Oct-06Page 1 of 5

Ministry of TransportationSection 4: Field Investigations

Environmental Guide for Fish and Fish HabitatAppendix 4.C: Fish Habitat Mapping

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VERSION # / DATE / DESCRIPTION OF MAJOR CHANGE

Oct-06Page 1 of 5

Ministry of TransportationSection 4: Field Investigations

Environmental Guide for Fish and Fish HabitatAppendix 4.C: Fish Habitat Mapping

SECTION IDENTIFIER: / SECTION LOCATION: / SECTION LENGTH (m): / SCALE (cm / m):
/ PROJECT #:
MAPPER:
NAME OF WATERBODY:
CROSSING #:
STATION #:
DATE: DD-MMM-YY
LEGEND
10d depth (cm)
6w width
 Riffle
 Run/Glide
Pool
▓ Island/Bar
░ Fine Substrate
### Gravel Substrate
oOooO Cobble /Boulder
* * * Debris
CT Cattail
SV/FV Submerg/Float Veg
EV Emergent Vegetation
W Watercress
Fe Iron Staining
/////// Eroded Bank
xxx Riprap / Other Stabilization
PROFILE: / Horz. Scale / Vert. Scale / Instream Log/Tree
^^^ Dam/Weir/Obstruction
® Riparian Tree
├► Seep/Spring
------Undercut Bank
▬ Barrier to Fish Movement
-S- Seasonal Barrier
-x--x- Fence line
└─┘ Culvert


Accurate habitat mapping is required for the entire Zone of Detailed Assessment. Sections are to be mapped individually. The map scale is expected to be approximately 1 cm = 3 m so that a 50m section will fit on a letter–size page. At a minimum this would include:

  • 1 map page for upstream of the right-of-way (ROW);
  • 1 or more map pages for the ROW depending on the width; and
  • 1 map page for downstream of the ROW.

For the Zone of General Assessment, mapping can be done at a smaller scale (such as 1 cm = 5 m) and usually in less detail.

Small cross-sectional sketches of representative morphological features (e.g. through pools, runs, etc.) should be added, showing the bed and bank profiles.

Where a defined valley configuration is present, a cross-sectional diagram should be included to show the entire river valley and floodplain. It may be necessary to estimate the dimensions of the flood plain and river valley for the cross-section diagram. If the vertical scale needs to be exaggerated to show features, then the scale must be recorded on the map.

Suggestions for mapping fish habitat

A compass ring is provided on the form and north should be marked on the page.

The length of sections should be measured using a tape measure or hip chain where possible.

Within the section, the stream banks or lake edge should be outlined on the form. Begin by marking prominent landmarks that are evenly spaced along the section; large trees on the bank or sand bars are good landmarks. Draw the outline of the wetted width around these landmarks. It is difficult to avoid distorting the map without using landmarks. It is easier to draw a narrow stream by distorting the outline so the width is drawn at a much larger scale than the length. This is acceptable as long as measurements noted on the map and field form are accurate.

Any side channels or discharges into the waterbody should be included. Using the symbols provided in the legend, hydrologic features should be placed in the diagram of the waterbody. Accurate positioning of each habitat feature on the map will allow distances or areas to be measured later (or approximate distances can be noted for quick reference).

A note of the general substrate class and distribution should be made including locations of large boulders. If there is a clear change in substrate, the transition should be marked.

Next, in-stream vegetation and cover should be mapped with the appropriate symbols (see the legend provided on the form). The type, location and distribution of each cover type will allow calculation of distance or areas later.

A cross-sectional diagram should be included with the entire river valley and floodplain illustrated. Dimensions of the wetted channel should be available from the Watercourse Field Record Form. It may be necessary to estimate the dimensions of the flood plain and river valley for the cross-section diagram.

Conditions of the banks should be noted, particularly undercut banks, overhanging grasses or shrubs, eroding areas, and heavily stabilized areas.

Locations of fish observations should be specifically identified.

As per Appendix 4.D, photo locations and directions should be marked on the habitat map for reference.

Oct-06Page 1 of 5