Management Plan for the Vancouver Island Beggarticks (Bidens amplissima) in Canada - 2015

The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996) agreed to establish complementary legislation and programs that provide for effective protection of species at risk throughout Canada. Under the Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), the federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of management plans for listed species of special concern and are required to report on progress five years after the publication of the final document on the SAR Public Registry.

The Minister of the Environment is the competent minister under SARA for the Vancouver Island Beggarticks and has prepared this Management Plan (Part 1) as per section 65 of SARA. To the extent possible it has been prepared in cooperation with the B.C. Ministry of Environment. SARA section 69 allows the Minister to adopt all or part of an existing plan for the species if it meets the requirements under SARA for the content. The B.C. Ministry of Environment led the development of the attached management plan for the Vancouver Island Beggarticks (Part 2) in cooperation with Environment Canada.

Success in the conservation of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this plan and will not be achieved by Environment Canada or any other jurisdiction alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this plan for the benefit of the Vancouver Island Beggarticks and Canadian society as a whole.

Implementation of this management plan is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.

The following sections have been included to address specific requirements of SARA that are not addressed in the "Management Plan for the Vancouver Island Beggarticks (Bidens amplissima) in British Columbia" (Part 2) and/or to provide updated or additional information.

Under SARA, there are specific requirements and processes set out regarding the protection of species and their habitats. Therefore, statements in the provincial management plan referring to protection of species and their habitats may not directly correspond to federal requirements, and are not being adopted by Environment Canada as part of the federal management plan.

A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making and to evaluate whether the outcomes of a recovery planning document could affect any component of the environment or achievement of any of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy's (FSDS) goals and targets.

Conservation planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that implementation of management plans may inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts upon non-target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the management plan itself, but are also summarized below in this statement.

The provincial management plan for Vancouver Island Beggarticks contains a section describing the effects of recovery activities on other species (i.e., Section 8). Environment Canada adopts this section of the provincial recovery plan as the statement on effects of recovery activities on the environment and other species. The distribution of Vancouver Island Beggarticks overlaps with that of several other federally-listed species at risk in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia as well as south-eastern Vancouver Island and the adjacent Gulf Islands. Restoration and enhancement actions for Vancouver Island Beggarticks may include reduction of plant cover or canopies, in order to reduce vegetation succession in the open habitats used by this species. Recovery planning activities for Vancouver Island Beggarticks will be implemented with consideration for all co-occurring species at risk, such that there are no negative impacts to these species or their habitats. Some management actions for Vancouver Island Beggarticks (e.g., inventory and monitoring, threat mitigation, habitat conservation, education, and research) may promote the conservation of other species at risk that overlap in distribution and rely on similar habitat attributes.

This series presents the management plans that are prepared as advice to the Province of British Columbia. Management plans are prepared in accordance with the priorities and management actions assigned under the British Columbia Conservation Framework. The Province prepares management plans for species that may be at risk of becoming endangered or threatened due to sensitivity to human activities or natural events, or species where management is required to meet population targets for ecosystem management, human uses, or ecological services.

A management plan identifies a set of coordinated conservation activities and land use measures needed to ensure, at a minimum, that the target species does not become threatened or endangered or is being managed for use, ecosystem goals, or ecological services. A management plan summarizes the best available scientific and traditional information on biology and threats to inform the development of a management framework. Management plans set goals and objectives, and recommend approaches appropriate for species or ecosystem conservation.

Direction set in the management plan provides valuable information on threats and direction on conservation measures that may be used by individuals, communities, land users, conservationists, academics, and governments interested in species and ecosystem conservation.

To learn more about species at risk recovery planning in British Columbia, please visit the Ministry of Environment Recovery Planning webpage.

This management plan has been prepared by the Vancouver Island Beggarticks Working Group, as advice to the responsible jurisdictions and organizations that may be involved in managing the species.

This document identifies the management actions that are deemed necessary, based on the best available scientific and traditional information, to prevent Vancouver Island beggarticks populations in British Columbia from becoming endangered or threatened. Management actions to achieve the goals and objectives identified herein are subject to the priorities and budgetary constraints of participatory agencies and organizations. These goals, objectives, and management approaches may be modified in the future to accommodate new objectives and findings.

The responsible jurisdictions and all members of the management team have had an opportunity to review this document. However, this document does not necessarily represent the official positions of the agencies or the personal views of all individuals on the management team.

Success in the conservation of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that may be involved in implementing the directions set out in this management plan. The B.C. Ministry of Environment encourages all British Columbians to participate in the conservation of Vancouver Island beggarticks.

This management plan was prepared by Trudy Chatwin and Sharon Ringel. It is based on an earlier draft prepared by Brian Klinkenberg and Rose Klinkenberg (2006). Frank Lomer, Rick and Libby Avis, Jamie Fenneman, Greg Ferguson, Guy Monty, Marta Donovan, Jenifer Penny, and Marian McCoy provided 2012 information and assistance with locations. Trudy Chatwin, Sharon Ringel, Brenda Costanzo, Dave Fraser, Marian McCoy, and Leah Westereng completed the threats assessment for Vancouver Island beggarticks. The Vancouver Island Beggarticks Working Group provided comments.

• Trudy Chatwin, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
• Sharon Ringel, Private consultant
• Marta Donovan, Conservation Data Centre
• Jenifer Penny, Conservation Data Centre
• Libby and Rick Avis, Botanists
• Marian McCoy, Private consultant
• Frank Lomer, Private consultant
• Dave Fraser, Ministry of Environment
• Kym Welstead, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
• Ross Vennesland, Parks Canada
• Leah Westereng, Ministry of Environment

This management plan has been developed to provide guidance for the British Columbia (B.C.). populations of Vancouver Island beggarticks (Bidens amplissima ).The Vancouver Island beggarticks is a wetland annual plant that blooms in August through September. Plants are erect and branched, 50 to 100 cm tall, with bright yellow daisy-like flowers. The habitat for this species is the narrow edge of wetlands, estuaries, ditches, and field depressions where water tables fluctuate. The Vancouver Island beggarticks is found only in southwestern B.C. including Vancouver Island. Of the 59 locations recorded in BC, there are 38 currently extant known populations and 2 extirpated and 19 likely extirpated populations.

Vancouver Island beggarticks was designated as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada because of declines in populations and restricted distribution. It is listed as Special Concern in Canada on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA). In B.C., the Vancouver Island beggarticks is ranked S3 (vulnerable) by the Conservation Data Centre and is on the provincial Blue list. The B.C. Conservation Framework ranks the Vancouver Island beggarticks as a priority 1 under goal 1 (contribute to global efforts for species and ecosystem conservation) and goal 2 (prevent species and ecosystems from becoming at risk).

Threats to Vancouver Island beggarticks include competition from invasive plants (e.g., reed canarygrass [Phalaris arundinacea] and purple loosestrife [Lythrum salicaria]), mowing, infilling of wetlands by development, alteration of hydrological regimes, and natural succession.

The management goals are:

1. To maintain or increase the distribution and abundance of all extant populations in B.C., including any new populations that may be identified.
2. To re-introduce and restore populations where feasible at protected wetland locations with suitable habitat within the species range in B.C.

The management objectives are:

1. Protect ^Footnote1 known locations for Vancouver Island beggarticks from direct habitat loss, with priority given to protecting large, stable populations.
2. Mitigate threats associated with this species primarily the threat of invasive native and non-native/alien species.
3. Monitor distribution within the range of the species in B.C. at known locations and in potential habitat.
4. Investigate the feasibility of restoring populations at diminished locations and reintroduction at extirpated locations and in suitable habitat.

Vancouver Island beggarticks (Bidens amplissima ) is a wetland species. It is usually a robust annual flowering plant that ranges in height from 50 to 100 cm. Plants are often bushy with multiple branches and stems (Figure 1); however, height and fullness vary from year to year and with annual variation in precipitation, shading, and competition from other vegetation. The erect flower heads are relatively few and large, and have 6–11 bright yellow ray petals (Figure 2). The stems and inflorescences are glabrous to slightly hairy. The leaves are unstalked, or wing-stalked, simple in shape or some (the lower and middle leaves) are deeply three-lobed and toothed, 8-20 cm long. The seed is three sided, has a concave summit, and has barbed awns (hence the name beggarticks) that allow for easy dispersal by clinging to fur, feathers, and clothing (Douglas et al. 1998; Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001; Ganders et al. 2002).

Seedlings can appear in mid to late April or May in areas of warm, shallow (2.5–5 cm) water. Plants do not mature until late August. Flowering and seed set primarily occur from late August through to late October.

This species shares traits and appears to readily hybridize with two closely related species, nodding beggarticks (Bidens cernua) and European beggarticks (Bidens tripartita), but is readily distinguished based on seed and flower head characteristics.

Vancouver Island beggarticks has a limited global range. It is a Pacific Northwest endemic species that is found only in B.C. and adjacent Washington State ^Footnote2 (Ganders et al. 2002). B.C. populations are found on southeast Vancouver Island, in the Lower Mainland, and in one location at the mouth of Latelle Creek on the Central Coast (Figure 3). Vancouver Island beggarticks is recognized as a species of global importance because of its limited global range (Cannings et al. 2005). Based on locations confirmed in 2008, British Columbia supports approximately 85% of the global range of this species, and > 80% of species abundance (Klinkenberg 2008).

As of 2012 there were 59 known locations with 38 of the populations known to be extant in B.C., 2 extirpated and the other 19 populations likely extirpated (Figure 4; Table 1).

As Vancouver Island beggarticks is an annual plant, in any given year populations vary in size, area of occupancy, and viability. Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg (2001) reported 30 populations of Vancouver Island beggarticks for B.C. in the COSEWIC status report. However, since 2001, new populations have been recorded while others have become extirpated. For example, monitoring conducted in 2012 on Vancouver Island recorded 6 new populations, but surveys conducted in 2008 on the Lower Mainland determined that 12 of the previous 23 populations visited were likely extirpated (Table 1).

Overall the species is a seed banker ^Footnote3 and, like other Bidens species, numbers of individuals vary year to year such that population numbers fluctuate from year to year depending upon annual and seasonal environmental conditions―water levels in particular (Klinkenberg 2008). The number of individuals varies (e.g., about one-third of extant populations have fewer than 10 individuals reported; and currently 17 populations have more than 100 individuals). While some populations of this species are extensive and persistent, many locations support only a few plants. Some populations occur in tiny patches or only in small openings where bare ground is minimal. The availability of bare ground, which is used for seedling development, may limit the expansion of a population. Population trends for this species are unknown.

Habitat for Vancouver Island beggarticks is narrow alluvial shoreline margins of lakes, ponds, creeks, bogs, tidal estuaries, and in ditches and other wet areas that undergo annually fluctuating water levels, summer drawdown, and siltation. Vancouver Island beggarticks occupies openings at the edges of wetlands (Figure 5). Vancouver Island beggarticks is known to be shade-intolerant.

As a shoreline species, Vancouver Island beggarticks is ecologically tied to seasonally fluctuating water levels, with standing water in winter and spring, light siltation, and substantial summer draw down. In tidal areas, it is found within the tidal reach, where only winter salt water inundation occurs (Figure 6).

Many, though not all locations that support Vancouver Island beggarticks are characterized by shallowly sloping wetland edges, minimal ground cover, and little competition. All locations have alluvial fine particle soils (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001). These areas receive high nutrient loading.

This species distribution is limited to specific open wetland habitats that require specific disturbance regimes.

Threats are defined as the proximate activities or processes that have caused, are causing, or may cause in the future the destruction, degradation, and/or impairment of the entity being assessed (population, species, community, or ecosystem) in the area of interest (globe, nation, or subnation). For purposes of threat assessment, only present and future threats are considered ^Footnote4. Threats presented here do not include biological features of the species or population such as inbreeding depression, small population size, and genetic isolation; or likelihood of regeneration or recolonization for ecosystems, which are considered limiting factors ^Footnote5.

For the most part, threats are related to human activities but they can also be natural. The impact of human activity may be direct (e.g., destruction of habitat) or indirect (e.g., invasive species introduction). Effects of natural phenomena (e.g., fire, hurricane, flooding) may be especially important when the species or ecosystem is concentrated in one location or has few occurrences, which may be a result of human activity (Master et al. 2009). As such, natural phenomena are included in the definition of a threat, though should be considered cautiously. These stochastic events should only be considered a threat if a species or habitat is damaged from other threats and has lost its resilience, and is thus vulnerable to the disturbance (Salafsky et al. 2008) such that these types of events would have a disproportionately large effect on the population/ecosystem compared to the effect it would have had historically.

The threat classification below is based on the IUCN-CMP (World Conservation Union–Conservation Measures Partnership) unified threats classification system and is consistent with methods used by the B.C. Conservation Data Centre and the B.C. Conservation Framework. For a detailed description of the threat classification system, see the CMP website (CMP 2010). For information on how the values are assigned, see Master et al., (PDF Format) (2009) and table footnotes for details. Threats for the Vancouver Island beggarticks were assessed for the entire province (Table 2).

The threat categories presented in Table 2 are in overall decreasing level of concern.

The overall province-wide Threat Impact for this species is High ^Footnote6. The overall threat considers the cumulative impacts of multiple threats. Major threats include invasive non-native/alien species and infilling of required open habitat through successional processes (Table 2). Details are discussed below under the Threat headings.

IUCN-CMP Threat 1. Residential and commercial development

• 1.1 Housing and urban areas
  Adjacent site development for housing can remove habitat directly and alter habitat through drainage alteration (refer to 7.2 Dams and water management/use). Currently there are no known new housing developments that are adjacent to Vancouver Island beggarticks locations. However, given the general distribution of this species on eastern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, it is likely that this threat exists at other locations of Vancouver Island beggarticks that have yet to be discovered.

• 1.2 Commercial and industrial areas
  Development results in the infilling of wetlands for the purpose of constructing commercial and industrial sites. Filling in wetlands for development purposes could extirpate an entire population. There is a development within 15 m of Puntledge/Tsolum River that may be a threat in the near future.

• 1.3 Tourism and recreation areas
  Two locations occur within golf courses (Peace Portal Golf Course in 1928 and Royal Colwood Golf Club 1913). These populations have since been extirpated. Future development of new golf courses is possible, but not highly likely.

IUCN-CMP Threat 2. Agriculture and aquaculture

• 2.1 Annual and perennial non-timber crops
  Some periodic ploughing can be beneficial by exposing soil for the germination of Vancouver Island beggarticks seeds. However, mowing of plants or replanting sites with cranberries, blueberries, or buildings such as greenhouses is a threat. Physical damage by farm equipment from mowing, ploughing, and reseeding at the Woodhus Slough, Chapman and Colquitz Creek (Panama Flats) locations is a possible threat.

IUCN-CMP Threat 6. Human intrusions and disturbance

• 6.1 Recreational activities
  Walking along ponds, biking, and frisbee-golf could crush small plants and cause soil compaction. Mowing at these sites for aesthetics and fire prevention also encourages further disturbance. Trampling by humans at shorelines and dumping (sand) can occur at many regional parks; however, these activities do not usually destroy entire populations. This threat likely occurs at 14 locations.

IUCN-CMP Threat 7. Residential and commercial development

• 7.2 Dams and water management/use
  Vancouver Island beggarticks is a wetland species and is affected by changes in hydrology. Water level management may result in increase or decrease of drawdown zone, which affects conditions required for germination. Raising water levels reduces exposure of soil which is necessary to expose the seed bank and allow germination from within the seed bank. However, it is not known what hydrologic conditions are ideal for Vancouver Island beggarticks and it may benefit from some water fluctuation. Major pond or ditch dredging to maintain open water (e.g., at the Richmond Nature Park Pond) could remove the seed bank of Vancouver Island beggarticks. However, the primary risk to Vancouver Island beggarticks is ditching to increase drainage for flood control and agricultural purposes, which could dry out wetland habitats. Armouring of shorelines (e.g., with cobbles, rock, or dykes) removes the silty wetland margin needed for seed germination. Although currently no development for housing is known adjacent to Vancouver Island beggarticks locations, this activity can also alter its habitat through drainage alteration.

• 7.3 Other ecosystem modifications
  Successional native shrub encroachment resulting from the control of water levels is a potential threat. Note that management activities at Rithet's Bog have shown that water level management and shrub removal can initially result in an increase in numbers of this species (e.g., in year one), but numbers may decline in following years (S. Hartwell, pers. comm., 2007).

  Many municipal and regional parks are mown regularly for aesthetic reasons and to reduce the risk of fire (T. Kohler, pers. obs., 2010). Mowing during the growing season could damage the foliage, flowers, and prevent seed ripening (Erhart 2000). It has the additional effect of encouraging trampling by humans in mown areas.

  Mowing and road maintenance activities conducted early in the season can prohibit seed set, weaken plants, and reduce their competitive advantage particularly by lawn grass. Both lawn grass and other species infill Vancouver Island beggarticks habitat. This infilling reduces the open ground habitat for Vancouver Island beggarticks (D. Fraser, pers. comm., 2012). This is a concern for populations on the mainland that are found in roadside ditches, which are mowed (e.g., Sea Island, North Parallel Road, and South of Tilbury Island). Mowing also occurs in parks and Somass River Delta effluent lagoons.

IUCN-CMP Threat 8. Invasive and other problematic species and genes

• 8.1 Invasive non-native/alien species
  Invasive alien grasses and forbs outcompete many native plants and also create dense thatch. This can lead to poor reproductive success as the thatch can prevent germination and the establishment of seedlings. Overall this will lead to a reduction in the general fitness or health of the population through reducing subsequent seed set and dispersal. Since Vancouver Island beggarticks is an annual, this leads to a reduction in abundance and distribution of populations. The most significant invasive plant species is reed canarygrass. However, purple loosestrife and yellow iris are also highly problematic in wetlands and estuarine locations.

  Other problematic invasive species include Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Scotch broom (Cystisus scoparius), American black nightshade (Solanum americanum), policeman's helmet (Impatiens glandulifera), curled dock (Rumex crispus), prickly sow-thistle (Sonchus asper), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), common St. John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), rough pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), and marshpepper smartweed (Polygonum hydropiperoides).

• 8.2 Problematic native species
  Natural succession and the resulting infilling of wetlands by shrubs, forbs, and grasses results in limited open soil for seed germination, as well as loss of light through shading. Vancouver Island beggarticks is known to be shade-intolerant and the increased cover of tall woody vegetation has reduced the availability of suitable habitat. Competition for light and bare soil from natural successional wetland plants such as common cattails, other dense grasses, and forbs are a particular concern. Native willows, in particular Scouler's willow (Salix scouleriana) and Sitka willow (Salix sitchensis), shade Vancouver Island beggarticks and result in depauperate plants.

  Predation by the native Tickseed Beetle was reported at Somenos Marsh (Fairbarns 2005), Bow Park (M. McCoy, pers. comm., 2012) and Rithet's Bog (M. McCoy and B. Costanzo, pers. comm. 2012). This threat needs to be assessed.

  Native herbivores, in particular hyper-abundant Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), were observed grazing Vancouver Island beggarticks at Spencer's Pond and could be a threat at many Vancouver Island locations.

IUCN-CMP Threat 9. Pollution

• 9.3 Agricultural and forestry effluents
  As Vancouver Island beggarticks occurs in agricultural areas in the Lower Mainland, run-off from fertilizers and pesticides is likely. Fertilizer run-off can lead to eutrophic wetland habitat and herbicides targeting broad-leafed plants could kill Vancouver Island beggarticks (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2012). The current potential severity of this threat is unknown.

IUCN-CMP Threat 11. Climate change and severe weather

• 11.1 Habitat shifting and alteration; 11.2 droughts
  Succession to tall grass and shrub communities may be accelerated through climate change and could potentially increase in the long term. Since Vancouver Island beggarticks is a wetland plant, it will be affected by climate change shifts including seasonal timing of rainfall and changes in amounts of rainfall. Sea level rise and flooding may also affect this plant in the longer term.

The management goals for the Vancouver Island beggarticks are:

• 1. To maintain or increase the distribution and abundance of all extant populations in B.C., including any new populations that may be identified.
• 2. To re-introduce and restore populations where feasible at protected wetland locations with suitable habitat within the species range in B.C.

B.C.'s Vancouver Island beggarticks populations are of global importance as they represent more than 85% of the species global range. The management goals aim to ensure that no further loss occurs to the species and that the conservation status of the species does not worsen (e.g., COSEWIC designation does not become Threatened).

Where the best available information and/or long-term monitoring indicates overall population decline, deliberate attempts to improve abundance, such as through seeding or change in land use management, are appropriate. Priority for increasing population distribution and abundance will be given to protected wetland locations.

The following specific objectives have been identified to facilitate management/conservation of this species in B.C.

• 3. Protect ^Footnote7 known locations for Vancouver Island beggarticks from direct habitat loss, with priority given to protecting large stable populations.
• 4. Mitigate threats associated with this species; primarily the threat of invasive native and non-native/alien species at all locations.
• 5. Monitor distribution and abundance within the range of the species in B.C. (at known locations and in potential habitat).
• 6. Investigate the feasibility of restoring populations at diminished locations and reintroduction at extirpated locations and in suitable habitat.

The following actions have been categorized by the action groups of the B.C. Conservation Framework (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2010). Status of the action group for this species is given in parentheses.

Compile Status Report (complete)

• COSEWIC report completed (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001).

Send to COSEWIC (complete)

• Vancouver Island beggarticks assessed as Special Concern in 2001 (Klinkenberg and Klinkenberg 2001). This species is due for a reassessment by COSEWIC.

Planning (in progress)

• B.C. Management Plan completed (this document, 2014).

Monitor Trends (in progress)

• Twenty-five populations on Vancouver Island were surveyed in 2012.
• Some of the potential habitat on Vancouver Island was surveyed and 6 new populations were discovered (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2013b).
• Nine populations on the Lower Mainland were resurveyed in 2012 (B.C. Conservation Data Centre 2013b).

Habitat Protection and Private Land Stewardship (in progress)

• Discussion with the Jericho Park Stewardship group is underway.
• Nineteen Vancouver Island beggarticks locations are found in provincial, regional or municipal parks, Ecological Reserves, Wildlife Management Areas, or Nature Conservancy Lands that offer varying levels of legal protection (e.g., through provisions of the Parks Act, Ecological Reserves Act) for Vancouver Island beggarticks. Thirteen of these populations are extant.
• DND Canadian Forces Base locations have indicated that they are aware of the plants and will try to protect Vancouver Island beggarticks.
• "Develop with Care" guidelines have been published for Vancouver Island beggarticks in a fact sheet (B.C. Ministry of Environment 2012).

Table 3 details the recommended actions for effecting management of Vancouver Island beggarticks. Actions mostly fall under the Habitat Protection, Restoration and Land Stewardship action groups of the Conservation Framework. However monitoring actions need to be continued and fall under the Monitoring Trends objective.

The success of the management of Vancouver Island beggarticks will be determined primarily through monitoring its distribution and abundance. If monitoring indicates that the distribution and abundance is stable or increasing, then the management goal for Vancouver Island beggarticks will have been met.

Performance measures over the next 5 years are listed for each objective as they relate to specific actions in Table 3.

Proposed management/conservation activities would likely have a positive effect on most native species that co-occur with Vancouver Island beggarticks. Some threat mitigation involved with treating succession of wetlands may diminish shrubs such as native willows, which are overshadowing Vancouver Island beggarticks. It is unlikely that restoration activities would negatively affect other species at risk.

Restoration plans that include re-establishing natural fluctuations of water levels (high winter levels and summer drawdowns) in managed lakes and wetlands (e.g., Somenos Marsh, Beaver Lake, Elk Lake) will promote natural shoreline plant communities and wetland species. The annual fluctuation of water levels promotes siltation, germination, and establishment of seed banks for Vancouver Island beggarticks and other native shoreline plant species.

Reducing or eliminating chemical run-off from herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers adjacent to ponds and creeks will reduce contamination of the water. Reduction of chemical run-off will directly benefit not only Vancouver Island beggarticks but other shoreline and aquatic species including the waterfowl that use the adjacent wetlands.

Managing for invasive plant species will be beneficial for all species at any site. However, care must be taken to avoid trampling of other species at risk, soil compaction, and opening up the site to new invasive species.

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L. Avis, Botanist, 2012
R. Avis, Botanist, 2012
E. Barnewall, Biological Consultant, BC Conservation Foundation, 2012
C. Bjork, Botanist, 2008
I. Burnett, Volunteer, 2012
A. Ceska, Botanist, 1970
T. Chatwin, Species-at-risk Biologist, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, 2012
B. Costanzo, Sr. Vegetation Ecologist, Ministry of Environment, 2012
M. Donovan, Botanist, Conservation Data Centre, 2012
T. Fleming, Biologist, 2012
D. Fraser, Species-at-Risk Biologist, 2012
S. Hartwell, Botanist, Conservation Data Centre, 2007
T. Kohler, Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team, 2010
F. Lomer, Botanist, 2008, 2012
M. McCoy, Botanist and Private Consultant, 2012
K. Morgan, Biological Consultant, 2012
N. Page, Private Consultant, 2006
J. Penny, Botanist, Conservation Data Centre, 2012
C. Schaefer, Private Consultant, 2012
J. Spearing, lead steward, Friends of Bow/Brodick Park, 2012