Identifying forest roadways for rehabilitation
The recovery strategy for Woodland Caribou (Southern Mountain population), has identified unnaturally high predation rates resulting from altered predator-prey dynamics, human-caused and natural habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, as the primary threats to this population of caribou. Conservation efforts must focus on minimizing habitat fragmentation, access to caribou range, and the availability of early seral habitat. This project will identify, map and classify forest roadways within the Chase and Wolverine herd boundaries, according to vegetation cover, site lines, species composition and caribou movement data to identify priorities for the rehabilitation of forest roadways within the Chase and Wolverine Caribou herd boundaries.
Update: List of candidate roads selected for rehabilitation
A previously developed GIS algorithm was applied to produce a list of candidate roads selected for rehabilitation, which was further refined through engagement with licensees operating on the land base that could be affected by these decisions. In total, 1,942.8 km of road with potential for rehabilitation and/or reforestation activities across the entire Chase Caribou herd boundary was identified. Tsay Keh Dene membership identified areas of seasonal use and archaeological history that may be relevant to project goals. Priority areas and roads for restoration activities were identified near Johanson Lake and at various points along the Tenakihi Forest Service Road, Tutizzi Lake, the Swannell River drainage, the Ravenal and Flood Creek area to the south of the Ingenika River. The next step is to develop and implement treatment prescriptions to restore and decommission these sites, to benefit the Chase Caribou.
We fund research and information gathering projects that lead to on-the-ground restoration work, like this. In our Peace Region, this caribou restoration work got started with FWCP funding that was used to help prioritize the roads for restoration. Then Chu Cho Environmental turned that desktop exercise into action that will benefit the Chase Herd.
Final report: executive summary
The southern mountain population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is listed on Schedule 1 of the Federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) as ‘Threatened.’ As stated in the Recovery Strategy for the Woodland Caribou, Southern Mountain Population in Canada, “the range of the southern mountain population has shrunk by up to 40% and 13 of 19 herds are declining.” These herds are “threatened by decreasing habitat quantity and quality, harassment, and predation.”
The recovery strategy for the southern mountain population of woodland caribou identifies forest roadways as a factor contributing to habitat loss and population declines. The recovery plan states the following habitat management action should be taken: “Undertake coordinated actions to reclaim southern mountain caribou habitat in all currently utilized seasonal ranges through restoration efforts (e.g., restore industrial landscape features such as roads, old seismic lines, pipelines, cut-lines, temporary roads, cleared areas; reconnect fragmented annual ranges) to make it less suitable for other prey species.” This project aligns with the Fish and Wildlife Species of Interest Action Plan. Specifically, Action 1b-2: Implement projects identified through approved recovery strategies, action plans and management plans.
Click the provincial database link below to read the full final report for this project.