| Principal Investigator: | Stevens, Jim (1) |
| Licence Number: | 15301 |
| Organization: | GNWT Department of Transportation |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2013
|
| Issued: | Jul 30, 2013 |
| Project Team: | Doug Chiperzak, Lucas Warner, Greg Schatz, Cory Kremer, Mike Sweezey, Kelsey Cronk, Brent Neufeld, Shona Derlukewich, Paul Harper, Valérie Girard, Carey Sibbald |
Objective(s): To complete a stream crossing assessment and rare plant survey.
Project Description: The purpose of this study is to complete a stream crossing assessment and rare plant survey. STREAM CROSSING ASSESSMENT At each watercourse crossing site (n=12), a fish habitat assessment will be conducted from 300 m downstream to 100m upstream. Watercourses will be accessed via helicopter. The following data will be collected at each watercourse crossings site: • Six transects will be established to collect habitat data; two transects upstream of the proposed crossing location, one at the proposed crossing, and three downstream of the crossing for each confirmed watercourse crossing. The following data will be recorded at each transect: o General channel morphology o Channel width o Wetted width o Water depth, velocity, and discharge measurements at 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 of wetted width o Substrate composition o Bank description (i.e., height, slope, and stability) o Functional cover type and abundance o Riparian vegetation composition • Continuous reach mapping will also be completed along the entire 400 m reach. • Basic water quality data will be collected at each confirmed watercourse crossing, where flowing water is present at the time of assessment. Parameters measured will include: o Dissolved oxygen (DO) o pH o Conductivity o Turbidity o Temperature • GPS recordings • Photographic record Fish sampling will be conducted at each watercourse crossing site; between 300 m downstream and 100 m upstream. Fish will be collected using a variety of methods, including electrofisher, seine nets, minnow traps, and hoop (fyke) nets. Fish will be released live, whenever possible. Fish sampling methods will include the collection of the following biological information: • Species ID • Length • Weight • Visual inspection for parasites • Deformities, erosion of fins, lesions and tumors (DELT) If fish must be sacrificed additional information will be obtained including: • Sex • Maturity • Age • Gonad somatic index RARE PLANT SURVEY The vegetation at each proposed borrow source will be surveyed for rare species by traversing the site on foot and conducting a visual search. A plant species list will be generated at each borrow source, until all plant species were recorded and no new ones are found, indicating the survey is complete. Borrow sources will be accessed via helicopter. Data collected at each borrow source will include: • Description and photos of the rare or uncommon plants identified • Site photos • GPS coordinates • Slope position and aspect If a species cannot be identified in the field, a sample (cutting) may be collected for later identification. Consultations with Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk Hunters and Trappers Committee (HTC’s), communities at large, and Fisheries Joint Management Committee (FJMC) will be conducted. Reports of the findings will also be available. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 31, 2013 to August 16, 2013.
