NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: revegetation, wind energy, rare plants

Objective(s): To document baseline conditions of vegetation communities and rare plant species present at the High Point site; to evaluate potential Project-related effects on rare plants, traditional use plants and vegetation communities within the High Point site; and, to develop mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate potential Project-related effects to vegetation and rare plants during construction and operation.

Project Description: The three objectives of this project are to: 1) document baseline conditions of vegetation communities and rare plant species present at the High Point site; 2) evaluate potential Project-related effects on rare plants, traditional use plants and vegetation communities within the High Point site; and, 3) develop mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate potential Project-related effects to vegetation and rare plants during construction and operation. A desktop study will inform study design in the field; however, in general vegetation and rare plant surveys will involve two surveyors, traversing habitats within areas of anticipated disturbance (e.g., project footprint). If possible, the entire project area will be surveyed, but as access is challenging, sub-sampling of representative and unique areas will be employed to gain an understanding of both common plant associations and rare plants. Baseline vegetation surveys will also be conducted to record both dominant and non-native species of vegetation present in the project area. Sites and features with a higher probability of supporting rare species will be prioritized. The vegetation survey will take place over the course of three to five days. Site access in and out will be via helicopter or all-terrain vehicle/utility task vehicle depending on site conditions (e.g., dry conditions). At this time of year, Inuvik will be experiencing nearly 20 hours of daylight, with no night-time darkness. Incidental wildlife observations will also be recorded. This vegetation and rare plant survey supports the ongoing development of a wind energy project proposed by the GNWT. Nihtat Corporation is supporting the development of the project on behalf of the GNWT. As well, a Gwich'in representative will be accompanying the biologist on site to conduct vegetation and rare plant surveys. A short summary of results (up to 200 words) will be provided to Aurora Research Institute once the work is complete. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from July 24, 2018 to September 15, 2018.