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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Management Strategy OverviewEnvironmental Sensitive Area ReviewPrepared ForThe District of Maple Ridge Overview1. ESA Framework2. ESA Information Layers3. How Does The ESA Mapping Help Us?4. Implications On the Ground5. The Next Steps ObjectivesTo help decision makers…1. Define the Scope, Significance, and Characteristics of local environmental sensitive areas (ESA) and features2. Identify the Location and Condition of ESA’s at the municipal and watershed levels.3. Expand the District’s Environmental Information Management System to enable better Decision Making Capability The Phases of the ESA Review 9Phase I. Define Project Scope and Objectives(2005) Design an ESA StrategyStakeholder Consultation Data Collection and Processing 9Phase II. Develop A Municipal ESA Mapping(2007) and Information Management SystemPhase III. Design an ESA Management Plan(2008) for the District of Maple Ridge. ESA Research and Comparative ReviewComparative ESA Literature ReviewTownship of Langley City of SurreyCity of Port Moody District of N. VancouverCity of Coquitlam City of BurnabyCity of Richmond Central OkanaganCity of Nanaimo City of LangfordGVRD / METRO – Regional Biodiversity StrategyBritish Columbia – Ministry of EnvironmentCanada – Environmental Canada / DFO / CWSUSA – California / Washington State / Oregon Stakeholders and Partnerships:1. Senior Government Agencies•Federal Agencies: DFO, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Canada•Provincial Agencies: Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection2. Regional Government: GVRD Biodiversity Conservation Projectand FREMP3. District of Maple Ridgestaff & departments4.Local Stewardship Groups: ARMS, KEEPS, Haney Horsemen, Alouette Field Naturalists Data Collection and StandardsFederal, Provincial (SEI), Regional ModelsSample SEI MapSample air photo• Senior Agency support and standards • Remote Sensing Analysis (GVRD)• Scale: Mapped at 1:20,000 on TRIM base• Focus on regional significant habitat and ecosystems Data Collection and Standards Municipal (TEM) Level Mapping• Data Sharing and GIS interpretation• Field verification by municipal consultants• Scale: Municipal and Watershed Level Maps• Focus on municipal significant habitat areas; natural features; vulnerable areas; and movement corridors Field Verification and Photo ArchiveIntensive Plots (5)Moderate Transects (25)Extensive Site Visits (75) 1. Protected Areas and FeaturesDesignated Conservation Areas, Natural Park Corridors, and Protected Features 1. Municipal Protected Areas Map•Provincial Parks•GVRD Parks•Dedicated Parks•Conservation Covenant Areas•Confirmed SARA habitat areas•Protected Natural Features such as raptor nests, heron rookeries, watercourses and wetlands 2. Unique or Threatened Ecosystem Typesas defined by federal and provincial agenciesWetlands (WN)Riparian (RI) Old Forest (OF)Woodlands (WD) Inland Bluffs and CliffsOld FieldTerrestrial Herbaceous Tidal Foreshore AreasStillwater Ecosystems Seasonal Flooded FieldsMature Forest (MF) 2. Unique Habitat and Natural FeaturesOld ForestMature ForestsRiparian AreasWetlandsStillwater EcosystemsOld Field GrasslandsGeological Features 3. Habitat Size, Condition, and Diversity•Habitat size and significance•Diversity of structure, age, and species•Disturbance & land use•Continuity and Connectivity 3. Habitat Type, Condition and SignificanceHabitat UniquenessStructural DiversityAbundanceIntegrity or ConditionConnectivity 4. Movement Corridors and Habitat SizeHabitat Patch Size ranges:¾200 ha¾30-200 ha¾20-30 ha¾2-20 ha• Riparian corridors• Large older forest areas• Naturalized ROWs & trails• Older Fallow Fields 5. Significant Ecological SystemsWetlandsAquifersStreamsForeshore AreasLakesPonds 6. Potential Hazard or Vulnerable Areas• Slopes > 30%• Floodplains• Escarpments• Major Erosion• Contaminated Sites•Seismic Zones How Does The ESA System Currently Help Us?1. Provides Baseline Info- for staff on Existing Protected Areas, Significant Natural Features,the location of Environmental Development Permits Areas, and potential restoration opportunities.2. Identifies Potential ESA’s- Significant or Unique Habitat, Landscape Features, or Potential Hazards at the Site Level as well as at the Watershed Level for consideration.3. Determines Information Needs- Level of Assessmentdetail required for a site depending on the scale, type, and location of the development4. Municipal ESA Management Strategies-for monitoring, analysis, and identifying municipal opportunities. What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Bossonworth SiteBase Information1. WPDP and NFDP areas identifiedAction Taken:Identification of environmental issues, features, opportunities, & information gapsEstablished setbacks, park and developable areas What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Bossonworth SitePotential Hazards2. Slopes > 25% Slopes > 30%Action Taken:Topographic survey of siteGeotechnical study requiredTree Retention Zone & Slope Related Issues. What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Bossonworth SiteUnique Habitat3. Unique stand of mature cedars and upslope mature tree areaMixed MatureForest StandAction Taken:Tree survey of siteWildlife movement corridor retainedCompensation includes tree protection zone for unique cedar stand What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Bossonworth SiteEcological Systems4. Potential Aquifer Groundwater Impacts and Drainage IssuesAction Taken:Sanitary impact study and hydro -geological studyStormwater concept plan required to be pro-active with site design requirementGrant Hill Aquifer What Did We Learn From This Site?Case Study: Bossonworth SiteLessons Learned:ESA info layers triggered pro-active review of issues• watercourses• slopes and hydrologyEncouraged an integrated approach by professionalsComprehensive watershed level view supports flexible holistic approach and net benefits to environment, developer & neighbours What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Nelson Peaks1. Baseline Infoa) WPDPb) NFDP Action Taken:Ecocluster concept & NFDP requires innovative site design Setbacks for natural features such as creeks and bluffsWatershed level planning approach What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Nelson Peaks2. Potential Hazardsa) Slopesb) Floodplains Action Taken:Hydro geological and geotech studies required for floodplains and hillside areasIntegrated stormwatermgmt plans with flood mitigation strategyRock bluffs and slopes protected to ensure slope stability, tree retention, & viewscape opportunities What Does This Mean on the Ground?Case Study: Nelson Peaks3. Movement Corridor and Habitat Enhancementa) Recreation Trailsb) Wildlife CorridorsAction Taken:Equestrian Trail required including access to rock bluffWildlife corridor maintained and fish habitat requires new enhancements What Did We Learn From This Site?Case Study: Nelson Peaks Lessons Learned:Watershed Level Plans –encourage integrated thinking for on site and off site issues & possibilities ESA material generated information to help guide the eco-cluster design concept Help to facilitate urban trail linkages and improvements for fish and wildlife habitat and movement corridors 1. Council Recognition of Existing ESA Information Management System 2. ESA Management Strategy Required• Explore Watershed Level Planning Tools and effective ESA Management Strategies.• Incentives for Developers and Land Owners for the Protection of Sensitive Areas and Features• Potential Municipal ESA Priority Acquisition Strategy• Explore Possibilities For Partnerships on Conservation Initiatives, Education, and Stewardship OpportunitiesThe Next Steps Thank You3.Continue to support strong public investment in our natural environment.