Year 1 - Conservation & Restoration of Northern BC Grasslands
Project Reference Number: 2007-24
Project Status: Complete
Led by: Sybille Haeussler, PhD, Research Associate, UBC, Smithers
Funded by: Habitat Conservation Trust Fund (CAT08/6/198)
In the southeast Skeena Region, low elevation grasslands are critical habitats for many wildlife species, especially mule deer. These endangered ecosystems face cumulative threats from land development, changes in climate and disturbance regimes, invasive species and insensitive recreational use. In recent years, mild wet summers, fire suppression and changes in grazing and browsing pressure have reduced grassland area and range quality through shrub and tree encroachment.
The Bulkley Valley Research Centre proposes to develop cost-effective techniques for enhancing grassland condition, diversity and habitat value for wildlife that do not increase invasive, non-native plants. The project will test combinations of prescribed fire, cutting and girdling on six grassland monitoring sites established in 2001 between Hazelton and Francois Lake. We will compare wildlife use and changes in range quality since 2001 on untreated vs. monitoring plots at the six sites. In addition to demonstrating the benefits of these techniques for improving range condition and wildlife use, the project will raise public awareness of grassland
conservation issues and create a more favorable climate
for active grassland habitat management.
Objectives:
Our goal is to maintain and restore the native grassland ecosystems of the southeastern Skeena Region and enhance their value as habitat for wildlife.
Specific objectives are:
- To find cost-effective techniques for preventing shrub and tree encroachment that enhance forage quality and diversity and do not increase non-native species invasion.
- To monitor changes in species composition and the rate of woody species invasion on treated and untreated grasslands.
- To monitor wildlife habitat use of treated & untreated grasslands, esp. cervids.
- To increase public interest and involvement in conservation and restoration of grasslands and enhancement of grassland wildlife habitat on public and private lands.
Deliverables (2007/08):
- Test plot at Hubert Hill/Toodienia (a 1998 HCTF acquisition) reburned
- One additional prescribed burn, if approved (spring 2008)
- Manual girdling & brush cutting test plots established at 4 remaining TERP test sites
- Continue weeding, mulching and seeding native plants at Hubert Hill/Toodienia
- Replace plot stakes and ribbons & remeasure monitoring transects at all six sites
- Assess wildlife use (fecal pellets & other sign) of treated and untreated test plots.