be completed, which will outline specific mitigative measures and monitoring requirements to be applied during the construction and operation of the proposed project.

If any heritage resources as identified in the Manitoba Heritage Resources Act (including human remains) are found during subsurface construction, work activities shall be halted immediately at that location, the Construction Supervisor advised. In the event that human remains are exposed, the RCMP and the Historic Resources Branch will be notified so that procedures outlined in the Province of Manitoba’s Policy Concerning the Reporting, Exhumation, and Reburial of Found Human Remains can be implemented. With respect to any artifact or material found that is of potential heritage value, a qualified archaeologist will be retained so that an assessment can be conducted.

2.0 General Management

Manitoba Hydro has established standards that ensure all construction activities are carried out with due regard for the environment. These general practices, where applicable, will be applied to the environmentally sensitive areas and any stream crossings. The crossing of waterways and environmentally sensitive areas will be made in accordance with guidelines developed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Manitoba Natural Resources (1996).

The following items summarize Manitoba Hydro’s general environmental protection measures that are applied to all-weather road construction. These general practices, where applicable, will be applied along the route for the Slave Falls all-weather road.

3.0 Clearing

All clearing of productive forested lands will be subject to an assessment in accordance with Manitoba Conservation’s Forest Damage Appraisal and Valuation Policy (2002). Manitoba Conservation may issue special clearing and timber disposal conditions. Where timber is salvaged, harvesting activities will be conducted in accordance with Manitoba Conservation’s Timber Harvesting Practices for Forestry Operations in Manitoba (1996) guidelines.

The Canadian Wildlife Service has a standard no clearing policy for the period of April 15 to July 30 of any year with respect to breeding birds under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.


2

Salvage of merchantable timber by the contractor may be allowed, where feasible and consistent with Manitoba Hydro’s project construction and environmental protection requirements. Subject to scheduling constraints and to the ability to manage public safety and access issues, local residents may be allowed to salvage fuel wood from the right-of-way.

Manitoba Conservation, Tembec and third party operators (where applicable) will be consulted regarding best timber utilization options prior to project clearing along the right-of-way, including where there are intersections between the route and known plantation sites.

Clearing and disturbance will be limited to project areas and associated access routes. Whenever possible, existing access routes will be utilized and machinery will not operate outside of project areas and associated access routes unless prior approval has been granted by the local NRO.

Vegetation will be removed by mechanical means except where other selective clearing methods are stipulated. Chemical vegetation control will not be carried out during construction clearing.

Buffer zones will be maintained between construction areas and natural waterways. Guidelines are provided by Manitoba Conservation (formerly Manitoba Natural Resources) documents Recommended Buffer Zones for Protecting Fish Resources in Lakes and Streams in Forest Cutting Areas (1990), Forest Management Guidelines for Wildlife in Manitoba (1984), and Consolidated Buffer Management Guidelines (1996). Water crossings shall be made in accordance with the Manitoba Stream Crossing Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat, produced by Manitoba Natural Resources and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, May 1996. Any modifications to recommended buffer zones identified in the work permits shall only be made with the consent of Manitoba Conservation:

Skidders or heavy clearing equipment for selective clearing purposes, will not be allowed within a minimum of 30 m of the ordinary high water mark except to allow temporary access across a stream or other water body

Where the proposed road intersects a waterbody, erosion control/buffer zone will be clearly marked, within which only trees that endanger constriction workers will be removed


3

Buffer zones at stream crossings shall not be less than 100 m (from the ordinary high water mark) unless approved by Manitoba Conservation; ephemeral stream crossings shall have a 10 m buffer zone

Trees will not be felled into streams

Trees on the immediate bank, except those that will affect the safe and reliable operation of the road, will not be removed

Removal of shrub and grass ground cover within the riparian zone will be avoided

Removal of standing or fallen trees in riparian ecosystems will be determined on a site-specific basis

Slash will not be left in the buffer zone or below the ordinary high water mark (if close to waterbodies)

All slash/woody debris landing in a stream will be removed unless otherwise specified by Manitoba Conservation

During construction of linear facilities, a cleared centre line through buffer zones will be required. The width of the centre line clearing will be determined during the planning phase. Root mass and soil disturbance will be minimized. Selective clearing methods will be applied. Natural re-vegetation will be allowed to occur although active reclamation programs may be required at specific sites

Clearing trees and/or vegetation will not permanently obstruct waterways during any season.

If any heritage resources as identified in the Manitoba Heritage Resources Act (including human remains) are found during subsurface construction, work activities shall be halted immediately at that location, and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

Right-of-way clearing will be limited to areas required for the construction and safe and reliable operation and maintenance of the all-weather road.

Construction sites including rights-of-way, pits and quarries and temporary access will be stabilized to minimize erosion as immediately as possible after initial excavation exposure.


4

Areas requiring selective clearing (i.e. buffer zones, sensitive sites) will be clearly marked during the centre line survey prior to clearing.

Slash will generally be cut, chipped, piled, burned or disposed of as specified in Manitoba Conservation work permits. Burning of slash will occur only in the winter. Where practical, slash burn piles will be placed on mineral soil sites. Piles will not be placed closer than 100 m to a stream crossing. Piles will be placed away from right-of-way edges in the middle of the right-of-way if possible to minimize the potential for scorching to standing vegetation and trees. Manitoba Hydro will ensure that all fires are properly extinguished prior to leaving the area. Windrows of snow containing any organic matter pushed up along tree lines will be pulled back onto clearings or rights-of-way. Refer to Manitoba Conservation’s Forest Practices Guidebook “Brush Disposal” 2005.

Any requirements for additional clearing outside the originally designated project area will be reported to Manitoba Conservation first for approval. Revisions to work permits may be required.

4.0 Borrow Pits and Quarries

Activities related to borrow pits and quarries2 will make reference to the following documents: Guidelines for the Use of Explosives in or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1998) and Pits and Quarries Best Environmental Management Practices, Environmental Management Manual (Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, March 1998) and the Provincial Mines and Minerals Act.

Where pit and quarry operations are located close to public view, including access routes and all-weather roads, a form of visual screening will be left in place if possible. A visual screen generally consists of a vegetated buffer area between a public use area and a work site.

New borrow pits and quarries will be located close to existing access routes and rights-of-way as possible while maintaining an adequate visual screening.

2 Borrow ‘sites’ or ‘pits’ are areas where construction materials (e.g. gravel, sand, silt, clay) are excavated for use. Quarries are areas where consolidated rock is removed.


5

The work face of a borrow pit or quarry should be oriented away from sensitive wildlife habitats, recreation areas and temporary and permanent settlements. This practice will direct noise away from environmentally sensitive areas and minimize potentially negative aesthetic effects.

A deep excavation is preferable to a shallow excavation since a deep site minimizes the amount of surface disturbance relative to the amount of material excavated.

Before excavation starts in pits, runoff control measures will be designed to redirect surface runoff away from access routes and pit walls.

Previously developed borrow sites will be used before new sites are developed.

Borrow pits will not be located within 100 m of stream banks or steep slopes unless Manitoba Conservation provides a specific exemption.

During development, borrow pits will be monitored for the presence of heritage resources. If a heritage object or feature as described in The Heritage Resources Act is discovered, work at the pit will cease and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

Organic materials will be stripped and stockpiled separate from other overburden soils for future site rehabilitation. The organic layer will be placed on pit slopes and bottoms after borrow material has been removed to encourage re-vegetation. Worked out pits will be left with maximum 4:1 (horizontal to vertical) side slopes.

Surface material that are removed from borrow sites are to be stockpiled.

A non-excavated buffer strip is to be maintained between sensitive terrain (stream banks) and borrow pits.

No drainage outfalls associated with borrow sites are to be constructed across or along creek banks.

Site clearing will be minimized, yet will be sufficient to allow for the safe and efficient movement of equipment of personnel, material and equipment, and for excavation of materials.

The contractor will implement erosion and dust control measures on site. Washing and maintenance of vehicles and equipment in the excavated area will not be permitted.

Signage will be posted to warn unauthorized personnel of safety hazards.


6

Whenever possible, excavation sites for pits will be selected in areas where a minimum amount of overburden will need to be removed.

Appropriate site drainage and erosion control measures will be implemented for borrow sites which are no longer needed.

Depending on the planned future use for the site and the size of the excavation, pits and quarries will be backfilled with clean mineral soil or granular material, levelled or sloped and if necessary revegetated.

Areas that are seeded with a grass mixture to assist rehabilitation will be seeded with a mixture that only contains native and / or non-invasive introduced grasses (i.e., will not contain sweet clover or other herbs).

5.0 Access

Access across waterways and through associated riparian ecosystems will be constructed in accordance with Manitoba Stream Crossing Guidelines for the Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat (Prepared for Manitoba Natural Resources [now Manitoba Conservation] and Department of Fisheries & Oceans, 1996) and Recommended Buffer Zones for Protecting Fish Resources in Lakes and Streams in Forest Cutting Areas (Manitoba Natural Resources, 1990). The publication Stream Analysis and Fish Habitat Design - A Field Manual (Newbury and Gaboury, 1993) will be used as a technical reference, as will Shorelines, Shorelands and Wetlands: A Guide to Riparian Ecosystem Protection at Manitoba Hydro Facilities.

Access permission will be procured from the appropriate regulatory authorities (i.e., Manitoba Conservation) prior to the commencement of construction.

Where possible, vehicle and machinery traffic will be limited to the temporary construction access clearing within the right-of-way or available existing access routes.

Existing all weather or winter roads/trails will be utilized whenever possible. Site traffic will also be minimized.

If new temporary access trails are required outside the right-of-way, care will be taken to avoid locally sensitive/significant features. Prior approval of the NRO will be required; in some cases formal easement or Crown land reservations may also be required.


7

In areas of steep slopes, susceptible to erosion, special consideration will be given to directing run-off away from disturbed areas. Some vegetation or slash will be maintained to protect the soil and overburden.

Alterations to existing surface and sub-surface drainage patterns will be avoided to the extent feasible.

Contractors will wash equipment, machinery and tires prior to transport to the project areas to minimize the risk of invasive plant introduction and spread.

If an access trail is required, development will be monitored for the presence of heritage resources. If a heritage object or feature as described in the Heritage Resources Act is discovered, work at the access trail will cease and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

Snow storage areas, if required, will be located at least 100 m from any stream or waterbody. Following the spring melt debris at snow disposal sites will be collected and removed to an approved landfill site.

Only approved melting agents for snow/ice cover roads will be used. Chemical melting agents will not be used at stream crossings or near sensitive habitats. Clean abrasives such as sand and gravel may be used as alternatives to chemical melting agents.

Road salts should be pre-moistened prior to application to allow for better adhesion.

Oil or petroleum products will not be used to control dust. Water or approved dust suppression products will be used to control dust on the all-weather road.

To reduce the possibility of vehicle and wildlife collisions, vehicle speeds will not exceed posted speed limits and wildlife warning signs will be installed where appropriate.

Road segments will be inspected prior to decommissioning to document areas of staining, stressed vegetation, debris, etc. Soil and groundwater samples will be taken by qualified personnel at suspect areas to delineate the extent of any potentially contaminated sites.

Decommissioned roadbeds will be reclaimed. If required a terrestrial ecologist will provide specification requirements and advice as required during reclamation.


8

6.0 Stream Crossings

General environmental protection measures will apply to crossings of all waterbodies considered as fish habitat, including ephemeral streams and small lakes. All stream crossings required will meet the guidelines provided by federal and provincial regulatory authorities in “Manitoba Stream Crossing Guidelines For The Protection of Fish and Fish Habitat” (published by Manitoba Natural Resources and DFO, 1996) and will adhere to DFO Manitoba Operational Statements (2006), and associated timing windows where no in-stream activity is allowed. Other applicable guidelines for the construction and removal of stream crossings include: “Recommended Buffer Zones for Protecting Fish Resources in Lakes and Streams in Forest Cutting Areas”, “Timber Harvesting Practices for Forestry Operations in Manitoba” and “Consolidated Buffer Management Guidelines”. The following publication is also recommended as a technical reference: “Shorelines, Shorelands & Wetlands. A Guide to Riparian Ecosystem Protection at Manitoba Hydro Facilities”.

Temporary and permanent stream crossings will be required. The type of stream crossing design will be determined by site inspection and will comply with the Manitoba Stream Crossing Guidelines For The Protection Of Fish And Fish Habitat, 1996 and DFO Manitoba Operational Statements, 2006. If required, temporary ice and snow bridges developed at stream crossings will be removed prior to spring break-up. Only ice and snow is to be used for approach slopes or to fill and maintain ice bridges at winter stream crossings. The temporary crossings will be designed to protect the streambed and banks, to minimize clearing of riparian vegetation, to prevent disruption to normal drainage patterns or natural water flow and to minimize interference to fish passage. Crossings will be at right angles to the stream. Consultation with the local NRO, the Provincial Regional Fisheries Biologist and DFO will ensure appropriate protocols for temporary ice and snow bridges and fish passage requirements are followed.

Burning will not be permitted within 100 m of a stream crossing / waterbody.

Branches, sawdust, soil or other organic material is not to be used as bank or bridge fill. If corduroy reinforcements are used at winter crossings, all logs will be cabled together to aid in later removal before spring thaw.

Disturbed areas may require establishment of seeded or planted (using native species) cover as soon as possible after a temporary stream crossing is removed. Interim slope stabilization may be required until vegetation is re-established on stream banks.


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In-stream work will be managed to minimize activity and total suspended sediment inputs to the extent practicable during periods of spawning/incubation periods of key fish species. DFO has identified timing windows during which no in-stream work is to occur except under site-specific review and with the implementation of protection measures. The timing windows depend on the presence of spawning fish. Where spring spawning species are present (northern pike and white sucker), activity will be minimized from April 1 to June 15. The summer spawning timing window is May 15 to July 15.

Each stream crossing will monitored bi-annually during early spring and late summer for blockage and alignment to ensure fish passage. Ongoing inspections for structural condition will include observations of factors that may affect fish passage (e.g., perched culvert, ice damage culvert invert, obstruction of fish passage within the culvert). Refer to the DFO document “Manitoba Operational Statement Habitat Management Program for Culvert Maintenance” (Version 2.0, 2007).

Slopes at water crossings will be managed for erosion control and sedimentation. Bioengineering methods will be implemented whenever practical to provide erosion and sedimentation control measures on susceptible slopes at stream crossings.

Construction materials and other debris (lime, cement and fresh concrete, etc.) will be prevented from entering waterways.

During clearing and construction, stream crossings will be monitored for the presence of heritage resources. If a heritage object or feature as described in the Heritage Resources Act is discovered, work at the stream crossing will cease and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

If in-stream methods are used to isolate stream flow during the installation of culverts at stream crossings, salvage fisheries will be conducted prior to dewatering and screens will be used on the intake pipes if flows are diverted.

7.0 Grubbing, Stripping and Grading

Where possible, grubbing will not occur within 2 m of standing trees in order to prevent damage to root systems and reduce the occurrence of blow down.


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Where possible, special care will be taken when grubbing in areas of fine-grained soils (clays, silts, fine sands, etc.) to minimize erosion, particularly during wet weather, to prevent rutting and erosion.

When grubbing in areas susceptible to erosion into waterbodies, erosion control blankets or silt fences will be established to minimize release of sediments.

A minimum 100 m non-grubbing zone will be maintained around streams and waterways.

Construction sites requiring extensive grubbing will be stablized (graded, seeded, etc.) as soon as practical, to minimize erosion.

Erosion control measures, if required, will be in place prior to stripping.

Construction areas containing soil with high percentages of silt, artesian springs, or areas of previous erosion, will require special design considerations, including erosion control techniques.

8.0 Blasting and Drilling

Activities related to blasting will make reference to the following document: Guidelines for the Use of Explosives in or Near Canadian Fisheries Waters (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 1998). Blasting plans will be submitted to DFO and Manitoba Conservation prior to commencement of blasting in areas that could affect fish habitat.

Blasting plans will comply with blasting regulations and reflect the appropriate timing of events as they relate to the critical life functions of fish and wildlife species (i.e., restricted to outside the most sensitive breeding and brood rearing months [May to late July]) as much as possible.

Whenever possible, drilling/blasting and support activities should be scheduled during the winter months.

Whenever possible, large charges will be divided into smaller multiple timed-delayed charges.

Drilling sites will be clearly marked with flagging tape to be removed at the completion of the work.

Blast rock will be stockpiled for subsequent use or disposal on-site.


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In accordance with blasting plans, site remediation will occur as soon as possible after the blast and where appropriate, surplus excavated soils will be disposed of at an approved site.

Excessive volumes of debris that enters a waterway as a result of blasting will be removed prior to the completion of the blasting program.

9.0 Drainage, Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Natural drainage will be maintained and drainage channels kept free of slash and debris. Measures will be taken to maintain normal flows and to avoid creating blockages (i.e., berms and ruts) as well as, to prevent erosion and ponding. Care will be taken in areas of seepage, discharge and ephemeral and permanent streams.

Natural or constructed ice bridges should be used at crossings.

De-watering of excavations and depression will be directed away from watercourses.

Contaminated de-watered materials will be filtered through rock containment or silt fences; or removed in a de-watering truck.

Water used to clean vehicles and equipment will not be allowed to enter any surface waters directly. Such wash waters will be percolated through the soil. Areas where there is potential for heavy run-off are to be avoided. Vehicles and equipment will be cleaned at a location dedicated for that purpose.

Where soil is stripped from a worksite, it will be stockpiled in a location where natural drainage will not be impeded and covered to prevent sediment transport and deposition into water. If appropriate to the particular facility design it will be replaced upon completion of construction activities.

Slopes will be re-vegetated/stabilized as soon as possible after exposure to minimize erosion. In areas of steep slopes susceptible to erosion, special consideration will be given to directing run-off away from disturbed areas to prevent further site degradation.

Where erosion along an exposed slope is a potential concern, a silt fence or other suitable sediment protection device will be installed. Methods of sedimentation controls that can be used are as follows:

Straw mulching and seeding


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Erosion control blanket and seeding

Straw bale containment dam

Silt fence

Sandbags, logs, planks, etc

Where such erosion and sedimentation control measures are employed, sites will be monitored and maintained and the effectiveness of the measures documented.

Accumulated sediment will be cleared out of silt fences at regular intervals. Sediment will be disposed of in an area where it cannot enter any fish bearing waterbodies.

Where construction sites are located near wetlands or adjacent to streams, excess excavated soils will be removed from the immediate site. The disposal areas will be graded and seeded. If a suitable location cannot be found or the soil is contaminated it will be removed to an approved disposal site.

During clearing and construction, drainage, erosion and sediment control areas will be monitored for the presence of heritage resources. If a heritage object or feature as described in The Heritage Resources Act is discovered, work at the control areas will cease and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

Where required, culverts will be installed to prevent ponding or infilling.

Materials used for culvert erosion control will be clean, erosion resistant and completely cover any erodible materials.

Whenever possible, ditches and culverts will be constructed and installed during periods with minimal or no stream flows.

Ditches will be constructed from lower to higher elevations to avoid water ponding.

Appropriate erosion control methods will be applied at culvert locations.

Where possible, avoid using construction equipment on unstable banks with slopes greater than 10%.

Prepare a sediment control plan for inclusion in construction specifications.


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10.0 Marshalling Yards

Temporary marshalling yards are used mainly for the storage of materials. However, they may also be used for packaging and repackaging materials for delivery to work sites, equipment assembly, storage and servicing of transport and work machinery and for miscellaneous work operations such as carpentry and welding.

All sites will be located at least 100 m from any wetland or watercourse unless otherwise authorized by Manitoba Conservation work permits. Fuel, lubricants, and other potentially hazardous materials will be stored and handled within dedicated work areas and marshalling yards in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The site will preferably be of low wildlife habitat value with respect to its potential for affecting environmentally sensitive features such as unique plant and wildlife habitat, and generally of low value with respect to its potential for other uses when compared to other lands in the area.

Minimizing the area cleared for storage will reduce costs, minimize wildlife habitat loss and decrease the potential for erosion, especially on slopes and stream approaches. The best locations for storage sites are natural openings that will not require additional clearing. Salvaged timber will be limbed and stacked on the site for future disposal.

Where appropriate, organic topsoil and materials will be removed during site preparation and stockpiled to be re-spread over the disturbed area following its use for storage.

Marshalling yards will be located where soils have high weight bearing capacity and low permeability.

Vehicles will be refuelled in designated areas only. Heavy equipment will be refuelled at construction sites. Oil changes will only be permitted in specified areas. Spill containment equipment must be available at refuelling sites. Refer to the Manitoba Provincial Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Act.

Storage compounds may be fenced or provided with 24-hour security.

For fire safety considerations, marshalling yards will be kept free of grass and vegetation. Fireguards will be cleared surrounding marshalling yards as specified in Manitoba Conservation work permits.


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Marshalling yards and temporary storage sites will be identified to local NROs prior to clearing. Site preparation, operating and remediation procedures as well as emergency action plans will be provided. Regular visual inspections by the Construction Supervisor will be conducted during clearing and construction. Appropriate regulatory authorities will conduct a final inspection after snow cover has disappeared to ensure reclamation methods have been successful.

During the development of marshalling yards, the sites will be monitored for the presence of heritage resources. If a heritage object or feature as described in the Heritage Resources Act is discovered, work at the marshalling yards will cease and the appropriate authorities will be notified to provide instruction to the contractor.

Re-vegetation will be required in disturbed areas to:

Stabilize erosion-prone soils

Create or restore wildlife habitat

Prevent or delay the invasion of unwanted plant species

Enhance or restore the aesthetic appeal of an area

These sites will specifically be identified as requiring special treatment post-construction and during decommissioning; otherwise natural re-vegetation will be allowed to occur.

11.0 Material Handling and Storage

Fuel, lubricants and other potentially hazardous materials will be labelled as to their contents, stored and handled within dedicated areas at work camps and marshalling yards in accordance with Manitoba Regulation 188/2001 respecting Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products.

Temporary fuel storage will be located in areas having low environmental sensitivity and will be a minimum of 100 m from a waterbody unless otherwise authorized by the local NRO. Cleaning, fuelling and servicing of equipment used during project construction will be conducted at least a minimum of 100 m away from any waterbody.


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Storage sites for petroleum products will be secured and signs including hazard warnings, who to contact in case of a spill, access restrictions and under whose authority the access is restricted will be posted.

If stored outside, containers will be labelled and stored in waterproof containers on spill containment pallets and under a weatherproof tarp. The Manitoba Hydro spill response coordinator will monitor periodically for leaks, and check to ensure that labels are still present and legible.

Indoor storage of chemicals will be in fire resistant and vented enclosed storage areas or buildings in accordance with National Fire Code standards.

Dedicated storage areas shall provide natural containment and facilitate clean up through measures such as:

Maximum separation from sensitive features

Clear identification of the materials present (e.g., Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS])

Access restricted to authorized vehicles only

Bermed storage areas if necessary

Dedicated spill response equipment

Manitoba Hydro will ensure that all containers are inspected daily. Fuel product inventory will be taken daily and retained for inspection upon request.

Where possible, non-hazardous products will be used in place of hazardous products. Hazardous wastes will not be mixed with any liquid or solid.

Pesticide use will be in accordance with Manitoba Regulation 47/2004 and the Manitoba Hydro document “Pesticide Application Requirements for Manitoba Hydro Employees and Contractors”. Any chemical vegetation control will require approval by a Provincial Environment Officer.

All aboveground tanks with a capacity greater than 5000 litres will be registered with Manitoba Conservation. New tanks must be registered before installation. Tanks will be designed, installed, and operated in accordance with The Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation


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Act and “Manitoba Hydro Code of Practice for Storage and Handling of Petroleum Products and Allied Products Storage Tank Systems”.

Where required, aboveground storage tanks will be used for the storage of bulk petroleum products. The tanks will be equipped with overall protection and spill containment consisting of perimeter dykes or secondary containment in the tank design. If dykes are used, the containment areas will be dewatered after a rainfall event and the containment water disposed of as specified by Manitoba Conservation. Product inventory will be taken weekly by the owner/operator on all aboveground tanks greater than 5000 litres and retained for inspection upon request.

Bulk waste oil will be stored in aboveground oil tanks, which will have secondary containment and a weatherproof cover. Waste oil will be disposed of in a manner that is in compliance with regulatory requirements.

All empty containers from equipment refuelling and servicing will be removed to an approved disposal site.

Manitoba Hydro will ensure that the Contractor has an Emergency Response Plan in place. Manitoba Hydro will make the Contractor aware of Manitoba Hydro’s Spill Response procedures as outlined in the Manitoba Hydro Hazardous Materials Management Handbook. The Contractor will be assigned the responsibility of emergency response coordinator in the event of a spill.

Materials required for spill containment and clean up shall be on-site. All vehicles hauling fuel will carry materials and equipment for emergency spill containment consisting of:

Heavy gauge plastic bags, each one large enough to contain 220 litre barrel

A volume of absorbent material exceeding the amount required to handle the fuel volume being transported by a minimum of 25%

At locations where stationary oil filled equipment is used oil containment measures, such as secondary containment (i.e., berms), will be incorporated.

Oil contaminated soils resulting from incidental spillage will be remediated or disposed of in a manner approved by regulatory authorities.

Fuel barrels will be securely fastened to the vehicle during transport and if possible during refuelling operations.


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All petroleum product storage sites and mobile transportation units will, at all times, be equipped with appropriate categories of equipment and volumes of fire suppression products.

Large volume spills of contaminants (oil, sewage, etc.) require the mobilization of all available resources (equipment, trained workers, etc.). Affected public and appropriate regulatory agencies will be contacted immediately.

Emergency spill response kits (absorbents, fire extinguishers, etc.) will be conveniently located adjacent to petroleum and hazardous materials storage facilities and at other project locations. Spill response equipment will be capable of containing and recovering a spill from the largest containers, tanks, or equipment and be suitable for the site location (e.g., spill containment booms adjacent to a waterbody).

In the event of a spill of fuel, lubricant or other potentially hazardous material:

The on-site Construction Supervisor and the Spill Response Coordinator will be notified immediately and action taken to contain the spill

If the spill exceeds 100 litres of fuel, oils or lubricants, the local Natural Resources Officer ([204] 677-6640) and the Manitoba Hydro Occupational Health & Safety Officer ([204] 474-4811) or after hours ([204] 981-5611) will be notified

Manitoba Conservation’s 24 Hour Emergency Response Line (944-4888) and Environment Canada’s 24 Hour Emergency Response Line (981-7111) will be notified if more than 100 litres of hydrocarbon fuel product is spilled

Other reportable spills include: Battery acid (5 litres); Propane (100 litres). For other chemicals, consult with the Spill Response Coordinator and MR 439/87

When reporting a spill, all information required on a hazardous materials incident report must be provided (i.e., your name, your phone number, exact location of spill, date spill occurred, name and spelling of product[s] involved, and estimated quantity/volume released).

Procedures for fire response are outlined in the Manitoba Hydro Document “Fire Response Manual”.

A permit will be obtained from Manitoba Conservation for handling and storage of fuel products (fuel tanks of up to 454 litre capacity and mounted in truck boxes are exempted).


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Contractors will take reasonable precautions to prevent fuel, lubricant or compounds from being spilled, or containers discarded during equipment refuelling and servicing. All contractors will be aware of Manitoba Hydro’s spill response procedure and adherence thereto will be a condition of their contracts.

Contractors will, on a regular schedule, inspect all mobile and stationary equipment requiring fuels and lubricants and ensure that appropriate measures are immediately taken to stop any leakage no matter how minor.

Site clean-up and disposal of contaminated material shall be as directed by the Spill Response Coordinator in consultation with the local NRO.

Site-specific clean-up requirements in storage areas and sites where incidental spillage occurs cannot be identified in advance of construction. The extent of clean-up activity required will be decided by the Construction Supervisor in accordance with applicable permits, regulations and internal standards and will be subject to approval by the regulatory authorities.

12.0 Waste Management

Before commencement of the work, protocols for containment, collection, transport and disposal of wastes will be developed and approved by local and provincial authorities including Manitoba Conservation and applicable municipalities.

The work site is to be kept tidy at all times with construction and personal waste collected for proper disposal. Garbage, including food wastes, is to be cleaned up regularly so that wildlife is not attracted to work sites. This will help to avoid potential wildlife-related conflicts associated with attracting wildlife to construction sites.

Indiscriminate burning, dumping, littering or abandonment will not be permitted. Waste materials will not be used as starter fuel for burning slash.

Procedures for burning specifically approved waste materials will be specified in Manitoba Conservation work permits.

All waste materials, including oil and other fluids, will be disposed of in a manner that is in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Opportunities for waste reduction, material reuse or recycling will be identified and a program developed for same if economically practical.


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Non-reusable demolition and construction debris will be disposed of at a landfill site operating under a permit issued pursuant to the Waste Disposal Ground Regulation, MR 150/91, or an Environment Act License issued pursuant to The Environment Act.

13.0 Wildlife

Wildlife (i.e., furbearers, big game birds, fish) will not be fed or harassed. Project personnel are prohibited from hunting, fishing, harvesting, feeding or harassing wildlife while working on the project site, which includes designated access routes or borrow areas.

Problems involving nuisance wildlife (i.e., black bears, red fox, etc.) will be referred to the local Natural Resources Officer (NRO).

Trees containing large nests of sticks and active dens or burrows, on or adjacent to the right-of-way will be identified, left undisturbed and reported to the NRO. Mitigation may be required to preserve habitat of important species of birds and mammals and adjustments may have to be made to the right-of-way.

Beaver dams will not be removed without consultation and approval by the NRO. Reference will be made to the appropriate DFO Operational Statement for beaver dam removal.

To reduce the possibility of vehicle and wildlife collisions, vehicle speed will not exceed posted speed limits and wildlife warning signs will be installed where appropriate. Any wildlife killed or injured in collisions with vehicles will be recorded and reported to the NRO.

A training session for all site employees regarding wildlife encounters may be requested by the Construction Supervisor or the NRO during the employee orientation process.

14.0 Rehabilitation and Re-vegetation

Where construction practices unavoidably disturb natural vegetation on potentially sensitive sites, mitigation plans will be prepared and implemented during construction (to control/prevent erosion, re-establish habitat or create buffer zones) and rehabilitation and re-vegetation programs will be initiated. Rehabilitation measures and species selection will be undertaken as required by site conditions and rehabilitation objectives. In each case, the purpose and nature of the rehabilitation program will be developed in consultation with regulatory authorities, local resource users, and technical experts. Factors to be considered will include feasibility, practicality, effectiveness and management requirements. Site rehabilitation/re-vegetation


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programs are intended to re-establish “natural” conditions (i.e., will promote the establishment of native species), not enhance or replace the existing circumstances.

15.0 Transportation and Handling of Dangerous Goods

All dangerous/hazardous goods will be transported and handled according to the procedures prescribed in the applicable legislation, regulations and Manitoba Hydro policies (e.g., Dangerous Goods Handling and Transportation Act, etc.). Project staff and contractors will be trained and certified in the handling of, and emergency response procedures for, the specific dangerous and hazardous goods used during the project.

An inventory of material covered by Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Inventory will be maintained on site at each storage location. WHMIS documentation will be displayed and available as required. Contractors and Staff will receive WHMIS training in compliance with regulatory and corporate policy requirements.

16.0 Worksite Safety and Health Measures

Public and employee safety is of paramount importance at all times. All activities will be undertaken in compliance with prevailing Workplace, Safety and Health requirements and Manitoba Hydro standards. Safety Committees will be established as required and safety meetings will be held regularly. Staff will be instructed in all necessary special conditions associated with this project. These conditions will apply to both Manitoba Hydro and Contractor personnel. All project workers will receive regular safety training as required under legislation.

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