Environmental Assessment of Highway 95 Corridor Safety … · 2020-06-25 · Environmental Assessment of Highway 95 Corridor Safety Improvements Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd.

Environmental Assessment of Highway 95 Corridor Safety Improvements

Prepared for:

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

Southern Interior Region

231-447 Columbia Street,

Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3

Prepared by:

Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd.

812 Vernon Street

Nelson, BC V1L 4G

January 24, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents................................................................................................................................. i

List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................... ii

List of Photos ...................................................................................................................................... ii

List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................... iii

List of Appendices .............................................................................................................................. iii

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

2 Project Site Locations and Objectives ....................................................................................... 1

3 Methods ................................................................................................................................. 2

Background Information Review .............................................................................................. 2 3.1

General Survey Procedures ...................................................................................................... 3 3.2

Species at Risk Review ............................................................................................................ 3 3.3

4 Results ................................................................................................................................... 4

Environmental Overview .......................................................................................................... 4 4.1

Harrogate ............................................................................................................................... 5 4.2

4.2.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.2 Vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 5

4.2.3 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................... 6

4.2.4 Aquatic Resources ............................................................................................................... 7

Spillmacheen .......................................................................................................................... 8 4.3

4.3.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................... 8

4.3.2 Vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 8

4.3.3 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................. 10

4.3.4 Aquatic Resources ............................................................................................................. 10

Columbia Road North ............................................................................................................ 11 4.4

4.4.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................. 11

4.4.2 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 11

4.4.3 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................. 12

Columbia Road South ............................................................................................................ 13 4.5

4.5.1 Site Description ................................................................................................................. 13

4.5.2 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................ 13

4.5.3 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................. 14

Species at Risk Review .......................................................................................................... 15 4.6

4.6.1 American Badger .............................................................................................................. 15


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4.6.2 Whitehouse’s fritillary ........................................................................................................ 16

4.6.3 Other species at risk.......................................................................................................... 18

5 Discussion and Recommendations .......................................................................................... 18

Vegetation ............................................................................................................................ 18 5.1

5.1.1 Recommendations............................................................................................................. 19

Invasive Plant Species ........................................................................................................... 19 5.2


Wildlife ................................................................................................................................. 20 5.3


Aquatic Resources ................................................................................................................. 23 5.4


6 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................ 24

7 References ........................................................................................................................... 25

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Area map showing locations of proposed upgrades. ................................................................ 2

Figure 2. Badger sign observation location. ........................................................................................... 6

Figure 3. American Badger distribution in British Columbia showing Western Population (shaded yellow)

and Eastern Population (shaded pink). Finalized CDC Element Occurrences are shown with hatching.

Black dots represent extralimital records of American Badgers and/or burrows (image adapted from

BCBRT, 2016). .......................................................................................................................... 16

Figure 4. Dorsal view (left) and ventral (right) views of Whitehouse’s fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite

whitehousei) male type specimen collected near Jaffray, BC in 1929. Images copyright 2011 James

C. Dunford. Specimen courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History. ................................ 17

Figure 5. Aphrodite fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite) larva (Butterfly Identification 2019). .......................... 17

LIST OF PHOTOS

Photo 1. Hayfield beyond fence with native shrubs along Highway 95 south of Ben Hynes Loop Road. ..... 7

Photo 2. Proposed CVSE pullout area with revegetated slopes and patch of rill erosion. .......................... 7

Photo 3. Mature Douglas fir forest within construction toe-line immediately north of currently cleared

pullout area. ............................................................................................................................... 7

Photo 4. Osprey nest at Highway 95 intersection with Ben Hynes Loop Road. Area where badger sign

observed highlight. ..................................................................................................................... 7

Photo 5. Burrow near Harrogate project site. Image provided by Eva Boehringer. ................................... 8

Photo 6. Burrow near Harrogate project site. Image provided by Eva Boehringer. ................................... 8


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Photo 7. Stream south of Ben Hynes Loop Road immediately before Highway 95 culvert. ........................ 8

Photo 8. Spring emerges below fir and birch, spreads under fence and pools among willows in

foreground. ................................................................................................................................ 8

Photo 9. Early seral forest within proposed rest area expansion footprint. ............................................ 10

Photo 10. Riparian forest margin along marsh near north end of proposed rest area expansion and

southbound deceleration lane. ................................................................................................... 10

Photo 11. Ditch between Highway 95 and CPR ROW west of proposed acceleration lane. Note giant reed

patch in foreground. ................................................................................................................. 11

Photo 12. Giant reed grass inflorescence. ........................................................................................... 11

Photo 13. Marsh west of Highway 95 near southbound deceleration lane. ............................................ 11

Photo 14. Pond east of Highway 95 near southbound deceleration lane................................................ 11

Photo 15. Pasture grasses and shrubs east of Columbia Road. ............................................................. 12

Photo 16. Broad view of proposed work area east of Columbia Road facing south. ................................ 12

Photo 17. Douglas fir and cottonwood near proposed construction footprint east of Columbia Road. ...... 12

Photo 18. Young Douglas fir forest west of Columbia Road. ................................................................. 12

Photo 19. Young Douglas fir forest east of Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection. ................ 14

Photo 20. Agronomic grass cover east of Highway 95 margin south of Columbia Road intersection. ....... 14

Photo 21. Clay cut-bank, east of Highway 95 margin south of Columbia Road intersection. ................... 14

Photo 22. Wildlife trail through ephemeral draw east of Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection.

................................................................................................................................................ 14

Photo 23. Open forest grassland with relatively high abundance and diversity of wildflowers east of

Highway 95 north of Columbia Road intersection. ....................................................................... 15

Photo 24. Open young Douglas fir forest west of Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection. ....... 15

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Project site objectives and specifications. ................................................................................ 1

Table 2. Summary of potential invasive plant species EKISC priority rankings (EKISK 2019). ................. 20

Table 3. Periods of least risk for wildlife............................................................................................. 23

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix 1. Species at Risk Summary

Appendix 2. Badger Burrow ID


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1 INTRODUCTION

Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd. (MEC) was retained by the Ministry of Transportation and

Infrastructure (MoTI) to conduct an environmental assessment of proposed Highway 95 corridor safety

improvements. The objective of this assessment is to identify potential risks to valued ecosystem

components and provide recommendations to ensure potential environmental impacts have appropriate

and effective mitigation strategies to minimize negative project-environment interactions. This report

summarizes observed ecosystem and habitat values and identifies valued components that may be

impacted by the proposed development.

2 PROJECT SITE LOCATIONS AND OBJECTIVES

Improvements and modifications are proposed at 4 sites along Highway 95 between Golden, BC and

Radium, BC. Project descriptions and specifications for each site are summarized in Table 1 and the

locations of each site are depicted in Figure 1.

Table 1. Project site objectives and specifications.

Project Site Project Description MoTI Drawing(s)

1. Harrogate

Develop Commercial Vehicle

Safety and Enforcement (CVSE)

Pullout

• HIGHWAY 95 CORRIDOR SAFETY

IMPROVEMENTS HARROGATE CVSE PULLOUT

AND REST AREA 50% DETAILED DESIGN

2. Spillmacheen Expand Rest Area

• R2-25042-101_OPT-2 PB

• R2-25042-102_OPT-2 PB

• R2-25042-103_OPT-2 PB

3. Columbia Road North Lane Modifications and Signage • R2-25042-101N PB

4. Columbia Road South Intersection development • R2-25042-101S_OPT-1 PB

• R2-25042-102S_OPT-1 PB

Proposed works include expansion and modification of existing highway lanes and pull out areas. In some

areas, proposed expansion will encroach into currently vegetated areas along Highway 95. Works will

include vegetation clearing and grubbing, stripping of soils, cutting slopes and placing fill, grading final

slope grades, resurfacing the highway, lengthening or replacing culverts, relocating utilities, and

revegetation and revegetation.



Figure 1. Area map showing locations of proposed upgrades.

3 METHODS

Background Information Review 3.1

Background information was collected on the study area prior to completing the field assessment. The

data was collected mostly from the municipal and government agencies, including:

• Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

• B.C. Conservation Data Centre (CDC)

• Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

• iMap BC

• e-fauna BC and e-flora BC

• Fisheries Information Data Query

• Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification (BEC WEB)

• Consortium of Pacific Northwest Herbaria

• BC Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP) database

• East Kootenay Invasive Species Council website and publications (EKISC)



General Survey Procedures 3.2

Preliminary design drawings and aerial photos of the study area were examined in the office prior to the

completion of field studies.

A site visit was conducted by Iraleigh Anderson A.Ag. on October 29, 2019. The study area was traversed

on foot and general ecological conditions including vegetation cover, site disturbance, invasive weeds,

significant wildlife habitat features, nests, wildlife mortalities, potential red and blue-listed wildlife

concerns, and other significant ecological features were recorded. A list of plants observed on site is

provided in Appendix 1.

Due to the timing of the site assessment, vegetation was largely dormant, there were no flowering

plants, and most terrestrial wildlife species and birds were inactive or absent. There was negligible snow

on the ground during the site visit, so remnant vegetation and some habitat features remained visible.

Species at Risk Review 3.3

Species at risk are tracked provincially (Red- and Blue-listed) by the BC Conservation Data Centre (CDC),

and federally (designated as ‘Special Concern’, ‘Threatened’, ‘Endangered’, ‘Extirpated’ or ‘Extinct’) by the

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Legal protection for species and

their habitats in Canada is mandated through the Species at Risk Act (SARA) based on research and

recommendations from COSEWIC.

The BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer (BCSEE) was queried to generate a list of potentially occurring

at-risk taxa and ecological communities in the project area using the following criteria:

● BC Conservation Status: Red OR Blue, OR otherwise legally designated (i.e. FRPA, CITES, SARA,

MBCA)

● Biogeoclimatic Zone: IDF

● Regional District: East Kootenay OR Columbia Shushwap

The CDC iMap tool was used to further query the CDC data for element occurrence (EO) records within 5

km of Highway 95 throughout the project area. The following CDC datasets were queried using this

buffer:

● Species and Ecosystems at Risk – Publicly Available Occurrences – CDC

● Species and Ecosystems at Risk – (Masked Secured) Publicly Available Occurrences

● Species and Ecosystems at Risk – (Extirpated and Historical) Publicly Available Occurrences

The combined search yielded a list of at-risk taxa according to the search criteria. This list was evaluated

based on information gathered during the desktop review, local knowledge, and field observations during

the survey. Species associated with habitat types not found in the project area were removed. North



Okanagan species at risk records returned from the extreme southeast corner of the Columbia Shushwap

Regional District were also discarded as the distributions of these species did not overlap the North

Columbia/Kootenay Trench Study Region. All listed species were ranked for their potential occurrence

within the project area according to the following categories:

● Confirmed - Species has been directly observed within the project area.

● Likely - Species is known to occur in the local area and in similar habitat.

● Possible - Species has been found in similar habitats and/or the local area, but not both.

● Unlikely - Project area has unsuitable habitat located a long distance from known populations.

● Unknown - Not enough is known of the species distribution and habitat requirements to

confidently assign likelihood of occurrence.

4 RESULTS

Environmental Overview 4.1

The Harrogate and Spillmacheen sites are within the Columbia Dry Cool Interior Douglas-fir variant

(IDFdk5) and the Columbia Road sites are within the Very Dry Cool Interior Douglas-fir variant (IDFxk)

biogeoclimatic subzones of the Rocky Mountain Forest District.

The IDFdk5 experiences cool winters and hot summers. Extreme temperature events during both

summer and winter affect plant community compositions within the IDFdk5. Snowpack tends to be

shallow in the IDFdk5. Soils are typically dry throughout all seasons, with seasonal moisture deficits

affecting dryer sites. The two main conifers are Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menzeisii var. glauca) and

lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta). Broadleaf trees including trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and

paper birch (Betula papyrifera) may be locally abundant. Forest structure within the IDFdk5 was typically

kept open by a mixed severity fire regime, but ongoing anthropogenic fire suppression has caused a

region wide trend towards forest ingrowth (Mackillop et. al 2018).

The IDFxk also experiences cool winters and hot summers but is significantly drier than the adjacent

IDFdk5. Drought is common, and moisture deficits may even affect wet sites on some years. Snowpack is

shallow and intermittent. Tree diversity is low, with Douglas-fir predominating, and lodgepole pine often

lacking. Forest structure in the IDFxk was also historically maintained by fire, although significant

ingrowth has occurred due to fire suppression (Mackillop et. al 2018).

Suitable habitat within IDFdk5 and IDFxk forests host numerous wildlife species including large and small

mammals, ungulates, songbirds, reptiles, amphibians and raptors. These zones provide high-value winter

range for populations of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), elk (Cervus canadensis), and

mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Forests and wetlands in the IDFdk5 also provide winter forage for

moose (Alces alces). Both the IDfdk5 and IDFxk support a diversity of rare and at risk plant species which

often occur in grassland and open forest habitats. Open habitats dominated by native wildflowers and



grasses also support high diversities of pollinators including at-risk butterflies such as the monarch

(Danaus plexippus), and Whitehouse’s fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite whitehousei) (Mackillop et. al 2018).

The IDFdk5 and northern parts of the IDFxk contain an abundance of wetlands which have been

internationally recognized as important habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds including at risk species

such as American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) and Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias; Mackillop et. al

2018).

Habitat diversity is high in both the IDFdk5 and the IDFxk and supports many valued and at risk species

including, but not limited American badger (Taxidea taxus), Lewis woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis),

Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii), rubber boa (Charina bottae), grizzly bear (Ursus

arctos), sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas; Mackillop et. al 2018).

Harrogate 4.2

4.2.1 Site Description

The Harrogate site is located at the intersection of Ben Hynes Loop Road and Highway 95, ~50 km south

of Golden, BC. An unsurfaced pullout is present on the east (northbound) side of Highway 95. Proposed

work includes developing a CVSE station, paving the pullout, constructing medians and a washroom,

painting lines, erecting signage, and adding acceleration/deceleration lanes to the north and south. The

addition of acceleration/deceleration lanes will involve widening the road prism. No works are proposed

west of Highway 95. The landscape is gently sloping around the project site with adjacent land cover

including agricultural fields, and mature Douglas-fir forest.

4.2.2 Vegetation

The land adjacent to the proposed deceleration lane is a hayfield separated from Highway 95 with a

fence (Photo 1). The ditch between the hayfield and highway is primarily covered in agronomic grasses

such as smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) with occasional shrubs

such as Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnfolia), and black hawthorn (Crataegus douglassii). Canada thistle

(Cirsium arvense), a common exotic weed, is common in this area.

The current pullout area is largely unvegetated, mostly comprising compacted gravel with occasional

weeds such as mullein (Verbascum thapsus), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and knapweed

(Centaurea sp.). Additional potential invasive species from nearby BC Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP)

records include common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata). Slopes

above the pullout were revegetated with grasses including fescue (Festuca spp.), perennial wheatgrass

(Lolium perenne) and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum). Grass cover is lacking on the slope in

one localized patch where surface erosion has begun to form rills (Photo 2).



Beyond the pullout area the land adjacent to the proposed deceleration lane climbs to a bench 10-20 m

above the highway surface (Photo 3). The land cover above the proposed deceleration is a mature

Douglas-fir forest. Many trees in this stand are >30 cm diameter at breast height; however, no larger

veteran trees or significant snags or wildlife trees were observed. The understory is very open with

virtually no herbaceous layer, and only occasional low shrub cover from Oregon grape (Mahonia

aquifolium).

Toward the north end of the proposed acceleration lane a gravel road enters the highway from the east.

Adjacent land cover is pasture separated from the road by a fence. The immediate roadside ditch was

flooded at the time of survey from a spring which originates from the hillside immediately above the

fence. A row of willow (Salix sp.) has developed around the margins of the water indicating that this area

has received water on an annual basis for at least several years. Other hydrophytes in the ditch include

cattail (Typha latifolia) and small-fruited bulrush (Scirpus microcarpus). Canada thistle is established in

this area also.

4.2.3 Wildlife

An Osprey (Pandion haeliatus) nest was observed on a platform at the southeast margin of the pullout

area (Photo 4). Eva Boehringer RPBio (BC Hydro) visited the site in December 2019 to investigate

potential relocation sites for the Osprey platform. During this survey, Ms. Boehringer observed multiple

burrows ~15 m southeast of the proposed project footprint (Figure 2; Photo 5 and Photo 6). It is possible

that these burrows were made by an American Badger (Taxidea taxus). Potential American Badger

occurrence throughout the project area is discussed in detail in Section 4.6. The landowner at 5220

Salsbury Road reports that a badger den is present on her property, ~ 400 m north of the pullout.

Figure 2. Badger sign observation location.



4.2.4 Aquatic Resources

A small stream crosses under Highway 95 on the south side of Ben Hynes Loop Road (Photo 8). The

stream runs along the Ben Hynes Loop Road above the highway and is bordered by a narrow riparian

buffer with trembling aspen, willow, snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) and prickly rose (Rosa acicularis).

It appears that this stream is Pratt Creek (300-941000) which may have been diverted to run along the

road rather than through the field. There are no records of fish presence in Pratt Creek (MOE 2019).

A natural spring runs from the property (5220 Salisbury Road; PID: 007-180-781) east of Highway 95

adjacent to the proposed acceleration lane (Photo 7). Spring water is collected in small basins and used

for livestock watering near the property boundary next to the Highway 95 ROW. Excess water from the

spring collects in the highway ditch. This water appears to drain under the highway, but no culvert could

be located because the water in the ditch was ~40 cm deep and partially ice-covered at the time of

survey. The landowner reports that salamanders and frogs are present in the spring.

Photo 1. Hayfield beyond fence with native shrubs along Highway 95 south of Ben Hynes Loop Road.

Photo 2. Proposed CVSE pullout area with revegetated slopes and patch of rill erosion.

Photo 3. Mature Douglas fir forest within construction toe-line immediately north of currently cleared pullout area.

Photo 4. Osprey nest at Highway 95 intersection with Ben Hynes Loop Road. Area where badger sign observed highlight.



Photo 5. Burrow near Harrogate project site.

Image provided by Eva Boehringer.

Photo 6. Burrow near Harrogate project site. Image

provided by Eva Boehringer.

Photo 7. Stream south of Ben Hynes Loop Road

immediately before Highway 95 culvert.

Photo 8. Spring emerges below fir and birch,

spreads under fence and pools among willows in

foreground.

Spillmacheen 4.3


The Spillmacheen site is located ~30 km north of Radium Hot Springs, BC on the west (southbound) side

of Highway 95. The proposed project site consists of a rest area with parking and washroom facilities.

Proposed work includes adding more parking capacity, painting lines, erecting signage, and adding

acceleration/deceleration lanes to the north and south. The addition of acceleration/deceleration lanes

will involve widening the road prism. Supporting work may include construction of retaining walls, and

relocation of utility poles and culverts. The landscape is relatively level with adjacent land cover including

young seral forest, mature forest, and marsh.

4.3.2 Vegetation

The land cover comprising the majority of the proposed rest area expansion footprint is early seral

sapling forest (Photo 9). Douglas fir saplings are growing patchily throughout this area with occasional



shrubs including Rocky Mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and Saskatoon. Groundcover is primarily

bare ground with occasional clumps of fescue and patches of bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi). Mature

Douglas fir forest covers the land to the west of the proposed rest area expansion footprint. No

significant veteran trees or wildlife trees were observed in the margin of this mature forest located along

the proposed construction boundary.

The proposed deceleration lane area is bordered to the west by a marsh. Occasional trees and shrubs

along the riparian margin include spruce, trembling aspen, willow, red-osier dogwood and prickly rose

(Photo 10). The primary emergent plant along the eastern marsh margin is cattail. The middle of the

marsh is an extent of shallow open water, too deep for emergent vegetation.

Water is impounded between Highway 95 and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) ROW west of the

proposed acceleration lane, south of the Spillmacheen rest area (Photo 11). Surface water available in

this ditch supports a marsh-like plant community, similar to the marsh west of the CPR ROW. Sporadic

cover along the edges from trees and shrubs including paper birch, water birch (Betula occidentalis),

hybrid spruce (Picea glauca x engelmanii), willow, cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and red osier

dogwood (Cornus stolonifera).

The southern extent of this ditch is covered in cattail, and the northern is dominated by giant reed grass

(Phragmites australis ssp. americanus; Photo 12; Lomer 2014), an uncommon native species which is

difficult to differentiate from a closely related invasive (P. australis ssp. australis). Giant reed grass was

also noted growing up the gravel highway embankment, which is an unusual micro-habitat for the

species. Regardless of provenance this grass may behave invasively in disturbed soils. The north end of

this artificially impounded marsh is marked by a gravel road running southwest from Highway 95 to

access the CPR ROW.

Agricultural (pasture) fields are located immediately to the east of Highway 95 opposite the Spillmacheen

rest area. Limited survey effort was spent in this area as no works are proposed on the east side of the

highway.

Canada thistle and wormwood (Artemeisia absinthum) were observed within and around Spillmacheen

project site. Additional potential invasive species from nearby IAPP records include common tansy,

meadow knapweed (Centaurea debauxii), Hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale), yellow toadflax

(Linaria vulgaris), leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum inodorum), St.

John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and Baby’s breath.



4.3.3 Wildlife

A beaver lodge is visible in the natural marsh adjacent to the proposed deceleration lane. The marsh is

likely used seasonally by breeding amphibians and visited throughout the year by waterfowl and

migratory songbirds. Potential amphibian species in the area include Columbia spotted frog (Rana

luteiventris), long toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum), and western toad (Anaxyrus boreas).

It is also possible that similar wildlife usage occurs in the ditch adjacent to the proposed southbound

acceleration lane; however, the limited extent, linear confines, and regular noise from adjacent ROW’s

likely decrease the suitability of the ditch for many species (Photo 13).

4.3.4 Aquatic Resources

Three mapped streams cross Highway 95 within the project footprint:

• A third order stream is mapped as crossing Highway 95 within the footprint of the existing rest

area. The immediate area above the highway is a large open pasture with no visible channel or

riparian area. There were no records of fish presence associated with this stream record (MOE

2019).

• Two mapped streams come together to form a pond east of Highway 95 above the proposed

deceleration lane (Photo 14). The pond drains below Highway 95 into the marsh. The culvert was

below water at the time of survey and could not be observed. There were no records of fish

presence associated with either stream record (MOE 2019).

• Water is impounded between Highway 95 and the CPR ROW west of the proposed acceleration

lane, south of the Spillmacheen rest area (Photo 11). Surface water available in this ditch

supports a marsh-like plant community, similar to the marsh west of the CPR ROW.

• The proposed deceleration lane area is bordered to the west by a marsh.

Photo 9. Early seral forest within proposed rest area expansion footprint.

Photo 10. Riparian forest margin along marsh near north end of proposed rest area expansion and southbound deceleration lane.



Photo 11. Ditch between Highway 95 and CPR

ROW west of proposed acceleration lane. Note

giant reed patch in foreground.

Photo 12. Giant reed grass inflorescence.

Photo 13. Marsh west of Highway 95 near

southbound deceleration lane.

Photo 14. Pond east of Highway 95 near

southbound deceleration lane.

Columbia Road North 4.4


The Columbia Road North project site is at the intersection of Columbia Road North and Highway 95

north of Edgewater, BC. Proposed work includes painting new lines, erecting new signage, and

construction of a small pullout. Adjacent land cover includes pasture and mature forest.

4.4.2 Vegetation

Land adjacent to the proposed Columbia Road North footprint is covered by a pasture (Photo 15 and

Photo 16). It appears that grazing here may be infrequent and snowberry is common in large patches in

the pasture. Grass species observed include smooth brome (Bromus inermis), and Canada thistle. Limited

young tree cover in the ditch between the pasture and the road includes Douglas-fir and cottonwood

(Photo 17). Open young Douglas fir forest borders the highway to the west (Photo 18), where the only

proposed work is the installation of a sign within the previously disturbed highway ROW.



Potential invasive species from nearby IAPP records include wormwood, spotted knapweed (Centaurea

stoebe), diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), and Canada thistle.

4.4.3 Wildlife

Saskatoon shrubs along the highway margin were heavily browsed, indicating that ungulates access this

area at times. At the time of survey, free-ranging chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and ducks (Anas

platyrhynchos domesticus) were accessing the project footprint from private residential property to the

west. A small forested draw originates below Columbia Road North and runs to the Columbia River.

Photo 15. Pasture grasses and shrubs east of Columbia Road.

Photo 16. Broad view of proposed work area east of Columbia Road facing south.

Photo 17. Douglas fir and cottonwood near proposed construction footprint east of Columbia Road.

Photo 18. Young Douglas fir forest west of Columbia Road.



Columbia Road South 4.5


The Columbia Road South project site is at the intersection of Columbia Road South and Highway 95

south of Edgewater, BC. Proposed work includes adding southbound and northbound turning lanes from

Highway 95 onto Columbia Road, and addition of associated signage and road paint. Adjacent land cover

is primarily young Douglas fir forest.

4.5.2 Vegetation

Land cover adjacent to the Highway 95 corridor at the Columbia Road South site is primarily young

Douglas fir forest (Photo 19). Some of the forest appears to have been recently thinned to remove fuels

and/or improve silvicultural conditions. The stand age appears to be very even, and large diameter

veteran trees and snags were absent. Structural complexity is low, and the shrub and herbaceous layers

are sparse with occasional Oregon grape.

Highway margins along the young fir forest are dominated by introduced highway grasses including

fescues and perennial wild rye (Photo 20). Steep road cuts throughout this area expose bare clay soil

with no evidence of significant surface erosion (Photo 21). Canada thistle was observed in small patches

in herbaceous areas along the highway margins.

A draw dissects the young fir forest. The draw has no visible channel or evidence of surface flow. The

draw has a canopy of young trembling aspen with a shrubby understory including snowberry and prickly

rose (Photo 22).

The northern extent of young forest on the west highway margin is relatively more open with more cover

from native grasses and wildflowers including pasture sage (Artemisia frigida) and spike like goldenrod

(Solidago simplex). Higher wildflower abundance and diversity in this area may provide better pollinator

habitat than nearby young forest stands with lower understory diversity (Photo 23).

The west margin of Highway 95 is also covered in young fir forest. Similar to the east side, no significant

large diameter veteran trees or snags were observed. Cover is somewhat variable ranging from open

forest north of Columbia Road South (Photo 24), and a riparian shrub thicket of snowberry and Canada

thistle where the ephemeral watercourse crosses Highway 95 at the south end of the project area.

Potential invasive species from nearby IAPP records include common tansy, leafy spurge, spotted

knapweed, and wormwood.



4.5.3 Wildlife

A draw runs westward across Highway 95 south of Columbia Road South. Wildlife trails (Photo 22) were

observed running along the draw. Deer (Odocoileus spp.) scat and the remains of a deer were observed

along the draw. Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)

were also observed in this area.

American Badger observations have been recorded near the west of Highway 95 near the proposed

Columbia Road South project site (Kinley 2009). Potential American Badger occurrence throughout the

entire project area is discussed in detail in Section 4.6.

Photo 19. Young Douglas fir forest east of Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection.

Photo 20. Agronomic grass cover east of Highway 95 margin south of Columbia Road intersection.

Photo 21. Clay cut-bank, east of Highway 95 margin south of Columbia Road intersection.

Photo 22. Wildlife trail through ephemeral draw east of Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection.



Photo 23. Open forest grassland with relatively

high abundance and diversity of wildflowers east of

Highway 95 north of Columbia Road intersection.

Photo 24. Open young Douglas fir forest west of

Highway 95 south of Columbia Road intersection.

Species at Risk Review 4.6

The species at risk search identified 121 recorded species at risk in the project region; however, 98

species are considered unlikely to occur within the project area (See background review summary and

complete species list in Appendix 1). Twenty-one of these species were rated as possible occurrences in

the project area, and occupancy of 2 species (American Badger and Whitehouse’s fritillary) has been

confirmed within the project area.

4.6.1 American Badger

The American badger is a wide ranging mammal that occurs throughout much of western and central

North America. Three subspecies of badgers occur in Canada, with all American badgers within B.C.

considered to be subspecies jeffersonii. Two distinct populations are recognized: a Western Population

and an Eastern Population (COSEWIC 2012; Figure 3). The majority of the Eastern Population occurs in

the Rocky Mountain Trench in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. The Eastern

Population is federally listed as Endangered and is protected under the Species at Risk Act (SARA, 2019).

In B.C., Badgers are ranked S2 (imperiled) and Red-listed (of special concern) by the B.C. Conservation

Data Centre (CDC, 2019).

Badgers require areas with friable soils and sufficient prey abundance (Columbia ground squirrel,

marmot), typically in areas with grasslands/fields or open-canopied forest (COSEWIC 2012). Badger

habitat includes grassland, steppe, and open forest and often occurs close to linear corridors, including

roads, fencerows, field edges, and hedgerows. The right-of-ways along roads and powerlines are

maintained in an early seral (i.e., grass) structural stage, that is suitable for many badger prey species,

which may in turn attract badgers (BCBRT, 2016). A consequence of this habitat selection strategy is

road mortality, considered the single greatest threat to American badgers in British Columbia (Kinley

2009).



Figure 3. American Badger distribution in British Columbia showing Western Population (shaded yellow)

and Eastern Population (shaded pink). Finalized CDC Element Occurrences are shown with hatching.

Black dots represent extralimital records of American Badgers and/or burrows (image adapted from

BCBRT, 2016).

All project sites except Harrogate are within the mapped range of the American Badger Eastern

Population (CDC 2019). However, possible badger sign was also observed at the Harrogate site in

December 2019 and a badger den is reported within 100 m of the north end of the site. Badger

observations have also been recorded near the Columbia Road South project site west of Highway 95

(Kinley 2009), and a burrow has been recorded ~ 400 m to the southeast (BC MoE data on file.).

Burrows are used for birthing, resting, food storage, and protection from the elements, and are identified

as elliptical burrows 20-30 cm wide and 15-25 cm high, often with a mound of dirt at the entrance .

Badger burrows that are currently or habitually occupied are protected as wildlife habitat feature in the

Kootenay Boundary Region under the Forest and Range Practices Act, except where they are located in

constructed right of ways. Burrows used for maternal dens are typically larger than an average burrow,

with more excavated dirt at the entrance and signs of recent use (tracks, fresh digging).

4.6.2 Whitehouse’s fritillary

Whitehouse’s fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite whitehousei) has been observed at the Spillmacheen rest area

(Kondla 2019, Heron 2013). Whitehouse’s fritillary is a bright orange butterfly (Figure 4) that often



inhabits xeric open habitats and uses violas (Viola spp.) for larval rearing (Heron 2013, Guppy and

Shepard 2001). Aphrodite fritillary species, including Whitehouse’s fritillary, occur in riparian forests, pine

and aspen woodlands, cut-lines, and road allowances (Bird et al. 1995). Whitehouse’s fritillary habitat

also includes early seral sapling forest habitats (Heron 2013), which may be similar to young forest cover

within the core Spillmacheen rest area footprint. Whitehouse’s fritillary is known to nectar on thistles

(Cirsium spp., potentially including the exotic Canada thistle), and may also use alfalfa (Medicago sativa),

and bergamot (Monarda sp.; Bird et al. 1995, Guppy and Shepard 2001). BC distribution of Whitehouse’s

fritillary is largely confined to the East Kootenays (Heron 2013). The Whitehouse fritillary flight period is

from mid-July until mid-September, likely peaking in late July (Bird et al. 1995) though it is possible that

larvae (Figure 5) may be observed during early spring when viola wildflowers are most detectable.

Whitehouse’s fritillary is of special concern in BC (Blue List) due to threats from development (Heron,

2013).

Figure 4. Dorsal view (left) and ventral (right) views of Whitehouse’s fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite

whitehousei) male type specimen collected near Jaffray, BC in 1929. Images copyright 2011 James C.

Dunford. Specimen courtesy of the American Museum of Natural History.

Figure 5. Aphrodite fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite) larva (Butterfly Identification 2019).



4.6.3 Other species at risk

Other species at risk that have the potential to be present project area include seven mollusk species,

five bird species, four plant species and three insect species, and the western toad.

Possible at-risk mollusk, insect, and plant species occurrences were flagged due to potential occupancy

within the marsh and riparian forest near the proposed footprint of the Spillmacheen site. Possible at-risk

bird occurrences were flagged due to potential occupancy within the marsh and riparian forest near the

proposed footprint of the Spillmacheen rest stop and/or potential occupancy in the disturbed open

pasture and hayfield habitat types which surround multiple proposed project sites within the project area.

The Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) was flagged as a possible occurrence due to the

known tendency for this species to visit paved roads during the winter to eat salt. Bobolink (Dolichonix

oryzivorous) were also flagged as a possible occurrence within the project area due to a recorded

observation near the Edgewater project sites in 1982 (CDC 2019).

The Western toad was listed as a possible occurrence within the project area, with particular likelihood of

occupancy near the Spillmacheen rest area. Western toad may migrate several kilometers in a year

between aquatic breeding sites, summer ranges, and overwintering areas. The proximity of the marsh to

the Spillmacheen rest area means that amphibians such as the western toad are likely to occur.

The Edgewater sites are near a CDC polygon representing an historic long-leaved aster (Symphyotrichum

ascendens) occurrence. This long-leaved aster population was last observed in 1950, next to an irrigation

ditch (CDC 2019).

5 DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Vegetation 5.1

The loss of upland vegetation will consist primarily of native and non-native grasses, herbs, shrubs and

small trees, typical of a disturbed highway corridor. There is potential for the loss of some riparian and

wetland vegetation, as well as mature conifers at the margins of the cleared right-of-way. This will

depend on the final design and may be expected to occur in areas where cut and/or fill is required.

No listed plant species were confirmed on site; however, surveys were conducted outside the ideal

identification period. Four listed plant species have the potential to occur within the Spillmacheen marsh

and adjacent riparian forest. Overall, the likelihood of at risk plant species occurrence is considered low,

particularly within the disturbed right-of-way of the project area.

Due to existing disturbance in the study area, further impacts to vegetation values are anticipated to be

low. Disturbance from the highway works will be restricted to a narrow band along the highway and will



be mostly contained within the existing highly disturbed areas. The greatest concerns are disturbances to

the marsh and riparian forest at the northwest part of the Spillmacheen project site.

5.1.1 Recommendations

The following recommendations are provided to mitigate potential impacts to vegetation within and

surrounding the project areas:

• Minimize the project footprint to the smallest extent possible.

• Minimize tree, shrub, or plant removal wherever possible.

• Construction area boundaries should be clearly marked in the field prior to any construction work

commencing to prevent unnecessary disturbance, particularly to sensitive vegetation types that

are adjacent to the project.

• Minimize clearing and grubbing boundaries adjacent to wetland and ephemeral draws.

• Areas temporarily disturbed by heavy equipment and other construction-phase related activities

(including lay-down sites, temporary work sites, and material stock pile sites) should be de-

compacted (roughen and loosen) and revegetated immediately following disturbance to minimize

colonization by invasive weeds and prevent erosion into the highway ditches that drain into the

wetland or adjacent watercourses. Native species should be used for revegetation whenever

possible.

• Proper soil handling and management is required to maximize the likelihood of successful

revegetation of disturbed areas post-construction. This includes salvaging and storing topsoil,

woody debris and plant material for future use in reclaiming disturbed areas, loosening

compacted areas prior to restoration, and maintaining temporary erosion control until a

vegetative cover is re-established.

Invasive Plant Species 5.2

Invasive plant species were observed within disturbed areas along Highway 95. Further IAPP records

have provided a list of other potential invasive species which have been observed near the project sites in

the past. Invasive plants have the potential to proliferate after construction ground disturbance, or if soils

from the project are relocated to another area. The invasive species encountered within the project area

are established regionally, are considered low priority for treatment, and are typically managed based on

site specific objectives (e.g. Canada thistle, knapweed, oxeye daisy; EKISC 2019). However, IAPP records

indicate that high priority species such as scentless chamomile and common tansy have also been

observed in the project area. Monitoring for priority species during revegetation is required to identify

and treat infestations so that high priority species do not become established locally (Table 2).



Table 2. Summary of potential invasive plant species EKISC priority rankings (EKISK 2019).

Common Name Scientific Name EKISC IPMA 05 Priority Ranking

scentless chamomile Tripleurospermum inodorum Priority 1. Eradication

common tansy Tanacetum vulgare Priority 2. Annual Control

diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa Priority 3. Containment

leafy spurge Euphorbia esula Priority 3. Containment

baby’s breath Gypsophila paniculata Priority 3. Containment

wormwood Artemeisia absinthum Priority 4. Established

spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe Priority 4. Established

Canada thistle Cirsium arvense Priority 4. Established

Hound’s tongue Cynoglossum officinale Priority 4. Established

oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare Priority 4. Established

yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris Priority 4. Established

meadow knapweed Centaurea debauxii Unlisted


• All vehicles and equipment should be thoroughly power washed before entering the project site

to minimize the spread of invasive weed species through the transport of seeds, soil, or plant

parts.

• Topsoil (15 cm), woody debris and plant material should be stockpiled on site and retained for

site rehabilitation. All stockpiles of topsoil should be secured (i.e. with an annual cover) if stored

for longer than 2 weeks. This will prevent spread of invasive weeds, and provide a growing

medium with residual seedbank, microorganisms, nutrients, and organic matter required for

successful revegetation.

• Canada thistle is a widespread and well-established exotic wildflower across Canada which is

often managed with herbicides. Annual mowing after flower production (late July) would control

seed production and still preserve this potential nectar resource for pollinators including the

Whitehouse’s fritillary which has been observed at the Spillmacheen rest area.

Wildlife 5.3

Wildlife habitat values within the anticipated project area are generally low, as the majority of

disturbance will be within a previously disturbed highway right-of-way. Construction activities have the

potential to impact wildlife through sensory disturbance, habituation, and/or may alter movement

patterns and/or contribute to short term avoidance of the area. Timing of project activities may be

important to prevent impacts to amphibians that breed in wetlands, and to protect nesting birds.

American badger occurrence is likely at the Harrogate and Columbia Road South project sites, and

possible at the remaining two sites. The primary concern is disturbing/destruction of active burrows



during civil works. Site specific mitigation may be required for civil work where recent badger activity is

observed.

Potential project impacts on the at risk Whitehouse’s fritillary which have been observed at the

Spillmacheen rest area, are undetermined but may include direct mortality, particularly of larva which

cannot flee the work area; and loss of floral habitat features including larval hosts (violas) and quality

nectar sources for adults.

The osprey nest, platform and pole at Harrogate will be relocated to outside of the project footprint. This

must be completed before osprey return for breeding, typically in early to mid-April. Construction has the

potential to disturb osprey nesting at Harrogate if the nest is active. While ospreys nesting at this location

are expected to have some tolerance to disturbance due to the proximity to the highway, concentrated

construction activity at this location may increase the level of disturbance.


The following mitigation measures are recommended to minimize potential impacts to wildlife within and

surrounding the project area:

• A key mitigation to avoid impacts to wildlife is to schedule work to avoid sensitive life stages. A

summary of the general least risk windows for wildlife groups in the area is provided in Table 3.

Work scheduled outside of these windows may require additional monitoring or mitigation if

identified wildlife are present on site.

• Active bird nests are protected by the Migratory Bird Convention Act and BC Wildlife Act.

Activities such as clearing and grubbing that occur during the breeding bird season between April

1 and August 15th may require confirmation that no active nests are present (Table 3). Riparian

shrub habitat in particular can be expected to be used for nesting habitat.

• Moving the osprey nest at Harrogate should be complete prior to the arrival of osprey requires a

permit under the BC Wildlife Act.

• In the event that the osprey nest is active, concentrated construction activity may require a

additional mitigation, such as establishing a buffer.

• Avoid/minimize disturbance to the marsh north of Spillmacheen and maintain as large of a buffer

as possible between the marsh and the highway alignment.

• Any vegetation removal and infilling of seasonally inundated areas adjacent to the marsh should

be delayed until sites can be isolated or are dry and any amphibians present can flee or be

removed from the affected areas.

• Site isolation fencing may be required to prevent wildlife (specifically amphibians) from entering

the Spillmacheen worksite. A qualified environmental professional (QEP) should conduct a sweep

to ensure no amphibians or reptiles are present within the work area prior to work beginning and

if seepage/pooling water is present within the work area during construction. An amphibian



salvage permit is recommended in the event that amphibians need to be relocated from within

active areas of the work site.

• All food, garbage, and attractants should be stored in a secure location and garbage should be

removed from the site on a daily basis.

• All open excavations should be fenced or covered when work crews are off site to prevent wildlife

entrapment or injury.

The following mitigation measures are recommended to protect badgers during construction:

• Assess for recent badger activity prior to any civil work. A badger burrow identification guide

(Badgers in BC 2020) is attached in Appendix 2.

• Maintain a 20 m buffer where possible around identified badger burrows.

• Develop specific work plans and mitigation if civil work is required adjacent to potential badger

burrows. Potential mitigation includes minimizing the disturbance (i.e using a vacuum truck

instead of excavators for hydro poles), incrementally starting work to allow sufficient time for

badgers to move, and monitoring for badger activity during civil work.

• All site personal should be aware of potential badger signs and should immediately report

suspected badger presence to the environmental monitor.

• Badger occupation or usage areas near project sites will be avoided to limit alienation of badgers

from potential foraging habitat.

The following mitigation measures are recommended to minimize potential impacts to pollinators,

including at risk Whitehouse’s fritillaries.

• Preferred timing of work where Whitehouse’s fritillary may be present is during the peak flight

period (July), when larvae and eggs are absent, and adults can flee the work area (Table 3).

• Larval plants and nectar plants of use to Whitehouse’s fritillary should be used to revegetate

disturbed areas (e.g. Viola spp., Monarda fistulosa, Cirsium undulatum, native Asteraceae spp.,

etc.). Selected revegetation grass species should not outcompete selected pollinator plants (e.g.

high proportion of bunchgrasses and no aggressive turf grasses). Revegetation should result in

open low-growing habitat suitable for pollinators. Selected plant species should be low in stature

to limit maintenance requirements, as ongoing mowing and herbicide application may cause

direct mortality of butterfly larva and adults and/or loss of seasonal nectar sources.

• An MOTI Environmental Roadside Manager should be consulted regarding construction activities

near known at-risk pollinator habitat.



Table 3. Periods of least risk for wildlife.

Species Least Risk Window

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Raptors and Herons

Breeding birds

Amphibians

American Badger

Whitehouse’s Fritillary

Aquatic Resources 5.4

Aquatic resources within the project area include the marsh at Spillmacheen, the small stream south of

Ben Hynes Road at Harrogate, and the spring at Harrogate. Construction near aquatic habitat has the

potential to alter local hydrology and obligate riparian species, affect water quality via increased

sedimentation, accidental spills and leaks, and the improper storage, application, or disposal of chemicals.

The placement of fill to allow for the proposed acceleration/deceleration lanes may result in a loss of

aquatic habitat in the adjacent marshes at Spillmacheen. This would be considered instream work and

would require an Approval under Section 11 of the BC Water Sustainability Act.

Expansion of the highway prism at the intersection of Ben Hynes Road and Highway 95 at Harrogate will

require extension of the culvert for the stream at this location. This would be considered instream work

and would require a notification under Section 11 of the BC Water Sustainability Act.


The following recommendations are provided to mitigate potential impacts to aquatic habitat within and

surrounding the project area:

• Minimize clearing and grubbing boundaries adjacent to all watercourses.

• Alignment design should avoid encroaching into the Spillmacheen marshes if possible.

• Disturbed areas along the Spillmacheen marshes should be re-planted with native shrubs to

create a buffer between the highway and sensitive aquatic habitat.

• Communicate with landowner at north end of Harrogate site regarding works near the springs.

• Site drainage patterns should be maintained whenever possible.

• Construction areas should be isolated from the aquatic habitats using erosion and sediment

control best management practices and site isolation methods (e.g. scheduling, maintaining

vegetated buffers, berms, use of covers, sediment fencing).

• Stripping and waste materials should be stockpiled in stable locations away from wetlands and

watercourses.

• Refueling and equipment maintenance should be conducted a minimum of 30 m away from

watercourses and wetlands.



• All disturbed areas should be revegetated to stabilize the soil and limit erosion potential.

• An approval under the Water Sustainability Act will be required where infill or marsh/wetland

occurs (Spillmacheen).

• A notification under the Water Sustainability Act will be required for work at Pratt Creek at

Harrogate (culvert extension).

6 CONCLUSION

The project area generally consists of a right-of-way that has been heavily disturbed by anthropogenic

activities. As the overall project footprint is relatively small, and impacts of the proposed project are not

anticipated to be significant. The largest impacts are associated with areas where the highway road prism

will be widened, particularly where cut slopes are required into existing banks, or where fill is required

adjacent to wetlands.

Sensitive ecological features include wetlands adjacent to the Spillmacheen site and a seep and stream at

Harrogate. Species at risk present include American badger (red-listed), which are found throughout the

Columbia Valley and are known to occur in close proximity to the Harrogate and Columbia Road south

sites, and the blue-listed butterfly Whitehouse’s fritillary which has been observed at the Spillmacheen

rest area. As the timing of the field survey was not ideal for plant, butterfly, or amphibian identification, a

QEP should review these areas prior to construction to determine if at-risk species are present and

develop mitigative strategies if required.

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) should be prepared by a QEP and provided to

the contractor prior to construction to help ensure that impacts on the environment are minimized during

the project works. The CEMP will provide information to the contractor and project team on their

responsibilities with regards to environmental procedures and mitigation actions.

We trust this information meets your current requirements. If you have any questions, or require further

information, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Sincerely,

Iraleigh Anderson, B.Sc., A.Ag. Ico de Zwart, Ph.D., R.P.Bio.



7 REFERENCES

Bird, C.D., Hilchie, G.J., Kondla, N.G., Pike, E.M., and Sperling, F.A.H. 1995. Alberta Butterflies. The

Provincial Museum of Alberta.

[BCBRT] British Columbia Badger Recovery Team. 2016. Recovery Plan for American Badger (Taxidea

taxus) in British Columbia. Prepared for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, B.C. 36 pp.

[MOE] B.C. Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Ecosystems Branch. 2019. Wildlife

Habitat Features Field Guide (Kootenay Boundary Region)

Butterfly Identification. 2019. Aphrodite Fritillary (Speyeria aphrodite). Accessed December 13, 2019.

https://www.butterflyidentification.com/aphrodite-fritillary.htm

[CDC] B.C. Conservation Data Centre: CDC iMap [web application]. 2019. Victoria, British Columbia,

Canada. Available: http://maps.gov.bc.ca/ess/sv/cdc/ (October 15, 2019).

[COSEWIC] Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. 2012. COSEWIC assessment and

status report on the American Badger Taxidea taxus in Canada. Committee on the Status of

Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Ottawa. (www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/default_e.cfm).

[EKISC] East Kootenay Invasive Species Council. 2019. 2018 Invasive Plant Priority Lists by IPMA.

https://62ee5b80-b288-47ea-b347-

8a0e922c2a95.filesusr.com/ugd/0e63db_2be5d751e1934d0da9bcc8df36a52e4f.pdf

Heron, J. 2013. BC Conservation Data Centre: Conservation Status Report Speyeria aphrodite

whitehousei Aphrodite fritillary, whitehousei subspecies. Accessed on December 4, 2019.

http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/esr.do?id=24267

Guppy, C.S. and J.H. Shepard. 2001. Butterflies of British Columbia. UBC Press and Royal British

Columbia Museum: Victoria, British Columbia.

iMapBC 2019. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/data/geographic-data-services/web-based-

mapping/imapbc

Kinley, T. 2009. Badger Roadkill Mitigation in the East Kootenay. Prepared for the Fish and Wildlife

Compensation Program - Columbia Basin.



Kondla, N. 2019. Nobert Kondla Personal Communication December 12, 2019.

Lomer, F. 2014. Phragmites australis americanus UBC Herbarium Accession Number V242121

MacKillop, D.J., A.J. Ehman, K.E. Iverson, and E.B. McKenzie. 2018. A field guide to site classification

and identification for southeast British Columbia: the East Kootenay. Prov. B.C., Victoria, B.C. Land

Manag. Handb. 7

[MOE] BC Ministry of Environment. Fish Inventory Data Query.

Province of British Columbia. 1998. Field manual for describing terrestrial ecosystems in the field. BC

Ministry of Forests and BC Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks, Victoria, British Columbia,

Canada.

Rousseu, F. and B. Drolet. 2015. Prediction of the nesting phenology of birds in Canada. In: J. Hussell

and D. Lepage. 2015. Bird Nesting Calendar Query Tool. Project NestWatch. Bird Studies Canada /

Études d’Oiseaux Canada, Accessed: 02/01/2019.

https://www.birdscanada.org/volunteer/pnw/rnest/

SARA. 2018. Species at Risk Act. Statutes of Canada, 2002, chapters 14 to 29. Canada Gazette 25(3).

Accessed: 30/01/2019. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/s-15.3/page-4.html#docCont

Appendix 1. Species at Risk Summary

Likelihood of occurrence of at-risk species within the Highway 95 upgrade project area.

Scientific Name English Name BC List1 SARA2 Occurrence Comments

Amphibians

Lithobates pipiens Northern Leopard Frog Red 1-E (Jun 2003) Possible

Relatively wide ranging, semi-aquatic amphibian

which uses separate wetland types for breeding and

overwintering and travels up to 8 km to access open

foraging habitats including pastures, grasslands,

ditches, riparian areas, and scrublands.

Anaxyrus boreas Western Toad Yellow 1-SC (Jun 2018) Possible Migrates seasonally between aquatic breeding and

terrestrial nonbreeding habitats.

Reptiles and Turtles

Charina bottae Northern Rubber Boa Yellow 1-SC (Jan 2005) Unlikely Habitat features include rotten stumps, logs, and

talus. Associated with riparian areas.

Chrysemys picta Painted Turtle No Status 1-E/SC (Dec

2007) Unlikely

A conspicuous species. Occurrences along highways

are not likely overlooked. Wetland and riparian

habitat requirements including open water.

Plestiodon skiltonianus Western Skink Blue 1-SC (Jan 2005) Unlikely

Species range includes south central BC and does not

extend into project region. Occurrence location within

project region is uncertain.

Birds

Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern Blue Possible Strictly associated with wetlands with abundant

emergent vegetation such as reeds and cattails.

Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink Blue 1-T (Nov 2017) Possible

Prefers open foraging areas. The Edgewater sites are

near a CDC polygon representing a historical Bobolink

observation (1982).

Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk Yellow 1-T (Feb 2010) Possible Associated with open coniferous forests, savanna,

grasslands, fields and riparian shrub. Ground nester.

Coccothraustes

vespertinus Evening Grosbeak Yellow 1-SC (May 2019) Possible

Often nests at elevation higher than project areas.

Sometimes visit roads for salt during winter.

Falco mexicanus Prairie Falcon Red Possible Overgrazed grasslands at mid elevations

Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper Red Possible

Associated with pasture/old field, cultivated fields and

grasslands. Requires extensive, open tracts of short

grassland habitat for nesting. Has been found along

highway rights-of-way and on airfields.

Recurvirostra

americana American Avocet Blue Unlikely

Rare in BC. Nest and forage in close association with

shallow alkaline ponds.


Tyto alba Barn Owl Red 1-T (Jun 2018) Unlikely

Prefers dry grasslands, shrublands, rocky slopes.

Often nests in open buildings. Occurrence in project

region is uncertain.

Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Blue 1-T (Nov 2017) Unlikely

Associated with rural human-dominated areas,

requires sheltered structures such as buildings,

bridges, caves or cliff crevasses for nesting. No

suitable nesting habitat within project area.

Cypseloides niger Black Swift Blue 1-E (May 2019) Unlikely Steep rocky nesting habitat lacking from project area.

Buteo platypterus Broad-winged Hawk Blue Unlikely Associated with dense, undisturbed deciduous or

mixed-deciduous forests.

Larus californicus California Gull Blue Unlikely

Associated with lowland marshes, mudflats, ponds

and lakes. Nests on open flats or areas with scattered

tufts of grass. Reported in BC along larger lakes and

wetlands where nesting sites are typically located on

isolated promontories or islands.

Catherpes mexicanus Canyon Wren Blue Unlikely Requires rocky areas for breeding. Lack of breeding

evidence according to the BC Breeding Bird Atlas.

Podiceps nigricollis Eared Grebe Blue Unlikely

Nearest known breeding site is south of Invermere.

Breeds in marshes and lakes with abundant

invertebrates.

Psiloscops flammeolus Flammulated Owl Blue 1-SC (Jun 2003) Unlikely Cavity nester associated with older forests. Primarily

found in dry IDF forests.

Ardea herodias

herodias

Great Blue Heron, herodias

subspecies Blue Unlikely

Nests in colonies in stands of large trees near

significant water bodies; forages in wetlands.

Eremophila alpestris

merrilli

Horned Lark, merrilli

subspecies Blue Unlikely Occurs in high subalpine and alpine areas.

Chondestes

grammacus Lark Sparrow Blue Unlikely

Associated with open coniferous forests, savanna,

grasslands, fields and riparian shrub. Nests on the

ground on bare sites in open areas.

Melanerpes lewis Lewis's Woodpecker Blue 1-T (Jul 2012) Unlikely Associated with open, fire-maintained mature

ponderosa pine forests.

Numenius americanus Long-billed Curlew Blue 1-SC (Jan 2005) Unlikely Associated with extensive, undisturbed grasslands.

Accipiter gentilis

atricapillus

Northern Goshawk, atricapillus

subspecies Blue Unlikely Species is averse to developed areas

Contopus cooperi Olive-sided Flycatcher Blue 1-T (Feb 2010) Unlikely Habitat includes cool mesic conifer forests. Likely

occurs at higher elevations that project area.


Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon No Status 1-SC Unlikely Cliff Nesting habitat lacking from project area

Antigone canadensis Sandhill Crane Yellow Unlikely Habitat includes marshes and meadows along the

Kootenay River. Prefers undisturbed habitats.

Tympanuchus

phasianellus

columbianus

Sharp-tailed Grouse,

columbianus subspecies Blue Unlikely

Ephemerally open sites such as burns, meadows, and

swamps are preferred habitat. Low probability of

observation in the study area.

Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl Blue 1-SC (Jul 2012) Unlikely Grassland, ground-nesting species. Requires

extensive undisturbed grassland habitat.

Buteo swainsoni Swainson's Hawk Red Unlikely

limited evidence of breeding, and low probability of

observation in the region according to BC Breeding

Bird atlas.

Megascops kennicottii

macfarlanei

Western Screech-Owl,

macfarlanei subspecies Blue 1-T Unlikely

Secondary cavity nester; requires riparian habitat

dominated by large-diameter old trees, preferably

cottonwood and trembling aspen.

Aeronautes saxatalis White-throated Swift Blue Unlikely Nests in cliffs. Low probability of occurrence in the

region according to BC Breeding Bird Atlas.

Sphyrapicus thyroideus Williamson's Sapsucker Blue 1-E (Aug 2006) Unlikely Typically occurring in the montane zone in

association with mature stands of western larch.

Mammals

Taxidea taxus American Badger Red 1-E (Jun 2018) Confirmed

All project footprints are within a mapped CDC

polygon encompassing the Kootenay Trench were

there are over a thousand American Badger records.

Ovis canadensis Bighorn Sheep Blue Unlikely Rocky escape habitat lacking in project area.

Pekania pennanti Fisher Blue Unlikely

A very rare mammal likely to be found in mature

forest with abundant coarse woody debris, prey

animals (snowshoe hair and porcupine) and large

diameter snags for denning.

Myotis thysanodes Fringed Myotis Blue 3 (Mar 2005) Unlikely

Nearest observation of this species is Creston. Little

known about roosting behavior. Rocky hibernation

habitat lacking.

Ursus arctos Grizzly Bear Blue 1-SC (Jun 2018) Unlikely Species likely to avoid extended occupancy near

humans at low elevations.

Myotis lucifugus Little Brown Myotis Yellow 1-E (Dec 2014) Unlikely

Associated with human-made structures, cave and

hollow trees for resting, maternity and winter

hibernation sites.

Oreamnos americanus Mountain Goat Blue Unlikely Rocky escape habitat lacking in project area.


Euderma maculatum Spotted Bat Blue 1-SC (Jul 2005) Unlikely Highly associated with caves and cave-like roosts. No

suitable habitat within project area.

Corynorhinus

townsendii Townsend's Big-eared Bat Blue Unlikely

No potential roosting sites observed within project

area.

Gulo gulo Wolverine No Status 1-SC (Jun 2018) Unlikely Avoids humans. Occurs in large wilderness tracts,

may rarely pass through project sites.

Insects

Speyeria aphrodite

whitehousei Whitehouse’s fritillary Blue Confirmed Known to occur at the Spillmacheen rest area.

Aeshna constricta Lance-tipped Darner Blue Possible A rare species. Associated with small ponds and open

marshes.

Danaus plexippus Monarch Blue 1-SC (Jun 2003) Possible A migratory species which may pass through project

area.

Libellula pulchella Twelve-spotted Skimmer Blue Possible habitat includes exposed soils along rich marshes.

Boloria alberta Albert's Fritillary Blue Unlikely An alpine species often associated with Dryas

octopetala

Pyrgus communis Checkered Skipper Blue Unlikely Xeric habitats. Known to occur in habitat with suitable

malvaceous food plants, including garden hollyhocks.

Pholisora catullus Common Sootywing Blue Unlikely Highly associated with extensive steep, south-aspect,

rocky slopes.

Lycaena dione Dione Copper Red Unlikely Only known BC population is in Cranbrook. Extremely

rare in BC.

Cupido comyntas Eastern Tailed Blue Blue Unlikely

A rare species with limited distribution in BC.

Occurrence location within project region is

uncertain.

Argia emma Emma's Dancer Blue Unlikely Rivers, creeks and beaches.

Cicindela hirticollis Hairy-necked Tiger Beetle Blue Unlikely Open, un-stabilized sand habitat lacking in project

area.

Callophrys affinis Immaculate Green Hairstreak Blue Unlikely Found on dry slopes, mostly in association with

Eriogonum spp.

Oeneis jutta chermocki Jutta Arctic, chermocki

subspecies Blue Unlikely

Generally, associated with bog habitats. Complex life

history.

Lycaena nivalis Lilac-bordered Copper Blue Unlikely A species of xeric open sites.

Hesperia nevada Nevada Skipper Blue Unlikely Larval foodplant (Stipa occidentalis) is unlikely to

occur in abundance in project footprint.


Papilio machaon dodi Old World Swallowtail, dodi

subspecies Red Unlikely A species of grassland lakes and springs.

Phanogomphus

graslinellus Pronghorn Clubtail Blue Unlikely

Occurs on warm sandy lake margins with abundant

emergent vegetation litter. Nearest occurrence near

Canal Flats.

Epargyreus clarus Silver-spotted Skipper Blue Unlikely Larval food plants (specific Fabaceae species) are not

known to occur in project area.

Ophiogomphus

occidentis Sinuous Snaketail Blue Unlikely

Sandy aquatic breeding habitat lacking from project

area.

Polites themistocles

themistocles

Tawny-edged Skipper,

themistocles subspecies Blue Unlikely A species of grassland lakes and springs.

Argia vivida Vivid Dancer Blue 1-SC (Feb 2019) Unlikely Hot spring habitat.

Macromia magnifica Western River Cruiser Blue Unlikely Occurs predominately in subalpine and alpine habitat;

avoids human settlement and highly disturbed areas.

Mollusks

Anguispira kochi Banded Tigersnail Blue Possible A species of mixed riparian forests. Potential

occurrence in forest near Spillmacheen rest stop.

Cryptomastix mullani Coeur d'Alene Oregonian Blue Possible A species of mixed riparian forests. Potential

occurrence in forest near Spillmacheen rest stop.

Galba dalli Dusky Fossaria Blue Possible

Nearest recorded occurrence in the Flathead valley.

Poorly understood species distribution. Could occur in

marsh near Spillmacheen rest-stop.

Hemphillia camelus Pale Jumping-slug Blue Possible Habitat is low elevation mixed forest.

Galba bulimoides Prairie Fossaria Blue Possible

Nearest recorded occurrence in the Flathead valley.

Poorly understood species distribution. Could occur in

marsh near Spillmacheen rest-stop.

Gyraulus crista Star Gyro Blue Possible

Known to occur in project region. Habitat includes

ponds. Inventory limited. Could occur at marsh near

Spillmacheen rest stop.

Stagnicola traski Widelip Pondsnail Blue Possible

Project area is within species BC range. Inventory

lacking. Could occur at marsh near Spillmacheen rest

stop.

Valvata humeralis Glossy Valvata Red Unlikely Project area north of known species range. Nearest

occurrence in Flathead Valley in 2012.

Galba obrussa Golden Fossaria Blue Unlikely Known provincial distribution runs from Prince George

to Skaha Lake; however, inventory effort is lacking.


Gastrocopta holzingeri Lambda Snaggletooth Red Unlikely Only known population is in Columbia Lake.

Magnipelta mycophaga Magnum Mantleslug Blue 1-SC Unlikely A species of wet subalpine sites.

Zacoleus idahoensis Sheathed Slug Blue 1-SC (Feb 2019) Unlikely Occurs on wet sites with decaying logs.

Oreohelix subrudis Subalpine Mountainsnail Blue Unlikely Species occurs along streams and in swamps.

Valvata tricarinata Threeridge Valvata Red Unlikely A rare species with spotty distribution in SE BC.

Nearest occurrence is Wasa Lake.

Stagnicola caperata Wrinkled Marshsnail Blue Unlikely Nearest known occurrence is in Yoho NP. Possible

misidentification of southern BC specimens.

Plants

Acorus americanus American sweet-flag Blue Possible A marsh species often confused with cattail, with

which it sometimes co-occurs.

Azolla mexicana Mexican mosquito fern Blue 1-T (Jun 2003) Possible

Aquatic fern occurring in ponds and sloughs.

Potential habitat in marsh near Spillmacheen rest

stop, however, there no occurrence records could be

found for the project region.

Veronica catenata pink water speedwell Blue Possible Occurs along pond edges. Nearest occurrence is

Cranbrook.

Glycyrrhiza lepidota wild licorice Blue Possible Nearest occurrence is near Fort Steele. Disturbed

open forest habitats.

Potentilla glaucophylla

var. perdissecta diverse-leaved cinquefoil Blue Unlikely

A species of alpine tundra. Nearby occurrences are

sparse and typically on the E face of the Rockies.

Polemonium elegans elegant Jacob's-ladder Red Unlikely

Rocky slopes in the high country. Mostly W of

Cascades. Occurrence location within project region is

uncertain.

Cirsium scariosum var.

scariosum elk thistle Blue Unlikely

Rare species of dry open forest in extreme SE BC.

Nearest occurrence is in Crowsnest Pass.

Polygonum

engelmannii Engelmann's knotweed Red Unlikely

Nearest occurrence is in the flathead. Open dry

slopes.

Muhlenbergia andina foxtail muhly Red Unlikely A hot spring specialist.

Epipactis gigantea giant helleborine Yellow 3 Unlikely Calcareous wetlands and seep specialist.

Conspicuous.

Gayophytum

ramosissimum hairstem groundsmoke Blue Unlikely

Habitat includes dry grasslands, shrublands, rocky

slopes and forest openings in the steppe and

montane zones.


Marsilea vestita hairy water-clover Blue Unlikely a species of "inundated lake margins". Occurrence in

the project region is uncertain.

Scrophularia lanceolata lance-leaved figwort Blue Unlikely

Occurs in a variety of habitats, though occurrence in

BC is extremely limited. A tall conspicuous species

that would not be overlooked.

Symphyotrichum

ascendens long-leaved aster Blue Unlikely

The Edgewater sites are near a CDC polygon

representing an extirpated long-leaved aster

population. A very rare species.

Pinus flexilis limber pine Blue Unlikely Three CDC occurrence records along the west face of

the Rocky Mountains E of the project sites.

Delphinium bicolor ssp.

bicolor Montana larkspur Blue Unlikely

Dry rock outcrops, grasslands, shrublands and

forests. Nearest occurrence is Fairmont hot springs.

Scirpus pallidus pale bulrush Red Unlikely A wetland species, with multiple occurrences in the

Fairmont Hot Springs area.

Lathyrus lanszwertii

var. bijugatus pinewood peavine Red Unlikely

Occurs on dry slopes and forest openings in the

steppe and lower montane zones. Rare in

southeastern BC. Occurs near Grasmere.

Orobanche ludoviciana

var. ludoviciana prairie broomrape Red Unlikely

Only occurrence in BC is Bull River. Parasitic on

sagebrush.

Gentiana affinis prairie gentian Red Unlikely Saline meadows and open grassy slopes. Nearest

occurrence is Kimberley.

Thalictrum dasycarpum purple meadowrue Blue Unlikely A conspicuous riparian wildflower to 1.5 m tall.

Nearest occurrence is in the Flathead valley.

Eutrema salsugineum saltwater cress Blue Unlikely Occurs along dry saline lakes and meadows in the

montane zone.

Olsynium douglasii var.

inflatum satinflower Red Unlikely A species occurring in vernally moist rock outcrops

Oenothera

suffrutescens scarlet gaura Red Unlikely

Habitat include grasslands and sagebrush steppe.

Nearest occurrence is Marysville.

Adiantum capillus-

veneris southern maiden-hair Red 1-E (Jun 2003) Unlikely A hot spring specialist.

Potamogeton

strictifolius stiff-leaved pondweed Blue Unlikely A lake species known nearby from Lake Windemere.

Lupinus sulphureus sulphur lupine Blue Unlikely Dry sagebrush steppe and open forest. Nearest

occurrence is near Cranbrook.

Pinus albicaulis whitebark pine Blue 1-E (Jul 2012) Unlikely Conspicuous tree of the subalpine.


Liparis loeselii yellow widelip orchid Blue Unlikely A species of riparian meadows and fens. Nearest

occurrence is in Golden.

Mosses

Pterygoneurum kozlovii alkaline wing-nerved moss Blue 1-T (Aug 2006) Unlikely Occurs on open to grass margins of alkaline ponds.

Nearest occurrence is Canal Flats.

Bryum uliginosum Blue

Unlikely

Very few occurrences in BC. A species of shaded and

or moist forest soils, and rock ledges. Occurrence

location within project region is uncertain.

Encalypta spathulata Blue

Unlikely

Occurs on bare, moist disturbed forest soils with

other ruderal moss spp. Occurrence location within

project region is uncertain.

Hygrohypnum alpinum Blue

Unlikely A species most often recorded on rocky stream

margins at higher elevations.

Mnium arizonicum Blue

Unlikely

Occurs on mesic to moist shaded forest soils.

Occurrence location within project region is

uncertain.

Physcomitrella patens Red

Unlikely Found on mud in dried up pond bottoms. Nearest

occurrence is in Purcell wilderness

Tortula obtusifolia Blue

Unlikely

Documentation of occurrence within study region

unavailable. A lithophilic species. Limited rock in

project area.

Weissia brachycarpa Blue

Unlikely

Habitat is poorly documented. Few occurrences in

BC. Documentation of occurrence within study region

unavailable.

Lichens

Umbilicaria lyngei puckered rocktripe Blue

Unlikely

Grows on rock. Only known provincial occurrence in

Wells Gray Provincial Park. Documentation of

occurrence within study region unavailable. 1Red = Species that is at risk of being lost (extirpated, endangered or threatened) within British Columbia. Blue = Species considered to be of special concern within British Columbia. 2Most recent status as assessed by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. E– Endangered; T – threatened; SC – special concern; NS – no status. 3Federal

legal designation under the Species at Risk Act. Number designates listing schedule in the Species at Risk Act. Date indicates the date this species received this designation. E–

Endangered; T – threatened; SC – special concern; NS – no status. Endangered = Facing imminent extirpation or extinction. Threatened = Likely to become endangered if nothing is

done to reverse the factors leading to its extirpation or extinction. Special concern = May become a threatened or an endangered species because of a combination of biological

characteristics and identified threats. Information sources: British Columbia Conservation Data Centre, BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer, and references therein.

Appendix 2. Badger Burrow ID

Occurrence• southerninteriorofBC• varietyofhabitats;grasslands

anddryopenforestsaremostcommon

• occurinloggedorburnedforests,oftenatdisturbedareassuchaslandings

• alsooccurinthealpine

Sign• moundofdirtattheentrance

toalargeellipticalhole• burrowpluggedwithsoft

“fluffy”dirtisgoodindicationthebadgeriscurrentlyintheburrow

• badgersregularlyre-useburrowsacrosstheirrange

Badger Burrow ID

BurrOw LOcatiOn• flattosteepterrainfromvalleybottomtoalpine• silty,loamy,clayeyandsandy;coarsefragments

rangefromlowtohigh

Diet• mainsource:Columbian

groundsquirrel• othersources:voles,marmots,

muskrats,birds,insectsandscavengedroadkill

PluggeD BaDger Burrow

Desktop Graphics 060105

BaDger BurrOwS• ellipticalshape;about20–30

cmwideand15–25cmhigh• clawmarksmaybeseenalong

sidesandtop,3–5cmapart

traDing PLaceS• foxes,coyotesandbearsoftenenlargeandusean

oldbadgerburrow• coyotedensaretallerandlessround• badgersandgroundsquirrelsregularly

“exchange”burrows• burrowsmostrecentlyoccupiedbyground

squirrelsoftennarrowdownto10cm• burrowsusedbybadgersmostrecentlyremainat

least19cmwide

grOunD SquirreL BurrOwS• fairlyround,withentrances

about10cmindiameter• amountofdirtattheentrance

ofbadgerorgroundsquirrelburrowshighlyvariableandnotagoodindicatorofwhichspeciesexcavatedtheburrow

Coyote Den

jeffersonii Badger Recovery Team

photo credits: tim Mcallister, richard klafki, and roger packham

Environmental Assessment of Highway 95 Corridor Safety … · 2020-06-25 · Environmental Assessment of Highway 95 Corridor Safety Improvements Masse Environmental Consultants Ltd.

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