rep 1025 2011 ntl nest survey may 24-26 11 rev1

October 25, 2011

NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

OSPREY, EAGLE AND HERON NEST SURVEY (MAY 24-26, 2011) RESULTS

REP

OR

T

Report Number: 10-1422-0072/2000/2500

Distribution:

2 Copies - BC Hydro

2 Copies - Golder Associates Ltd.

Submitted to:

BC Hydro Suite 1100, Four Bentall Centre 1055 Dunsmuir Street Vancouver, BC V7X 1V5 iPAS Document #H337988-NTLD-H600-0004

OSPREY, EAGLE AND HERON NEST SURVEY (MAY 24-26, 2011) RESULTS, NORTHWEST TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

October 25, 2011 Report No. 10-1422-0072/2000/2500 i

Table of Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3.0 SURVEY APPROACH AND METHODS .......................................................................................................................... 2

4.0 RESULTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.1 Survey Flights ...................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.2 Nest Locations ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

4.3 Other Notable Observations ................................................................................................................................ 5

5.0 SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION ........................................................................................................................................ 5

6.0 CLOSURE ......................................................................................................................................................................... 6

7.0 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................................................. 7

TABLES

Table 1: Summary of Survey Flight Data and Field Conditions for the NTL Osprey, Eagle and Heron Nest Survey, May 24-26, 2011 ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

FIGURES

Figure 1: May 24th to 26th, 2011 Aerial Stick Nest Survey Map








APPENDICES

APPENDIX A Photographs


October 25, 2011 Report No. 10-1422-0072/2000/2500 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION BC Hydro’s Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) Project involves the construction of a new 340 km long 287 kV

transmission line between the existing Skeena Substation (approximately 8 km south of Terrace, BC) and

Bob Quinn Lake. The NTL Project construction footprint will consist of a new right-of-way (ROW), new

transmission structures, new access roads, and a new substation at Bob Quinn Lake. As part of Table of

Commitments included in the Project’s Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC), BC Hydro must conduct a

pre-construction stick nest survey of the NTL Project area (Commitment 30). Specifically Commitment 30

requires the following:

“In areas of suitable habitat and prior to construction, BC Hydro must conduct nest searches within

500 m of the construction footprint to locate northern goshawk, osprey, eagle and heron nests. If a

nest is found where clearing is required, BC Hydro must consult with BC Ministry of Forests, Lands,

and Natural Resource Operations and Environment Canada as appropriate and implement appropriate mitigation.”

Breeding birds in BC are legally protected under both federal and provincial legislation. For migratory birds,

excluding raptors, this protection is provided by the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act and associated

Migratory Bird Regulations, which prohibit the harming of migratory birds and the disturbance or destruction of

their nests and eggs. Raptors and most other birds are protected in BC under Section 34 of the provincial

Wildlife Act, which prevents the possession, take, injury, molestation, or destruction of a bird or its egg, or a nest

that is occupied by a bird or its egg. Subsection 34 (b) provides protection year-round to the nests of osprey

(Pandion haliaetus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and great blue

heron (Ardea herodias), whether or not the nest is active.

This report summarizes results of an aerial osprey, eagle, other raptor and heron nest survey conducted by

Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) during May 24-26, 2011 for the Project. This survey was conducted under the

terms and conditions outlined in BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations (MFLNRO)

Wildlife Permit SM11-70818. Additional surveys for the nests of northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) will be

completed in suitable habitats coinciding with ground-based songbird surveys should clearing be conducted

during the breeding bird season.

2.0 OBJECTIVES The purpose of the survey was to document the location of osprey, eagle and heron nests along the NTL Project

corridor in partial fulfillment of Commitment 30 of the EAC. Specifically, the objectives of this survey were to:

Identify and map the location of osprey, eagle and heron nests in the Project area;

Document osprey, eagle and heron nest activity in the Project area;

Provide osprey, eagle and heron nest location information for the NTL Construction Environmental

Management Plan (CEMP) mapping; and,

Compile incidental encounters with other raptors, raptor nests and other wildlife observed in the Project

area while conducting the survey.



3.0 SURVEY APPROACH AND METHODS Nest surveys were conducted early in the breeding season with the goal of documenting activity prior to potential

nesting failures and prior to full “leaf out” allowing better viewing of potential nest sites within deciduous

vegetation. Survey flights were planned in accordance with applicable Golder Safe Work Practices and

BC Hydro Standard Operating Procedures1. The survey was conducted from May 24-26, 2011 with a Eurocopter

AS355 N (“A-star”) twin engine helicopter (call sign C-FXIH) from Canadian Helicopters (Terrace, BC). The crew

included a BC Hydro approved pilot (Tony Walker), a qualified navigator/ observer/ recorder (Dan Guertin,

Golder) and two qualified observers (Bart DeFreitas and Kate Moss, Golder). All occupants could communicate

freely using headsets with a live microphone.

Survey methodology was adapted from recommended guidelines described in current British Columbia

Resources Information Standards Committee (RISC) standards for raptor and heron surveys2. Flights followed

two predetermined north-south linear transect lines approximately 200 m on each side of the proposed

transmission line alignment. Transect coordinates were provided to the aircraft pilot prior to survey initiation and

uploaded to the onboard global positioning system (GPS) unit for navigation purposes. Transects were flown at a

minimum height of 50 m above the canopy and a maximum of 100 m above the canopy. Flight speed varied

between 50 and 80 km/ hr. Each observer surveyed approximately 200 m on their side of the aircraft for an

approximate coverage of 100% of the area flown. Suitable habitat (i.e., the shoreline of lakes, ponds, rivers,

creeks and other water bodies) was preferentially searched to a distance of at least 700 m from the transmission

line when encountered along transects.

Flight paths were tracked using a handheld Trimble Juno SB GPS unit with Terrasync software. When nests

were located, the crew obtained a Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) position (Zone 09/ NAD 83) and digital

photographs of the nest site. The pilot was instructed to maintain a minimum distance of 100 m from all observed

nests and to manoeuvre the aircraft in a way that distributed rotor downwash away from the nest to minimize

potential for damage to nest structure and stability. Additional data recorded at nest sites included the nesting

species (if known), number of individuals observed, adult presence and behaviour, nest status (active or

inactive), number of young (if possible to see into the nest from the helicopter), nest tree type, nest location in

tree and general habitat information. Nest site characteristics were recorded with the Trimble Juno unit using the

Terrasync Data Dictionary feature. A second GPS unit (Garmin GPSmap 60CSx), hard copy data sheets and a

digital voice recorder were also on board all flights to facilitate back-up data recording.

The location of incidental wildlife encountered during survey flights was also recorded and geo-referenced.

1 Applicable Golder SWPs: Helicopter Safety, Remote/Isolated Surveys

Applicable BC Hydro SOPs: Scientific Aerial Surveys, Transportation of Workers in Aircraft 2 Inventory Methods for Raptors: Standards for components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity No.11. Available at:

http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/raptors/version2/rapt_ml_v2.pdf.

Inventory Methods for Colonial – Nesting Freshwater Birds: Standards for components of British Columbia’s Biodiversity No.8.

Available at: http://www.ilmb.gov.bc.ca/risc/pubs/tebiodiv/colonial/assets/colonial.pdf.



4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Survey Flights The survey flights were conducted during favourable weather conditions and required approximately 16.6 hrs of

flying time over the three day survey period. Survey flight data and field conditions are summarized in Table 1

and Figures 1 to 8.

Table 1: Summary of Survey Flight Data and Field Conditions for the NTL Osprey, Eagle and Heron Nest Survey, May 24-26, 2011

Date Departure

Time

Flight

Time (hr) Environmental Conditions at Departure

Total Flight Distance (km)

24 May 2011 0945 4.7 16°C, overcast (100% cloud cover), moderate breeze (approx. 25 km/ hr), good visibility (approx. 32 km)

352

25 May 2011 0925 6.9 16°C, mostly cloudy (90% cloud cover), moderate breeze (approx. 20 km/ hr), good visibility (approx. 32 km)

374

26 May 2011 0930 5.0 16°C, overcast (100% cloud cover), light rain, light breeze (approx. 5 km/ hr), good visibility (approx. 14 km)

255

4.2 Nest Locations

Thirteen bald eagle nests were observed during survey flights (Table 2, Figures 1 to 8). All observed nests

were located in cottonwood (Populus balsamifera) trees along watercourses. Nest sites ranged from

approximately 306 to 1,535 m from the transmission line centreline. Four nests were considered active

based on the location of adult birds (i.e., an adult bird on the nest or perched nearby). Nine additional nests

were empty and considered inactive at the time of the survey (Table 2). Although no bald eagles were

observed in proximity to the inactive nests, the nests were distinguishable from other raptor nests based on

overall nest size, nest tree (i.e., cottonwood) and general habitat surrounding the nest site (i.e., riparian

habitat).

Two osprey nests were observed during survey flights (Table 2, Figures 6 and 7). Nests sites were located

556 and 1280 m from the transmission line centreline. Both nests were located at the top of a spruce tree

situated along a lakeshore. Two adult birds were present at both nests. Both nests contained eggs.

Two other nests were observed during survey flights: an active red-tailed hawk nest and an unoccupied

nest that was not identified to species (Table 2, Figures 6 and 3, respectively). The red-tailed hawk nest

was located in the crotch of a cottonwood tree, approximately 438 m from the NTL transmission line

centreline, and contained three chicks. The unidentified nest was observed on the side of a cliff

approximately 477 m from the NTL transmission line centreline (Figure 3). No birds were observed near the

cliff nest, and the nest was considered inactive at the time of the survey.



Nes

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N01 BAEA 24-May-11 09:57 520424 6038992 669 Active - Cottonwood Crotch 10 Riparian One adult on nest.

N02 BAEA2 24-May-11 09:59 520409 6039066 683 Inactive 0 Cottonwood Crotch 5 Riparian No birds observed nearby


N04 BAEA 24-May-11 12:06 504741 6131958 748 Active 2

(chicks) Cottonwood Crotch 5 Lake edge One adult on nest

N05 BAEA2 24-May-11 12:09 504576 6132012 912 Inactive 0 Cottonwood Crotch 5 Lake edge No birds observed nearby

N06 BAEA 24-May-11 12:12 504498 6130906 306 Active 0 Cottonwood Crotch 5 Lake edge Two adults perched nearby

N07 BAEA2 24-May-11 12:14 504047 6130226 399 Old 0 Cottonwood Crotch 10 Lake edge No birds observed nearby; nest falling out of tree

N08 BAEA 24-May-11 13:43 497863 6114109 1452 Active - Cottonwood Crotch 5 Riparian One adult on nest


N10 UNKN 24-May-11 14:12 509800 6088302 477 Inactive 0 - - - Cliff above river No birds observed nearby

N11 BAEA2 24-May-11 14:19 508652 6085294 993 Inactive 0 Cottonwood Limb 0 Riparian No birds observed nearby



N14 BAEA2 25-May-11 17:24 444789 6288757 522 Inactive 0 Cottonwood Platform 5 Riparian No birds observed nearby

N15 OSPR 26-May-11 10:15 455785 6278494 1280 Active 2 (eggs) Spruce Crown 0 Lake edge One adult on nest, one adult fly-off

N16 OSPR 26-May-11 14:15 519030 6167627 556 Active 1 (egg) Spruce Crown 0 Lake edge One adult on nest, one adult fly-off

N17 RTHA 26-May-11 14:28 519111 6162760 438 Active 3

(chicks) Cottonwood Crotch 5 Riparian One adult on nest

Notes: 1 Species codes: BAEA = bald eagle, OSPR = osprey, RTHA = red-tailed hawk, UNKN = unknown 2 Unconfirmed bald eagle nest - based on overall nest size, nest tree and general habitat



4.3 Other Notable Observations

In addition to the birds listed above, two bald eagles, two ospreys, two red-tailed hawks and one turkey

vulture (Cathartes aura) were observed during survey flights. No nests were observed near these birds.

Nine moose (Alces americanus) including two cow/ yearling pairs were observed.

Seventeen black bears (Ursus americanus) including four cubs and two sow/ cub pairs were observed.

One grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) was observed.

5.0 SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION The osprey, eagle and heron nest survey was completed during favourable weather conditions. A total of 17 nest

sites were observed along the transmission line alignment, including 10 inactive bald eagle nests, three active

bald eagle nests, two active osprey nests, one active red-tailed hawk nest and one inactive unknown nest. As

indicated in Table 2, most observed nests (n=13) were located greater than 500 m from the centreline. Four

nests were within 500 meters, but more than 300 m from the centreline. All observed nests were associated with

a water body (i.e., river, lake, pond or drainage).

Provincial Best Management Practices (BMPs) for raptors provide suggested minimum year-round vegetative

setbacks from raptor nests in undeveloped environments of 200 m for bald eagle nests and 500 m for other

raptors (Demarchi et al. 2005). In addition to the recommended vegetative buffers, the provincial BMP document

suggests an additional buffer of 100 m for eagles and 200 m for other raptors that is free of loud noises and

other human disturbances around active nests. Figures 1 through 8 indicate that the majority of the nests

encountered during the survey are outside of the extended BMP-recommended buffers (i.e., vegetated setback

plus no disturbance buffer). One bald eagle nest (N06), one osprey nest (N16), and the red-tailed hawk nest

(N17) appear to be within the extended BMP recommended buffers for active nests. In addition, nest N10

appears to be within the BMP recommended buffer for inactive nests.

The NTL Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) was developed specifically for the NTL Project

in consultation with the Working Group, which consists of First Nations, Nisga’a Nation, federal, provincial and

local government agencies. Section 5.9 (Birds) of the CEMP recommends avoidance of construction activities in

the vicinity of osprey, eagle, other raptor or heron nests, where possible, and adherence to buffer zones,

management zones and procedures for working around identified active raptor nests. The CEMP indicates that

setbacks from site-specific features would be determined by the Environmental Officer, and if necessary, through

consultation with agencies having jurisdiction. The CEMP indicates that if a nest cannot be avoided or work must

be undertaken within recommended buffers, a site specific disturbance minimization and monitoring plan be

established in consultation with the Environmental Officer and MFLNRO.



7.0 REFERENCES Demarchi, M.W., M.D. Bentley, and L. Sopuck. 2005. Best Management Practices for Raptor Conservation

during Urban and Rural Land Development in British Columbia. Prepared by LGL Limited Environmental

Research Associates for BC Ministry of Environment. Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

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KEITH AVE

IR #1KITSUMKAYLUM

IR #3ZIMAGORD

IR #6KULSPAI

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BC Hydro, Geogratis, ESRI, LRDW and DMTI.Projection: UTM Zone 9 Datum: NAD 83

REFERENCE REV. 0

Greater Vancouver Office, B.C.

DESIGN

MAY 24TH TO 26TH, 2011AERIAL STICK NEST SURVEY MAP

FIGURE

PROJECT No. 10-1422-0072SCALE AS SHOWN

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October 25, 2011 Report No. 10-1422-0072/2000/2500



October 25, 2011 Project No. 10-1422-0072/2000/2500 1/2

Photograph 1: An active bald eagle nest (N01) observed during the NTL osprey, eagle and heron nest survey (May 24-26, 2011).

Photograph 2: An active osprey nest (N16) observed during the NTL osprey, eagle and heron nest survey (May 24-26, 2011).


October 25, 2011 Project No. 10-1422-0072/2000/2500 2/2

Photograph 3: An active red-tailed hawk nest (N17) observed during the NTL osprey, eagle and heron nest survey (May 24-26, 2011).

Photograph 4: An inactive unidentified nest (N10) observed during the NTL osprey, eagle and heron nest survey (May 24-26, 2011).

\\bur1-s-filesrv2\final\2010\1422\10-1422-0072\rep 1025_11 ntl nest survey may 24-26_11 rev1\appendix a - photos.docx

Golder Associates Ltd.

500 - 4260 Still Creek Drive

Burnaby, British Columbia, V5C 6C6

Canada

T: +1 (604) 296 4200

rep 1025 2011 ntl nest survey may 24-26 11 rev1

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