Multi species at risk in Garry Oaks ecosystems ephemeral wet areas: recovery strategy replacements

Water-plantain Buttercup, Tall Woolly-heads  Kellogg's Rush (in fruit), Rosy Owl-clover and Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil in flower and a mature individual of Dwarf Sandwort

Replacement of Sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the following Recovery Strategy:

Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Vernal Pools and other Ephemeral Wet Areas Associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Parks Canada Agency, Ottawa. 73 pp.

For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk Public Registry.

Cover illustration:
Top Left: Water-plantain Buttercup, © M. Fairbarns, Top Centre: Tall Woolly-heads © A. Ceska, Top Right: Kellogg's Rush © R. Batten, Bottom Left: Rosy Owl-clover © M. Fairbarns, Bottom Centre: Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil © T. Kohler, Bottom Right: Dwarf Sandwort © M. Fairbarns

Également disponible en français sous le titre
« Remplacement des sections 2.5 et 2.6 du Programme de rétablissement multi-espèces visant les plantes en péril des mares printanières et autres milieux humides saisonniers associés aux chênaies de Garry au Canada »

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 2016. All rights reserved.

Paper format:
ISBN: 978-0-660-06170-2
Catalogue no. En3-4/224-2016E

PDF format:
ISBN: 978-0-660-06168-9
Catalogue no. En3-4/224-2016E-PDF

Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.

Acknowledgements

The Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team is thanked for their involvement in the development of this recovery strategy. The initial draft of this amendment was prepared by Todd Kohler of the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team (GOERT) Society. Thank you to the GOERT Plants at Risk Recovery Implementation Group for providing their valuable advice, knowledge and experience in the development of this recovery strategy amendment. Additional revision to this document has been made based on comments and edits provided by a number of organizations and partners including volunteers, contactors, nature conservancies, academic institutions, provincial, municipal and federal governments, and US collaborators. Thank you also to the numerous landowners and land managers for their support and stewardship activities.

Table of Contents

Introduction

This document replaces sections 2.5 and 2.6 of the “Recovery Strategy for Multi-Species at Risk in Vernal Pools and other Ephemeral Wet Areas associated with Garry Oak Ecosystems in Canada” (Parks Canada Agency 2006), which was posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry on August 11th 2006Footnote1. In replacing sections 2.5 and 2.6 this amendment provides a partial identification of critical habitat for: Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus pinnatus), Tall Woolly-heads (Psilocarphus elatior), Water-plantain Buttercup (Ranunculus alismifolius), Kellogg's Rush (Juncus kelloggii), Rosy Owl-clover (Orthocarpus bracteosus), and Dwarf Sandwort (Minuartia pusilla). The Government of Canada, in cooperation with the provinces and other partners, is continuing work that will lead to the identification of additional critical habitat in future recovery planning documents to meet the population and distribution objectives for the recovery of multiple species at risk in vernal pools and other ephemeral wet areas associated with Garry Oak ecosystems in Canada.

2.5. Critical Habitat

Areas of critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil, Tall Woolly-heads, Water-plantain Buttercup, Kellogg's Rush, Rosy Owl-clover, and Dwarf Sandwort are identified in this amendment. Critical habitat is defined in the Species at Risk Act as “...the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species' critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species” (Subsection 2(1)). Habitat for a terrestrial wildlife species is defined in the Species at Risk Act as “…the area or type of site where an individual or wildlife species naturally occurs or depends on directly or indirectly in order to carry out its life processes or formerly occurred and has the potential to be reintroduced” (Subsection 2(1)).

Critical habitat for the above mentioned species is identified in this amendment to the extent possible, based on the best available information. It is recognized that the critical habitat identified below is insufficient to achieve the population and distribution objectivesFootnote2 for these species because additional critical habitat is required to create new populations for these six species. More precise boundaries may be mapped, and additional critical habitat may be added in the future if ongoing research supports the inclusion of areas beyond those currently identified. The schedule of studies (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy (Parks Canada Agency 2006)) outlines the activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives of each species; some studies remain to be completed and the schedule of studies is still expected to provide the required information. The identification of critical habitat will be revised as information gaps are filled.

The habitats of all the species covered by this amendment occur in vernal pool and other ephemeral wet areas on southeast Vancouver Island and the adjacent Gulf Islands and islets. In addition to vernal pools, other ephemeral wet areas, such as vernal swales, vernal seeps, and seasonally wetted wetland margins are included in this amendment. These habitats occur within a larger mosaic of Garry Oak woodlands, maritime meadows, coastal bluffs, grasslands, rocky outcrops, and transitional forests that comprise Garry Oak and associated ecosystems (Fuchs 2001) and differ primarily in the period of annual inundation by water ( Section 1.4 and Section 3 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006). To characterize the habitat of each species, site and vegetation data were collected at most extant locations and are presented below for each species. It is important to note that further study of habitat is needed to improve our understanding of the critical habitat features and attributes for each of these species.

2.5.1. Identification of the Species' Critical Habitat

Geospatial location of areas containing critical habitat for plant species at risk in Vernal Pools and Ephemeral Wet Areas

Geospatial areas containing critical habitat are depicted as bounding areas (Figures 7-19). These bounding areas are delineated based on the location of critical habitat attributes. Note that many of the mapped areas shown contain critical habitat for more than one species. Biophysical attributes of critical habitat are generalized below, and explained in more detail by species in subsequent sections.

Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for plant species at risk in Maritime Meadows

Within the geospatial areas containing critical habitat, critical habitat for plant species of maritime meadows is identified based on the patchFootnote3 areas currently occupied by the species, and surrounding habitat which provides the biophysical attributes that maintain it. The specific attributes required for species' life history functions in occupied and surrounding habitat overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages. Within the habitat surrounding patch areas, two habitat features (the minimum canopy opening and the catchment area) are commonly required, and together comprise the biophysical attributes and identification of critical habitat for most species and sites (i.e., except where one or more of these features are not found to be relevant or limiting for the species). These features are explained below and referred to where relevant, in the species-specific critical habitat sections.

Many of the species require relatively unshaded light conditions to germinate and to support this light regime the area surrounding the seed bank must be clear of shading shrubs and trees: This surrounding area is the canopy opening required by the species. The minimum size of canopy openings can be determined based on the height that woody vegetation is able to grow in the area where it will cast shade on the plants or their seedbank (e.g., Spittlehouse et al., 2004). An additional consideration with regards to canopy opening is that when tall vegetation falls, it will cover an area of ground proportional to its height. For the species in this amendment (unless more specific data was available) a default minimum canopy opening of 20 meters was applied (based on the general maximum tree height in these areas).

In addition to canopy openings, specific hydrological characteristics are critical to the survival or recovery of many of these species. These hydrological characteristics are directly tied to rainfall (Graham 2004). Rainwater is collected and stored in the surrounding area called the catchment. This catchment area is directly responsible for receiving rainwater which flows along the prevailing topography to the plants. Surface water flow and subsurface seepage from these catchment areas are essential to the survival of several of the species addressed in this amendment. The catchment for each patch of plants is delineated by following the upslope high point of land which divides water flowing towards the plants, from water flowing away from the plants; in general, these catchment areas are relatively small (often < 0.5 ha) and isolated within landscape-scale catchments.

Populations of the four annual species addressed in this amendment (Tall Woolly-heads, Kellogg's Rush, Rosy Owl-clover and Dwarf Sandwort) are likely prone to large annual fluctuations (Parks Canada Agency 2006). While some habitat may not be used every year, the presence of plants in one year indicates that the habitat may be critical for storing seeds and boosting seed production in favourable years. All habitat used at any time by each patch of plants in each extant population is required to achieve the population and distribution objectives and is critical habitat. However, due to population fluctuations this habitat cannot be completely identified based on data from any single year; a long term data set is required to ensure the full range of population fluctuation is captured.

Critical Habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil

All known extant populations of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil are summarized in Table 1 which also indicates whether critical habitat is identified for each population. Critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 1: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant populations of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Gabriola Island Gabriola Island 7 Yes
Harewood Plains Harewood Plains 8 Yes
Woodley Range Woodley Range 9 Yes
Nanaimo, Private Extension Rd. Cinnabar Valley 10 Yes
Nanaimo White Rapids Rd. Cinnabar Valley 11 Yes

The habitat of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil in Canada occurs along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island and on the adjacent Gulf Islands. The habitat is characterized as vernal seeps, vernally wet meadows, creek margins, and other microsites that receive abundant moisture through the spring but dry out during the summer (Parks Canada 2006). Field investigations conducted in 2008-2009 helped to further characterize the habitat needs of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil (GOERT 2008 and 2009).

Figure 1 shows typical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil. Common attributes of habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (the cover of trees and shrubs is never substantial).
  • Less than two hundred metres above sea level.
  • Shallow soils derived from sedimentary rock.
  • From late fall to spring, the soils tend to remain moist to saturated, but soil moisture diminishes as the growing season progresses and by summer the soil experiences significant water deficits.

Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil habitat

Figure 1: Photo of typical Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil habitat in Canada (photo used with permission from Chris Junck).
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil

The common and specific attributes required for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and catchment areas. Therefore, critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each patch of plants in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

Existing roads, park fields, and ditches are not critical habitat.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 1 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 7 (Gabriola Island), Figure 8 (Harewood Plains), and Figure 9 (Woodley Range), critical habitat is identified as the minimum canopy opening and the catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil (GOERT 2008 and 2009). These populations were partially surveyed by GOERT (2008 and 2009); these surveys confirmed the continued existence of the species and its habitat at these locations and provided partial information on habitat and location. While the catchment areas have not yet been mapped, they are defined above and identified as critical habitat. Data from the BC Conservation Data Centre (2011) along with the information from GOERT (2008) is accepted as the best available information for the area occupied by the Harewood Plains population. For the portion of the Harewood Plains population that relies on data from the BC Conservation Data Centre, additional surveys are also necessary to refine the area occupied.

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 10 and Figure 11 (Cinnabar Valley), critical habitat for the survival of these two populations is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil. While critical habitat remains to be mapped in detail for these populations, data from the B.C. Conservation Data Centre (2011) is accepted as best available information regarding the area occupied by Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil patches at these locations. Additional surveys are required at these locations to delineate occupied area and catchment areas which are expected to fall within the identified boundaries.

In total, as of July 2011, 30.9 ha of critical habitat has been identified for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil.

Critical Habitat for Tall Woolly-heads

All known extant populations of Tall Woolly-heads are summarized in Table 2; this table indicates which populations of Tall Woolly-heads have critical habitat identified within this amendment. Where no critical habitat is identified, the data required for this purpose is stated. Critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 2: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant populations of Tall Woolly-heads.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Christmas Hill Christmas Hill 12 Yes
Somenos Marsh Somenos Creek 13 & 14 Yes
Uplands Park Uplands Park/Cattle Point 15 & 16 Yes
Not recorded in recovery strategy Scafe Hill n/a No*

*Data required to identify critical habitat: confirmation of species or habitat presence

The habitat of Tall Woolly-heads in Canada is restricted to a small area in and near Victoria, British Columbia. The habitat is generally characterized as low-elevation vernal pools and other open, sometimes disturbed, vernally moist places (Parks Canada 2006). To further characterize the habitat of Tall Woolly-heads, field investigations were conducted in 2008-2009 (Costanzo et al., 2009b and Fleming 2010).

Typical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is depicted in Figure 2. Common attributes of Tall Woolly-heads habitat include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (trees are absent and the cover of shrubs and robust vascular plants is never substantial).
  • Low elevation (< 120 m above sea level).
  • On level to gently sloping terrain; topography is level to at least slightly depressed such that rain water flows towards the plants.
  • Soils are imperfectly drained; receive seepage and/or surface runoff--the timing of water availability is a critical attribute: the site is dry in summer and wet in winter and spring.

Tall Woolly-heads habitat

Figure 2: Photo of typical Tall Woolly-heads habitat in Canada (used with permission from Brenda Costanzo).
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads

The common and specific attributes required for Tall Woolly-heads life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and/or catchment areas. Therefore, critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each plant or patch of plants in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Tall Woolly-heads).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 2 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Tall Woolly-heads and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 12 (Christmas Hill), Figure 13 (Somenos Creek - East), Figure 14, (Somenos Creek - West), and Figure 15 (Uplands Park), Figure 16 (Cattle Point), critical habitat for the survival of these populations is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Tall Woolly-heads.

In total, as of July 2011, 7.2 ha of habitat which is critical to Tall Woolly-heads survival has been identified.

Studies (Costanzo et al., 2009b and Fleming 2010) have been used to guide the location of boundaries within which critical habitat is found. It is expected that Costanzo et al., 2009b and Fleming 2010 do not represent the maximum extent of annual variation in these populations and, therefore, do not represent the total habitat required for the survival of extant Tall Woolly-heads populations. It is expected that over time, continued monitoring which documents annual fluctuations in population extent and habitat use will provide data which more confidently characterizes the total habitat needed by this species.

Critical Habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup

All known extant populations of Water-plantain Buttercup are summarized in Table 3; this table indicates which populations of Water-plantain Buttercup have critical habitat identified within this amendment. Critical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 3: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant populations of Water-plantain Buttercup.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Uplands Park Uplands/Cattle Point 15 Yes
Ballenas Island Ballenas Island 17 Yes

The habitat of Water-plantain Buttercup in Canada is generally characterized as low elevation vernal pools and wet Garry Oak meadows (Parks Canada 2006). Field investigations conducted in 2005, 2007, and 2009 helped to further characterize the habitat of Water-plantain Buttercup (Fairbarns 2008 and Costanzo 2009). Typical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup is depicted in Figure 3 and common attributes of Tall Woolly-heads habitat include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (the cover of trees and shrubs is never substantial).
  • One to ten metres above sea level, in slight depressions.
  • Glaciomarine clay, silt or loam, or coarse glaciofluvial material with a depth of >15 cm.
  • Soils tend to be poorly drained. The soils tend to remain moist in the early growing season (January to March), but soil moisture diminishes as the growing season progresses and by mid-summer the soil experiences significant water deficits for prolonged periods.
  • Woody material covering the soil is usually absent.

Water-plantain Buttercup habitat

Figure 3: Photo of typical Water-plantain Buttercup habitat in Canada (used with permission from Matt Fairbarns).
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup

The common and specific attributes required for Water-plantain Buttercup life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and/or catchment areas. Therefore critical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each patch of plants in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Water-plantain Buttercup).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

Existing roads, park fields, and ditches are not critical habitat.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 3 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Water-plantain Buttercup and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 15 (Uplands/Cattle Point) and Figure 17 (Ballenas Island), critical habitat for the survival of these populations is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Water-plantain Buttercup.

In total, as of July 2011, approximately 2.1 ha of habitat which is critical to Water-plantain Buttercup survival has been identified.

Critical Habitat for Kellogg's Rush

All known extant populations of Kellogg's Rush are summarized in Table 4; this table indicates which population of Kellogg's Rush have critical habitat identified within this amendment. Critical habitat for Kellogg's Rush is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 4: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant population of Kellogg's Rush.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Uplands Park Uplands/Cattle Point 15 Yes

The habitat of Kellogg's Rush in Canada is restricted to a single population (with three subpopulations) near Victoria, British Columbia. This habitat is generally characterized as a vernal swale in a seasonally flooded Garry Oak meadow (Parks Canada 2006). Field investigations conducted in 2009 helped to further characterize the habitat of Kellogg's Rush (Costanzo et al., 2009a). Typical habitat for Kellogg's Rush is depicted in Figure 4 and common attributes of Tall Woolly-heads habitat include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (trees are absent and the cover of shrubs and robust vascular plants is never substantial).
  • Low elevation (<40 m above sea level).
  • On level to gently sloping terrain; topography is level to at least slightly depressed such that rain water flows towards the plants.
  • Soils are imperfectly drained; receive seepage and/or surface runoff--the timing of water availability is a critical attribute: the site is dry in summer and wet in winter and spring.

Kellogg's Rush habitat

Figure 4: Photo of typical Kellogg's Rush habitat in Canada (used with permission from Brenda Costanzo).
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Kellogg's Rush

The common and specific attributes required for Kellogg's Rush life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and/or catchment areas. Therefore critical habitat for Kellogg's Rush includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each plant or patch of plants in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Kellogg's Rush).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

Existing roads, park fields, and ditches are not critical habitat.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 4 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Kellogg's Rush and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Kellogg's Rush

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 15 (Uplands/Cattle Point), critical habitat for the survival of this population is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Kellogg's Rush.

It is expected that Costanzo et al., 2009a does not represent the maximum extent of annual variation in this population and therefore does not represent the total habitat required for the survival of this sole extant Kellogg's Rush population. Costanzo et al., 2009a has been used to guide the location of boundaries within which critical habitat is found. It is expected that over time, continued monitoring which documents annual fluctuations in population extent and habitat use will provide data which more confidently characterizes the total habitat needed by this species.

In total, as of July 2011, approximately 0.37 ha of habitat which is critical to Kellogg's Rush survival has been identified.

Critical Habitat for Rosy Owl-clover

All known extant populations of Rosy Owl-clover are summarized in Table 5; this table indicates which population of Rosy Owl-clover have critical habitat identified within this amendment. Critical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 5: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant population of Rosy Owl-clover.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Trial Island Trial Island 18 Yes

The habitat of Rosy Owl-clover in Canada occurs on a small island southeast of Vancouver Island. The habitat of the single known population in Canada is generally characterized as a sloping vernal seep (Parks Canada 2006). Field investigations conducted in 2006-2008 helped to further characterize the habitat of Rosy Owl-clover (Fairbarns 2008).

Typical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover is depicted in Figure 5 and common attributes of Rosy Owl clover habitat include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (trees and shrubs are absent).
  • Low elevation (1 to 10 metres above sea level).
  • Topography is level to at least slightly depressed such that rain water flows towards the plants.
  • Soils are glaciomarine clay-loam, with a depth of 5 to 15 cm. The soil surface is characterized by about 80% exposed mineral soil.
  • Soils are imperfectly drained. The soil tends to remain moist to saturated for extended periods in the early growing season (April and May), but soil moisture diminishes as the growing season progresses and by early summer the soil experiences water deficits for prolonged periods.
  • Woody material covering the soil is absent.

Rosy Owl-clover habitat

Figure 5: Photo of typical Rosy Owl-clover habitat in Canada (used with permission from Matt Fairbarns).
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover

The common and specific attributes required for Rosy Owl-clover life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and/or catchment areas. Therefore critical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each plant or patch of plants in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Rosy Owl-clover).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

Existing roads, park fields, and ditches are not critical habitat.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 5 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Rosy Owl-clover and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 18 (Trial Island), critical habitat for the survival of the current population is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Rosy Owl-clover.

It is expected that Fairbarns 2008 does not represent the maximum extent of annual variation in this population and therefore does not represent the total habitat required for the survival of this sole extant Rosy Owl-clover population. The Fairbarns 2008 study has been used to guide the location of boundaries within which critical habitat is found. It is expected that over time, continued monitoring which documents annual fluctuations in population extent and habitat use will provide data which more confidently characterizes the total habitat needed by this species.

In total, as of July 2011, approximately 0.4 ha of habitat which is critical to Rosy Owl-clover survival has been identified.

Critical Habitat for Dwarf Sandwort

All known extant populations of Dwarf Sandwort are summarized in Table 6; this table indicates which population of Dwarf Sandwort have critical habitat identified within this amendment. Critical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort is identified in this amendment to the extent possible based on the best available information. The schedule of studies outlines activities required to identify additional critical habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives (Section 2.8 of the recovery strategy, Parks Canada 2006).

Table 6: Summary of critical habitat identification for extant population of Dwarf Sandwort.
Population (as referenced in recovery strategy) Population (as referenced in amendment) Figure # Critical Habitat Identification
Rocky Point Church Hill 19 Yes

The habitat of Dwarf Sandwort in Canada generally occurs along a narrow coastal fringe near Victoria on the southeast coast of Vancouver Island and offshore islands. The habitat is generally characterized as seepage and meadow ecosystems (Parks Canada 2006). Field investigations conducted in 2006-2007 helped to further characterize the habitat of Dwarf Sandwort (Fairbarns 2008).

Typical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort is depicted in Figure 6 and common attributes of Dwarf Sandwort habitat include:

  • Sunny areas with short or sparse vegetation (trees and shrubs are absent).
  • 1 to 5 metres above sea level.
  • The slope angle ranges from 1-15% on west facing aspects.
  • Soils are sandy deposits derived from basalt and andesite rock, with a depth of 1 to 20 cm. Coarse fragments range from 35% to 70% with only 1% of the surface with exposed bedrock. The soil surface is characterized by about 25% exposed mineral soil.
  • Soils are imperfectly drained. The water table is at or near the soil surface in the early growing season (December to February), but soil moisture diminishes as the growing season progresses until soils are wet, but rarely saturated.
  • Woody material covering the soil is scarce.

Dwarf Sandwort habitat

Figure 6: Photo of typical Dwarf Sandwort habitat in Canada (used with permission from Matt Fairbarns)
Biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort

The common and specific attributes required for Dwarf Sandwort life history functions overlap biophysically, geospatially, seasonally, and across life history stages within associated canopy openings and/or catchment areas. Therefore critical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort includes the area where the species' patch occurs, and both of the following habitat features:

  • The minimum canopy opening; the default canopy opening required for light to reach the plants is the area defined by a 20 m distance surrounding each patch in all directions (20 m is generally the maximum height attained by trees in the soils surrounding Dwarf Sandwort).
  • The rainwater/seepage catchment area.

Existing roads, park fields, and ditches are not critical habitat.

The spatial delineation of the above habitat features (together comprising the biophysical attributes of critical habitat) has been completed for each population as indicated in Table 6 based on the best available information. Detailed methods relating to habitat feature mapping (i.e., critical habitat identification) for each population are provided below. More detailed information on the spatial location of critical habitat to support protection of Dwarf Sandwort and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting the Environment Canada's Recovery Planning section.

Delineation of biophysical attributes of critical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort

Within the geographical boundaries identified in Figure 19 (Church Hill), critical habitat for the survival of the current population is the minimum canopy opening and catchment area associated with the recorded location of each patch of Dwarf Sandwort.

It is expected that Fairbarns 2008 does not represent the maximum extent of annual variation in this population and therefore does not represent the total habitat required for the survival of this sole extant Dwarf Sandwort population. The Fairbarns 2008 study has been used to guide the location of boundaries within which critical habitat is found. It is expected that over time, continued monitoring which documents annual fluctuations in population extent and habitat use will provide data which more confidently characterizes the total habitat needed by this species.

In total, as of July 2011, approximately 0.1 ha of habitat which is critical to Dwarf Sandwort survival has been identified.

2.5.2. Critical Habitat Map Figures

Figure 7: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 7: Area (~ 3.3 ha) within which critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is found at Gabriola Island, Perry Road. This area is entirely on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.2 ha.



Figure 8: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 8: Area (~182.9 ha) within which critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is found at Harewood Plains. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 18.5 ha.



Figure 9: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 9: Area (~ 3.0 ha) within which critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is found at Woodley Range. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.2 ha.



Figure 10: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 10: Area (~ 17.2 ha) within which critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is found at Cinnabar Valley. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 5.3 ha.



Figure 11: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 11: Area (~ 15.7 ha) within which critical habitat for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil is found at Cinnabar Valley. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 6.7 ha.



Figure 12: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 12: Area (~ 1.1 ha) within which critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is found Christmas Hill. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.4 ha.



Figure 13: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 13: Area (~ 5.6 ha) within which critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is found at Somenos Creek. This area is on non-federal and federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 2.3 ha.



Figure 14: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 14: Area (~ 2.9 ha) within which critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is found at Somenos Creek. This area is on non-federal and federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.1 ha.



Figure 15: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 15: Area (~ 19.2 ha) within which critical habitat for Kellogg's Rush, Tall Woolly-heads, and Water-plantain Buttercup is found at Uplands/Cattle Point. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 5.2 ha.



Figure 16: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 16: Area (~0.6 ha) within which critical habitat for Tall Woolly-heads is found at Uplands/Cattle Point. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.2 ha.



Figure 17: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 17: Area (~ 2.8 ha) within which critical habitat for Water-plantain Buttercup is found at Ballenas Island. This area is on federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 1.5 ha.



Figure 18: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 18: Area (~ 1.2 ha) within which critical habitat for Rosy Owl-clover is found at Trial Island. This area is on non-federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.4 ha (0.3 ha on BC Ecological Reserve and 0.1 ha on BC Provincial Crown land).



Figure 19: area within which critical habitat is found.

Figure 19: Area (~ 0.5 ha) within which critical habitat for Dwarf Sandwort is found at Church Hill. This area is on Federal lands. The area of critical habitat within this area is approximately 0.1 ha.

2.6. Examples of activities likely to result in destruction of critical habitat

Examples of activities likely to destroy critical habitat are provided below for Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil, Tall Woolly-heads, Water-plantain Buttercup, Kellogg's Rush, and Rosy Owl-clover, (Table 7). There are no activities likely to result in destruction of Dwarf Sandwort critical habitat because sufficient protection is in place to make destructive activities unlikely to occur. Destruction of critical habitat will result if any part of the critical habitat is degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from single or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. It is important to note that some activities have the potential to destroy critical habitat even if they occur outside the area identified as critical habitat and also, that if carefully conducted the negative effects of some of these activities can be mitigated such that the activity will have no, or even a positive, effect on the habitat.

Table 7: Examples of activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat.
Activity Effect of activity on critical habitat Potentially Affected Species† Most likely populations
Urban and rural development (e.g., vegetation removal, clearing and levelling, soil removal or deposition, construction of physical structures such as buildings). This activity can cause direct habitat conversion, altering hydrological regimes and fragmenting habitats. This disrupts life cycle processes, causes physiological stress, and limits dispersal. BBT Woodley Range
TW Somenos Creek
Road building and maintenance activities (e.g., ditching, grading, infilling, culvert installation, stockpiling of materials). Alteration of hydrological regime that leads to changes in the ability of the basin to capture water. For instance, decreased late season capture of water may accelerate withering and death of plants and thereby reduce seed production. On the other hand, increased early-season capture may retard germination and thereby shorten the growing period and reduce seed production.

In addition, this activity is likely to introduce invasive alien species and negatively affect the native species diversity (Lilley and Vellend 2009) resulting in the destruction of the habitat by altering the species composition. See damaging recreational use for effects of invasive alien species.

See dumping of waste below for effects of stockpiling of materials.
BBT Gabriola Island
Woodley Range
Harewood Plains
TW Somenos Creek
Intensive recreational use (e.g., ATV, motorcycle and bicycle use, bicycle jump construction, intensive walking/jogging, and dog exercising). Soil compaction leading to altered habitat attributes. Plants may become stressed and die or be unable to germinate due to impaired ability of the habitat to provide suitable soil moisture or light availability.

These activities are most likely to destroy critical habitat through soil erosion in the area occupied and/or alteration of drainage patterns.

Nitrogen enrichment from dog feces leading to changes in nutrients that provide the necessary habitat conditions. Nutrient enrichment from this source might be sufficient to encourage algal blooms that in turn affect water oxygen/CO2 balance, light penetration, and other aspects of water quality, with potentially negative consequences for plant flowering, germination, and seedling survival rates. Additional nitrogen may also encourage the spread of invasive alien plant species which may in turn alter habitat attributes.

In addition, this activity is likely to introduce or spread invasive alien plant species. Invasive alien plant species compete with native species and alter the availability of light, water, and nutrients in the habitat, such that the habitat would not provide the required habitat conditions.
BBT Woodley Range

Harewood Plains
KR Uplands/Cattle Point
TW Uplands/Cattle Point

Christmas Hill
WPB Uplands/Cattle Point
Landscape maintenance activities (e.g., development and maintenance or modification of trails, stockpiling of materials, transport of heavy materials, dredging, installation of park benches, picnic tables, signs, fencing, or establishment of flower beds) These activities can cause direct land conversion, soil compaction and associated hydrological effects, altered moisture regimes (e.g., impounded drainage, or reduced water flow to the plants through ditching or diversion of subsurface water by built structures), and introduction of alien species [e.g., intentional plantings or accidental introductions such as facilitated by unclean machinery (see recreational use for effect of invasive alien species)].



See dumping of waste for effects of piling of plant debris and construction materials.
KR Uplands/Cattle Point
TW Somenos Creek

Uplands/Cattle Point
WPB Uplands/Cattle Point
ROC Trial Island
Dumping of waste (e.g., plant material or dredged material). Increased debris reduces the ability of the habitat to support germination and growth due to a lack of light and is likely to introduce invasive alien plants (see recreational use for effect of invasive alien species). TW Somenos Creek

Uplands/Cattle Point

† BBT= Bog Bird's-foot Trefoil, TW=Tall Woolly-heads, WPB=Water-plantain Buttercup, KR=Kellogg's Rush ROC=Rosy Owl-clover.

References used in this Amendment

B.C. Conservation Data Centre. 2011. BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer. B.C. Ministry of Environment. Victoria, BC. Web site: www.a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/ [Accessed: November 2011].

Costanzo, B. 2009. Delineating important habitat around Ranunculus alismifolius using the SARCC Process. Unpublished report prepared for the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, BC. 9 pp.

Costanzo, B., J. Penny and M. Donovan. 2009a. Delineating important habitat around Juncus kelloggii, Meconella oregana, and Sanicula arctopoides using the SARCC Process. Unpublished report prepared for the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, BC. 6 pp.

Costanzo, B., J. Penny and M. Donovan. 2009b. Delineating important habitat around Psilocarphus elatior using the SARCC Process. Unpublished report prepared for the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, BC. 38 pp.

Fairbarns M. 2008. Report on Potential Critical Habitat In Garry Oak Ecosystems. Aruncus Consulting, unpublished report prepared for the Ecosystems Branch, BC Ministry of Environment (funded by the Interdepartmental Recovery Fund and the Government of BC). Victoria, BC. 220 pp.

Fleming, Tracy L. 2010. The 2009 Survey of Plant Species at Risk at the Somenos Garry Oak Protected Area. Unpublished report prepared for the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Fuchs, M. A. 2001. Recovery Strategy for Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in Canada: Ecological Assessment and Literature Review. Technical Report EC/GB-00-030. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region. 118 pp.

GOERT. 2008. Rare plant surveys and habitat assessments, unpublished data provided by the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, B.C.

GOERT. 2009. Rare plant surveys and habitat assessments, unpublished data provided by the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, Victoria, B.C.

Graham, T. 2004. Climate change and ephemeral pool ecosystems: Potholes and vernal pools as potential indicator systems, U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. Web site: www.geochange.er.usgs.gov/sw/impacts/biology/vernal/ [accessed January 2011].

Lilley, P. L. and Mark Vellend. 2009. Negative native-exotic diversity relationship in oak savannas explained by human influence and climate. Oikos 118: 1373-1382.

Parks Canada Agency. 2006. Recovery Strategy for Multi-species at Risk in Vernal Pools and Other Ephemeral Wet Areas in Garry Oak and Associated Ecosystems in Canada. In Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Ottawa: Parks Canada Agency. 73 pp.

Spittlehouse, D. L., R.S. Adams, and R.D. Winkler. 2004. Forest, edge and opening microclimate at Sicamous Creek. BC Ministry of Forests, Mines, and Lands, Research. Branch, Victoria, B.C. 43 pp.

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