Range Inspection Field Notes – July 20 – 26, 2000Page 1 of 67
0505-00-50927000
LAND USE COORDINATION OFFICE
RANGE INSPECTION FIELD NOTES
July 20 – 26, 2000
0505-00-50927000
1
Range Inspection Field Notes – July 20 – 26, 2000Page 1 of 67
0505-00-50927000
LAND USE COORDINATION OFFICE
RANGE INSPECTION FIELD NOTES
July 20 – 26, 2000
INTRODUCTION
In July of 2000, Mancroft-EBA, a division of EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd. was contracted to carryout range inspections in the Muskwa-Kechika management area. These inspections were conducted utilising a helicopter as access over a seven day period from July 20 to 26, 2000.
PURPOSE
The attached ranged inspections were carried out to assess the general range condition and provide an estimated carrying capacity for each site.
Sites were assessed based on an estimation of the grazeable area surrounding a pre-identified campsite. These campsite locations were provided by the British Columbia Forest Service from their Guide-Outfitter files.
SCOPE
All observations, including species composition, forage production, acreage estimates and past use are based on visual estimates only. These observations are based on a single site visit. Conditions may vary significantly over time and with varying environmental and land use conditions.
Carrying capacity (estimated horse days) estimates have been made under several assumptions. These are as follows:
- One horse is assumed to be 1.5 Animal Units. At an average consumption of 26 pounds of forage per day per animal unit, one horse day is assumed to be approximately 40 lbs of consumed forage.
- All carrying capacities are based on a maximum utilization of 50% of available forage.
- All carrying capacities are based on assumptions of good livestock management, including use of wranglers (if necessary) to ensure good livestock distribution.
Bruce Johnson, P.Ag
Reviewed by
Jim Smith, M.Sc., P.Ag.
LAND USE COORDINATION OFFICE
RANGE INSPECTION FIELD NOTES
July 20 – 26, 2000
Site ID
P-1cMeadow at end of lake. Overstory is dominated by shrubby cinquefoil. Monkshood and tall larkspur are subdominant. Altai fescue is scattered throughout. Showy Jacob’s ladder, sedge and dock are minor components. Vegetation is in excellent condition with vigorous clumps of fescue. Picket pins were noted in an area approximately two acres in size. Range condition was excellent around the pins. No recent horse sign was noted. Bluegrass is common around the camp sites and trails.
Estimated average forage production: 1500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 5 acres
Photo 1 - Meadow (Site P-1c)
P-1cSpruce stand. Willow is scattered throughout. Understory dominated by tall bluebell, with a minor component of hairy wild rye and marsh reed grass. Very little use is evident. Note: Because no use is noted, no horse days have been assigned to this area.
Estimated forage production: 100 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 30 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 94
Photo 2 – Spruce stand (Site P-1c)
P-1eSmall openings in a spruce overstory are dominated by willow, with minor amounts of shrubby cinquefoil. Kentucky bluegrass dominates the understory with slender wheat grass a minor component.
Estimated acreage: 1 acre
Photo 3 - Small openings (Site P-1e)
P-1eHillsides dominated by willow with a minor component of shrubby cinquefoil. Altai fescue is common, with marsh reed grass a minor species. Dwarf snow willow and Labrador tea are scattered throughout. Moss is predominant in some areas.
Estimated acreage: 3 – 5 acres
Estimated average forage production: 50 – 100 lbs/acre
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 5
Photo 4 – Hillsides (Site P-1e)
P-1fSpruce overstory, with aspen and buffalo berry as minor components. Understory dominated by marsh reed grass with strawberry and bearberry subdominant. Very little use evident. Good condition.
Estimated average forage production: 100 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 5 acres
OverallEstimated Horse Days: 6
Photo 5 – Spruce overstory (Site P-1f)
P-1gBurned hill to east. Good grass production. No campsite evidence found. There is a similar species composition to the spruce stand in P-1f. Burn area is steep, however, horses could use toe area.
P-2Cabins. Three old, unused cabins are located here. The vegetation is dominated by horsetail, with significant amounts of Kentucky bluegrass.
Estimated forage production: 300 lbs/acre
P-2River terrace. There are small openings in the large spruce overstory dominated by moss with a minor component of hairy wild rye and wintergreen.
Estimated area: 30 acres
Estimated forage production: 50 – 100 lbs/acre
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 141
P-2aValleywith spruce dominated forest. Small openings in the spruce overstory were noted. No campsite evidence was found in the valley. Very little use is presumed.
P-3Cabin Area – dominated by smooth brome and alpine timothy.
Shrubland – up trail from the cabin area, a large component of the understory is comprised of tall larkspur, with Kentucky bluegrass, tall bluebell and hairy wild rye also common. Horsetail is dominant in patches.
Estimated average forage production: 200 lbs/acre
Photo 6 - Shrubland (Site P-2a)
P-3Open Areas scattered throughout the shrubland are dominated by horsetail and Labrador tea.
Estimated acreage: 5 – 6 acres
Hillsides - dominated by hairy wild rye, with significant amounts of tall bluebell, and a minor component of common rose. Trees are scattered across the hillsides.
Estimated acreage: 50 acres +
Estimated forage production: 300 – 400 lbs/acre
Photo 7 – Hillsides (Site P-3)
Wetland Complex. Tall willow stands in wet areas south of the cabins have poor grazing potential.
Estimated acreage: 10 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 481
P-4Terrace, dominated by hairy wild rye.
Estimated average forage production: 400 – 500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 20 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 113
Photo 8 – Terrace (Site P-4)
P-5Large meadows. Overstory dominated by shrubby cinquefoil. Understory dominated by slender wheat grass, with monkshood and altai fescue subdominant. Altai fescue is less abundant by cabin. Heavily grazed in patches. Fair to good range condition, although livestock distribution is poor.
Estimated forage production: 500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 2 acres
Photo 9 – Large meadows (Site P-5)
P-5Meadow north of cabin. Shrubby cinquefoil with willow subdominant in overstory and comprises 60 % of cover. Tall bluebell, monkshood, and sedge are dominant in the overstory. Kentucky bluegrass is common. Light grazing is evident.
Estimated forage production: 300 lbs/acre
Photo 10 – Meadows (Site P-5)
Flats by river are dominated by willow with horsetail common. Very little forage available.
P-5Open treed area to the east of cabin. Willow dominated overstory. Hairy wild rye and tall bluebell dominate the understory. Tall larkspur is common.
Estimated forage production: 800 lbs/acre
*Overall average forage production: 200 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 50 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 650
Photo 11 – Open Treed area (Site P-5)
P-5aGravel rock flat. Willow overstory. Buffalo berry is found in patches. White spruce is scattered. Understory dominated by sedge with hairy wild rye and Baltic rush sub-dominant. Steep spruce dominated hillsides have very little forage available. No horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 10 – 25 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 5 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1
Photo 12 – Gravel rock flat (Site P-5a)
P-6Long area along lake edge. Spruce and juniper dominate the overstory. Hairy wild rye dominates the understory, with bearberry common.
Estimated forage production: 50 – 100 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 50+ acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 47
Photo 13 – Area along lake edge (Site P-6)
P-6a Side hill. Overstory dominated by bog birch. Understory of fireweed, moss, and hairy wild rye, with scattered altai fescue. No horse sign noted.
Average forage production: 300 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 80 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 300
Photo 14 – Side Hill (Site P-6a)
P-7aMeadow at south end of lakes. Bog birch overstory. Sedge dominates the understory with scattered cotton grass. Horse sign is evident. Hobbled resident horses on site.
Estimated forage production: 400 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 60 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 300
Photo 15 – Meadow (Site P-7a)
P-7bSpruce overstory. Bearberry, moss and some hairy wild rye dominate the understory. No horse sign. Very little forage available.
Estimated forage production: 10 lbs/acre
Overall Estimated Horse Days: negligible
Photo16 – Spruce Overstory (Site P-7b)
Photo 17 – Spruce Overstory (Site P-7b)
P-7Willow overstory. Willow makes up approximately 10 % of the total cover and are approximately 2 feet in height. Large sedge dominated areas. Large area.
Estimated forage production: 1500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 100 + acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1875
Photo 18 – Sedge meadow (Site P-7)
P-7cHeavy spruce overstory. Buffalo berry dominates the shrub layer. Moss-dominated understory. Hairy wild rye, bluegrass and slender wheat grass are found in a few small openings, mainly at camp. Very poor forage capability at this site.
Photo 19 - Heavy spruce overstory (Site P-7c)
P-7dHigh meadow. Willow overstory at 70% cover and averaging up to 4 feet in height. Scattered white spruce are present. Marsh reed grass is dominant with altai fescue sub-dominant. Small flowered wood-rush scattered. Monkshood and cow parsnip are common. Kentucky bluegrass and alpine timothy are found in patches. Very little horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 100 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 5 acres
Lower meadow. Cow parsnip dominates the overstory. Willow patches, approximately 4 feet in height, with an average density of 50% are found. Marsh reed grass is dominant in understory with sedge subdominant. Groundsel common.
Estimated forage production: 500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 7 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 90
Photo 20 – Edge of lower Meadow (Site P-7d)
P-7eHigh steep valley. Spruce dominated or steep brushed slopes. Small gravel bars present. Very poor forage productivity.
P-8River flats. Willow overstory with scattered white spruce and pine. Understory dominated by yellow avens. Negligible forage production.
Sedge meadows. Willow overstory making up to 60 – 70% of cover and approximately 3 to 4 feet in height. Sedge dominates the understory with moss abundant. Horse sign scattered throughout.
Estimated forage production: 300 lbs/acre.
Estimated acreage: 40 acres.
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 150
P-8a Willow and bog birch overstory up to 6 feet in height comprising approximately 80% of cover. Altai fescue and fireweed are co-dominant. Moss abundant. Occasional horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 50 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 20 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 13
T–1aBog birch and willow overstory to 3 feet in height and comprising approximately 60% cover. Understory dominated by altai fescue and hairy wild rye with slender wheat grass sub-dominant. Sedge is dominant in patches. Bearberry common. Fair to good range condition. Abundant horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 200 lbs/acre.
Estimated acreage: 400 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1000
T-1bSmall meadow. Overstory dominated by bog birch, shrubby cinquefoil and willow 1 to 3 feet in height and comprising approximately 60% of cover. Understory dominated by hairy wild rye, bluegrass and altai fescue. Bluegrass is dominant along trails. Altai fescue vigour is fair, with clumps small. Horse sign is abundant. Fair to good range condition.
Estimated forage production: 150 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 2 – 3 acres
Photo 21 – Small meadow (Site T-1b)
T-1bAspen Hillsides. Willow scattered and common, approximately 4 feet in height. Juniper scattered throughout. Understory dominated by hairy wild rye with scattered altai fescue. Bearberry is common. Horse sign is plentiful. Vigour is good. Range condition is good to excellent.
Estimated forage production: 400 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 200 – 300 acres.
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1750
T-1cShrubland. Willow to 2 feet in height and comprising approximately 60 % of cover. Scattered shrubby cinquefoil and white spruce are common. Hairy wild rye is dominant with abundant Altai fescue. Tall larkspur and monkshood are common. Horse sign is abundant.
Estimated forage production: 200 – 300 lbs/acre.
Estimated acreage: 200 acres.
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 625
Photo 22 - Willow dominated shrubland (Site T-1c)
T-1dShrubland. Shrubby cinquefoil and bog birch dominate, approximately 2 feet in height and 30% of cover. Understory dominated by altai fescue, hairy wild rye and sedge, with monkshood and slender wheat grass abundant. Scattered white spruce.
Estimated forage production: 600 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 50 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 375
Photo 23 – Shrubland (Site T-1d)
T-1eOld burn and brushland. Bog birch, approximately 3 feet in height comprises 60% cover. Understory dominated by hairy wild rye with scattered altai fescue.
Estimated forage production: 400 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 300 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1500
T-1fOld burn with overstory dominated by willow with shrubby cinquefoil subdominant. White spruce is scattered. Hairy wild rye dominates understory. Large area.
T-1iOpen spruce stand. Willow shrub layer to 3 feet in height, approximately 50% cover. Horsetail, hairy wild rye, and marsh reed grass dominate the understory. Tall larkspur is common. Very little horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 300 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 300 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 1125
T-1jOld burn and open hillside. Overstory dominated by bog birch with a minor component of shrubby cinquefoil, 10 – 20% cover. Understory dominated by hairy wild rye. Bearded wheat grass is subdominant with a minor component of sedge. Altai fescue and Pumpelly brome are scattered throughout the area. Fescue is present only in the protection of shrubs. Litter cover varies from poor to good, averaging fair.
Estimated forage production: 1200 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 200 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 3000
Photo 24 – Old burn area (Site T-1j)
Photo 25– Old burn area (Site T-1j)
T-1kShrubland. Overstory is dominated by bog birch and willow averaging 2 feet in height and comprising up to 80% of cover. Understory is dominated by hairy wild rye and altai fescue with minor amounts of bluegrass. No evidence of grazing seen.
Estimated forage production: 150 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 100 - 150 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 234
Photo 26 – Shrub dominated meadow (Site T-1k)
T-2Old burn, grassy flats and open hillsides. Aspen dominates the overstory with minor amounts of shrubby cinquefoil. Understory is dominated by hairy wild rye, with significant amounts of marsh reed grass, and slender wheat grass. Minor amounts of altai fescue, awned wheat grass and wild strawberry are present. Open areas are heavily grazed. Area is in fair condition near the camp. Upstream from camp, the area is in good condition with good plant vigour. Large amount of forage available. Better stock distribution required.
Estimated forage production under aspen overstory: 1000 lbs/acre
Estimated forage production upstream from camp: 1500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 500+ acres + open burned hillsides
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 6250 +
Photo 27 – Old burn (Site T-2)
Photo 28 – Old burn (Site T-2)
T-2aCreek valley. On the burned hillsides the overstory is dominated by willow and bog birch. The area is narrow and rocky.
T-2bShrubland with willow dominant between 3 and 12 feet in height. Shrubby cinquefoil and white spruce are scattered throughout. Hairy wild rye dominates the understory.
Estimated forage production: 1000 lbs/acre
T-2cCreek bottom meadows and grassy flats. Overstory is a light cover of bog birch. The understory is dominated by altai fescue with minor amounts of marsh reed grass, timothy and rocky mountain fescue. Small flowered woodrush is scattered. Excellent plant condition and vigour was noted. No horse sign noted.
Estimated forage production: 1800 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 180 acres along valley.
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 4050
Photo 29 – Creek bottom meadows (Site T-2c)
T-2dShrubland. The shrub layer is light; willow and bog birch dominate. Understory is dominated by marsh reed grass and altai fescue with scattered hairy wild rye and red raspberry. There are minor amounts of larkspur and cow parsnip throughout.
Estimated forage production: 1800 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 100 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 2250
Photo 30 – Shrubland (Site T-2d)
T-2eHigh meadows and timber. White spruce is scattered. Marsh reed grass is dominant on higher areas with a minor component of altai fescue. Kentucky bluegrass, and tall larkspur are scattered. Excellent condition and vigour. No horse sign noted. Elk are numerous.
Estimated forage production: 2000 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 150 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 3750
T-3Brushland. Overstory is dominated by willow, and shrubby cinquefoil, 3 to 4 feet in height and comprising 70 to 80% of the overstory cover. Altai fescue and sedge are the dominant understory species. Minor amounts of larkspur and large-leaved avens are found.
Estimated forage production: 300 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 400 acres up valley
Photo 31 – Brushland (Site T-3)
T-3Hillside burn. Hairy wild rye is the dominant species with a minor component of altai fescue, bearberry, Kentucky bluegrass, alpine timothy and red raspberry. Pine regrowth makes up approximately 10% of the overstory. Area is very large.
Estimated forage production: 50 lbs/acre
Photo 32 – Hillside burn (Site T-3)
T-3Creek flats/flood plain. Marsh reed grass and horsetail are the dominant species.
Estimated forage production: 2000 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 2 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 50 along creek flats
1750 on brushland and burn area
Photo 33 – Creek flats (Site T-3)
T-3bOld burn. An open spruce stand dominates the overstory, with willow and shrubby cinquefoil to 2 feet in height making up approximately 30 % of the shrub cover. Sedge is dominant in lower areas. In higher areas, sedge dominates with altai fescue subdominant. No campsite evidence seen.
Estimated forage production: 1500 lbs/acre
Estimated acreage: 250 acres
Overall Estimated Horse Days: 4688
T-3cHillside burn area. Heavy willow cover is found in patches. Burnt white spruce in patches.
Meadow burn area is dominated by willow with significant amounts of bog birch to 3 feet in height, and comprising approximately 20% of cover. The understory is dominated by altai fescue with significant amounts of marsh reed grass and sedge and a minor component of Kentucky bluegrass. Heavier use was noted on the meadow areas than on the hillsides. Horse sign was evident. Fair to good range condition.