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Home My WebLink AboutMarch 2, 2009His Worship Mayor Ernie Davkio DATE: February 24,2OO9 and Members of Council FILE NO: Chief Administrative Officer AJF[N: Workshop Environmental Sensitive Areas Mapping Open House Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: This report summarizes the written and verbal input received during the consultation process of the Environmental Sensitive Areas Mapping Open House carried out December 11, 2008. There were approximately 100 persons that Signed in at the ESA Mapping Strategy Open House. An approxirnateestimate Cf all the wri�eninput received includes over ��0oomrnentsheets and ernai\a. Although there were some diverse responses noted during the consultation process, oornrnuoity priorities were generally consistent and supportive of Council's efforts to use the ESA mapping om baseline information for the ESA Management Strategy. The objective of the ESA Mapping program is to act as an information resource to assist decision makers and stakeholders at various scales with sustainable conservation and development options. It is not o regulatory tool, nor is it intended to replace oroverride site specific field verification assessments carried out by professional consultants through the development application process. It is designed to help guide stakeholders through the development process with useful background information on where and what the potential environmental constraints and opportunities are at different planning scales including the site, neighbourhood, watershed, and [nun(Cip@| level. The benefits associated with the ESA Mapping are consistent with municipal objectives and community values stated in both the District's Strategic Plan and the official Community Plan. 1. That the ESA Mapping Strategy Open House Report, dated February 24, 2009 bemcceived as informationand —' 2' That the Env|n}nnmenta! Sensitive Area mapping be used as an information management resource for Maple Ridge. • The ESA mapping should be used as baseline information for the Environmental Sensitive Area Management Strategy for Maple Ridge. • Support for o pro -active development process that includes the use of environmental baseline information early on in the process LV help identify potential natural constraints, determine what professional Studies may he required, as well as possible mitigation and enhancement opportunities. • Above and beyond the site specific information that is collected with individual development app|iootions, there is a need to understand what natural rmsounoes, natural assets, and sensitive features are potentially available at various scales in Orderto manage these resources inaresponsible manner. • The community values a comprehensive ecological based management strategy that can help the District pro -actively manage and monitor environmental objectives at multiple scales and over various time frames. * Besides environmental benefits tothe community, there are significant economic and social benefits associated with the ESA mapping and environmental management strategies geared towards protection of sensitive habitat areas or acquisition ofgreenvvey corridors. These natural assets are important for attracting high pay environmentally friendly industries, ooetourisrn.recreation, and outdoor education related businesses. • Resident support for continuation of 0rognams, pm|ioies, and regulations that support stream setback protection, investment in greenway trails and open space, bio -diversity strategies for protecting unique or significant ecosystems, environmental education and outreach. • It is more effective and e better use of tax payers money to use baseline environmental mapping information to help guide development to create a sustainable community and developments, rather than choosing not to have the information available. • Stronger protection mechanisms or better management plans are required concerning aquifers and groundwater protection within the District. • Watershed areas surrounding the District in crown land areas such as Blue Mountain area need to be mapped out and assessed before they are developed to determine location and condition of significant vvatmrCouraes, groundwater sensitivity, outdoor education and recreation opportunities, and the significance of certain wildlife habitat areas. • More public information sessions are requested during environmental management strategy stage. • The eoCun8oy of the information is not site specific but the |nnpeot of the ESA mapping might have an influence on the re -sale value of individual properties if it is misinterpreted by senior agencies orhypotential buyers. • More information should be made available to the public on the details of the proposed environmental management strategy in order to understand the potential impacts of the mapping on individual properties or larger developments 2 fliftwNd .0- • Positive response tVenvironmental ESA mapping wQrk ~ Long berm environmental planning is necessary if we want a sustainable community. To develop comprehensive management strategy, the community needs to identify what it currently has that is worth protecting, where it is located, what condition it is in, how is it connected orsupported bysurrounding lands, etc. • Concerns that the Council had already directed staff to Carry out the ESA mapping to be completed. It will be costly to the |OCa| tax payers to not use this information at this point, especially if it has been proven to be an effective resource tool for guiding development to date these last couple ofyears. • Desire to incorporate outdoor environmental education, recreation, and eco -tourism business into the ESA management strategy. Environment and economic goals donot have tobmatodds, they can work well together. • It is important to ensure that access tn natural amenities such as foreshore areas, lakes, pock b|uffs, mature forests, trails, and parks are available tothe public. • Desire to have more public input in ESA management strategy at the neighbourhood level as well aaatthe municipal level. • Desire for the protection of significant ecological areas and areas of unique natural beauty above what is already regulated. Protection for some of these sensitive areas will require a long term municipal conservation management strategy. There should he additional financial incentive for landowners and developers to contribute sensitive lands to the community eaanasset. Concerns with availability and accuracy of raw data sets. • Potential impacts cmland values at site level for land owners. • Concern that there was no detailed management strategies10 review makes Kdifficult to determine the potential legal effect and financial impacts of the ESA mapping. • Concern about potential impacts on agricultural lands and the right to farm if environmental strategies and regulations are too stringent. • Concerns about how the regional government or senior agencies might interpret the ESA mapping layers. The majority of the nOnornents from the public were ; however' there were some concerns expressed about potential risks associated with the use of the ESA mapping such as the potential implications of the ESA mapping on land values, There were some specific concerns expressed about the accuracy ofthe mapping, especially otthe site level. There were also concerns about how some of the ESA mapping layers might be misinterpreted by senior agencies or regional government. Many of the same concerns were raised relating to the stnaenn mapping, trail mapping, floodplain mapping, and geotechnical mapping that have all been carried over the past few years. Some of these mapping programs have been recognized osaward winning initiatives. Site specific surveys and studies are eventually required at the site level when there is e development application. The ESA baseline information currently helps provide stakeholders with an early glimpse of the possible issues and opportunities associated with sustainable development etvarious scales. This enables us to improve upon our decision making capacity for achieving short term and long term objectives. 3 d) Objective of ESA Mapping program In general, the objective of the ESA Mapping program is to: act as an information resource to assist decision makers and stakeholders at various scales with sustainable conservation and development options. Itksnot oregulatory tool. Itiaaninformation resource for the community that can help us work towards a balanced approach to the management ofour environmental, social, and economic assets. For the past several years, the ESA mapping has been successfully used by staff to assist senior agenoiea, developers and their consultants at the site level with the identification of regulated protected features such as watercourses, wetlands, and lakes. It has helped to identify potential health and risk management concerns such as steep slopes, f|oodp1ains, and geotechnical vulnerable areas. Furthermore, it has helped to identify enhancement opportunities on site that can be remedied or restored withthedeve|o0nnent. This information generally gives the developer an early glimpse of their development potential, along with potential complexity and costs associated with their sites. There have arguably also been considerable costs savings tothe District in terms of reduced risk and liability issues due to the environmental mapping carried out for steep slopes, erosion, and floodplain areas. moo The next step in the environmental eomakive area process requires an integrated management strategy that strives to work towards a greater understanding and appreciation of the value and sensitivity of our relationship with the environment. This environmental sensitive area management strategy will require an environmental information system such as the ESA mapping, a range of annorL planning tools, and e comprehensive management strategy that focuses on achieving these objectives through emphasis on environmental education, partnerships with community stewardship groups and senior agencies, watershed and area level planning, potential incentives for land owners and developers, and smart growth strategies for new development areas. OvereU, the majority of the comment sheets, ennaiks, verbal comments, and written responses returned were supportive of the Environmental Sensitive Mapping project as a municipal information The input received through the Public Open House for the ESA Mapping has reaffirmed the direction and objectives stated in the Official Community Plan that the community values the idendfioaton and protection of environmentally legislated features such as watercourses, wetlands, species mA risk, as well as other natural sensitive features that are currently not protected by legislation. Rather than utilizing a parcel by parcel approach there is value in using a broader, long term municipal and watershed level approach to planning with viable strategies that can help achieve our objectives. 4 The objective of the ESA Mapping Program is to act as an information resource to assist decision makers and stakeholders at various scales with sustainable conservation and development options. It is not a regulatory tooL It is an information resource for the community that can help us work towards a balanced approach to the management of our environmental, social, ©« economi# assets. Attached is a copy of the previous report received by Council, dated October 8, 2008. � royffamum: Approved by.2" Russ Clarrnichael,,. Acting GM: Public'Works & Development Services A A Concurrence:,/ J.L. (J»:;R 2. / Chief Administrative Officer am ME991=0Z M DISTRICT OFMAPLE RIDGE Deep Roots �� T0- His Worship Mayor Gordon Robson DATE:' and Members ofCouncil FILE NO: FROM: Chief Administrative Officer /\[TN: SUBJECT: Environmental Sensitive Area Mapping Project In 2005 en EnvironmentallySmn�t�eArea (ESA) study was determineed out to determine areas, ' d od»nS within the District which were considered environmentally sensitive, features, 8nr1Vno|Pu»�//�\�\!y vulnerable with respect to risks. A municipal wide inventory was significant,o�nz^ o f \ ifi nt#s�tur�a at a municipal and carried out to |dentify the location and condition o ��n csui on terrestrial and o�u�Li� watershed wide scale to establish some baseline information�areas.feoturea.andfunntionsthatwerepotentio|lyofeignificanoetotheD(etrict. B 2007the District had further developed its Environmental Mapping and Informationm/u By nage`'''entSys1enn to include information on environmentally sensitive areas outside of aquatic ecosystems ni order 10 help improve decision making capability ofthe District and to share this information with the development community. The ESA information management system and mapping project has been utilized over the past several years to help understand how to protect and develop significant features and landscapes responsibly, equipped with more uptodate and comprehensive environmental information. As demonstrated in the Committee of the Whole presentation to Council in idinforrnabonmanagernentaystenncurrently helps the Februaryuf2OO�9'theE3Am�Ppn��n District to recognize the value of environmentally sensitive areas and features that contribute positively tothe quality of life in the community, to assisting staff with decision making to ensure sustainable development practices, and to maintain and improve ecosystem Ueo|zo and human safety. Preparation of a municipal environmental management strategy is the next step to ensure Maple Ridge continues to support responsible management of our community's natural 'tuansurethere is continuity nfbiological diversity; to create naaony areas and r*sourne�' eou|ogiCel systems. to provide safe environments for developments, and to work with the natural services the environment has to offer. That information collected through the EnvironmentallY Sensitive Area mapping project be used as baseline information for the Environmental Management Strategi for Maple Ridge. 1 BACKGROUND In December 2OO4.the District passed e resolution through its Official Community Plan to (I) identify its environmentally sensitive areas, features, and functions and (ii) establish planning priorities in order to facilitate the development of coordinated strategies to conserve its critical ecological resources and protect its 'green infrastructure' So it could move towards becoming amore sustainable community. In 2005, the District of Maple Ridge began an ESA study to identify mrit|oe| ecological areas, ^ features, and functions at e municipal wide level. This ESA framework would help facilitate planning etthe municipal orwatershed wide scale and to: • Define the scope, significance, and characteristics of environmentally sensitive areas, features, and functions throughout the District; ' a Expand upon the municipal environmental information management system to assist with decision making capability-, • Provide environrnantel baseline information to help identify where more detailed sun/eye or studies need to occur at the regional, municipal, watershed, and site levels. This study incorporates the principles, techniques, and standards from various models that have been endorsed and applied byfederal, provincial, regional and municipal governments over the last decade. The ESA review is also tailored to the unique physical characteristics and planning requirements of the municipality. The new environmental information layers include an updated inventory of floodplain elevation boundaries determined by new provincial agency elevation mode1|ing, new watercourses and wetlands identified by municipal environmental staff using high end GIPS, an assessment ofsteep slopes and significant erosion concerns throughout the Diutrict, and an inventory of unique or significant habitats and movement corridors throughout Maple Ridge. Project Description Planning for 'sustainability' and from an 'ecological' perspective, means that before anything is designed o/developed, the District is able 1ohelp idendfy, manege, and potentially protect significant environmentally significant features, functions, and areas at the municipal, watershed, and site specific scales. It can help to reduce impacts through appropriate site design and building form. It can help to identify, enhance and restore potential sensitive areas. it can also help to protect those areas, features, and functions that the community values as eaaonUe| to environmental sustainability. In general, the ESA study nen help to make informed decisions about how and where we can work with the environment and landscape tohelp uoachieve aunique and diverse natural community. The Key goals of the ESA study were to (i) fVrrna\|y identify the location and condition of ''environrnenba\|yaeneidveareae''.and(H)toidendfyandud\izevariVusp|anning tools to help protect or enhance the integrity and biodiversity of unique or significant terrestrial moosystenns, features, and functions within the municipality. The specific objectives ofthereview are to� 1. Provide e h|O\OgiC@| and ecological framework for land management, particularly the conservation of the most vulnerable and rare apeoies, significant habitats, and important ecological functions inthe landscape. 2 2 Identify and prioritize habitat sensitivity in terms ofskgnUicantvi|d|�e habitat areas. ' natural features, ecO�o�ca ecological and vulnerable areas potentially atrisk. that be [n@n8�e Or 3. Develop aOinfOrmabonmoanag8nnSntsystenn � can . ' enhance ecologically sensitive areas, functions, and features. 4' Increase awareness and understanding of (i) habitats at rink; (ii) me role of significant ecological functions; (iii) the distribution and abundance of priority habitats and features; and (iv) the impacts Vfland management activities. 5' Provide @ hietOr{b record of environmental conditions at municipal level that can be used as an indicator for monitoring ecosystem response to ongoing municipal management and development practises; and G' Create a planning and management too[ for portraying ecosystem and landscape diversity, uniqueness, and t ocontinue encouraging use of environmental services. AStanUardisedand Compatible ESA Approach The Ecosystem Section �a criteria, methods, and standards selected for this study serve an important role in o' — ensuring `ns|atenuy data collection and classification to facilitate the exchange of |nfmrrnabo'^betweenthe District Maple Ridge and other agencies ormunicipalities. The Maple Ridge ^ESARevi—'is currenUybased onthe rnethudo|ogies and standards taken frunn federal,p'~ino(a\, regional and local municipal models. The District of Maple Ridge ESA Review methodology -salso been revievvedand endorsed bythe province indudingaletter ofsuppo�fronothe E S oti Head Ministry ofWater, Land, and Air Protection. Project Framework The Environmental Sensitivity Review project consists ofthree phases. Phase 1The initial phase of the ESA Review included developing the conceptual design of the ES," framework and for the environmental mapping and information management ayetern'first f�� phese included the compilation of a digital information repository for ESA nza"=" met«~|a\o using existing information from various sources. K also included carrying out data o"\'eotNn and field verification of ESA candidate areas, GPS mapping, and GIS analysis for the municipality. Phase _II' In phase two, an evaluation of information requirements, accuracy, and classification was carried out for a|| of1h� (nfDrn�tion layers. The information generated during this second phase helped formed the basis for the expansion of the District's Environmental Mapping and Information Management System which has been utilized for e past several years to help with the development application management process. Phase Ill. Phase three will help the District create a framework for dealing with brooder environmental programs and specific environmental management recommendations associated with the Environmental S�ns|tivityReview. The third step inthis study istofoster the short and long term management of environmentally sensitive areas within the context of federal, provincial, and municipal environmental objectives, regulations, and boot management practises. Types of Environmental information Collected The types of information collected and verified for the District ESA review includes: 0 Data on sudioio| geology, soils, topography, and hydrology 0 Data onexisting protected areas, natural parks, conservation covenant areas 3 • Data describing significant ecosystenxs, vegetative communities, natural features, significant bndfonna. wildlife movement conidors, and where applicable, their uniqueness, vulnerability, diversity, and regional significance. w Data on significant ecological functions that are known LO occur within the boundaries of the District such as aquifer boundaries, foreshore habitat areas, wetlands, etc. • Data on the distribution of unique ecosystems and rare species of flora and fauna • Data on habitat size, oondition, and fragmentation w Data Unsignificant habitat movement corridors and network connectivity • Data unterrain hazards and slope assessments • Data on natural landscape heritage items or scientific narrative associated with specific geological features and areas. * Environmental Development Permit Areas The seven major information layers in which information was collected, processed, mapped, and evaluated for the Maple Ridge ESA study include: 1. Protected Areas and Features. An area that contains sensitive |anda, species, or featumasa|readyprcteotedunderrn:nicipo|,prnvinc|a|'ornodonalregu|mtionsand/or they already exist within designated conservation areas or'green parks'. 2. Unique Ecosystems/Habitats. The ecosystem and/or wildlife habitat communities of the area are designated as 'sensitive' or 'significant' by the federal and provincial agencies Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory strategy including riparian areas, wetlands, lakes, nne1uro or old growth forests, old fields, and tidal foreshore areas. 3. Significant Ecological Function. The ecological function of an area or feature is vital to the healthy maintenance of a natural system beyond its boundaries such as watercourses, wot|owdo,and aquifer boundaries. 4. Local Landform Significance. The area has anunusual landform, landscape feature, or vegetative community with limited representation in the nnunioipa|ity, province or country, or there is o high natural heritage value associated with a feature within the municipality usually associated with rock bluffs, canyons, or natural heritage sites. 5. Habitat Size and Element Occurrence. An area that is abundant in size, relatively undeveloped, and that has an unusually high diversity of biological communities and associated plants and animals within its boundaries with connectivity to major rivers and major habitat reservoirs. G. Significant Movement Corridors. The area provides on irnporLent linkage of suitable or restorable habitat between significant natural biological communities typically along riparian cOnidors, utility right of ways, and along equestrian trail networks. 7. Terrestrial Hazards. The area is already set aside due to the presence of on-site or nearby hazard lands that would suffer degradation if the area were to be further disturbed including f|oodp|aina, steep slopes, and areas vulnerable to erosion o/ slumping 4 The ESA review was designed to provide basic level ofinformation upon which the District of Maple Ridge and consultants can build a more detailed aesesarnent hiedesigned to provide guide that can help determine where land uses may or may not be compatible with future development plans. The information collected is designed to support the preliminary eva|uadon of candidate sites and classification of sensitivity at a landscape level. The fo||ovvingfactors must betaken into consideration when using the information. � Timing: K is important to note that data�m d� sources not designed Or intended for final determination of site specific evaluations. Furthermore, some of the bio- physical characteristics associated with environmental reports and studies are likely o change hange nver time as we are working in a dynamic system when dealing with ecosystems. �S�h�To�a�the pm�oonof�e�valued ��|�� ' a�� ill need ',��-,'-tbe continued collaboration with qualified environmental professionals '� other kinds of professionals to identify specific conservation issues and ~'— - - opportunities, risk management conoerns' and appropriate mitigation at the site level.The level ofdetail associated vv�hthe a�eevo!uobontypically depends onthe sensitivity of the specific site as well as the scale and type of development activity that isoccurring in the area. 3 Jurisdictional Constraints. Due to legal constraints, the management recommendations that are derived from the Environmental Management Strategy may not be applicable to Managed Forest Lend subject to the Private land Forest Practices Regulations or in some cases to "Agricultural Reserve Lands" under the jurisdiction of the Agricultural Land Commission. For the purposes of this study however' e cursory level inventory of these areas was included as part of the Sensitive Ecosystem Review project. 4. Mitigation. This study does not take into account whether o/not technology or engineering exists to prevent or mitigate the impact of development or ensure safe development design, Itiaatthe application and permit stage for development where there is greater ability to provide detailed site specific studies on potential impaota, mitigation, protection, and restoration opportunities. Cona4ltation and Communication A peer review of the Maple Ridge Environmental Sensitivity Review report included a steering cornnnK1ee that consisted of members from federal, provincial, and non-government organizations.This indudednnernbepsfronnthe federal Depar1nnentofRsh8rieaand Oceans and Canadian Wildlife Service; the provincial ministry of Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Proteot|onProtection-, the -Greater Vancouver Regional District; and wildlife biology consultants, Doug Pnnsonne(Ph.D)and Ken Williams (B.So). Community groups were contacted and consulted in the study include various environmental stewardship groups operating in the District of Maple Ridge such as the Aiou*tte River Management Society, Wanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society, the A|oueULe R*|d Naturalists, Hit Polder Preservation Soo(ety, and the Haney Horsemen, Informal encounters with landowners and public stakeholder also occurred frequently while 11111111 working in the field and this created opportunities to discuss the project as well as collect valuable information. Conclusions Maple Ridge has a wide variety of topographic features, ecosystems, and species within its boundaries which contribute towards a unique, diverse, and valued natural community. The citizens for the District of Maple Ridge along with the Official Community Plan recognizes the importance of having a comprehensive strategy for dealing with these features and functions before, during, and after development takes place to balance growth with environmental Bycontinuing toincorporate the existing environmentally sensitive areas, features, and functions into ecomprehensive planning and decision making framework, there ka continuous investment in smart development practices and sustainable management of the natural environment for ourselves and for future generations. This includes continuity of investment in biological diversity, healthy ecological systems, the provision of safe environments, and the enjoyment ofthe natural economic, social, and ecological services the environment has Lnoffer the community. Director "arining Public Wo n evelopment Services M