Assessment of environmentally sensitive area

14300 Burrows Rd. Richmond, BC

Prepared for
Prepared by:

Bruce McTavish, MSc, MBA, PAg, RPBio

&
Justin McTavish BSc. AAg
McTavish Resource & Management Consultants Ltd.
2858 Bayview Street, Surrey, BC V4A 2Z4

July 28, 2016

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Table of Contents
1.0

Introduction.............................................................................................1

1.1

2.0

Environmental assessment criteria................................................................1

Existing Conditions..................................................................................2

2.1

Environmentally sensitive areas....................................................................3

2.2

Vegetative communities overview.................................................................3

2.2.1

Horse pasture.......................................................................................... 3

2.2.3

Hedgerow................................................................................................ 4

2.3

Soils.............................................................................................................. 5

3.0

Invasive and weed plant species............................................................7

4.0

Wildlife habitat........................................................................................7

4.1

Birds............................................................................................................... 7

4.2

Amphibians.................................................................................................... 8

4.3

Mammals....................................................................................................... 8

4.4

Discussion...................................................................................................... 8

5.0

Federally and provincially listed wildlife..................................................8

5.1

Red-legged frog............................................................................................. 9

5.2

Vesper Sparrow............................................................................................ 10

5.3

Streaked Horned Lark..................................................................................10

5.4

Barn Owl...................................................................................................... 10

5.5

Short-eared Owl........................................................................................... 11

5.6

Great Blue Heron......................................................................................... 11

5.7

Common Nighthawk..................................................................................... 11

5.8

Listed species summary............................................................................... 11

6.0

Watercourses........................................................................................12

7.0

Hydrological cycle importance..............................................................12

References.....................................................................................................13

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List of Figur
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
Y

1 Property location........................................................................................... 1
2 Environmentally sensitive areas...................................................................2
3 Biogeoclimatic zone map of assessment area..............................................3
4 Metro Vancouver Sensitive Ecosystem mapping of the subject property.....3
5 Old field Reed canary grass habitat..............................................................4
6 Habitats located on property........................................................................5
7 Trees in old orchard habitat..........................................................................6
8 Hedgerow on property shown by red arrows.................................................7
9 Soil sampling locations.................................................................................8
10 Soil horizons................................................................................................ 8

List of Tables
Table 1 Soils and drainage.......................................................................................... 9
Table 2 Possible federally or provincially listed wildlife species................................11

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1.0 Introduction
McTavish Resource & Management Consultants was retained to carry out an
environmental assessment on the property located at 14300 Burrows Road
Richmond, BC (Figure 1). Assistance was provided by Scott Resource Services who
carried out the wildlife survey on all properties in the study area.
The property is in the ALR and contains horse paddocks. The southern fence line of
the property is classified as an environmentally sensitive area as well as a small
strip on the western property line. The property is 1.51 ha (3.72 acres) in size.
This report is provided as part of a package being submitted by this landowner and
the 4 landowners to the east for an Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) exclusion and to
the City of Richmond for rezoning.

Figure 1 Property location

1.1

Environmental assessment criteria

The environmental assessment follows ESA guidelines published by the City of

Richmond in 20121. This report provides a review of the environmentally sensitive
areas on the subject property (Figure 2). Based on City of Richmond, the fence lines
and a small southern section of the property are classified an environmentally
sensitive area (ESA).

1 City of Richmond 2012. 2012 Environmentally Sensitive Area Management

Strategy.
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14300

Figure 2 Environmentally sensitive areas

Field observations took place on May 26, 2016 and June 24, 2016.
This study provides Information on existing ecosystem conditions including a:

vegetation survey;
wildlife habitat survey;
raptor nest survey;
review of endangered species; and
review of hydrological importance.

2.0Existing Conditions
This section of the report provides information on the existing conditions of the
study area. The assessment area is located in the ALR and is currently used as an
equestrian centre with one horse pasture.
The area is in the Coastal Douglas Fir moist maritime (CDFmm) biogeoclimatic zone 2
(Figure 2). The site is in the historical Fraser River flood plain and therefore the
indigenous vegetation was influenced by regular flood events.

2 Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Subzone/variant Ecosystem Classification map for the

Chilliwack Resource District South Coastal Region.
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Figure 3 Biogeoclimatic zone map of assessment area

2.1 Environmentally sensitive areas

A review of the 2011 Metro Vancouver Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping 3 indicates that
the property is not included with the adjacent areas that are classified as an old
field ecosystem class (pink polygons in Figure 3). The site assessment carried out
for this report indicates that the property contains a horse paddock and historic
horse pasture with a mixture of exotic grass species.

Property
Location

Figure 4 Metro Vancouver Sensitive Ecosystem mapping of the subject property

2.2Vegetative communities overview

To quantify the species diversity and composition on this site, a vegetation survey
was carried out on May 26, 2016.

2.2.1 Horse pasture

The horse pasture comprised approximately 0.8 ha of this property (Figure 5).
Vegetation within the pasture habitat consisted of mixed grasses and exotic species.
3 Metro Vancouver Sensitive Ecosystem Mapping. Web:
http://gis.metrovancouver.org/seimap Accessed November 13, 2015.
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The area was notably disturbed by active grazing of horses. Exotic species
observed include silverweed, mayweed, creeping buttercup, purple loosestrife and
cleavers.

Figure 5 Horse paddock, pasture and hedgerow

2.2.3 Hedgerow
The hedgerow habitat was located on the perimeter of the fields (red arrows Figure
5), including along Burrows Road. The hedgerow largely consisted of shrubs such as
red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), hardhack (Spiraea douglasii), black hawthorn
(Crataegus douglasii), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), and salmonberry
(Rubus spectabilis). Herbs within this habitat included fireweed (Chamerion
angustifolium) and purple loosestrife (Lythrm salicaria). Lady fern (Athyrium filixMcTavish Resource & Management Consultants Ltd.

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femina) and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) were observed along the
roadside.

2.3

Soils

These mapped soils are medium to moderately fine textured deltaic materials,
usually 100 cm or more in depth overlaying medium or fine sand (Delta (DT) Orthic
Humic Gleysols), and soils that have developed from shallow organic accumulations
(15-40 cm thick) overlaying medium textured deltaic deposits (Blundell (BU) Orthic
Gleysol peaty phase (Figure 8).
Both sample sites (Figure 7) fell within the existing soil mapping polygon DT60%BU40%/b,S0. GPS 553 was classified as belonging to the Delta soil series. GPS
sample 554 was located in the southern portion of the property adjacent to the soil
mapping polygon AN60% -RC 40%/b,S0. GPS 554 was classified as belonging to the
Annis soil series. The SW corner of the subject property falls within the soil mapping
polygon AN60% -RC 40%/b,S0.
All soils on the property have poor to very poor drainage characteristics that are a
function of soil texture, subsoil compaction and location in the regional topography
(Table 1).

Figure 6 Soil sampling locations

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Figure 7 Soil horizons

Table 1 Soils and drainage

Soil
Soil
Soil texture and parent material
Symb
name
ol

Soil drainage

AN

Annis

Shallow organic matter accumulations (15-40

cm) which overlie moderately fine to fine
textured Fraser River floodplain and deltaic
deposits. Surfaces are generally well
decomposed humic organic materials.
Subsurface and subsoils are silty clay loam or
silty clay. At depths below 1 metre medium or
fine sand may occur. These deeper materials
may be saline in the deltaic deposits.

Poorly to very
poorly drained

RC

Richmon
d

40-160 cm of mainly well decomposed organic

materials overlying moderately fine and fine
textured deltaic materials. Surfaces vary from
moderately to well decompose depending on
length of time under cultivation. Subsurface
organic materials are well decomposed humic

Very poorly
drained

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Water tables at
or near surface
during most of
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materials. The underlying mineral soil is silt

loam to silty clay loam. The mineral soil is
often massive and contains the remains of old
plant roots and stems. The mineral soil may
be saline.

the winter early

spring but
recede
somewhat
during the
growing season

DT

Delta

Medium to moderately fine textured deltaic

materials usually 100 cm or more in depth
overlying medium or fine sand. Surface
textures are generally silt loam varying to silty
clay loam. The subsurface is generally silty
clay loam and the upper subsoil is generally
silt loam. The lower subsoil grades to sand or
loamy sand or interbedded sands and SiL
loam. At depths greater than 75 cm the soils
are generally saline and contain substantial
amounts of sulphur compounds.

Poorly drained

BU

Blundell

Shallow organic matter accumulations (15-40

cm), which overlie medium textured deltaic
deposits. Surfaces are generally well
decomposed humic organic materials.
Subsurface textures are silty loam. At depths
below 1 metre medium or fine sand may
occur. These deeper materials become saline
at depths of 75-100 cm. Sulphur compounds
generally present at depth.

Poorly to very
poorly drained

From Luttmerding 1981

3.0 Invasive and weed plant species

Himalayan blackberry and Japanese Knot knotweedWeed was seen along the edges
of the property in more disturbed areas.

4.0 Wildlife habitat

The existing and historic agricultural activities on the subject property have
modified the available habitat, with no naturally vegetated areas remaining.
Despite the historic disturbances, old field habitats are known to provide unique and
valuable foraging and nesting habitats to a variety of species. The observed habitat
on the property is likely used by common urban mammals (e.g., raccoons (Procyon
lotor), coyotes (Canis latrans), eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), and
songbirds and raptors.

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4.1

Birds

Songbird activities were most prevalent within the hedgerow habitat. A summary of
notable bird observations are listed below:

Hummingbird courting behaviour was observed (flying towards the sky and
diving downward to the ground motions).;

Anecdotal evidence from a local resident revealed previous observations of

pheasants, woodpeckers, hawks, and owls within the study area. In addition, the
resident commented that the south portion of the study area floods during spring
conditions; and that waterfowl are regularly observed at that time of year.

4.2

Amphibians

Tadpoles were observed within the wetted ditch along Burrows Road adjacent to the
study area and the hedgerow; iIdentification could not be confirmed. Based on
anecdotal evidence from the local resident, frogs and salamanders have been
observed within the site.

4.3

Mammals

Coyote scat and two herbivore skulls, possibly deer (i.e. mule deer, Odocoileus
hemionus) were observed within the mixed grass area. Multiple small mammal
burrows were also observed within this area. The small mammals would likely be
important prey species to raptors.
Based on anecdotal evidence from the local resident, squirrels (i.e., eastern grey
squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis) are regularly observed within the study area. The
resident had not observed deer, bear, or other large mammals on or near the study
area.

4.4

Discussion

Potential wildlife use within the subject property is constrained by the presence of
commercial/industrial uses to the north and west, and high intensity agriculture
(commercial cranberry fields) to the south and east. The large waterway to the east
of the subject properties would further restrict dispersal of terrestrial species.
A summary of federally or provincially listed wildlife species with the potential to
occur on the subject property is provided below.

5.0 Federally and provincially listed wildlife

Seven federally and/or provincially listed species whose geographic range overlap
the subject properties (all 5 properties included with the study parameters) and
preferred habitats may occur within the study area. These species, their
conservation status, and potential for occurrence are summarized in Table 2, and
described in detail below.

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Table 2 Federally or provincially listed wildlife species

All of the species identified in Table 2 of this report are listed under the Federal
Species at Risk Act (SARA). Under SARA all listed wildlife are protected by their
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critical habitat including all nests of the species included in Table 1, and prohibition
under Section 32 of SARA also applies to migratory birds species on federal or
private land.

5.1

Red-legged frog

The red-legged frog (Rana aurora) is listed on Schedule 1 (Part 4) of SARA and on
the provincial Blue List (BCCDC 2016). The red-legged frog is associated with
streams, ponds and marsches, and can also be found in moist forest conditions
away from open water (Blaustein et al. 1995). Adults have been observed breeding
in cool ponds, lake margins, slow-moving streams, marshes, bogs or swamps at
least 50 cm deep, considering appropriate vegetation is present (Blaustein et al.
1995). The frogs deposit their eggs on emergent vegetation and therefore the open
water must remain throughout the tadpole development (Richter and Azous 1995).
Tadpoles require herbaceous emergent vegetation and submerged downed wood
(Richter and Azous 1995). Adults have been observed to move from 1.5 km to 4 km
from breeding pools (Hayes et al. 2001, 2007). Adults prefer moist cover from
riparian areas and densely vegetated wetlands because they provide foraging and
hydrating opportunities along with protection from predators (Bury et al. 1991;
Bosakowski 1999).
Red-legged frogs were not observed during the field assessment; however, the ditch
adjacent to Burrows Road, and the waterway to the east of the study area could
provide breeding habitat for red-legged frogs.
As there is only one known occurrence of red-legged frogs in Richmond, and the
available habitat of the study area was isolated by roads and industrial and
agricultural areas, the probability of occurrence within the study area was
considered to be nil to low.

5.2

Vesper Sparrow

The Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus affinis) listed on Schedule 1 (Part 2) of

SARA and on the provincial Red List (BCCDC 2016). Currently, the Vesper Sparrow is
only known to breed on Vancouver Island at the Nanaimo airport (Beauchesne
2002a). Historically it was known to breed in the Fraser Lowland on BCs southwest
mainland coast. The Vesper Sparrow is a ground-nesting bird which prefers dry
grasslands along with open areas with short, sparse grass or herbaceous cover
(Campbell et al. 2001; Dechant et al. 2001; Jones and Cornely 2002). Taller
vegetation like scatter or edge shrubs and trees is used for cover and for perching
(Davis and Duncan 1999). In addition, fence posts and other human made
structures can be used for perching (Dechant et al. 1991). The Vesper Sparrow
hasave been observed breeding in habitats smaller than 4 ha;, however, the habitat
size required is unclear (Jones and Cornely 2002).
Vesper Sparrows were not observed by sight or call during the field assessment.
Due to the dense grass and the relatively small size of the habitat, there was a low
potential for occurrence of nesting Vesper Sparrows.
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5.3

Streaked Horned Lark

The Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata) is listed on Schedule 1

(Part 2) of SARA and on the provincial Blue List (BCCDC 2016). Historically, horned
larks have appeared from Chilliwack to the mouth of Fraser River (Campbell et al.
1997). Horned larks are ground nesters that prefer open areas with short, lowdensity vegetation (Beason 1995). Breeding habitat has been documented in
agricultural area with short-grass fields. (Butler and Campbell 1987).
Characteristics observed among all breeding sites include large areas of short
sparse vegetation dominated by grasses and forbs with few to none trees or shrubs
(Pearson and Altman 2005).
Streaked Horned Larks were not observed by sight or call during the field
assessment.

5.4

Barn Owl

The Barn Owl (Tyto alba) is listed on Schedule 1 (Part 4) of SARA and on the
provincial Red List (BCCDC 2016). Typically, Barn Owls prefer areas, such as old
field, that provide foraging habitat for their prey like voles and mice (Hindmarch
2010), and suitable areas for nesting, which often includes barns. Foraging habitats
preferred by the Barn Owl include old agricultural field, rough pasture, hayfields,
grassy roadsides and grassy marches. Barn Owls can live in tree cavities, and
human made structures such as chimneys, elevated platforms in far, lofts, and nest
boxes (Campbell and Campbell 1983). Barn Owls are capable of year-round
breeding and eggs and young can be present within nests year round (Sampbell and
Campbell 1983; Colvin 1985).
Barn Owls were not observed by sight or call during the field assessment. Although
large trees with cavities were not observed, barns and other structures which could
potentially host a Barn Owl were present.

5.5

Short-eared Owl

The Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) is listed on Schedule 1 (Part 4) of SARA and on
the provincial Blue List (BCCDC 2016). They are a species that occurs across
Canada while preferring a large array of habitats including grasslands and old
pastures, and have been known to breed in agricultural fields (Herkert et al. 1999).
Typically Short-eared Owls nest in dense grasslands, although the nesting location is
largely influenced by the presence of small mammal prey (Jehl 2004).
Short-eared Owls were not observed by sight or call during the field assessment.
The mixed grass in the old field on adjacent properties could potentially act as
suitable habitat for breeding or foraging Short-eared Owls.

5.6

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (fannini subspecies) is listed on Schedule 1 (Part 4) of SARA
and on the provincial Blue List (BCCDC 2016). The Great Blue Heron forages along
the coast, in fresh and saltwater marshes, along rivers and in grasslands (Butler
1997, Gebauer and Moul 2001). Furthermore, in the Lower Fraser Valley inland
agricultural fields is considered important foraging habitat for adults and juveniles
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(Gebauer and Moul 2001). Herons prefer nesting in woodlands located within close
proximity to large eelgrass (Zostera marina), along rivers, and in estuarine and
freshwater marshes.
Nesting colonies were not observed on or near the subject properties; however,
suitable foraging habitat could occur adjacent to the waterway to the east of the
study area, and in the study area during flooded conditions.

5.7

Common Nighthawk

The Common Nighthawk prefers open habitat, either natural clearings or artificial
openings for their breeding and foraging life requisites (EC 2016a). The Common
Nighthawk is also known to nest and roost on constructed structures, such as
buildings with flat, gravel rooftops, and in disturbed fields (EC 2016a). The study
area provided suitable habitat for foraging and roosting within the old field habitat.
Common Nighthawks wereas not detected during the field assessment. However,
surveys for Common Nighthawks are conducted during the appropriate breeding
window (mid-to late-June) between dusk and dawn, and were beyond the scope of
this assessment (RIC 1998).

5.8

Listed species summary

The geographic range of the species described overlap the subject properties;,
however, none of the listed species were detected on this property or the other
properties in the study area.

6.0 Watercourses
There are no water courses on this property other than the ditch that runs along
Burrows Road.

7.0 Hydrological cycle importance

This site has little importance in the hydrological cycle except for providing water
storage during winter rainfall events.
See hydrology report on this property prepared by Active Earth Engineering.

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References
BCCDC 2016. BC Ecosystem Explorer http://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eswp/
Beauchesne, S.M. 2002a. Coastal Vesper Sparrow inventory on southeastern
Vancouver Island, 2002. Report prepared for the Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery
Team, Victoria, B.C.
Bertrand, R.A., Hughes-Games, G.A., Nikkel, D.C. 1991. Soil Management Handbook
for the Lower Fraser Valley, 2nd edition. B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food, Abbotsford, BC. 115 pp.
Blaustein, A.R., J.J. Beatty, D.H. Olson, and R.M. Storm. 1995. The biology of
amphibians and reptiles in old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Dep.
Agric. For. Serv., Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-337. 98 pp.
Bosakowski, T. 1999. Amphibian macrohabitat associations on a private industrial
forest in western Washington. Northwest. Nat. 80:6169.
Bury, R.B., P.S. Corn, and K.B. Aubry. 1991. Regional patterns of terrestrial
amphibian communities in Oregon and Washington. In L.F. Ruggiero, K.B. Aubry, A.B.

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Carey, and M.H. Huff, tech. coords. Wildlife and vegetation of unmanaged Douglasfir forests, pp. 341 350
Butler, R.W. and R.W. Campbell. 1987. The birds of the Fraser River delta:
populations, ecology, and international significance. Occasional Paper No. 65.
Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario. 73 pp.
Campbell, E.C. and R.W. Campbell. 1983. Status report on the common Barn-owl
(Tyto alba) in Canada. Report to British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Fish and
Wildlife Branch, and Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, M.C.E.
McNall, and G.E.J. Smith. 1997. The birds of British Columbia. Vol. 3: Passerines.
Flycatchers through vireos. University of British Columbia Press, Vancouver, B.C.
693 pp.
Campbell, R.W., N.K. Dawe, I. McTaggart-Cowan, J.M. Cooper, G.W. Kaiser, A.C.
Stewart, and M.C.E. McNall. 2001. The birds of British Columbia. Vol. 4: Passerines.
Wood warblers through Old World sparrows. Royal British Columbia Museum,
Victoria, B.C., and Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, B.C. 739 pp.
Colvin, B. 1985. Common Barn-owl population decline in Ohio and the relationship
to agricultural trends/ Journal of Field Ornithology 56:224-235.
Dechant, J.A., M.F. Dinkins, D.H. Johnson, L.D. Igl, C.M. Goldade, and B.R. Euliss.
2001. Effects of management practices on grassland birds: Vesper Sparrow.
Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota. 40 pp. URL:
[http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/grasbird/download/vesp.pdf] Accessed
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Hayes, M.P., C.A. Pearl, and C.J. Rombough. 2001. Rana aurora aurora. Movement.
Herpetol. Rev. 32:3536.
Hayes, M.P., C.J. Rombough, and C.B. Hayes. 2007. Rana aurora aurora (Northern
Red-legged Frog), movement. Herpetol. Rev. 38:192193.
Herkert, J.R., S.A. Simpson, R.L. Westemeier, T.L. Esker, and J.W. Walk 1999.
Response of Northern harriers and short-eared owls to grassland management in
Illinois. Journal of Wildlife Management 63: 517-523.
Hinsmarch , S. 2010. The effects of landscape composition and configuration on
Barn Owl (Tyto alba) distribution, diet and productivity in the Fraser Valley, British
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Jehl, J.R. Jr. 2004. Birdlife of the Churchill Region: status, history, biology. Trafford
Publishing, Victoria, British Columbia.
Jones, S.L. and J.E. Cornely. 2002. Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus). In The
Birds of North America, No. 624. A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds. The Birds of North
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Luttmerding, H.A. 1981. Soils of the Langley-Vancouver Map Area, Report No. 15
British Columbia Soil Survey, VOLUME 3, Description of the Soils. Assessment and
Planning Division, B.C. Ministry of Environment. Kelowna, BC. 227 pp.
Pearson, S.F. and B. Altman. 2005. Range-wide Streaked Horned Lark (Eremophila
alpestris strigata) assessment and preliminary conservation strategy. Washington
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