Habitat Conservation, Restoration or Enhancement Project : Conservation of Crown Wildlife Habitat in BC FINAL PROJECT REPORT

Transcription

1 Habitat Conservation, Restoration or Enhancement Project 16-43: Conservation of Crown Wildlife Habitat in BC FINAL PROJECT REPORT To: Wildlife Habitat Canada for fiscal year 2015/2016 Prepared by: Marian Adair The Nature Trust of British Columbia # Roosevelt Crescent, North Vancouver, BC V7P 3R March 14, 2016

2 Table of Contents 1.0 Project Highlights Goals, Objectives, Activities & Results Participation Partners Communication Activities Financial Summary Appendices (sent separately) a) Map of Project Location(s)...13 b) Sample(s) Of Project Communications /2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 2

3 16-43: Conservation of Crown Wildlife Habitat in BC 1.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW a) Provide a short (250 word) description of the completed project, for example: Purpose/Overall goal(s) & objectives Need (e.g. significance of the project) Habitat conservation achievements/benefits. The Crown Land Securement Partner Program (CLSPP) provides resources to assist the Province of BC through the Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Resource Operations (FLNRO) and their conservation partners in the expansion or designation of new Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and other Crown designations in BC. With over 90% of BC Crown land, WMAs are a cost-effective conservation tool that protects regionally significant sites containing critical habitat for fish and wildlife. CLSPP s role on two pending Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs); Somenos Marsh (128 wetland acres and 30 upland acres) and Harrison-Chehalis (3250 wetland acres and 500 upland acres) were completed during fiscal 2015/16. Six Section 16 Crown Reserve applications or amendments were prepared to expand conservation lands in 2015/16. Baynes Sound (5,000 wetland acres), Swan Lake (1190 wetland acres) and Kumdis Slough (488 acres of riparian uplands) were secured as Sec. 16 map reserves. Applications for Campbell River (250 wetland acres), Salmon River Estuary (450 wetland acres) and Tachick Lake (5532 wetland acres and 1325 upland acres) were made for review by Front Counter BC. These pending WMAs and secured and proposed Section 16 Crown wildlife habitat areas are comprised of a minimum of 15,800 acres of wetland habitats (including coastal estuaries and interior wetlands), and 2050 acres of upland habitat (including riparian and interior and coastal forests) to be conserved long term through this partnership project over the next few years. Management Direction Statements for (four) proposed sites in North East BC; Boundary Lake, Whispering Pines, Cecil Lake, and La Guarde Creek were also completed. b) Did you encounter any challenges over the course of your project? If so, how were they resolved? The pending WMA for the Harrison-Chehalis wetlands had a request by a newly elected Chief of the Skowitz First Nation to re-engage consultation with FLNRO regarding support for the WMA. Consultation is in process with the WMA designation decision ready for government later in Work with Cowichan Tribes and an agreement with FLNRO associated with the proposed Somenos WMA took longer than anticipated to complete. These two WMAs are likely to be designated in 2016/17. FLNRO has dropped the priority for four proposed WMAs in North East BC. Management Direction Statements were completed under the CLSPP and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) and the CLSPP coordinator made efforts to inform the North East FLNRO Executive about the conservation partnership benefits. 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 3

4 The CLSPP decided to focus efforts in the West Coast region where priority estuary complexes have been zoned for conservation through the Marine Planning Partnership (MaPP). The CLSPP Coordinator, DUC and FLNRO made a presentation to the MaPP committee which represents 17 First Nations and FLNRO in February Now that planning is complete, the MaPP team are looking toward implementation and interested in learning about WMAs as a tool for conservation. There was productive discussion about new conservation priorities identified in the MaPP process for higher level protection and consistent with the Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture (PBHJV). 2.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES & RESULTS a) Please indicate the project results in the table below. As listed in the project Interim Report: to the best of your ability, please categorize each project activity according to the NAWMP Common Language categories listed in the Grant Program Guidance Document. Goal Establish 2 new Wildlife Management Areas and 4 Wildlife Reserves Objective Secure key Crown fish and wildlife habitats NAWMP Common Language Category Habitat Protection - Permanent Activities Activity Work with FLNRO to develop WMA proposals and Crown Wildlife Reserve applications which identify the conservation values of each area and provide a rationale supporting longterm habitat protection. Lead the consultation process to garner support from local governments and community groups and alongside FLNRO consult with First Nations. Coordinate with FLNRO public open house information sessions regarding WMA proposals. Produce quality base maps showing the area to be designated for consultation and public open house sessions. Provide assistance to FLNRO to prepare Cabinet materials and mapping information for WMA designation approval. Lead or assist regional WMA Results Describe in quantifiable terms, such as: # of acres of wetland/upland, # of landowners engaged, # of agreements signed, # of attendees, km of fencing installed, # of trees/shrubs planted, etc. CLSPP role completed for the pending Somenos (153 acres) and for Harrison- Chehalis (3750 acres) WMAs. GIS and mapping completed for (5) sec 16 Crown wildlife reserve applications and amendments (as a precursor to WMA designations) at Swan Lake (1190 acres) Campbell River Estuary (250 acres), Salmon River Estuary (450 acres), Kumdis Slough (488 acres) and Tachick Lake (6,857 acres) - a significant wildlife reserve expansion. Baynes Sound Notation of Interest (NOI) reserve (5,000 acres) was upgraded to a Sec. 16 map reserve. Prepared and submitted 4 Management Direction Statements to FLNRO for proposed WMAs and to facilitate long term Crown land reserve transfers to conserve fish and wildlife habitats in North East BC. 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 4

5 designation ceremonies. Identify BC Priorities for new WMAs Assist CLSPP/JV partners with strategic private land securement opportunities Monitor and update Crown Land Database Collaborate with FLNRO and CLSPP/JV partners to determine provincial priorities. Inform partners of private land securement opportuniti es adjacent to WMAs. Ensure existing Crown wildlife habitat reserves are entered into provincial databases Conservation Planning Habitat Protection - Permanent Conservation Planning Work closely with Regional and HQ FLNRO staff with input from CLSPP partners to develop a work plan and strategy to rationalize province wide Crown land securement efforts. Provide conservation rationale for potential private land acquisitions containing high conservation values and identify partnership opportunities. Assist CLSPP/JV partners to implement habitat compensation projects to acquire or restore key private land wetlands often adjacent to Crown conservation lands. Work with regional and HQ FLNRO staff to ensure existing Crown habitat reserves are known and have management direction statements and shape files up to date and are included in the Crown Conservation Lands database. Coordinator met with staff from West Coast, Lower Mainland, Omineca, Skeena, and Thompson -Okanagan FLNRO Regional offices to discuss their priorities. All proposed WMAs and wildlife reserves fit CLSPP partner priorities as confirmed by a GIS mapping exercise completed in 2015 through DUC coordination of each program partners priority areas. This work informs current and proposed project work planning. Greater emphasis expected in the MaPP (North Coast, Central Coast, Haida Gwaii, and North Vancouver Island) West Coast and Skeena regions next fiscal year. Support partner s (DUC/) initiatives to acquire Somenos Lake bed (200 acres), lease to FLNRO and add to proposed WMA; and transfer lease agreements for Chemainus wetlands (500 acres) and for Comox Slough (20 acres) so these lands can be included in proposed WMAs. Assist CLSPP/JV partners in the investigation of private land and adjacent Crown land sites as part of wetland compensation and habitat mitigation projects. Assisted Peace, Omenica, and West Coast regions with a review of their regional Crown wildlife reserve databases. Several existing fish and wildlife habitat reserves were added to the provincial database through file searches and review of Front Counter BC Land files. Two cancelled map reserves were reinstated in Haida Gwaii. Information sent to provincial Conservation lands specialist and FLNRO data base manager. Completed 4 Management Direction Statements including geo-referenced maps for 4 proposed WMAs in the Peace (Northeast) region. 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 5

6 b) Location In the table below, please indicate the latitude and longitude coordinates (in decimal degrees) associated with the project area(s). This information has been requested by Environment Canada, for mapping purposes. Project Location(s): Location Coordinates (Decimal Degrees): Harrison-Chehalis , Somenos Marsh , Campbell River Estuary , Kumdis Slough , Baynes Sound , Salmon River Estuary , Swan Lake , Tachick/Nulki Lake , c) List specific project activities/results/products and objectives that were supported by WHC s financial contribution and include a brief explanation. The CLSPP is currently working on 6-8 WMAs in BC. Sec 16 map reserves are a precursor to WMA designation. WHC support was used to amend or establish new Sec. 16 map reserve applications to Front Counter BC at 6 sites (Campbell River Estuary, Swan Lake, Tachick Lake, Baynes Sound, Salmon River Estuary, and Kumdis Slough) and to carry out First Nations consultation regarding 6-8 proposed WMAs. Two WMAs are pending now and at least 4 more are expected to be designated over the next year. d) Briefly describe new tools, landscape practices or protocols that were used or developed in the project to conserve, enhance or restore wildlife habitat. Gis Kit on an I-pad was used to record geo-referenced habitat features at several proposed WMAs this year that will help support Crown land securement, management and habitat enhancement projects at these sites. The project used existing legislation to conserve wildlife habitat. Crown land transfers and reserves are created under the Land Act, with some specific designations that transfers the administrative control of the land to FLNRO for the purposes of fish and wildlife habitat protection. Once the wildlife reserves are created and administrative control is complete, WMAs are created under Section 4 of the BC Wildlife Act through an Order in Council with the intent to protect habitat over the long term. Special regulations can be passed through the Wildlife Act or Orders can be made by the Regional FLNRO Manager that better protects wildlife habitat. The CLSPP is unique, in that conservation partners work collaboratively with the Province of BC to help set regional priorities and to support protection of critical wetlands, riparian woodlands, and grassland wildlife corridors throughout BC often acquiring in-holdings or adjacent fee simple lands. e) Briefly state the benefits to waterfowl, wetland-associated species, and migratory game birds as a result of this project. This project helped to secure 6,190 acres of wetlands and 488 acres of riparian upland habitats 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 6

7 under Sec 16 Crown Map reserves in 2015/16. Two pending WMAs and new Crown reserve applications could further protect a grand total of 15,800 acres of wetlands and 2343 acres of upland riparian habitat in 2016/17. The benefits to waterfowl, wetland-associated species, and migratory game birds as a result of this project are significant and through habitat securement many of these sites require wetland habitat enhancement or restoration and this work will be implemented through CLSPP partners who access funding from habitat mitigation programs and the National Conservation Program. f) Please list and estimate the population size of NAWMP / Habitat Joint Venture priority species and/or other significant bird species directly benefitting from your project. Wetland Migratory Waterfowl Wetland Associated Waterfowl Game (10s; 100s; Associated Birds Birds (10s; (species) Birds 1,000s) (species) 100s; (species) 1,000s) American Wigeon,Northern Pintail,Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall Trumpeter and Tundra Swan, Pacific Black Brant, Canada Geese Harlequin, Surf Scoter, Greater Scaup, Barrow s Goldeneye, Bufflehead 40,000-60,000 15,000-25,000 30,000-50,000 Great Blue Heron, American White Pelican, Yellowheaded & Redwinged Blackbird, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Western, Red-necked, Eared, and Horned Grebes 10,000 to 15,000 Wilson snipe, Bandtailed pigeon Migratory Game Birds (10s; 100s; 1,000s) g) Update the following table, indicating the acres achieved through this project. If other types of habitat are included in the project (i.e., riparian, woodland, etc.), please list and specify acres. Wetland Habitat (acres) Upland Habitat (acres) Total (acres) Conserved 6, ,678 Enhanced Restored Total 6, , /2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 7

8 h) Please indicate if the habitat is used by waterfowl for migration, breeding or staging. Check all that apply. Migration YES Breeding YES Staging YES i) Relevance to habitat planning, decision making and/or management: i. Upon completion, what are the project s direct and indirect influences on (wetland) habitat conservation, land and water planning, habitat management and use, etc.? The project directly influenced habitat conservation through Crown land designations (securement) of land in perpetuity. The project conserves key wetland and upland habitats for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. This provides opportunities for future restoration/enhancement as well as management activities. As part of the Crown designation process, the coordinator engages all levels of government (Federal, Provincial, local and First Nation) such that those agencies are aware of the wildlife importance of these Crown designations and often are then incorporated as part of other land and water planning processes. Once secured, the lands are managed through FLNRO who can then access funding from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) for land management. Indirectly, the project contributed to land use planning through internal government planning as well as through public consultation which fostered local government involvement and community based stewardship. The CLSPP compliments acquisition projects of government and NGO s where the WMA s are designated on Crown lands that are adjacent to NGO private conservation land securements creating contiguous blocks of conservation lands. Crown land securement for conservation purposes is a key tool for effective landscape level habitat connectivity. ii. What groups, agencies, individuals, governments, industries, etc. will benefit from the completion of this project and how? The work of the CLSPP is one of the key partnerships of the PBHJV, Canadian Intermountain Joint Venture (CIJV) and BC portion of the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture (PHJV) to secure coastal and interior wetlands and has significantly contributed to the conservation success of NAWMP. Many of the pending and proposed WMA s embrace the 3 goals of the 2012 NAWMP Revision. Many of the WMA s protect wetlands that are located within the BC s Areas of Greatest Continental Significance in the Pacific Coast, Central Plateau and in the Creston and Intermountain River Valleys (goal 2). The protection of these wetlands will contribute towards abundant and resilient waterfowl populations (goal 1). The designation process for a WMA requires consultation and support from the public including First Nations, local governments, local community and partner support (FLNRO, CWS, DUC, TNTBC, HCTF, and NCC). Through the consultations, WMAs build awareness of the multiple uses for these wetlands including hunting, wildlife viewing of all bird life, and other recreational activities along with the provision of ecological services such as water storage, purification, and moderation of flood events (goal 2&3). Fish and game club members, naturalists clubs along with other wildlife enthusiasts benefit directly regarding access to designated WMAs. The CLSPP program emphasizes partnership as a core principle which is a consistent theme of the 2012 revision of the NAWMP. Especially priority (iii) to Expand partnerships particularly, those organizations whose land management policies and practices can have 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 8

9 considerable effect on waterfowl and wetland conservation. Through strong collaboration with BC s leaders in conservation we have demonstrated success in protecting and restoring key Pacific flyway migratory bird habitats through Crown land Securement and WMA designations. This project also directly supports the 2012 NAWMP Revision recommendation #4 Build support for waterfowl conservation and #6 Focus resources on important landscapes. 3.0 PARTICIPATION a) Indicate how many landowners were engaged through the project. Adjacent landowners to a proposed WMA are given an opportunity to provide input and learn about the WMA proposal through public information meetings, local media, and during the consultation phase of each WMA. Local governments often assist with providing information produced by the Ministry of Forest, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations and assisted by the CLSPP coordinator on their local web sites or at their office. If the WMA is within a semi-rural or urban environment then landowners can be consulted individually through the public review process. WMAs do not directly affect private landowners. b) Provide a description of stewardship opportunities or other voluntary preventative measures (towards the conservation, enhancement or restoration of habitat) that were engaged or promoted within the scope of the project. Please refer to the Grant Program Guidance Document for further reporting definition of terms. Not applicable to this project. c) Using the table below, indicate the total number of participants that were involved in on-theground activities, first-hand education initiatives, or other project events/activities (these should relate to activities listed in Section 2(a) of this report). Please refer to the Grant Program Guidance Document for further reporting definition of terms. Activity / Event Example: Shoreline planting Type of Participants (i.e., Students, community members, organization volunteers) Example: University Number of Participants Example: 16 Total Participant Days (i.e., # of days that participants have been involved in the project / program.) Example: 1.5 days Total Participant Person-days (i.e. Number of participants x total participant days) Example: 50 x 1.5 = 24 students d) Access to hunters: Upon completion of the project, will the public be permitted access for migratory game bird hunting in the project area? YES most of the proposed WMAs are open to migratory bird hunting. A few locations are within municipalities that have no shooting bylaws of which a key management objective will be to amend such bylaws to allow for limited hunting of Canada Geese. 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 9

10 4.0 PARTNERS a) Please provide an updated list of Project Partners. Indicate if the Project Partner is providing cash or in-kind contributions (for in-kind contributions, please provide a brief description). The partners should also be listed in Project Revenue in the Financial Summary Tables. Project Partner Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC) Government of Canada Program or Partner (if applicable): i. Canadian Wildlife Service Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation Ministry of Forest, Lands, & Natural Resource Operations The Nature Trust of BC Ducks Unlimited Canada Nature Conservancy of Canada 5.0 COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES Contribution (Cash and / or In-Kind) Cash Cash and in-kind use of the Little Qualicum estuary field office Cash Cash and in-kind office support in Nanaimo Cash and in-kind administration support Cash and in-kind IT support Cash and in-kind meeting space in Victoria a) Summarize to whom, how, and when the project results and achievements will be communicated. The CLSPP steering committee meets three times a year for regular project updates and to approve work plans and program budgets. Each partner provides information to their Board, staff, and communication departments regarding Crown land securement successes and how this may benefit adjacent conservation lands they are involved with. b) How has/will WHC s contribution to the project be publicly acknowledged and recognized? (e.g. website, brochure, meeting, workshop, newspaper article, presentation, etc.). Each new WMA has a press release that is published in local newspapers and WHC will be highlighted as a key funding partner of the CLSPP. c) Are there any future follow up activities planned for this project? A five year partnership renewal agreement was signed this fiscal year. The CLSPP will focus on 6-8 proposed or pending WMAs over the next fiscal year to ensure they could be ready for designation and announcement by the current provincial government prior to the next BC election in Consultation with First Nations, local governments and stakeholders will remain a key activity. Several new WMA proposals are ongoing with a focus on coastal estuaries within the West Coast, Skeena, and Lower Mainland and wildlife corridors and interior wetlands in the Omenica and Thompson Okanagan regions. d) Provide a sample of project communication products in section Appendices of this report. 2015/2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 10

11 7.0 APPENDICES The appendices can be submitted in a separate document(s) with a corresponding title. a) Map of Project Location(s) b) Sample(s) of Project Communications May 17, 2015 Provincial government News Release announcing the extension of the Crown Land Securement Program to /2016 Final Report to WHC for Project #16-43 Page 11

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13 For Immediate Release 2015FLNR May 17, 2015 NEWS RELEASE B.C. extends support for Crown land wildlife conservation program to 2019 PRINCE GEORGE The Province is investing $100,000 over the next five years to enhance wildlife conservation throughout British Columbia. Parliamentary Secretary Mike Morris made the announcement yesterday evening at Ducks Unlimited Volunteer Convention. The funding is being provided to the Crown land securement partner program, a partnership that includes Ducks Unlimited Canada, The Nature Trust of British Columbia, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service and the Province of British Columbia. The partners share a strong interest in conserving land for its fish and wildlife habitat values, and work together on acquiring private land and securing neighbouring Crown land for conservation purposes. A key focus of the partnership is to help the Province designate new and expand existing wildlife management areas. These are areas of land designated under the Wildlife Act for the benefit of regionally to internationally significant fish and wildlife species or their habitats. Conservation and management of fish, wildlife and their habitats is the priority in a wildlife management area but other compatible land uses may be accommodated. Over the past five years, the partnership program has helped create eight new wildlife management areas, and expanded several others, resulting in the protection of almost 29,000 hectares of prime wildlife habitat throughout B.C. Quotes: Parliamentary Secretary Mike Morris The Province recognizes the vital role wildlife management areas play when it comes to conserving and managing important habitat for regionally and internationally significant fish and wildlife species. The funding announced today will provide ongoing support to a partnership that is a critical part of B.C.'s land conservation strategy. Linda Hannah, B.C. regional vice president, Nature Conservancy of Canada Protecting habitat for species at risk and other wildlife is one of the most important actions we can take to conserve British Columbia s natural heritage. The Province s funding support of the Crown land securement partnership program offers a significant boost to our efforts to conserve critical wildlife corridors and key natural areas for the fish and wildlife that rely on them. This collaborative approach to land conservation is securing a better future for all British Columbians. Jasper Lament, CEO, The Nature Trust of British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

14 We recognize and appreciate the funding and commitment from the Province in partnershipbased land conservation. This funding is critical to the success of the conservation efforts of the Crown land securement partnership program. The program is working on a number of new projects, and over the next five years is looking to help conserve more than 30,000 hectares of important wildlife habitat. Brad Arner, manager of Provincial Operations, Ducks Unlimited Canada Ducks Unlimited has been working closely with the Province for more than 33 years, partnering on 130 different projects designed to protect and conserve wetlands and other wildlife habitats. This latest funding reconfirms B.C.'s commitment to conservation on Crown land and to the important work Ducks Unlimited and other organization are doing to ensure that waterfowl and other wildlife have habitats now and for the future. Quick Facts: Over the past five years, the partnership program has helped create eight new wildlife management areas, and expanded several others, resulting in the protection of almost 29,000 hectares of prime wildlife habitat throughout B.C. The program has helped create of 14 of B.C. s 28 wildlife management areas, and is working on establishing 16 new conservation areas. Learn More: To read about the B.C.'s conservation land program, visit: Media Contact: Media Relations Greig Bethel Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Connect with the Province of B.C. at: