FRBC Project 97CAR1

West Fraser Mills Ltd.

P.O. Box 6000

Quesnel BC

V2L 3J5

Paul Harder, R.P.Bio.

& T. Roy, B.Sc.

Carmanah Research Ltd.

Building 4, 203 Harbour Road

Victoria BC

V9A 3S2

March 1998

Under contract to West Fraser Mills Ltd, Carmanah Research Ltd. undertook a Level 1 Fish Habitat Assessment of three creek drainages in the upper Bowron River watershed. These included the Antler, West/Ketcham, and Towkuh creek sub-basins. These sub-basins were identified as high priority survey areas in an earlier overview assessment (Carmanah, 1998). The objectives of the Level 1 surveys were to describe and quantify fish habitat, identify possible impacts related to resource use, and identify fish habitat limitations and possible habitat restoration opportunities. The field surveys were completed over a 10-day period during October 1997. Information obtained during the field survey was supplemented with interpretations made from aerial photographs and data from previous resource surveys in the area.

The Level 1 assessment in the Antler Creek drainage included 27.2 km of mainstem habitat surveys, spanning 11 stream reaches, as well as surveys in the lower reaches of Summit, Pleasant Valley, Grouse, and Nugget Gulch creeks. There was very little recent logging activity in these creek valleys. Most of the resource impacts in these creeks were related to placer mining activity. Placer mining activity was most pronounced in the Pleasant Valley, Summit and Nugget Gulch systems. The three target fish species in the watershed are chinook salmon, rainbow trout and bull trout. There is very little information available on the spatial distribution of adult spawners and juvenile rearing densities within the survey areas. These same data limitations also apply to the West/Ketcham and Towkuh creek drainages.

The most significant constraints to spawning habitat capabilities in the mainstem of Antler Creek appeared to be poor gravel quality (for all species) and a lack of suitable holding pools (for chinook salmon) in the lower three reaches of the system. The most significant habitat constraints for rearing fish in the mainstem of Antler Creek appear to be the low occurrence of pool, LWD, boulder habitat and off-channel habitat (for all species). Habitat restoration opportunities discussed in the report include stabilization of existing placer mine sites and slumping banks and re-establishing riparian cover along the mainstem channel. Additional information on the spatial distribution of spawning chinook salmon is required to determine the need for, and feasibility of, creating holding pool habitat in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. It is also recommended that additional studies be undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of creating pool habitats complexed with boulder groupings and debris placements in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. These studies should provide data on existing rearing densities and existing habitat use, as well as the physical information required for developing site specific habitat design plans.

Rearing habitat capabilities in the lower reach of Summit Creek appear to be primarily limited by the low frequency of pool habitat and the prevalence of sand in the bed material. The prevalence of sand in the bed material likely limits spawning habitat capabilities in this section of the stream as well. The primary source of the sediment found in the lower system is likely associated with placer mining activity in the upper reaches. Creation of additional pool habitat with instream cover complexing in Reach 1 could enhance existing rearing capabilities, however, there is considerable risk of subsequent in-filling due to bed load movement and fines deposition associated with active upstream mining operations. Spawning habitat capabilities in the lower reaches of Summit Creek could be improved through stabilization of upstream sediment sources. Habitat enhancement work in Reach 1 of Summit Creek is not recommended until the sediment sources associated with upstream mining operations are stabilized.

The lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek has been highly influenced by outwash deposits from Grouse Creek. This has resulted in a high degree of lateral channel instability on the alluvial fan. There are significant sediment sources in the Grouse Creek drainage, which will continue to effect habitat conditions in lower Grouse Creek and Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek. Fish production capabilities in Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek appear to be limited by low habitat diversity and poor gravel quality. The feasibility of implementing instream habitat restoration work in lower Pleasant Valley Creek is considered to be low due to the apparent high rate of bed load movement and lateral channel instability in this reach. A possible fish migration barrier (2-3 m falls) exists in Reach 2 of Pleasant Valley Creek. If significant spawning habitat capabilities for chinook salmon are found upstream of this barrier then the feasibility of removing the barrier should be examined.

Habitat conditions in the lower reach of Grouse Creek have been highly influenced by the unstable nature of the northeast valley wall and to a lesser extent, by placer mining activity near the upper boundary of Reach 1. Stabilization of the valley wall erosion processes on lower Grouse Creek would likely not be possible. Therefore it is recommended that no instream habitat restoration work be considered in this section of the drainage.

The lower two reaches of Nugget Gulch Creek have been severely impacted by past placer mining operations, site clearing and on-going erosion of mine tailings and the access road. Spawning and rearing habitat capabilities in Nugget Gulch Creek are likely limited by a number of factors, including poor gravel quality and low instream habitat diversity. Instream habitat enhancement and restoration work in Nugget Gulch Creek is not recommended until existing erosion sources are stabilized. Bed load movement and high levels of suspended sediment from Nugget Gulch Creek also affect habitat conditions in Reach 13 of Antler Creek.

Rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of West Creek are limited by the low pool frequency and absence of boulder and cobble cover. The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of West Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. It is suspected that this is related to past logging activity in the upper watershed. Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper West Creek watershed, including Ketcham Creek, could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1 of West Creek. These potential benefits would only be realized if a significant proportion of the existing sediment sources in the upper system could be effectively stabilized. The absence of existing road access to the creek channel in Reach 1 of West Creek severely limits the feasibility of enhancing existing rearing habitat capabilities and/or restoring spawning habitat capabilities in this section of the stream since heavy equipment could not be used.

The main limitations to existing rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek appear to be the low occurrence of cobble cover and pool areas. An absence of significant canopy cover along most of the reach may also limit rearing habitat capabilities in this reach. It is recommended that selected areas of Ketcham Creek be treated with boulder group placements. This would encourage the development of scour pool habitat and provide additional instream cover for rearing and overwintering fish. Re-planting riparian vegetation along the edge of the creek banks could improve canopy cover in this reach.

The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. This is likely related to past logging activity in the upper watershed. Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper Ketcham Creek could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1.

An impassable series of cascading waterfalls prevents fish passage to the upper Towkuh Creek watershed. It would not be feasible to remove this barrier. The low frequency of pool habitats and an absence of suitable boulder cover are likely the most significant constraints to existing rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek. The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. It is suspected that this is related to past logging activity in the upper watershed, as there appear to be few significant sediment sources in Reach 1. There is no road access to the creek channel in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek. This would severely limit the feasibility of enhancing existing rearing habitat capabilities and/or restoring spawning habitat capabilities in this section of the stream since heavy equipment could not be used. Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper watershed between the outlet of Towkuh Lake and the upper boundary of Reach 1, including tributary drainages, could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek.

The author would like to acknowledge and thank the many people who contributed to this report. The project was managed and directed by Fisheries Biologist K. Brydges, and field work was carried out by Fisheries Biologist T. Roy with the assistance of Fisheries Technicians H. Liebe-McGinnis and R. Hollingshead. Mr. Al Hunter, TFL Forester with West Fraser Mills Ltd., provided guidance and logistical support. Mike Parker, WRP Specialist, provided valuable technical input to the study design. The senior author of the report was Paul Harder, RP Bio, and the co-author was T. Roy. Maps and figures were prepared by Carmanah Geographic Information Systems Specialists A. Dewey and M. Burrell.

H. Liebe-McGinnis contributed to quality assurance and data compilation.

Executive Summary *

Acknowledgements *

Table of Contents *

1.0 Introduction *

2.0 Study Methods *

3.0 Biophysical Description *

4.0 Impact Assessment *

5.0 Habitat Limitations *

6.0 Conclusions and Recommendations *

Literature Cited *

Table 1. Physical parameters assessed for each habitat unit within a sample site. *

Figure 1. Study area location map showing Level 1 survey streams in the Antler, West and Towkuh creek drainages. *

Appendix 1. Copies of Form 4 and Field Notes

Forest Renewal B.C. (FRBC) is co-ordinating a comprehensive Watershed Restoration Program (WRP) encompassing the upper Bowron River drainage. Under contract to West Fraser Mills Ltd. Carmanah Research Ltd. (Carmanah) conducted a Fish Habitat Assessment Procedure Overview (FHAPO). This project was completed during the summer and fall of 1997 and a draft report was submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks (MELP) co-ordinator in October 1997. Recommendations for more detailed habitat evaluation work were presented in the overview report. These recommendations formed the basis of the Level 1 habitat assessment surveys which were undertaken by Carmanah. The results of the Level 1 habitat assessment work are presented in this report. West Fraser Mills Ltd. has also retained the services of Brave Engineering Ltd. to undertake a Sediment Source Survey, monitored by Ministry of Forest, in the same study area. The findings of this work have not been incorporated into this report at this stage. These projects were funded through FRBC and were monitored by MELP.

The scope of this study was limited to three sub-basins of the Bowron River watershed. These included the Antler, West and Towkuh sub-basins. Within the Antler Creek drainage, the surveys were restricted to mainstem Reaches 1 (excluding the east channel) to 3, and 6 to 14 of Antler Creek, and selected areas of Antler Creek tributaries including Summit (Reaches 1, 7 and 8), Pleasant Valley (Reach 1), Grouse (Reach 1) and Nugget Gulch (Reaches 1 and 2) creeks. The lower reaches of West Creek and its tributary, Ketcham Creek, were also surveyed during this study. These areas were identified as high priority areas for Level 1 assessment during the overview assessment phase of the project (Carmanah 1998).

The objectives of the Level 1 fish habitat assessment were as follows:

• Describe and quantify fish habitat within the selected study areas;
• Assemble existing information on fish distributions within the study area;
• Assess forestry related impacts to fish habitats within the study area;
• Identify other resource use impacts within the study area; and
• Identify possible habitat limitations and habitat restoration/enhancement opportunities.

The assessment and recommendations presented in this report are based on Level 1 field surveys conducted during October of 1997. The assessment of habitat capabilities was made primarily on the basis of observed physical habitat characteristics and known habitat requirements for the spawning, rearing and overwintering fish of the target species. There were very few data available on fish habitat use and fish distribution patterns in the Antler Creek drainage.

Information on resource use was based on 1995 aerial photographs and visual inspections of creek side conditions along the surveyed sections of stream. Additional information was also obtained during an aerial reconnaissance flight of the study area made during June, 1997 and from forest cover maps provided by West Fraser Mills Ltd.

The study area is located within the upper Bowron River watershed. Antler and Ketcham/West creeks drain into the Bowron River near the outlet of Bowron Lake. The other sub-basin investigated during this study, Towkuh Creek, also drains into the Bowron River approximately 7.5 km downstream from the outlet of Bowron Lake (Figure 1).

The study area is located on the Interior Plateau within the Cariboo Mountain and Quesnel Highland physiographic regions. Biogeoclimatic zones found in this area include the Sub-Boreal Spruce, Interior Cedar-Hemlock and Engelmann Spruce-Subalpine Fir zones. The Quesnel Highlands are characterized by rolling and rounded terrain that has been repeatedly glaciated from the Cariboo Mountains during the Pleistocene era. These glacial events resulted in the deposition of thick glacio-fluvial gravel and glacio-lacustrine silts and clays in meltwater lakes. These deposits are presently incised by rivers and streams and many of the floodplains, including the Antler Creek valley, have a very deep layer of glacial tills.

The climate patterns for the study area are characterized by short hot summers and long cold winters. Mean monthly temperatures for January (coldest month) are -6^o C with an extreme minimum of -50^o C; the mean monthly temperature during July (warmest month) is 12^o C with an extreme of 37^o C (Rood and Hamilton 1995). Annual precipitation ranges from 1,000 to 1,100 mm with roughly half of this falling as snow.

Hydrological data are not available for the Antler, Ketcham and Towkuh sub-basins. However, available data for the Bowron River (WSC Station OBKD007) indicate that peak flows occur between May and July with minimum flows during the December to March period. The summer low flow period for the mainstem Bowron River extends from the end of July to early September. A similar pattern can be expected in the Antler, Ketcham/West and Towkuh creek drainages. There are no continuous stream flow records for the three sub-basins investigated during this study. Stream discharge was measured for all three systems during the 1997 study.

Figure 1. Study area location map showing Level 1 survey streams in the Antler, West and Towkuh creek drainages.

Stream reaches were delineated for the study streams on the basis of an evaluation of biophysical habitat characteristics observed during the overview phase of the study. This evaluation included the determination of channel gradients using contour data available from 1:20,000 scale TRIM maps for the study area. The evaluation also included an assessment of channel form and riparian vegetation characteristics based the interpretation of 1:15,000 colour aerial photographs (1991) and a helicopter reconnaissance flight of the watershed. The reconnaissance flight was conducted in June 1997.

The fish habitat assessment followed the procedures outlined in the Fish Habitat Assessment procedures manual (WRP Technical Circular No. 8; Johnson and Slaney 1996). Fish habitat assessments were completed for stream reaches, which had previously been identified as high priority areas in the FHAP Overview (Carmanah 1998). Level 1 study reaches were sampled using a sub-sampling fraction of 1/3 for each habitat unit. This fraction assured a detailed analysis of at least 33% of all pool, glide, riffle and cascade habitat units present in the reach. On occasion, some habitat units were sub-sampled at 1/2 and 1/1 when stream habitat conditions warranted a higher sampling fraction (i.e. when very few pools were present). On the basis of this sampling procedure, average habitat unit values were extrapolated over the entire stream reach when 33% or more of the reach had been sampled in detail. Habitat surveys for the sub-sampled units entailed measurement of all physical parameters as outlined in Form 4 in Technical Circular No. 8 (Table 1).

The field assessment work was completed by a crew of three people over a ten-day period between October 20 and 30, 1997. Physical stream parameters were measured in two stages. The first stage entailed walking the stream channel and delineating and measuring the length of individual habitat units with a hip chain. The habitat units used were pool, glide, riffle, and cascades. Notations were also made on other stream features including the presence and abundance of off-channel habitats, bank and slope instability. The presence of waterfalls and other potential fish migration barriers and any obvious signs of habitat degradation were also noted. Photographs were also taken to illustrate representative habitat conditions for the reach and document any site specific habitat conditions such as gravel quality or migration barriers.

The second stage of the survey entailed detailed measurement of physical parameters in the sub-sampled habitat units. These measurements included channel width (wetted and bankfull), water depths, bed material characteristics, tally counts of large woody debris (LWD) and descriptions of available cover types, off-channel habitats, disturbance indicators and riparian vegetation characteristics (Table 1). The methodologies for measuring these features were based on those described in Technical Circular No. 8 (Johnson and Slaney, 1996). To ensure consistency in data collection, all habitat data were recorded on Form 4 from Technical Circular No. 8.

Fish sampling was not conducted during the Level 1 surveys of the Antler, West and Towkuh creek drainages. Existing information on fish distributions that was compiled during the overview phase of the study was used. This included data presented in the SISS (Stream Information Summary System) and FISS (Fish Information Summary System) databases and other regional reports. Fisheries inventory mapping was also completed for these watersheds at a scale of 1:20,000 during 1996.

Table 1. Physical parameters assessed for each habitat unit within a sample site.

The evaluation of fish habitat conditions in the study streams was based on the calculation of statistics for 13 separate habitat parameters. Eight of these parameters were used to assess rearing and overwintering habitat capabilities. These parameters included percent pool, pool frequency, frequency of LWD, percent wood cover in pools, boulder cover in riffles, overhead cover, substrate quality and availability of off-channel habitat. The five other habitat parameters were used to assess spawning habitat capabilities. These included the availability of holding pools, adult migration access conditions, gravel quality and quantity. Measured and extrapolated values for these parameters were then compared to set diagnostic criteria (Johnson and Slaney, 1996) and were then rated as "poor", "fair" or "good". These criteria are found in Table 5 (pages 54 to 59) of Technical Circular No. 8. The following modifications to the criteria were applied to the data collected in this study:

• Percent Pool:
  Percent pool was calculated on the basis of pool length rather than pool area. This was done due to the homogeneity of stream widths.

• Off-Channel Habitat:
  Parameters for off-channel habitats were established with a numerical scale to designate poor, fair and good values. These values were <1/km, between 1 and 3/km, and >3/km for poor, fair and good respectively.

• Holding Pools:
  Parameters for holding pools were also established with a numerical scale. Values used were <1/km for poor and >1/km good.

• Access to Spawning Areas:
  Access to spawning areas was based solely on potential barriers/obstacles within the reach rather than access issues in lower reaches or parts of the stream system.

A description of habitat characteristics and an evaluation of spawning and rearing habitat capabilities is presented for surveyed stream reaches in the following text. These include the mainstem of Antler Creek (Reaches 1 to 3 and 6 to 14) and four tributaries of Antler Creek (Summit, Pleasant Valley, Grouse and Nugget Gulch creeks). Two other sub-basins were also assessed. These were Towkuh Creek and West Creek, and its tributary Ketcham Creek. Habitat features and field annotations are presented on the accompanying FHAP maps at a scale of 1:20,000. Field survey forms and selected site photographs for individual stream reaches are presented in Appendices 1 and 2 respectively.

The surveys were conducted during the late fall at the on-set of the first snowfall. Minor snowfall accumulations were present on the ground during the surveys of the upper Antler Creek reaches and Nugget Gulch Creek. Water temperatures typically were between 3 and 5⁰ C at the time of survey. Water clarity was high (50 cm +) in all of the surveyed sections with the exception of Nugget Gulch Creek. Water turbidity in Nugget Gulch Creek was less than 5 cm at the time of survey. This was caused by light rainfall events which occurred on the day prior to the survey work.

Measured stream flows at the time of survey were as follows:

Pleasant Valley Creek: No Data

Grouse Creek: No Data

Summit Creek: 1.8 m³/sec

Nugget Gulch Creek: No Data

Lower West Creek: No Data

Lower Ketcham Creek: 3.2 m³/sec

Lower Towkuh Creek: 1.3 m³/sec

Antler Creek is one of the four major sub-basis to the upper Bowron River watershed. The mainstem creek is approximately 48 km long and the watershed area is 359 km². The headwaters of Antler Creek are located in the Palmer Mountain Range at an elevation of 1220 m. The creek flows north through the Quesnel Highlands physiographic unit into the Bowron River. The Antler Creek and Bowron River confluence is located approximately 200 m downstream of the outlet of Bowron Lake at an elevation of 900 m. There are four main tributary streams to Antler Creek; these include Summit, Pleasant Valley, Monkton and Sawflat creeks (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Map of the Antler Creek sub-basin showing tributary streams and reach boundaries.

Salmonid fish species found in the Antler Creek drainage include chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), rainbow trout (O. mykiss) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Chinook salmon are found throughout the lower 38 km of Antler Creek upstream to Reach 11. Chinook salmon spawning has been confirmed in Reaches 1, 3, 5, 6 and 11. Chinook salmon spawning has also been documented in the lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek. Although unconfirmed, chinook spawning may also occur in the lower reaches of some of the other major tributaries including Summit and Monkton creeks. Juvenile fish sampling (Carmanah 1997a) confirmed the presence of rearing juvenile chinook salmon in Reach 3 of Antler Creek and the lower reach of Grouse Creek (Figure 2). Information available on adult chinook salmon spawner distributions indicate that rearing juveniles would likely be found throughout the mainstem of Antler Creek upstream to Reach 12. It is unlikely that juvenile chinook salmon would be found in Reach 12 and upstream areas due to the presence of migration obstructions in Reach 12. It is suspected that rearing chinook salmon would also be found in the lower reaches of the main tributaries located downstream of Reach 12 and possibly, in some of the smaller unnamed tributary streams.

Resident rainbow trout have been confirmed in the mainstem of Antler Creek upstream to Reach 14 and are present in many of the 2nd and 3rd order tributaries. It is suspected that the upstream distribution of rainbow trout may extend past Reach 14 of Antler Creek.

Bull trout are also found in the mainstem of Antler Creek and have been sampled from Reaches 1 to 3, 13 and 14 and Atan Lake. Bull trout have also been found in the lower reaches of Pleasant Valley, Grouse, Monkton, Sawflat and Nugget Gulch creeks, as well in the unnamed tributaries flowing into mainstem Antler Creek in Reaches 13 and 14. These data indicate that bull trout have a wide distribution throughout the Antler Creek drainage and could be expected to be found in all accessible sections of the drainage up into the headwater reaches.

Non-salmonid species found in the drainage include burbot (Lota lota), lake chub (Couesius plumbeus), longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus) and redside shiners (Richardsonius balteatus). Information on the distribution of these species within the Antler Creek drainage is not available.

Information on fish distributions within the Antler Creek drainage is presented on the accompanying series of FHAP maps.

This section of the creek flows through a wide alluvial fan and there are two main distributary channels. The first reach boundary on Antler Creek is located at the juncture of the two main distributary channels located approximately 2.7 km upstream of the confluence of the west channel and the Bowron River. The most easterly channel is referred to as "Lower Summit Creek". It is suspected that this channel was formerly connected to Summit Creek, which drains into Antler creek at the upstream boundary of Reach 2, located 700 m upstream of the divide between the east and west channels. This east channel was not surveyed during this study. Both channels had approximately the same flow volume (approximately 4.8 m³/sec).

The west channel of Reach 1 has an average channel gradient of 1% with an average bankfull width is 20.8 m. The average wetted width of this channel during late October was 16.0 m. The bed material is predominantly small gravels with deposits of sand and silt. There are very few large cobbles or boulders in this reach. Habitat diversity is very low with 80% glide and 20% riffle areas. There was only one pool in this reach (10 m long with a maximum depth of 1.2 m). The occurrence of gravel bars is low and there are very few side channels; total length of off-channel habitat in this reach was 100 m.

Organic debris was moderately abundant in this reach with an average extrapolated value of 2.7 pieces per bankfull width. Most of the debris was in the small size category and was found along the edges of the channel. There was little large debris that spanned the width of the channel. The highest concentration of debris occurred in the lower 1 km of the reach.

The reach provides moderate to high spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Spawning capabilities are likely limited by the low occurrence of holding pools and the relatively high fines content in the bed material. Rearing habitat capabilities are low due to poor habitat diversity and the low frequency of suitable instream cover.

There are four major bank slumps in this reach; the slumps were approximately 10 to 15 m in height and between 50 and 125 m in length. These slumps are contributing substantial quantities of fine sands and silts into the channel (Appendix 2; Plate 1).

The lower 800 m of the reach has been cleared to the edge of the bank along the east side of the channel. This clearing is related to agricultural development and a landing strip. Riparian vegetation in the upper sections of the reach typically is mixed conifer and deciduous stands with a fringe of willow along the edge of the channel. There is no canopy cover and overhanging bank vegetation covers less than 2% of the channel area (Appendix 2; Plate 2).

Reach 2 of Antler Creek is 672 m long with a channel gradient of 1.0% and an average bankfull width of 26.6 m. Average wetted width was 20.8 m. The reach consists of a glide (77%) and riffle (23%) sequence with a total of five habitat units. The bed material is similar to that in Reach 1 with a predominance of gravels and some fines sediments. There are some exposed gravel bars and the mobility of the gravels appeared to be high (Appendix 2; Plate 3). There is a high frequency of back channel habitat in the lower three habitat units. The back channel areas are characterized by a high occurrence of organic debris and overhanging bank vegetation (Appendix 2; Plate 4). Total length of off-channel habitats in this reach was 155 m.

Large woody debris was noted in 1 of the 5 habitat units and was generally present in low abundance in this reach. The extrapolated average value was 1.0 pieces per bankfull width. There were no major debris jams present in the reach.

Spawning habitat capabilities are moderate and are limited by the apparent high mobility of the gravel, an absence of suitable holding areas for adult fish and a relatively high proportion of fines in the gravel. Rearing habitat capabilities are moderate to high and are influenced by the presence of back channel areas. Rearing capabilities are limited by the small size of the bed material and low abundance of instream cover in the main channel.

There are no significant bank slumps in this reach and no signs of valley wall instability.

Riparian vegetation consists of mature conifer stands with a fringe of deciduous trees and shrubs along the banks of the creek. There is no canopy cover and very limited overhanging bank vegetation cover along the mainstem. There has been no recent logging activity adjacent to the creek channel.

Reach 3 is 6.4 km in length with a gradient of 1.1% and an average bankfull width of 19.3 m, ranging from 14 to 40 m. The average wetted width was 16.5 m. The reach is more confined than the lower two reaches with the valley wall frequently extending down to the channel edge. The bed material is predominantly gravel with a higher occurrence of cobble material than was evident in the lower two reaches. The frequency of exposed gravel bars is also higher in this reach than in the lower two reaches (Appendix 2; Plate 5). There is a high percentage (72%) of riffle habitat in this reach with a lower occurrence of glide habitat (27%) than was evident in the downstream reaches. A total of 53 habitat units were present with pools accounting for 8 of these units (approximately 1% of the wetted channel area). Beaver dams were evident in the mid-section of the reach. The total length of off-channel habitats was 1310 m; most of this was side channel habitat.

Debris was abundant in this reach with an average extrapolated value of 9 pieces per bankfull width. Most of the functional LWD was in the small and moderate size categories. There was a series of major debris jams in the lower section of the reach. These could impede upstream fish passage under some flow conditions.

Spawning habitat capabilities are low to moderate in this reach. Gravel quality was rated as low (high fines or cobble content) for 10 of the 22 habitat units that were surveyed in detail (Appendix 2; Plate 6). Rearing habitat capabilities are moderate to high in this reach due the high frequency of riffle and side channel area. The presence of more cobble in this reach also contributed to the high rearing capability rating.

Six major slumps were identified in this reach. These slumps were natural occurrences and did not appear to be related to past logging activity (Appendix 2; Plate 6). The location of these slumps are indicated on Map 93H - 023.

Riparian vegetation is characterized by mature stands of conifer trees with mixed stands of immature conifers and deciduous trees and shrubs on the floodplain (Appendix 2; Plate 5). One clear-cut area was identified near the upper boundary of the reach on the right side of the valley. A 20 m wide riparian buffer was maintained at this site.

• Note: Reaches 4 and 5 were not surveyed due to foot access problems; these reaches had a combined length of 16.8 km.

Reach 6 extends upstream to the Pleasant Valley Creek confluence and is 4.8 km m long with a channel gradient of 0.8 %. The average bankfull width was 18.9 m and the average wetted width, during October, was 14.4 m. The channel flows through a wide valley flat and there is a moderate amount of off-channel habitat (total length of 540 m). The channel has low (less than 1 m high) banks which are vegetated and generally stable (Appendix 2; Plate 7). The bed material is characterized by a predominance of gravel with some cobble and sand sections. There was moderate habitat diversity with 36 habitat units comprised of 56% glide and 42% riffle areas. A total of five pools (1.8% of the channel length) were present in the reach with an average distance of 1 km between pool habitats; pool depths ranged from 1.3 to 1.7 m. Two major tributaries (Monkton and Pleasant Valley creeks) and a number of smaller unnamed tributaries flow into Antler Creek in this reach.

There was a high abundance of LWD in this reach with an extrapolated average value of 3 pieces per bankfull width. Most of the LWD was in the medium (60%) and small (34%) size categories. The LWD value for the pool habitat was rated as fair.

Spawning habitat capabilities are limited by the low frequency of pool/holding habitat and the fair gravel quality rating. Gravel quality was rated as low for 8 of the 17 habitat units that were surveyed in detail. The presence of abundant cobble and LWD cover, and some off-channel habitat, provides low to moderate rearing habitat capabilities. Rearing habitat capabilities are likely limited by the low pool frequency and habitat diversity characteristic of this reach.

Two major slumps were identified in this reach. The largest slump was 60 m long and 30 m high and was located on the left bank immediately upstream of the Monkton Creek confluence (Appendix 2; Plate 8). These slumps have not been influenced by logging activity. There has been extensive placer mining activity in the upper section of the reach near the Pleasant Valley Creek confluence. The creek channel is braided with several mid-channel gravel bars in this section.

Riparian vegetation along the lower section of the reach is typically characterized by young conifer trees growing to the edge of the active channel with some small willow shrubs on the floodplain. The upper section of the reach, immediately downstream of the Pleasant Valley Creek confluence, flows through a wide valley flat with low growing shrubs and grasses. There are very few conifer trees adjacent to this section of the creek.

Reach 7 is 2.2 km long with an average gradient of 1.0%. The channel flows through a low relief valley and there was no evidence of side slope instability. Habitat diversity is moderate with a predominance of riffle (49%) and glide (47%) habitats. Five of the twenty-eight habitat units delineated in this reach were pools; pools accounted for less than 5% of the channel length in this reach. Maximum pool depth ranged from 1.6 to 1.8 m. The total length of off-channel habitat was 340 m. The bed material was mainly gravel and sands with very little cobble. The channel banks are typically less than 1 m in height and are composed of cobbles and gravels (Appendix 2; Plate 9). There are four small, unnamed tributaries that flow into this reach.

There was a moderate abundance of organic debris in the channel with an extrapolated average value of 1.4 pieces per bankfull width. Most of the functional debris was in the small (53%) and medium (45%) size categories. Debris cover for all habitat types was rated as fair.

Spawning habitat capabilities are limited by a low occurrence of suitable holding pools and a fair rating for gravel quality. Rearing habitat capabilities are limited by moderate instream habitat diversity and an absence of cobble cover.

The valley walls are stable with no significant slope failures evident on the aerial photographs. No major bank slumps were observed during the field surveys. The channel has an irregular pattern with a moderately high frequency of point bars and some mid-channel bars. There are several areas of minor bank erosion throughout the reach. An inactive placer mining site is located on the right bank of the creek on the unnamed tributary fan approximately 600 m downstream from the upper reach boundary. This has resulted in localized bank erosion and the deposition of numerous sediment wedges and high (1 m) mid-channel bars in Antler Creek (Appendix 2; Plate 10).

The valley flat is vegetated with grasses and deciduous shrubs. Mixed stands of deciduous and conifer trees are present on the Pleasant Valley Creek fan. Upstream of the fan the west side of the valley is vegetated with mature conifers. Mature conifers are also present on the east side of the valley. There is one large cut block (~30 ha) on the east side of the valley situated approximately 400 m back from the edge of the creek. This was cut under a small business timber sale agreement. This cut block affects the headwater reaches of two unnamed tributaries to Antler Creek. A logging road parallels the creek throughout the upper section of the reach and there are two bridge crossings on the creek. One of the bridge crossings is located at the downstream reach boundary while the other bridge is located approximately 500 m downstream of the upper reach boundary.

Reach 8 is 0.8 km long with a channel gradient of 1.1%. The channel is bounded by a steep valley wall on the west side with little floodplain area. Most (93%) of the reach is characterized by riffle habitat. A total of six habitat units were delineated in the reach, of which two were pools. Pool habitat accounted for 3.5% of the total channel length. The bed material is predominantly gravel with a high percentage of cobble and occasional boulders. One side channel (25 m in length) is present in this reach. There are two minor, unnamed tributaries flowing into Antler Creek in this reach. The right bank tributary flows through a culvert and down a steep embankment before entering Antler Creek; there is no fish access into this creek.

There was moderate amount of organic debris in the channel with an extrapolated average value of 1.9 pieces per bankfull width. Debris cover in the two pool habitats was rated as good. There were no major debris jams present in the reach.

Spawning habitat capabilities in this reach are highest in the gravel riffle sections adjacent to the pool habitats. The presence of cobble and boulders in the riffle habitats and presence of some pool habitat contribute to the low to moderate rearing habitat capabilities in this reach. Rearing habitat capabilities are limited by the low occurrence of side channel habitat, minimal instream debris cover and lack of over-hanging bank vegetation.

The valley walls are stable throughout this reach. Stream banks are generally stable, however, two areas of bank erosion were evident (Appendix 2; Plate 11).

There is very little overhanging bank vegetation in this reach (Appendix 2; Plate 12). The valley flat and side slopes are vegetated with mature conifer stands and there has been no logging activity near the creek. One cut block was evident on the 1991 aerial photographs. This cut block is located on the east side of the valley approximately 500 m away from Antler Creek.

The mainline logging road crosses the mainstem of the creek near the lower reach boundary onto the west side of the valley. The existing bridge was identified as a point source for sediment erosion. A narrow band of conifer vegetation has been maintained along most of the length of the road.

Reach 9 is 1.4 km long with an average channel gradient of 1.1%. The channel is bounded by valley walls on both sides with minor floodplain development. The average bankfull width is 9.9 m with an average wetted width of 9.3 m during October. Most of the channel is characterized by riffle habitat (85%) with some glide (11%) and pool (4%) habitats. Of the 12 habitat units delineated in this reach, there were four pools and three glides. There is no off-channel habitat in this reach. The bed material is predominantly gravel with cobble and boulder. There are two small unnamed tributaries flowing into the right bank of Antler Creek in this reach.

There is very little organic debris in the channel, with an extrapolated average value of 1.1 pieces per bankfull width. Debris cover was not present in the pool habitats. There were no major debris jams present in the reach.

Spawning habitat for resident fish may be limited by the high proportion of cobble in the bed material. Deep pools provide good holding habitat for adult fish. Rearing habitat capabilities are likely limited by the low occurrence of instream debris and an absence of off-channel habitats. It is suspected that the cobble and boulder cover in the main channel are important habitat features for rearing and overwintering fish in this reach.

The valley walls are stable throughout this reach. Stream banks are well vegetated with conifer trees and an understorey of mosses and grasses and there is a moderate degree of bank undercutting (Appendix 2; Plate 13). No significant bank erosion was noted during the field survey.

The valley flat and side slopes along Reach 9 are vegetated with mature conifer stands. Logging activity was not evident on the 1991 aerial photographs and no logging activity near the creek was noted during the field survey. A logging road is present in the valley flat on the west side of the creek. There are no bridge crossings in this reach.

Reach 10 is 0.8 km in length and is characterized by a stable single channel, confined by the valley walls with no appreciable floodplain area. The average bankfull width is 10.4 m with an average wetted width of 9.5 m during October. A total of eight habitat units were delineated with a predominance of glide (49%) and riffle (36%) areas (Appendix 2; Plate 14). The two pools present accounted for 14% of the total reach length. Abundant gravel is found in the glide sections; larger cobbles and boulder are present in some of the riffle areas. There is no off-channel habitat present and there are very few mid-channel and point bars in this reach.

Two unnamed tributaries flow into Antler Creek in this reach. The right bank tributary is lake headed. The left bank tributary flows through a culvert at the 3100 road. Downstream of the culvert, the creek is characterized by shallow cobble riffle habitat and may provide some rearing habitat capabilities (Appendix 2; Plate 15). Placer mining has occurred throughout most of this reach.

There is little organic debris in the channel, with an extrapolated average value of 1.7 pieces per bankfull width. Very little LWD cover was present in the pool habitats. Most of the LWD was in the small and medium size categories. There were no major debris jams present in the reach.

This reach provides low to moderate spawning habitat capabilities and is limited by the poor gravel quality. Rearing habitat capabilities are likely limited by the lack of off-channel habitat and low occurrence of instream debris.

Both valley walls are stable with no signs of failure. Steep bluffs are present on the west side of the valley, well up slope of the creek channel. The banks of the creek are stable with no significant erosion observed. The only significant signs of instability in this reach is found on the fan of the unnamed, left bank tributary adjacent to the placer mining activity.

The west valley wall along Reach 10 is vegetated with a mature stand of conifer trees. The east valley wall is sparsely vegetated with conifer trees. Recent logging activity was not evident on the 1991 aerial photographs and no logging activity near the creek was noted during the field survey. A logging road is present in the valley flat on the west side of the creek. There is one bridge crossing of the mainstem creek near the upper reach boundary.

Reach 11 is 4.6 km long and is characterized by a low gradient (less than 1%) meandering channel flowing through a wide floodplain area. The lower 3.3 km of this reach were surveyed. The channel is unconfined by the valley walls and there are numerous well-developed point bars. The average bankfull width is 12.4 m with an average wetted width of 8.4 m. The dominant bed material is gravel with some areas of sand (Appendix 2; Plate 16). There is very little cobble in this reach. A total of 53 separate habitat units were identified in the survey section. The reach is characterized by a predominance of glide habitat (73.5%) with frequent pool habitats (21 units) accounting for approximately 13% of the channel length. There were only five riffle sections within the survey area (13% of channel length). There is abundant off-channel habitat in this reach; 12 side channel areas with a total length of 810 m were identified in this reach.

There is very little organic debris in this reach with an extrapolated average value of 1.2 pieces per bankfull width. The majority (93%) of the functional debris tallied was in the small size category and is considered to be unstable. No major debris jams were noted. Debris was not a significant cover factor in the pool habitats.

Spawning habitat capabilities are likely limited by the low occurrence of riffle habitat in this reach. Spawning habitat capabilities are not limited by availability of gravel or adult holding areas. The abundance of off-channel habitats and numerous point bars are important factors for rearing fish in this reach. However, rearing habitat capabilities are limited by the low frequency of riffle habitat, absence of cobble cover and low occurrence of organic debris.

The valley walls are both stable with no signs of major failure. There are some exposed bluffs (possibly talus slopes) on the east side of the valley. The channel banks are low and typically stable (Appendix 2; Plate 16). Lateral channel movement is unrestricted in this reach due to the wide nature of the valley flat. There is a higher incidence of point and mid-channel bar formation in the upper section of the reach suggesting a high rate of bed load transport. This is likely related to the placer mining activity that has occurred in this section of the reach. There is a large placer mining site located near the upper end of the reach. Approximately 500 m of the channel has been in-filled by previous mining activity at this site.

The valley walls along Reach 11 are vegetated with mature stands of conifer trees. Similar to Reach 10, the vegetation on the west side of the valley is more sparse than on the east side. Very few conifer trees are present on the wide valley flat. The valley flat is vegetated with grasses and shrubs. Logging activity was not apparent on the 1991 aerial photographs and there was no indication of logging adjacent to the creek during the field surveys. The mainline logging road crosses the creek (bridge) in the mid-section of the reach and there is a smaller branch line along the west side of the valley close to the toe of the valley wall. The branch line crosses the alluvial fans of three unnamed tributaries flowing into the west side (left bank) of Antler Creek.

Reach 12 is 1.0 km long with an average channel gradient of 3%. The average bankfull width is 12 m and the average wetted width during October was 7.2 m. The single channel is confined by the tight valley walls and most of the reach is characterized by steep cascades and riffles with numerous bedrock outcrops. Nine separate habitat units were identified in this reach with 53% riffle, 36% cascade and 7% pool habitats. Some sections of the 306 m long cascade located in the upstream section of the reach may be barriers to upstream fish migration under some flow conditions (Appendix 2; Plate 17). The bed material is primarily cobble and boulder with very little gravel (Appendix 2; Plate 18). There are no side channel areas in this reach.

Very little organic debris was found in the reach with a total tally count of 28 pieces over a 70 m section of the reach. Most of this debris was non-functional at the time of survey and most was in the small size category. There were no debris jams present.

There are no significant spawning habitat capabilities in this reach due to the high gradient and large size of the bed material. Rearing habitat capabilities in the reach are probably highest in the cobble riffle sections found in the lower portion of the reach. Rearing habitat capabilities are likely limited by the low occurrence of organic debris and absence of side channel habitat.

Both valley walls are stable with no indication of slides. The channel is also stable and there were no signs of bank erosion of failure.

Mature conifer stands are present on both valley walls extending down slope to the edge of the creek. There has been no recent logging activity in this reach. The mainline logging road is located on the west side of the valley and there are no mainstem road crossings.

Reach 13 is 1.8 km long with an average channel gradient of 2%. Most of the channel is characterized as steep cobble strewn riffle habitat (94.5%) with some short glides (Appendix 2; Plate 19). There were no pool habitats in this reach. The average bankfull width is 13.8 m with an average wetted width of 8.8 m during October. The bed material is primarily cobble with boulder and some gravel. The banks of the creek are up to 2 m high in some places and are composed of cobbles and gravel.

There are two unnamed tributaries which flow into the west side of Antler Creek in this reach. Nugget Gulch Creek flows into the east bank of Antler Creek at the upper reach boundary.

There is very little organic debris in the channel, with an extrapolated average value of 0.6 pieces per bankfull width. Most of the debris observed was in the small size category and was in one large jam located near the lower boundary of the reach.

Spawning habitat capabilities are minimal in this reach due to the large size of the bed material, possible migration barriers in Reach 12 and an absence of adult holding pools. Rearing habitat capabilities may be moderate for some fish species (i.e. bull trout) due to the abundance of cobble riffle habitat. However, rearing habitat capabilities are generally limited by an absence of pool habitat and the low occurrence of organic debris.

There were no signs of valley wall instability adjacent to the creek channel. There is a moderate degree of bank erosion in isolated sections of the reach. Most of the erosion is adjacent to placer mining areas (Appendix 2; Plate 20).

Both valley walls are well vegetated with mature conifer stands extending downs slope to the edge of the creek channel. Willow shrubs are found on the valley flat. There has been no logging activity in this reach. The mainline logging road parallels the creek on the west side of the valley and crosses one unnamed tributary. A branch line crosses the mainstem creek approximately 350 m downstream of the upper reach boundary and leads off into the Nugget Gulch Creek valley.

Reach 14 has a high gradient (2%) channel with a moderate degree of confinement between the valley walls. The average bankfull width is 9.5 m and the wetted width was 7.1 m during October. Most (95%) of the reach is characterized by steep, cobble/riffle habitat (Appendix 2; Plate 21). Of the nine habitat units delineated, there were three pool habitats. Pool area occupied 3.3% of the channel length with maximum pool depths of 1.3 to 1.9 m. The bed material is predominantly cobble with boulder and isolated areas of gravel. There were five side channel areas with a total length of 180 m in this reach.

Organic debris was moderately abundant with an extrapolated average value of 1.5 pieces per bankfull width. Very little debris was found in the three pool areas. There was one major debris jam located in the middle section of the reach. This jam caused a high velocity cascade but did not appear to obstruct upstream fish passage (Appendix 2; Plate 22).

Reach 14 does not provide any significant spawning habitat capabilities due to the large size of the bed material (cobbles) and the low frequency of pool habitats. Spawning habitat capabilities may be further limited by potential upstream migration barriers found in Reach 12. The presence of cobble riffle and some side channel area suggest that the reach has low to moderate rearing habitat capabilities.

The valley walls are stable with no evidence of sliding or mass wasting. The channel banks in the undisturbed sections are typically well vegetated and stable. Localized bank erosion was evident near the confluence of Sawflat Creek where placer mining has occurred. There is a tailings area measuring approximately 100 by 100 m in this area.

No logging activity is evident on the 1991 aerial photographs and no logging activity adjacent to the creek was noted during the field surveys. Both valley walls are vegetated with mature conifer stands. These stands extend down slope to the edge of the creek, however, conifer growth is sparse along some sections of the valley flat. Deciduous shrubs and immature conifer trees are present on the floodplain. There is very little riparian vegetation on the disturbed section of the floodplain near the upper end of the reach where there has been placer mining activity. The mainline logging road parallels the creek on the west side of the valley and crosses the mainstem to the Sawflat Creek valley in the upper section of the reach.

Summit Creek originates in mountainous terrain at the watershed divide with the headwaters of Pleasant Valley Creek. It flows northeast into Reach 4 of Antler Creek, approximately 3.0 km upstream of the Bowron River confluence. The creek has a mainstem length of 20.8 km. Detailed biophysical reach descriptions are presented for the three reaches (Reaches 1, 7 and 8) investigated during the Level 1 assessment in the following text. Overview information for the other stream reaches is also presented. Additional information for these reaches can be found in the overview report (Carmanah, 1998).

The lower reach is 1.2 km long and is characterized by an aggraded channel with extensive areas of mid-channel and point bars with moderate channel braiding. The average channel gradient is approximately 2.1% with some sections of high gradient riffle habitat (2 to3%). The channel has an average bankfull width of 11.9 m and the wetted width was 8.2 m during October. The dominant bed material is gravel with fines being sub-dominant in the lower portions and cobble in the upper portions of the reach (Appendix 2; Plate 23). A total of 14 habitat units were delineated with a predominance of riffle (89%) and minor pool (5%) and glide (6%) areas. A total of five pools with average depths of 1.1 m were present in the reach. Eight side channels were identified with a total channel length of 230 m.

There was abundant large woody debris present throughout most of the reach with an extrapolated average value of 2.9 pieces per bankfull width. Avalanche chutes reaching the edge of the creek were the primary source of this debris. There were two large debris jams identified in the reach. The lower jam was located a short distance upstream of the Antler Creek confluence and caused a split in the channel. The second jam was located near the upstream boundary of the reach at the base of a major slump at the edge of the channel.

The reach provides moderate spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Spawning capabilities are likely limited by the low occurrence of holding pools and the relatively high fines content in the bed material. Rearing habitat capabilities are moderate to high due to the presence of abundant side channel habitat and instream cover provided by organic debris and cobble.

There were three areas of bank slumping identified in this reach as well as smaller areas of bank erosion. The largest slump was approximately 35 m high and 30 m long. The slumps were significant factors to the contribution of LWD and sediment in this reach (Appendix 2; Plate 24).

The floodplain is vegetated with thickets of willow and alder shrubs, 2 to 3 m in height, to the edge of the active channel. Mature conifer vegetation is present along the edges of the floodplain and onto the valley walls. There is very little canopy cover in the reach. Logging has occurred on the high terraces of the valley during the 1980's. However, this logging did not appear to be having any impact on existing conditions in the stream channel. The lower 500 m of the reach has also been logged. This was done in 1969-70 and clearing extended down slope to the edge of the channel. This area has not been adequately re-vegetated.

Note: Reaches 2-6 where not assessed due to their low priority ratings.

Reach 2 is 3.3 km long and is confined within steep valley walls with little floodplain development. There are several major valley wall and bank failures in this reach.

Reach 3 is 2.83 km in length with a moderate degree of channel confinement and a 2% gradient.

The next 2.6 km (Reaches 4 and 5) are characterized by a low gradient channel with swamp and marsh areas.

Reach 6 is 3.9 km long and has a confined channel characterized by a pool riffle habitat complex. There are several avalanche chutes located in this reach which have influenced the creek channel.

Reach 7 is 1.1 km long with a gradient of 3.1% and is characterized by a highly disturbed channel due to on-going placer mining operations. The bankfull and wetted width of the channel was 3.8 m during October. Most (90%) of the reach is characterized by slow moving glide habitat (Appendix 2; Plate 25) with very few pool (5%) and riffle (5%) areas. The banks of the channel have been disturbed to the edge of the floodplain and the bed material is predominantly fines (Appendix 2; Plate 26). There was one side channel with a total length of 20 m and a ponded area 400 m in length. There is a beaver dam and pond located in the lower portion of this reach.

There was very little organic debris in this reach. All debris present was unstable.

The reach provides no significant spawning or rearing habitat capabilities due to the highly unstable nature of the channel caused by ongoing placer mining operations. There is very little instream cover, low habitat diversity and the bed material has a high proportion of fines.

The channel banks and valley walls have all been disturbed by past and recent placer mining activity. Mining activity has destabilized the entire width of the floodplain in the upper portion of the reach. It appears that the channel has been re-located on several occasions during the mine operations.

The floodplain is characterized by non vegetated bars. All riparian vegetation has been cleared during the mining operations. There are several areas where disturbed sections of the channel banks are eroding and contributing sediment into the creek channel (Appendix 2; Plate 25).

This reach is only 300 m long and consists of a high gradient riffle section (44 m long) and a low gradient glide/pool sequence 256 m long (Appendix 2; Plate 27). The bed material in the riffle section is characterized by gravel and cobble. The bed material of the glide/pool sequence is characterized by gravel with a high proportion of sand. The average bankfull width is 4.1 m and the wetted width was 3.5 m at the time of survey. There are no off-channel habitats in this reach.

LWD was not present in this section of the creek.

The reach provides no spawning or rearing habitat capabilities due to the highly unstable nature of the channel caused by active placer mining operations. There is very little instream cover, low habitat diversity and the bed material has a high proportion of fines throughout much of the reach.

The channel banks and valley walls have all been disturbed by past and recent placer mining activity. It appears that the channel has been moved on several occasions during the mine operations.

The floodplain is characterized by non vegetated bars. Most riparian vegetation has been cleared during the mining operations (Appendix 2; Plate 27). Willow shrubs and grasses are present along some sections of the channel; however, there is no canopy cover and very little over-hanging bank vegetation. There are several areas where disturbed sections of the channel banks are eroding and contributing sediment into the creek channel.

Pleasant Valley Creek is a 2^nd order tributary to Antler Creek. The drainage originates in mountainous terrain at the watershed divide of Summit Creek and flows southwest into the lower portion of Reach 7 of Antler Creek. The lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek (described below) is situated on an alluvial fan on the edge of the Antler Creek floodplain downstream of the Grouse Creek confluence. The second reach is moderately confined by valley walls. The mid-section of the drainage is characterized as a tightly meandering stream with a moderately extensive floodplain. The lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek and Reach 1 of Grouse Creek were assessed during the Level 1 survey.

The lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek extends over a distance of 1.0 km from Antler Creek upstream to the Grouse Creek confluence. This section of the creek flows through a wide alluvial fan. The average gradient of the channel is 1.0% with steeper sections (2.5%) in the riffle habitats. The lower 25 m of the channel is a wide alluvial fan with an average bankfull width of 20 m. The average bankfull width in the mid-section of the reach is 6.4 m. The average wetted width for the reach was 4.8 m at the time of survey. The bed material is predominantly gravel with a high proportion of sands (Appendix 2; Plate 28). This reach has been heavily influenced by outwash deposits from Grouse Creek. A total of nine habitat units were delineated in the reach with riffle areas dominant (93%). Glide areas accounted for 6% of the channel length. One pool habitat was present and accounted for 1% of the total channel length. Two side channel areas were identified in this reach with a total channel length of 200 m.

A large accumulation of organic debris was present in the extreme lower end of the reach. Stable debris was less common in the upper sections of the reach. The extrapolated average value for debris in the reach was 1.6 pieces per bankfull width.

Spawning chinook salmon have been observed in Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek, however, spawning habitat capabilities appear to be severely limited by the high proportion of sand in the bed material and absence of holding pools. Rearing habitat capabilities appear to be limited by low instream habitat diversity and a lack of pool habitat and instream cover.

The north side of the creek is bounded by a moderately steep valley wall that shows no sign of instability. The south side of the creek channel is bounded by the Antler Creek floodplain and there are no valley wall concerns. Lateral channel activity and bed load movement appears to be high due to the influence of outwash deposits from the Grouse Creek alluvial fan. There are no significant slumps in this reach. The channel banks are well vegetated and there were only minor areas of bank erosion present.

There has been no logging activity along the lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek. Floodplain vegetation is characterized by sparse growth of immature deciduous trees and mature conifers along the toe of the north side valley wall. There is no riparian vegetation present on the large gravel bar at the confluence with Grouse Creek. The channel has little canopy cover and over-hanging bank vegetation is minimal.

Reach 1 of Grouse Creek is 1.7 km long and is characterized by a predominance of steep riffle habitat (89% of the total channel length). The average channel gradient is 2%, however, there are three rock chutes with gradients of 9 to 21%. The chutes occupy 9% of the Reach 1 channel length. Two pools were present and accounted for less than 2% of the total reach length. The bed material in the lower 120 m of the reach was predominantly gravel with cobble (Appendix 2; Plate 29). Cobbles and boulders were more prevalent in the upper sections of the reach. There was no off-channel habitat present in this reach.

There was very little functional debris throughout most of the reach length. The debris present was typically found on the exposed gravel bars and appeared to be unstable (Appendix 2; Plate 30). One large accumulation of debris was present in the lower section of the reach. The average extrapolated value for debris was 1.2 pieces per bankfull width, however, this does not accurately reflect debris values for most of the reach.

Although spawning chinook salmon have been reported in lower Grouse Creek it is suspected that spawning habitat capabilities are severely limited by the unstable nature of the channel and absence of pool habitat in the lower sections of the creek. These same factors, and the absence of off-channel habitats, likely also constrain rearing habitat capabilities in the reach. The high gradient cobble boulder habitats in the upper section of the reach likely provide moderate rearing habitat opportunities for resident rainbow and bull trout.

The north valley wall is highly unstable and is actively sliding into the active channel over an approximate distance of 900 m. The lower most slump is 300 m long and has a maximum height of 40 m. The material is composed of glacial till and is highly erodible. The slide activity along this section is contributing significant amounts of organic debris and sediment into the channel.

Much of the floodplain area is characterized by exposed gravel bars with little riparian vegetation. There is no canopy cover in this reach and over-hanging bank vegetation is minimal. There has been no logging activity immediately adjacent to the Grouse Creek channel. Logging has occurred on the southwest side of the valley adjacent to the unnamed tributary of Antler Creek which flows parallel to Grouse Creek.

Nugget Gulch Creek is a small 2^nd order tributary of Antler Creek which flows northeast into Antler Creek at the upstream boundary of Reach 13. The lower two reaches were assessed during the Level 1 survey.

Reach 1 has a high gradient channel (8.5%) characterized by a cobble/gravel riffle over a distance of 350 m. There were no pool or glide habitats in this reach. The bankfull width of the channel was 8.9 m and the wetted width was 3.4 m. The water was highly turbid (approximately 5 cm of visibility) during the October survey (Appendix 2; Plate 31). One short (15 m long) side channel was present in this reach.

There was very little functional debris in the channel and that which was present was not stable.

This reach provides no significant spawning habitat due to the large size of the bed material and the aggrading nature of the channel. Rearing habitat capabilities appear to be marginal and limited by low habitat diversity, an absence of pool habitat and the low frequency of functional debris. Shallow water depths (maximum of 25 cm during October) suggest that the creek is not suitable for overwintering juvenile fish.

There was one large slump on the right bank of the channel and a tailings deposit from previous placer mine activity on the left bank approximately mid-way up the reach. The lower end of the channel cuts through an aggrading gravel fan on the Antler Creek floodplain where the banks are typically 1 m high and actively eroding (Appendix 2; Plate 30). There appears to be a high rate of bed load movement in the channel and there is moderately high degree of lateral channel instability as the creek cuts through the fan on the Antler Creek floodplain.

There is no riparian vegetation in the lower portion of the reach and a very sparse growth of deciduous shrubs and immature conifers in the upper section of the reach. There is no canopy cover and over-hanging bank vegetation is minimal. There has been no logging activity adjacent to the creek channel in this reach. Mature conifers are present on the higher elevations of the valley wall (Appendix 2; Plate 32).

Reach 2 is 0.3 km long with an average channel gradient of 10%. The bankfull width was 7.4 m and the wetted width was 3.6 m. The habitat is characterized by a continuous riffle/cascade with no pool or glide areas. The bed material is comprised of large cobble and gravel. One short (15 m long) side channel was present. Immediately upstream of the Reach 2 boundary the channel is characterized by a high gradient (25%) cascade/chute with a bed material of boulder and cobble (Appendix 2; Plate 33).

There is very little functional debris in the channel and most of the debris is in the small size category and is unstable.

This reach provides no significant spawning habitat due to the large size of the bed material and the high channel gradient. Rearing habitat capabilities appear to be marginal and limited by low habitat diversity, an absence of pool habitat and the low frequency of functional debris. Shallow water depths (maximum of 30 cm during October) suggest that the creek is not suitable for overwintering juvenile fish.

There are number of old mine tailing deposits along the valley walls and edge of the floodplain due to past placer mining activity. There was no indication of recent placer mining activity in the valley. There is a large bank slump located at the lower boundary of this reach which is being actively eroded by surface runoff.

A large placer mine tailings deposit is located adjacent to the creek channel in the lower section of Reach 3. There are also several significant washouts of the road along this section of the creek. Erosion of the tailings and road base is a major source of sediment and bed load into the lower two reaches of Nugget Gulch Creek.

The valley walls are steep and are largely unvegetated. The vegetation may have been cleared during previous placer mining operations. There were no signs of recent logging activities along this reach. There is a narrow band of deciduous shrubs and the occasional immature conifer growing along the edge of the channel. Canopy and over-hanging bank cover in this reach is minimal (Appendix 2; Plate 34).

The delineation and naming of the West and Ketcham creek drainages used for the B.C. Stream Gazetteer is incorrect. In the gazetteer, West Creek is listed as the main drainage system with Ketcham Creek being a tributary to West Creek. Based on drainage length and flow volume, the main drainage should have been listed as Ketcham Creek with West Creek being a tributary to Ketcham Creek. In addition to the incorrect watershed naming, there is also some confusion surrounding the delineation of the watershed boundaries. Based on available topographic maps, West Creek is shown flowing into the east branch of Antler Creek, which is locally referred to as "lower Summit Creek". However, field observations indicate that the east branch of Antler Creek and lower "West Creek" have separate and distinct confluences with the Bowron River (K. Brydges, pers. comm.). For the purpose of this report, and to avoid further confusion, the creeks have been referred to by their gazeteered names (i.e. West Creek flows directly into the Bowron River and Ketcham Creek is a tributary to West Creek).

The headwaters of West Creek originate in low-lying hills to the east of the Antler Creek valley. The creek flows north and then northeast over a distance of approximately 13.5 km before entering the Bowron River approximately 6.5 km downstream of Bowron Lake near the confluence of the east branch of Antler Creek ("Lower Summit Creek") and the Bowron River. Ketcham Creek flows west over a distance of approximately 10.8 km and enters West Creek 4.4 km upstream of the West Creek and Bowron River confluence. Level 1 surveys were conducted in the lower reach (Reach 1) of both West and Ketcham creeks.

Three salmonid species are known to be present in the West Creek drainage. These include chinook salmon, rainbow trout and bull trout. Spawning chinook salmon have been documented in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek (Carmanah 1996). There is no other information on the distribution of adult and juvenile chinook salmon in the system. Habitat conditions suggest that chinook salmon spawning probably also occurs in Reach 1 of West Creek (downstream of Ketcham Creek). Rearing chinook salmon are expected to be present in the lower reach of both West and Ketcham creeks. Rearing chinook salmon may also be present in the lower reaches of the several unnamed tributaries flowing into the lower reach of both West and Ketcham creeks. Rainbow and bull trout are found throughout the West and Ketcham creek drainages and in the lower reaches of many of the unnamed tributaries to these creeks (Carmanah 1996). Non-salmonid fish species found in the West Creek drainage include burbot, lake chub, longnosed sucker, mountain whitefish and sculpin. The distribution and abundance of these species in the West Creek drainage is not known.

Reach 1 is 4.5 km in length with an average channel gradient of 2%. This reach has a wide valley flat and the valley walls are set well back from the edge of the channel. A total of 38 habitat units were identified along the mainstem channel in Reach 1. Most of the channel (77%) is characterized by slow moving glide habitat. There were nine distinct riffle sections comprising 18% of the channel length. Pool habitat (10 habitat units) occupied less than 5% of the total channel length. The bed material was predominantly gravel with sand. Minor amounts of cobble were present in some of the habitat units. The bankfull width of the channel was 12.8 m and the average wetted width was 10.8 m. The channel banks were typically less than 1 m in height. There were nine major side channel areas present in the reach with a total length of 545 m. Two minor tributary seepages drained into the main channel from the right bank in the mid-section of the reach.

There was abundant LWD found in this reach, with an extrapolated average value of 3.4 pieces per bankfull width. Debris cover values were rated as "good". Functional debris was generally equally distributed between the small and moderate size categories. Most of the debris found in this reach was stable with several logs spanning the width of the channel from bank to bank (Appendix 2; Plate 35). Debris cover in the pool habitats was rated as "fair". There was one major logjam located near the upper boundary of this reach. This jam had caused channel braiding downstream of the jam. The jam did not appear to impede fish passage.

This reach provides moderate to high spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Gravel availability, holding pools and fish access were rated as "good" while gravel quality was rated as "fair" due to the high proportion of sands present. The high abundance of functional debris in the channel coupled with frequent undercut banks and overhanging bank vegetation suggest that the reach provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. The numerous side channel habitats also contribute to moderate rearing habitat capabilities. Rearing habitat capabilities were limited by the low occurrence of cobble cover ("poor" rating) and pool areas ("poor" rating). These same factors also likely limit overwintering habitat capabilities in the reach.

The valley walls were typically stable and were situated well back from the edge of the active channel. One minor slide area was identified adjacent to the edge of the channel (Appendix 2; Plate 36. This slide area was approximately 4 m wide and did not appear to be a major sediment source for this reach. The channel banks were generally stable with no significant erosion. Some bank undercutting was evident.

The floodplain and valley flat are well vegetated with mature conifer trees and an understorey of deciduous shrubs. Deciduous shrubs (willow and alder) are present along most of the channel length and provide some overhanging bank vegetation cover extending approximately 1 m into the wetted portion of the channel (Appendix 2; Plate 37). There has been no logging activity adjacent to the creek channel in this reach.

Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek is 4.4 km in length with an average channel gradient of 1.5%. The channel flows through a wide valley flat with gently sloping valley walls. A total of 39 habitat units were identified along the mainstem channel in Reach 1. There is high habitat diversity in this reach with 67% glide, 23% riffle and 10% pool habitat. There were a total of 12 pool habitats and seven riffle sections. The bed material was predominantly gravel with sand. Minor amounts of cobble were present in some of the habitat units. The average bankfull width of the channel was 10.9 m and the average wetted width was 10.1 m. The channel banks were typically less than 1 m in height. The total length of off-channel habitat was 285 m. These habitats included several, short side channels and some slough habitats. There was good fish access to all of the off-channel habitats identified. There are seven minor tributary drainages that flow into Ketcham Creek in this reach. Four of these tributaries were lake headed. There are several beaver dams and ponds located in the upper portion of the reach. Sands and silts are more prevalent in these areas.

There was abundant LWD found in this reach with an extrapolated average value of 3.8 pieces per bankfull width. Debris cover values were rated as "good". Functional debris was generally equally distributed between the small and moderate size categories. Debris cover in the pool habitats was rated as "fair". A logjam located approximately 0.7 km upstream of the mainstem bridge crossing had created multiple channels in this area.

This reach provides moderate to high spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Gravel availability, holding pools and fish access were rated as "good" while gravel quality was rated as "fair" due to the high proportion of sands present. The high abundance of functional debris in the channel coupled with frequent undercut banks and overhanging bank vegetation suggest that the reach provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. The numerous side channel habitats also contribute to moderate rearing habitat capabilities. Rearing habitat capabilities were limited by the low occurrence of cobble cover ("poor" rating) and pool areas ("poor" rating). These same factors also likely limit overwintering habitat capabilities in the reach.

The valley walls were typically stable and were situated well back from the edge of the active channel. No slide areas were identified in this reach and the channel banks were generally stable. Some bank undercutting was evident.

The floodplain and valley flat are well vegetated with a dense growth of 1 to 2 m high shrubs, including honeysuckle and willow. These shrubs provide some overhanging bank cover along the immediate margins of the channel. Immature conifer trees are present on the floodplain further back from the active channel. Logging has occurred in the 1980’s on some of the valley walls adjacent to the creek channel. There has been good re-generation in most of these areas (Appendix 2; Plate 38). Old cut logs are present in many of the logjams found in the upper portion of the reach. Past logging activity does not appear to be affecting side slope stability in this reach. There was no canopy cover present along the upper 1.5 km of the reach.

Towkuh Creek originates in the Palmer Range and flows west over a distance of 17 km draining into the Bowron River downstream of the Antler Creek confluence. The total drainage area is 35 km². The mainstem creek flows through Towkuh Lake, which is situated in the middle of the drainage basin approximately 8 km upstream of the Bowron River confluence. Towkuh Lake is approximately 2 km in length and between 250 and 350 m wide. Anadromous fish access is limited to the lower 1.2 km of the creek downstream of a 12 m high cascading waterfall. Chinook salmon, rainbow trout and bull trout have been documented in this section of the creek. Non-salmonid species found in the lower creek include mountain whitefish and sculpin.

Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek is 1.5 km and extends from the Bowron River confluence upstream to the falls. There are two sub-reaches in this section. The lower 550 m of the channel is characterized by an average channel gradient of 0.5 to 1.0% with a predominance of glide (52%) and riffle (36%) habitats. There were four pool habitat units, which accounted for 11% of the total channel length in this section of the creek. There were several sections with multiple channels and numerous beaver dams in this section of the reach. The predominant bed material is gravel with sand. The total length of off-channel habitat in this reach was 220 m. The average bankfull width of the channel was 9 m and the wetted width was 7.6 m. This section of the creek is unconfined by valley walls and flows through a wide floodplain inundated with numerous beaver dams.

The upper 950 m of Reach 1 was characterized by a single channel with low habitat diversity and a predominance of high gradient (4%) riffle habitats which accounted for 93% of the channel length in this section. The rest of the channel was characterized by glide habitat. The size of the bed material in this section of the reach is larger with more cobbles and boulders. There were no pools or off-channel habitats in this section of the creek. The bankfull and wetted width of the upper channel was similar to the lower section.

The upstream boundary of this reach is defined by the series of waterfalls cascading over a vertical distance of 12 m (Appendix 2; Plate 39).

There was abundant organic debris found throughout this reach with an extrapolated average value of 3.2 pieces per bankfull width. Debris cover values were rated as "good". Functional debris was generally equally distributed between the small and moderate size categories with very little in the large size category. The majority of the debris present appeared to be natural deadfall and was not related to past logging activity. Debris cover in the pool habitats was rated as "fair". Most of the debris was found in the lower section of the reach. There were no significant logjams identified in the lower section of the reach. One logjam was present in the upper section of the reach approximately 850 m upstream of the Bowron River confluence. This logjam did not impede fish passage.

This reach provides moderate spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. There are no limitations to fish access in Reach 1 and suitable holding pools were abundant. Both of these factors were rated as "good". Suitable spawning gravel was widely available throughout most of the reach and there was low scour potential. Both of these factors were rated as "good". The main limitation appeared to be the high incidence of sands in the bed material. This was rated as "fair". Previous logging activity in Reach 1 and upper sections of the Towkuh Creek watershed (refer to overview report - Carmanah 1998) have likely contributed to high sand loads in the lower reach.

Reach 1 provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. There is a high proportion of suitable functional debris cover in the channel and abundant side channel areas. Both of these factors were rated as "good". The main limitation to rearing habitat capabilities in the reach appeared to be the low frequency of pool habitats. This was rated as "poor". All other factors affecting rearing habitat capabilities were rated as "fair". The low occurrence of pool habitat suggests that overwintering habitat capabilities in the reach would be low.

The valley walls were typically stable and were situated well back from the edge of the active channel. There was a significant landslide identified on the north valley wall located approximately 600 m upstream of the Bowron River confluence. No slide areas affecting the creek channel were identified during the Level 1 survey. The channel banks along Reach 1 were well vegetated and generally stable. Some minor bank undercutting was evident.

There is dense shrub growth (1 to 1.5 m high) along the creek banks with the occasional alder thicket (Appendix 2; Plate 40). These shrubs and thickets provide some overhanging vegetation cover along the edges of the creek. There is very little canopy cover in this reach. Some mature conifers are present further back on the floodplain. The north side of the valley was logged to the edge of the floodplain during 1979.

There has been very little recent logging activity in the Antler Creek watershed. Previous logging activity has mainly been concentrated along valley wall terraces adjacent to the lower three reaches (9.4 km) of Antler Creek and the lower five reaches (7.3 km) of Summit Creek. Most of this harvesting occurred between 1956 and 1970; there has been significant forest regeneration since this time with most of the harvested areas now occupied by Age Class 2 (greater than 9 m in height) coniferous growth. One clear-cut was identified in the mid-section of Reach 3 in Antler Creek on the right bank of the channel. This clear-cut was approximately 600 m in length and there was a 20 m wide riparian buffer between the edge of the clear-cut and the creek channel. No other recent logging activity was noted adjacent to the mainstem of Antler Creek between Reaches 1 and 14 during the 1997 habitat assessment surveys. There was no indication of any significant valley wall failures related to past logging activity in these reaches. Logging has not occurred in the upper Antler Creek valley (upstream of Reach 3).

There were very few major debris jams identified along the mainstem of Antler Creek between the confluence with the Bowron River and the upstream boundary of Reach 14. The incidence of instream LWD was generally low throughout this section of the channel and there was no indication that the woody debris present was related to past logging activity. The incidence of bank slumping and valley wall failures along the mainstem of Antler Creek was low. A total of five major slumps were noted along the mainstem creek. These were located in the lower six reaches of Antler Creek. There was no indication that logging activity had caused these slumps. There were no significant erosion concerns associated with the logging/mine road adjacent to the mainstem creek. Based on these observations it has been concluded that logging related impacts to fish habitat in the mainstem Antler Creek valley have been low. In the overview report (Carmanah 1998), it was concluded that the ECA (equivalent clearcut area) for the Antler Creek drainage was 8% and that the level of hydraulic concern related to forest harvesting was "low".

There is no recent logging activity which has affected the mainstem of Summit Creek. Logging activity during the early 1980's was concentrated on the raised terraces above the valley walls of the mainstem channel. Forest regeneration in these areas is in the advanced stages and there are no immediate slope instability concerns related to past logging activities. Past logging activity along the lower 500 m of Reach 1 adjacent to the creek channel is evident.

The main access road enters into Summit Creek near the lower boundary of Reach 4 immediately upstream of the confluence of Two Sisters and Summit creeks. A branch line of the main access road crosses the mainstem of Summit creek in the lower section of Reach 4. The main road is situated along the northeast side of the Summit creek valley and crosses five unnamed tributaries between Two Sisters Creek and the lower boundary of Reach 7. There are two branch line road crossings of the main channel in Reaches 7 and 8 of Summit Creek. The main access road closely follows the main channel in the headwater reaches of Summit Creek upstream of Reach 8. There is no road development affecting the lower three reaches of Summit Creek.

There has been no logging activity adjacent to the lower reaches (Reach 1) of Pleasant Valley and Grouse creeks.

There has been no logging activity affecting the lower two reaches of Nugget Gulch Creek. However, it appears that vegetation was cleared from the valley walls during previous placer mining activities.

There is an access road situated on a bench of old mine tailings on the right side of the creek channel along Reach 2. The face of this road fill is actively eroding into the creek channel at some locations. More significant erosion of the road occurs in reach 3 of Nugget Gulch Creek.

There has been very little agricultural development in the Antler Creek drainage. The only agricultural development affecting the system was restricted to an approximate 800 m section of the mainstem creek on the east side of the channel in Reach 1. Riparian vegetation was cleared to the edge of the channel in this section. Some of this clearing is related to the maintenance of an airstrip. No agricultural development occurs in the upper mainstem creek or on any of the tributary streams. Agricultural impacts in the Antler Creek system were assessed to be low.

Extensive placer mining activity has occurred in the Antler Creek drainage. Mining activity was most extensive during the Cariboo Gold Rush period in the mid-1800's. Placer mining sites still affecting the channel were identified at four locations along the mainstem of Antler Creek. These sites were located in Reaches 7, 11, 13 and 14. Significant placer mining activity was also identified in the upper Summit Creek drainage (Reaches 7 and 8), Pleasant Valley Creek (Grouse Creek) (Reach 1), Nugget Gulch Creek (Reaches 1 and 2) and Sawflat Creek (Reach 1). Impacts to the channel form in the mainstem of Antler Creek were evident downstream of the confluences of all of these tributaries. Mainstem impacts were most significant downstream of the Nugget Gulch and Sawflat creek confluences. Large volumes of sediment were apparent in the mainstem of Antler Creek at these sites and there were indications of lateral channel instability extending up to 500 m downstream of the tributary confluences. These sediments have likely reduced the number and quality of pool habitats available in these sections of the creek.

The Bowron Watershed Committee (Anon. 1977) concluded that placer mining activity and associated site clearing along the mainstem of Antler Creek and the tributaries was the most predominant impact on the watershed. Site specific locations of recent placer mine sites are identified on the accompanying maps. A more detailed evaluation of these sites has been addressed in the Sediment Source Survey (Brave Engineering Ltd., in progress).

There is one large active placer mine site affecting the upper half of Reach 7 and the total length of Reach 8 of Summit Creek. This mine site is approximately 700 m long and encompasses several historic mine sites and tailing areas. Four other placer mine sites were also identified in Reach 3 of Summit Creek and another site was located near the confluence of Two Sisters and Summit creeks. Placer mining activity in Summit Creek has had a significant impact in fish habitat.

There is one placer site on Grouse Creek near the upper boundary of Reach 1. No placer mine sites are present in Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek. Placer mining activities in Grouse Creek have also influenced habitat conditions in Pleasant Valley Creek downstream of the Grouse Creek confluence.

There has been extensive placer mining activity in the Nugget Gulch Creek valley. Old tailing deposits are present along the edge of the channel in Reach 2 and there is a major mine site and tailings area on the floodplain in the lower portion of Reach 3. Erosion of these deposits and the mine access road are significant sources of sediment and bed load to the creek. Active erosion was evident during rainfall events at the time of survey. This erosion has influenced the lower reaches of Nugget Gulch Creek and Antler Creek near the confluence. Water quality (suspended sediment) in Antler Creek is also affected by the inflow of Nugget Gulch Creek. Placer mining activity in this drainage has resulted in major habitat alteration due to sediment deposition. This has likely had a significant impact on fish production capabilities in the system.

There has been extensive logging activity in the upper reaches of Ketcham and West creeks. Ketcham Creek is one of the most heavily harvested drainages in the Bowron Watershed (Bowron Watershed Committee, 1997). Stream side harvesting occurred along reaches 2, 3 and 4 of West Creek during the late 1960's and early 1970's. Most of these areas are in the pole sapling stage of regeneration. Logging also occurred in reaches 5 and 6 of West Creek during the late 1950's and early 1960's. Regeneration in these areas is in an advanced stage with tree heights of 10 to 20 m.

There was no logging activity affecting the valley flat along Reach 1 of West Creek. The upper 1.7 km of Reach 1 in Ketcham Creek was logged during 1976 and there were some areas where clearing had occurred down slope to the edge of the active channel. These areas had been re-vegetated with shrubs and pole saplings. There did not appear to be any current impact from this past logging activity.

There has been no agricultural development in this watershed.

There were no active mine sites identified in the surveyed sections the West and Ketcham creek drainages during the Level 1 surveys. However, several small abandoned placer mining sites were identified along Reach 1 of West Creek. These sites appeared to be stable.

There is no road development within the floodplain of the lower reach (Reach 1) of West Creek. There are logging roads situated high up on the valley slopes to the north and south of the West Creek valley in Reach 1. These roads were not inspected during the Level 1 survey.

Logging roads are present on both sides of the Ketcham Creek valley in Reach 1 and there is one bridge crossing of mainstem Ketcham Creek in the mid-section of the reach. The mainstem channel is constricted by the bridge abutments at this location. The tributary road crossings were not assessed during the Level 1 surveys.

Extensive logging has occurred in the Towkuh Creek watershed. Most of this activity was associated with beetle salvage operations which occurred during the mid 1980's. Harvesting has taken place along the entire length of Towkuh Creek, and there are several areas where the harvest extended down slope to the edge of the creek channel.

There has been no agricultural development in this watershed.

There has been no mining development in Reach 1 of the Towkuh Creek valley. No mining activity was noted in the upper watershed during the overview assessment.

There has been no logging road development on the floodplain in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek. An abandoned logging road is present high up on the valley wall on the north side of the valley towards the top end of Reach 1. There has been extensive logging road development between the upstream boundary of Reach 1 and Towkuh Lake. There is one road crossing of the mainstem creek in the mid-section of Reach 3 and several tributary crossings further up on the valley walls on both sides of the Towkuh Creek valley. Road development has also occurred on some sections of the floodplain throughout Reaches 3 and 4 on the south side of the mainstem creek. These roads were not inspected during the course of the Level 1 survey.

Habitat capabilities and limitations in the mainstem of Antler Creek are assessed by each parameter in the following sections. The same assessment was done for the Antler Creek tributary drainages and the other two sub-basins examined in the study, however, the presentation has been done in a more general format due to the small number of reaches examined in these drainages. Numerical values and rating categories for each of the habitat parameters are presented for each drainage in the Habitat Diagnosis Summary Forms.

5.1 Mainstem Antler Creek

Spawning habitat limitations in the mainstem of Antler Creek are likely not a significant constraint to fish production capabilities. Upstream migration access for adult fish is generally good and there is an abundance of suitably sized gravel throughout most of the mainstem channel. There is some indication that gravel quality in the lower reaches may have been affected (infilling of interstitial spaces) by past placer mining activity. The availability of suitable pool holding habitat appeared to be a constraint (poor rating) in the lower three reaches (Table 2). These possible constraints are further discussed in the following sections.

Access to spawning grounds was not a constraint in the lower 12 reaches of Antler Creek; spawning access in these reaches was rated as good. Upstream access into the headwater reaches was naturally impeded by chutes and waterfalls located in Reach 13 and the subsequent rating for spawner access was rated as poor. Removal of these barriers is not considered viable due to vehicle access constraints and limited habitat quality upstream of the barriers.

Availability of suitably sized gravel was rated as good in 7 of the 12 reaches examined. Ratings of fair were assigned to Reach 8 and 9 and a rating of poor to Reaches 12, 13 and 14. There were no indications that gravel availability was a significant constraint in this portion of the system.

Table 2. Level 1 Habitat Diagnosis Summary Form for selected reaches in Antler Creek.

Subjective observations suggested that gravel quality was "fair" in the lower five stream reaches investigated. A high proportion of fines in the bed material was one of the factors leading to these ratings. Gravel quality was rated as "good" in two of the stream reaches (Reaches 8 and 12) located downstream of the migration barriers. Gravel quality was also rated as "good" upstream of the barriers in Reaches 13 and 14. Restoration of existing mainstem gravel deposits would not be feasible due the size and length of the creek. However, there could be some advantage in stabilizing some of the more significant sediment sources in the drainage. These would include placer mine sites located along the mainstem creek in Reaches 7, 11, 13 and 14.

The frequency of suitable holding pools for adult fish was rated as "good" in 8 of the 12 stream reaches investigated. "Poor" ratings were assigned to the lower three stream reaches. Chinook salmon are known to spawn in these areas. It is possible that spawning capabilities in these reaches could be constrained by the low frequency of holding pools. Additional data would be required on the spatial distribution of chinook spawners in Reaches 1 to 3 prior to making any decisions on the need for, and the feasibility of creating additional holding pool habitat.

The most significant habitat constraints to rearing and overwintering fish in the mainstem of Antler Creek appeared to be the low occurrence of pool and boulder habitats. LWD appeared to be a less significant constraint, however, the effectiveness of existing pool habitat appeared to be diminished by the low occurrence of LWD in these habitats (Table 2).

The length and frequency of pool habitat was rated as "poor" in all of the stream reaches examined. Reach values ranged from 0 to 20% of the reach length. The most significant pool values occurred in Reach 10 (20%), Reach 11 (13%) and Reach 12 (11%). Pool values downstream of Reach 10 were less than 5% of the total reach length.

Creating additional pool habitat in the mainstem of Antler Creek would likely be beneficial for rearing and overwintering fish. Suitable pool development sites have not been identified at this stage. However, pool habitat appears to be most limiting in the lower three stream reaches. Sites with existing road access and in close proximity to a source of large boulders (>1 m diameter) should be identified for the potential creation of scour pool habitat.

Not much LWD is present in the mainstem of Antler Creek. This likely limits rearing habitat capabilities in the system. The amount of LWD in the mainstem of Antler Creek was rated as "fair" in six reaches (Reaches 7 to 11 and 14) and "good" in four reaches (Reaches 1,3,6 and 12). Reaches 2 and 13 both had a "poor" rating. The LWD was not closely associated with pool habitat in most stream reaches examined. Reach 8 had a "good" rating for LWD cover in pool habitat while all other reaches were rated as "poor" (nine reaches) or "fair" (four reaches). These data suggest that debris is not a major component of the available rearing habitat in Antler Creek. Additional LWD in Antler Creek could enhance existing rearing habitat capabilities. Debris placements could also create scour pool habitat, which would further enhance rearing habitat capabilities.

Boulder habitat was not common throughout much of the mainstem. Ratings of "poor" were assigned to nine of the 12 stream reaches with "fair" ratings in three reaches (Reaches 8,10 and 13). These types of habitat are important for rearing chinook salmon, rainbow and bull trout. The low occurrence of these habitats throughout much of the mainstem could well be a constraint to production capabilities for these species. Selective placement of boulder groupings could improve rearing capabilities in localized areas of the mainstem. The presence of a suitable source of boulders (size and number) in close proximity to the placement site with existing road access to the stream would be key factors needing consideration.

Ratings for overhead cover were rated as "poor’ or "fair" in 11 of the 12 reaches examined. However, the general absence of overhead cover is not typical of a stream of this size and there was no indication that stream clearing or logging had affected the overhead cover rating. For this reason, this parameter has not been considered as a significant constraint to existing fish production capabilities in the mainstem creek and there is little, if any, opportunity for effective enhancement of existing conditions.

A subjective evaluation of substrate conditions indicates that the interstitial voids were filled with sands in many areas. Five of the 12 stream reaches examined (Reaches 1,2,3 7 and 11) were assigned a "poor" rating for substrate quality while two were rated as "fair" (Reaches 6 and 10). Six stream reaches received a "good" rating; these reaches tended to be located in the upper system (Reaches 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14). Sediment deposition resulting from natural sources (bank slumps) and placer mining activity are likely the most significant sources in the drainage. Stabilization of some of the more erosion prone placer mine sites may be feasible and could result in improved substrate quality over the long term. This could benefit overwintering habitat conditions. Results of the sediment source survey should be consulted to further define stabilization requirements.

Off-channel habitats are important areas for rearing juvenile fish and also provide good areas for implementing instream enhancement work which may be prone to damage from mainstem flow volumes. Off-channel habitats were rated as "fair" in six of the twelve reaches examined and "poor" in four reaches (Reaches 1, 9,10 and 12). "Good" ratings were assessed for Reaches 2 and 14. Additional off-channel habitat would likely be beneficial to rearing habitat capabilities along the mainstem of Antler Creek. Three potential side channel development sites were identified along the mainstem creek during this study. These sites are located in Reaches 1, 6 and 11. Additional investigations of these sites would be required. These investigations should include juvenile fish sampling in the adjacent mainstem areas and elevation surveys as well as an assessment of bed load movement and lateral channel stability at the prospective sites.

Spawning habitat capabilities in the lower reach of Summit Creek are severely constrained by the highly unstable nature of the channel caused by on-going mining operations and the predominance of sand in the bed material. Rearing habitat capabilities are also limited by the unstable nature of the channel and the absence of significant pool and boulder habitat. Both of these features were rated as "poor". There is low habitat diversity and the bed material has a high proportion of fines throughout much of the reach. The presence of numerous off-channel habitats and high abundance of LWD in Reach 1 are likely the most significant habitat features contributing to existing rearing habitat capabilities in this reach. Both of these features had a "good" rating. Ratings for the habitat parameters examined in Summit Creek are presented in Table 3.

Habitat capabilities in Nugget Gulch Creek have been severely impacted by past placer mining activity and on-going erosion of mine tailings and the access road. There are no significant spawning habitat capabilities due to the large size of the bed material and an absence of suitable holding pools. Most of the parameters used to assess spawning habitat capabilities in Reaches 1 and 2 were assigned a "poor" rating (Table 3). Similarly, most of the rearing habitat parameters in these reaches were also rated as "poor". The large size of the substrate (rated as "fair") and the presence of some side channel habitat (rated as "fair") in Reaches 1 and 2 are the most significant habitat features contributing to existing rearing habitat capabilities in these reaches. The absence of pool habitat (rated as "poor") and shallow depth of the riffle areas suggest that there would be no significant overwintering habitat values in these reaches.

Table 3. Level 1 Habitat Diagnosis Summary Form for selected reaches in Summit, Pleasant Valley, Grouse and Nugget Gulch creeks (tributaries to Antler Creek).

Habitat capabilities in the lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek have been highly influenced by outwash deposits from the Grouse Creek tributary. Spawning habitat capabilities are limited by poor gravel quality and an absence of holding pools (Table 3). Rearing habitat capabilities are limited by low habitat diversity and an absence of suitable instream cover.

A 1.5 m high rock chute in Reach 2 of Pleasant Valley Creek likely impedes upstream fish passage to all species in this system.

Although spawning chinook salmon have been reported in lower Grouse Creek, it is suspected that spawning habitat capabilities are severely limited by the unstable nature of the channel and the absence of suitable pool holding habitat in lower sections of the creek. These same factors and the absence of off-channel habitats likely also constrain rearing habitat capabilities in the reach (Table 3). The high gradient cobble boulder habitats in the upper section of the reach likely provide moderate rearing habitat opportunities for resident rainbow and bull trout.

This reach provides moderate to high spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Gravel availability, holding pools and fish access were rated as "good" while gravel quality was rated as "fair" due to the high proportion of sands present (Table 4).

The high abundance of functional debris in the channel coupled with frequent undercut banks and overhanging bank vegetation suggest that the reach provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. The numerous side channel habitats also contribute to moderate rearing habitat capabilities. Rearing habitat capabilities were limited by the low occurrence of cobble cover ("poor" rating) and pool areas ("poor" rating). These same factors also likely limit overwintering habitat capabilities in the reach.

This reach provides moderate to high spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. Gravel availability, holding pools and fish access were rated as "good" while gravel quality was rated as "fair" due to the high proportion of sands present. The high abundance of functional debris in the channel coupled with frequent undercut banks and overhanging bank vegetation suggest that the reach provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. The numerous side channel habitats also contribute to moderate rearing habitat capabilities. Rearing habitat capabilities were limited by the low occurrence of cobble cover ("poor" rating) and pool areas ("poor" rating). These same factors also likely limit overwintering habitat capabilities in the reach (Table 4).

Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek provides moderate spawning habitat capabilities for resident and anadromous fish. There are no limitations to fish access in Reach 1 and suitable holding pools were abundant. Both of these factors were rated as "good". Suitable spawning gravel was widely available throughout most of the reach and there was low scour potential. Both of these factors were rated as "good". The main limitation appeared to be the high incidence of sands in the bed material. This was rated as "fair". Previous logging activity in Reach 1 and upper sections of the Towkuh Creek watershed (refer to overview report - Carmanah 1998) have likely contributed to high sand loads in the lower reach.

Reach 1 provides moderate rearing habitat capabilities. There is a high proportion of suitable functional debris cover in the channel and abundant side channel areas. Both of these factors were rated as "good". The main limitation to rearing habitat capabilities in the reach appeared to be the low frequency of pool habitats. This was rated as "poor". All other factors affecting rearing habitat capabilities were rated as "fair".

There has not been significant logging activity along the mainstem of Antler Creek. Most habitat impacts have been associated with placer mining activities.

The three target species present in Antler Creek are chinook salmon, and rainbow and bull trout. Data on the distribution of adult and juvenile fish in the mainstem of Antler Creek are scant and there is no clear understanding of juvenile rearing densities or spatial distribution of adult spawners.

It is unlikely that availability of spawning gravel in the mainstem of Antler Creek is a significant constraint on fish production. Spawning capabilities may be constrained by gravel quality in the lower reaches, as well as a lack of suitable holding pools in the lower three reaches.

It is recommended that slope stabilization measures be implemented where warranted and feasible, based on the findings of the sediment source survey (in progress). Stabilization of existing placer mine sites and slumping banks could improve gravel quality for spawning fish. However, the effects of this work would not be immediate and considerable time would be required until natural flushing of existing fine sediment deposits occurred.

Re-establishing riparian cover along the edges of the creek channel adjacent to placer mining areas in Reaches 11 and 13 of Antler Creek may also improve existing and future rearing habitat capabilities. This would provide additional stream side shading, organic matter and insect drop, and future LWD recruitment

It is recommended that deep water pool habitat be created in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. This may benefit spawning chinook salmon as well as rearing fish. These habitats could be developed using boulder placements and/or anchored root wads.

The most significant habitat constraint for rearing fish in the mainstem of Antler Creek appears to be the lack of primary pool/riffle structure. However, there are insufficient data to determine if this is a natural habitat limitation in the system or a reflection of past resource development activity in the watershed. For example, increased rates of sedimentation related to the extensive mining activity in the watershed could have resulted in the loss of mainstem pool structure. Other significant constraints to rearing fish in the mainstem of Antler Creek is the lack of tertiary habitat complexity would be a benefit to rearing fish. These habitat features are most limited in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. It is recommended that additional studies be undertaken to evaluate the feasibility of creating pool habitats complexed with boulder groupings and debris placements in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. These studies should provide data on existing rearing densities and existing habitat use, as well as the physical information required for developing site specific habitat design plans. Three potential habitat restoration/ improvement sites have been identified in the lower three reaches of Antler Creek. These sites are all lacking in the required primary and tertiary habitat features and all have good existing road access. The first site is located in the lower 500 m of the creek adjacent to a cleared field, the second site is located between 2100 and 2500 m upstream of the mouth and is within 200 m of existing road access, while the third site is located between 4700 and 5100m upstream of the mouth near an existing bridge crossing. These same sites would also be suitable for creating deep pool habitat for migrant adult chinook salmon. Potential areas for developing off-channel habitat along the mainstem of Antler Creek were not identified in this study.

Rearing habitat capabilities in the lower reach of Summit Creek appear to be limited primarily by the low frequency of pool habitat and the prevalence of sand in the bed material.

Creation of additional pool habitat with instream cover complexing (boulder and debris placements) in Reach 1 could restore existing rearing capabilities. However, there is considerable risk of subsequent in-filling due to bed load movement and fines deposition associated with the upstream mining operations. Anchored LWD would likely be the best approach to creating additional pool habitat in lower Summit Creek.

Spawning habitat capabilities in the lower reaches of Summit Creek could be improved through stabilization of upstream sediment sources.

Habitat restoration work in Reach 1 is not recommended until the sediment sources associated with the mining operations in Reaches 7 and 8 are stabilized.

The lower reach of Pleasant Valley Creek has been highly influenced by outwash deposits from Grouse Creek. This has resulted in a high degree of lateral channel instability on the alluvial fan. The sources of these outwash deposits include extensive areas of natural bank and valley wall erosion as well as placer mining activities in the upper reaches of the system.

There are significant sediment sources in the Grouse Creek drainage, which will continue to effect habitat conditions in lower Grouse Creek and Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek.

Fish production capabilities in Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek appear to be limited by low habitat diversity and poor gravel quality.

The feasibility of implementing instream habitat restoration work or creating additional channels in lower Pleasant Valley Creek is considered to be low due to the apparent high rate of bed load movement and lateral channel instability in this reach.

No habitat restoration of enhancement work is recommended for Reach 1 of Pleasant Valley Creek due to the above concerns.

A possible fish migration barrier exists in Reach 2 of Pleasant Valley Creek. If significant spawning habitat capabilities for chinook salmon are found upstream of this barrier then the feasibility of removing the barrier should be examined. However the potential impact of this work on any resident fish populations residing upstream of the potential barrier also needs to be assessed.

Habitat conditions in the lower reach of Grouse Creek have been highly influenced by the unstable nature of the northeast valley wall and to a lesser extent, by placer mining activity near the upper boundary of Reach 1.

Stabilization of the valley wall erosion processes on lower Grouse Creek would likely not be possible.

Habitat restoration work in lower Grouse Creek would not be feasible due to the predominant, and continuing, influence of the existing valley wall erosion. Therefore it is recommended that no instream habitat restoration work be considered in this section of the drainage.

The lower two reaches of Nugget Gulch Creek have been severely impacted by past placer mining operations, site clearing and on-going erosion of mine tailings and the access road.

Bed load movement and high levels of suspended sediment from Nugget Gulch Creek affect habitat conditions in Reach 13 of Antler Creek.

Spawning and rearing habitat capabilities in Nugget Gulch Creek are limited by a number of factors, including poor gravel quality and low instream habitat diversity.

It is recommended that the feasibility of stabilizing the mine tailings and de-activating the mine access road be assessed.

Instream habitat enhancement and restoration work in Nugget Gulch Creek is not recommended until existing erosion sources are stabilized.

Rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of West Creek are limited by the low pool frequency and absence of boulder and cobble cover.

The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of West Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. It is suspected that this is related to past logging activity in the upper watershed.

There is no road access to the creek channel in Reach 1 of West Creek. This would severely limit the feasibility of restoring existing rearing habitat capabilities and/or restoring spawning habitat capabilities in this section of the stream since heavy equipment could not be used. Constructing an access road would be expensive and would have the potential for significant environmental impact. The only restoration work that may be viable for this section of the creek would be to selectively hand fall and cable some large conifer trees into the channel. This would create scour pool habitat.

Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper West Creek watershed, including Ketcham Creek, could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1 of West Creek. These potential benefits would only be realized if a significant proportion of the existing sediment sources in the upper system could be effectively stabilized. Furthermore, several years of natural flushing activity would be required before gravel quality in the lower reach would be noticeable. Site specific sediment source stabilization opportunities have not been identified as part of the Level 1 assessment. These are being investigated as part of a sediment source survey conducted by Brave Engineering Ltd.

The main limitations to existing rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek appear to be the low occurrence of cobble cover and pool areas. An absence of significant canopy cover along most of the reach may also limit rearing habitat capabilities in this reach.

It is recommended that selected areas of Ketcham Creek be treated with boulder group placements. This would encourage the development of scour pool habitat and provide additional instream cover for rearing and overwintering fish. These works would be feasible in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek due to existing road access points to many sections of the creek.

Re-planting riparian vegetation (i.e. alder trees) along the edge of the creek banks could improve canopy cover in this reach. However, it should be noted that beaver colonies are present in this reach and there is a significant risk that beaver cutting could negate the benefits of any replanting work. High intensity plantings would be required to allow for plant loss due to beaver damage. Planting coniferous seedlings would be advantageous in that they would eventually provide a good source of LWD along the stream banks.

The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Ketcham Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. This is likely related to past logging activity in the upper watershed.

Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper Ketcham Creek could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1. These potential benefits would only be realized if a significant proportion of the existing sediment sources in the upper system could be effectively stabilized. Furthermore, several years of natural flushing activity would be required before gravel quality in the lower reach would be noticeable. Site specific sediment source stabilization opportunities have not been identified as part of the Level 1 assessment.

An impassable series of cascading waterfalls at the upper end of Reach 1 prevents fish passage to the upper Towkuh Creek watershed. It would not be feasible to remove this natural fish migration barrier.

The low frequency of pool habitats and an absence of suitable boulder cover are likely the most significant constraints to existing rearing habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek.

The main limitation to spawning habitat capabilities in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek appears to be the high proportion of sands in the bed material. It is suspected that this is related to past logging activity in the upper watershed, as there appear to be few significant sediment sources in Reach 1.

There is no road access to the creek channel in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek. This would severely limit the feasibility of enhancing existing rearing habitat capabilities and/or restoring spawning habitat capabilities in this section of the stream since heavy equipment could not be used. Constructing an access road would be expensive and would have the potential for significant environmental impact. The only restoration work that may be viable for this section of the creek would be to selectively hand fall and cable some large conifer trees into the channel. This would create scour pool habitat.

Stabilizing sediment sources in the upper watershed between the outlet of Towkuh Lake and the upper boundary of Reach 1, including tributary drainages, could lead to improved gravel quality in Reach 1 of Towkuh Creek. These potential benefits would only be realized if a significant proportion of the existing sediment sources in the upper system could be effectively stabilized. Furthermore, several years of natural flushing activity would be required before gravel quality in the lower reach would be noticeable. Site specific sediment source stabilization opportunities have not been identified as part of the Level 1 assessment. These are being investigated as part of a sediment source survey conducted by Brave Engineering Lt.