Prepared by:

BioTerra Consulting

#201 - 197 Second Avenue North

Williams Lake, B.C. V2G 1Z5

Ph: (604) 392-7887

Fax: (604) 392-5887

Prepared for:

An Overview and Level 1 Fish Habitat Assessment Procedure (FHAP) of the Baezaeko River watershed was requested by Slocan Forest Products Limited, under the Watershed Restoration Program of Forest Renewal B.C. BioTerra Consulting was awarded the contract to perform the above mentioned assessment. The delivering agent for the FHAP was the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks (MoELP).

As per the specifications of the contract and the methodology outlined in WRP Technical Circular #8 Fish Habitat Assessment Procedure, an Overview and Level 1 FHAP was performed on the Baezaeko Watershed. The results of the Overview assessment showed fisheries values primarily in the mainstem of Baezaeko and its largest tributary, Coglistiko River. Historically, Baezaeko River has sustained a healthy rainbow trout sport fishery as well as sockeye, chinook and bull trout populations; the river is considered to have high fish values.

Using the results of the Overview assessment, areas were recommended for field reconnaissance, mainly on the Baezaeko River, Coglistiko River, and tributaries selected by the preliminary fish stream classification. A low intensity fish stream classification was performed for the Riparian assessment procedure, which requires stream classification. The preliminary fish stream classification data is presented in an addendum to this report. Low flows constrain fish values to seasonal usage in many of the small tributaries encountered during the fish stream classification, resulting in a reduction of fish habitat assessment sites (FHAS) on the tributaries of Baezaeko and Coglistiko Rivers.

The Level 1 Assessment identified three high priority restoration sites within the watershed. The majority of the fish habitat impacts identified in the watershed are natural and forest harvesting does not impact the Baezaeko River system at the watershed level. Forest harvesting impacts are restricted to road crossings.

Rehabilitation prescriptions should be developed for the three high priority sites identified in the Level 1 Assessment.

Canadian Helicopters (Williams Lake) was utilized to perform the air video. The air video was shot using Canadian Helicopters nose-mount camera. Troy Larden and Michael Parker of MoE, Cariboo Region contributed technical information. Eric Braumandl contributed technical expertise. Pete and Cindy Carter of Fish Pot Lake Resort were consulted for anecdotal and historical information. Level 1 field work was performed by Monika Geier, Brian Finlay, Steven Ratko and Peter Nicklin. The mapping and database development was completed by Dan Iseminger and Richard Barry of Inland Timber Management Ltd. The report was co-authored by Peter Nicklin.

Steven Ratko

Fish and Wildlife Technician

Executive Summary

Acknowledgments

Table of Contents

1.0 List of Tables

2.0 List of Figures

3.0 Overview Map of Study Area

4.0 Introduction

5.0 Project Objectives

6.0 Project Scope

7.0 Background Information

8.0 Methods

9.0 Results

10.0 Discussion

11.0 Summary of Recommendations

12.0 References

APPENDIX 1: OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT - FISH DISTRIBUTION SUMMARY FORM

APPENDIX 2: OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT - HABITAT CONDITION SUMMARY FORM

APPENDIX 3: OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT - PRELIMINARY HABITAT ASSESSMENT FORM

APPENDIX 4: LEVEL 1 - HABITAT SURVEY DATA FORM

APPENDIX 5: LEVEL 1 ASSESSMENT - FISH DISTRIBUTION SUMMARY FORM

APPENDIX 6: LEVEL 1 ASSESSMENT - HABITAT DIAGNOSIS SUMMARY FORM

APPENDIX 7: B.C. CONSERVATION DATA CENTER (Field Form)

ADDENDUM: PRELIMINARY FISH STREAM CLASSIFICATION DATA

Table 1: Summary of FHAP sites and Recommendations..................................................42

Slocan Forest Products Ltd. (Quesnel Division), through Forest Renewal BC, and in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Cariboo Region requested proposals to perform a Fish Habitat Assessment (FHAP) of the Baezaeko River watershed. The FHAP is one component of a comprehensive Watershed Restoration Program assessment of the Baezaeko River watershed. Other components of the Baezaeko River Watershed Assessment include a Riparian assessment, Sediment Source Survey, Access Management Map, Watershed Level Objectives and Integrated Watershed Restoration Plan. Subsequent to proposal submission and review, BioTerra Consulting (a division of Inland Timber Management Ltd.) was awarded the contract to perform the Baezaeko River Watershed Assessment. An accompanying series of 1: 20 000 maps should be used in conjunction with this report.

The Baezaeko watershed has a basin area of 198 000 ha, which includes Coglistiko River sub-basin (62,000 ha). The FHAP covers the stream networks upstream of the mouth of Baezaeko River and incorporates historical data from lake, stream and river surveys, the Fisheries Information Summary System (FISS) database, anecdotal information, land use planning documents (CCLUP) and other relevant sources of information.

Concern regarding possible negative impacts to Baezaeko River fisheries values due to forest harvesting lead Slocan Forest Products Ltd. (Quesnel Division) to request a FHAP. While there has been minimal harvesting on the mainstem of the Baezaeko River and Coglistiko River (major tributary to Baezaeko), considerable harvesting has occurred adjacent to tributaries of both rivers. Little is known about the fisheries resource in the Baezaeko River system; most studies and fish enumerations have been conducted on the West Road (Blackwater) River (Baezaeko empties into the Blackwater). Paucity of information makes it difficult to ascertain whether or not, and to what extent forest harvesting has impacted the fisheries resource of this watershed. Anecdotal information is the major source of past information regarding the chinook returns and the resident rainbow trout populations.

Preliminary stream classes for riparian assessment purposes were assigned subsequent to a low intensity overview fish inventory. The stream classes assigned to selected tributaries were used to guide the Riparian Assessment Procedure (RAP) and cannot be used for management purposes. A summary of this inventory is found as an addendum to this report.

Known fish species in the watershed are longnosed sucker (LSU- Catostomus catostomus), redside shiner (RSC- Richardsonius balteatus), rainbow trout (RB- Oncorhynchus mykiss), burbot (BB- Lota lota), dace (DC- Rhinichthys), whitefish (WG- Coregonus., Stenodus), lampreys (L- Lampetra), mountain whitefish (MW- Prosopium williamsoni), bull trout (BT- Salvelinus confluentus), sockeye (SK- Oncorhynchus nerka), chiselmouth (CMC- Acrocheilus alutaceus) and chinook (CH- Oncorhynchus tshawytscha).

The species of concern for the purpose of this study are chinook, rainbow trout and bull trout. Chinook is an important economic species for the commercial and sport fishery in B.C. The long migration from the ocean to natal streams in the Interior of B.C. renders this species susceptible to fishing pressures from the sport, commercial and Native fishery. Degradation of natal streams can lead to a decline in the number of chinook smolts over time. Baezaeko River chinook are mainstem spawners (due to the river’s suitable substrate size and flow regime) arriving in late July and spawning in late summer to early fall. Tributaries of Baezaeko River are generally subject to low summer and winter flows and are therefore not suitable for spawning. Studies have indicated that the Chilcotin/West Road/Bowron/Cottonwood/Cariboo watershed chinook smolt in their second spring (Rowland and MacDonald, 1996). Overwintering and summer rearing habitat is critical for chinook juveniles because of their extended period of residency in this system. Adult chinook holding pools are critical for early arriving spawners to rest, acclimatize and seek cover from predators.

Rainbow trout is an important game fish and is traditionally a strong resident population in the Baezaeko watershed. Bull trout is a game fish and a blue listed species particularly sensitive to forest harvesting impacts because it generally occupies streams previously overlooked as having important value for any species (first and second order headwater streams). As a result, many areas throughout B.C. inhabited by bull trout have been impacted by removal of cover, alteration of channel morphology, and degradation of spawning grounds. Bull trout, which is a member of the char family, is a fall spawning species. The low summer and fall flows of Baezaeko River watershed place a limitation on the available spawning habitat for this species and thus warrants special management considerations on future harvesting. Investigation and assessment of bull trout spawning areas is a focus for this project.

The objective of the Baezaeko River watershed FHAP is to make an assessment of the current condition of the watershed as it relates to present fisheries habitat conditions and to determine the effects on fisheries values by forest harvesting. The purpose of performing the WRP assessments is to determine the best way to restore the watershed as closely as possible to its pre-logging state. These procedures are not being performed for management purposes.

The Overview and Level 1 FHAP were performed to get an overall picture of what fisheries values (habitat, species) may have existed in the watershed in the past and make an assessment of the present state of those fisheries values. This project will also determine the need for any future (more detailed) assessments and make recommendations for restoration of current fish habitat. The intent of the Overview assessment is to focus subsequent field assessments and preliminary restoration plans on areas where substantial benefits to the fishery resource are likely (WRP Technical circular #8, April 1996).

As mentioned in the introduction, a RAP was performed on the Baezaeko River watershed. Preliminary stream classes were needed to guide this assessment. A low intensity survey was deemed necessary to guide the riparian assessment and was undertaken prior to the Level 1 FHAP. The objective of the survey was to determine the upper limits of fish in the watershed and give preliminary stream classes to tributaries, the mainstem of Baezaeko River and the mainstem of Coglistiko River that had fish value and may have been adversely affected by forest harvesting.

The Overview FHAP was performed on the Baezaeko River watershed including Coglistiko River (sub-basin). Due to the scale of the air photos (1: 15,000) and limited detail of small tributaries, the completion of the Overview Habitat Condition Form was deemed to have little benefit to the assessment with regard to assessment of small tributaries. Reaches having favorable gradient, access to overwintering areas, suspected forestry impacts and proximity to fish bearing reaches were included in the Level 1 field survey. The Level 1 assessment sites were focused by the Overview assessment and performed on the fish-bearing reaches of Baezaeko and Coglistiko Rivers depending on the degree of impact from forestry.

The Baezaeko River watershed lies within the physiographical areas of Nechako and Chilcotin Plateau (Rowland & MacDonald, 1996). Baezaeko River has a drainage area of 198,000 ha and includes Coglistiko River sub-basin (62,000 ha). Baezaeko watershed is within the Sub-Boreal Spruce, Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce and Montane Spruce biogeoclimatic zones (Rowland & MacDonald, 1996). Biophysical characteristics of the watershed are typical of the Chilcotin; dry summers and subsequent low flows through fall and winter following peak flows in June as a result of snow melt. The headwaters of the Baezaeko originate northeast of the Itcha Range and flow northeast, joining the West Road River (Blackwater River) and entering the Fraser River. The mean annual stream flow for Baezaeko River is 3.9 m³/s and the mean annual flood stream flow is 14.5 m³/s (Rood & Hamilton 1995e). The mean seven day low flow for winter (November 1 to April 30) was 1.20 m³/s and for the summer (May 1 to October 31) was 2.04 m³/s (Rood & Hamilton 1995e).

The concentration of logging in the watershed has occurred mainly along the tributaries of Baezaeko and a small portion of Coglistiko mainstem. As of 1991, 6.8% of the basin had been logged and 3.8% was proposed for 1992-1997 (Rowland & MacDonald 1996). Within the watershed there is minimal environmental concern with regards to agricultural development, urbanization and mining.

Historically, Baezaeko mainstem has provided salmonid and non-salmonid fish species with essential spawning, incubation and rearing habitat. There were no direct escapement data for Baezaeko. Any records for Baezaeko were included with the West Road River (Blackwater River) drainage. In 1980 there were 87 chinook spawners observed by helicopter (Olmsted et al, 1980) in reaches 1-13 (Baezaeko mainstem) and an MoE report (Anonymous, 1978) reports an estimated 150 chinook spawning in sites covered in the Level 1 (16A, 17, 10, Baezaeko mainstem). Although no specific information for the Baezaeko watershed chinook life histories was available, it is believed that this species is the stream type migrant. The chinook spawn in late summer to early fall and the juveniles overwinter and rear in the mainstem. The juveniles then smolt in the second spring of their life (Rowland and MacDonald, 1996).

The MoE (Anonymous, 1978) report is the best source of historic information for Baezaeko mainstem and selected tributaries. The report describes the habitat of Baezaeko mainstem from reach 18 to reach 19 and tributaries entering along this section. These reaches are considered moderately to highly productive for rainbow trout and chinook. Natural LWD jams and functional LWD complex the river and there is a high amount of spawning gravels present for chinook and rainbow trout. Algal growth on the river substrate indicate a high amount of nutrients in the system. Undercut and unstable banks were present along these reaches indicating natural scouring and erosion of the riverbanks. A number of tributaries were assessed along these reaches. The tributaries with adequate flow were rearing areas for rainbow trout.

A corresponding MoE report for Coglistiko River (Anonymous, 1979) gives the best historical data for the Coglistiko system. Tributaries along this river are generally seasonal with poor habitat for all species. The exception is a tributary (170-3658-251-208) assessed in the Level 1 FHAP (sites 4 and 14, mapsheet 93G001). The report judged this stream to have good spawning and rearing habitat for rainbow trout. Rainbow trout fry were observed in this stream. The Coglistiko River had habitat conducive to all life stages of rainbow trout with some areas suitable for chinook spawning. Productivity for Coglistiko is high given the evidence of instream aquatic vegetation and algae. No obstructions were observed in the mainstem and there is no mention of LWD in the channel or on the banks.

The methodology outlined in the WRP Technical Circular #8 (April 1996) was followed throughout the Overview assessment and the Level 1 assessment.

The low intensity fish inventory for the riparian assessment was performed using minnow traps and a Smith-Root electroshocker Model 12A. Access to the sites was gained by helicopter and four wheel drive. Sites were chosen using guidance from the overview assessment (suspected fish values and proximity to forest harvesting). The information gained through the inventory was applied to the Overview and Level 1 FHAP. Sections were electrofished throughout and minnow trapped. A MoELP stream site card was completed during the fish stream classification.

A three hour aerial reconnaissance by helicopter was conducted in July, 1997. A Canadian Helicopters Bell 206 Jet Ranger with a nose-mount fixed video camera was used to record selected reaches of the Baezaeko mainstem. Reaches 1 - 9 of the Baezaeko mainstem, major road crossings, and impacted sites were recorded.

Air photo analysis at 1:15,000 scale and 1:20,000 scale TRIM mapsheets were used to assign stream reach breaks and perform the habitat analysis. Major reach breaks were assigned according to channel confinement (e.g. from a single channel to a braided channel), discharge (e.g. at the confluence of tributaries), channel morphology, streambed and bank materials, and gradient changes. Riparian section breaks were assigned within the reach breaks as a requirement of the Riparian assessment. The section breaks were used when completing the Habitat Condition Summary Form (Appendix 2).

When all reach breaks had been marked on 1:20,000 TRIM maps, each was assigned a number. The reaches were numbered starting at the mouth as 1 and continuing in an ascending order upstream. Tributaries’ reach breaks were numbered starting at 1 at the mouth and increasing upstream with a different set of numbers for each watershed code.

The watershed codes for the Baezaeko watershed were taken from FISS maps as well as an Internet search on the MoELP web page (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca). Watershed codes are recorded on the accompanying maps.

The elevation of each stream reach was determined using 1:20,000 TRIM maps with contours at 20m intervals. Elevation was recorded at the highest and lowest points of each reach. Gradient was obtained as a percentage by dividing the change in elevation by the length of the reach and multiplying by 100.

Air Photo analysis of fish habitat conditions was completed for sections of stream impacted or potentially impacted by forestry practices. Due to the small scale of the air photos (1:15,000) and often dense stream cover, habitat condition information was not always obtainable. Where this was the case, streams that may have fisheries values and may be impacted were assessed by field reconnaissance as part of the Level 1.

An intensive background information search started with looking at current FISS maps. An Internet search of both the DFO and the MoELP web pages was conducted. A list of people contacted for background information follows:

- Lyse Godbout, Pacific Biological Station, Nanaimo

- Jason Quigley, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Prince George

- Jordan Rosenfeld, Ministry of Environment, U.B.C.

- Mike Parker, Ministry of Environment, Williams Lake

- Susie Jones, Department of Fisheries and Oceans (Library)

- Chief Roger Jimmie, Kluskus Indian Band, Quesnel

- Rick Holmes, Cariboo Enviro Tech, Likely

The Level 1 habitat assessment sites were determined from guidance by the Overview assessment and refined by the preliminary fish stream classification. The majority of these sites were on the Baezaeko mainstem due to the potential impact of logging and the lack of tributaries deemed suitable for fish habitat (due to low flows). Three tributaries of Baezaeko River (not including the Coglistiko River) were assessed due to high fisheries values, discharge, and close proximity to harvesting (170-3658-597,-417,-416). The next concentration of sites were on Coglistiko River (170-3658-251) and one site was on a tributary of Coglistiko (170-3658-251-208). A control reach on Baezaeko mainstem (upstream of forest harvesting or associated logging roads) was assessed to be weighed against impacted areas. This control reach has similar gradient, topography and confinement as those found downstream. None of the reaches were subsampled along their entire length, rather, measurements for every habitat unit were taken for a representative section (usually 500m) of the reach and the quantitative and qualitative summaries were extrapolated to the remainder of the reach. Habitat survey data are measured numbers, not estimations.

Habitat units were recorded working in an upstream direction. Sites were generally started at reach breaks. The locations of assessment sites were marked using fluorescent green flagging tape at the upstream and downstream boundaries. Measurements of widths and depths were taken with a 30m eslon tape and meter stick. General habitat pictures were taken (35mm auto focus camera) along with unique secondary channels, erosion problems, possible fish passage problems and any other feature deemed unique. A hip chain was used to measure the length of the site and lengths of all habitat units. There was no fish sampling done for the Level 1 assessment, only visuals. Fish information was taken from the preliminary fish stream classification for the RAP.

All information that could be gathered from air photo analysis (including aerial reconnaissance) and other sources of information was used to complete the Overview Habitat Condition Summary Form (Appendix 2). The results of the Overview assessment indicated that the species of highest priority in the Baezaeko River watershed are chinook salmon, rainbow trout and bull trout. The Overview assessment broke the stream network of the watershed into reaches (refer to the attached map) and the data gathered from the habitat summary cards describes habitat conditions of each reach. Canopy closure restricted analysis on many of the reaches and ensuing determination of barriers, bankfull channel width, off-channel habitat and pools. The length and gradient of the reaches were determined and calculated from the TRIM files (1:20,000). The topography of the drainage system is of a very low relief (1-2.5%), and the corresponding reach/stream gradients reflect these values. The riparian information required in the Overview form was taken directly from the riparian assessment. Tributaries not assessed had no harvesting and/or fish value (determined through preliminary fish-stream classification).

The results of the fish stream classification for riparian purposes are found in Appendix 4. Tributaries in close proximity to logging were generally dry (1st and 2nd order) at the time of survey (mid-July, 1997) with no fish values. Tributaries with adjacent harvesting and flowing at the time of survey had adequate riparian buffers whether or not the streams had any fish values. The results for the classification are summarized in an addendum to this report, but the fish distribution data is included on the FHAP map and in the fish distribution form (Appendix 5).

Starting at the mouth and proceeding upstream, air photo analysis indicates that reaches 1-13 of Baezaeko River have minimal anthropogenic impacts. These reaches are low gradient (1-1.5%) and contain a variety of fish species (rainbow trout, chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and bull trout are the game species). Information about these reaches is illustrated on accompanying maps as well as in Appendix 1. The majority of the lower reaches have a riparian structure and stage dominated by coniferous mature forest. Reaches 1-9 have a complex habitat structure with high amounts of functional LWD, boulder clusters and log jams (all natural, no adjacent cutblocks). There are no road crossings in this section of river and it appears to be in a natural condition (refer to aerial reconnaissance video (July, 1997)). Off-channel habitat is mostly rated as poor naturally (in quantity and quality). Several reaches flow through private land, where the riparian vegetation is dominated by deciduous shrubs due to removal of timber for agricultural purposes. These reaches have a high fish value but low priority since the river is flowing through private land. Reach 13 ends at the confluence of Coglistiko and Baezaeko Rivers. Coglistiko is the largest tributary to Baezaeko and appears to have a nearly equal discharge to Baezaeko River at the point where the rivers converge.

Reaches 14 and 15 flow through private land and have minimal disturbance indicators associated with them. There are high fisheries values associated with these reaches due to chinook and resident rainbow trout spawning (FISS) documentation. The dominant riparian type for these two reaches was shrub. Off-channel habitat for these reaches was rated as poor in quantity and quality.

A bridge crossing at the downstream break of reach 16 should be checked to determine if there is any sediment input due to erosion (covered as part of the sediment source survey). This is a low gradient (0.4% slope) reach dominated by a mature coniferous forest.

Reach 17 has Medium to High impacts due to private land logging adjacent to the river banks. This is the only place which has logging to the banks of Baezaeko River, but is of low priority since the river is not flowing through crown land. There was a culvert crossing approximately 2000m upstream of the mouth of tributary 170-3658-385 that appears to be a sediment source due to failure. The aerial reconnaissance showed that the culvert was replaced with a well armored bridge subsequent to the culvert failure. The off-channel habitat in this section of mainstem is poor and the riparian area consists of mature coniferous forest.

Continuing upstream, reaches 18 and 19 have ford crossings that are introducing sediment as well as disturbing the river substrate as vehicles drive through the river (recommended for Level 1 visitation). The downstream ford appears to be a few meters wider than the upstream ford. Off-channel habitat is not visible in these reaches (air-photo interpretation). The two reaches are dominated by a mature coniferous forest riparian structure. There are many unknowns for these two reaches due to poor visibility on air photos. There were minimal pieces of functional LWD.

Reach 20 (downstream break) begins at the bridge crossing of a major logging road (3900) which was identified as a probable sediment source due to a lack of visible armoring. Fish distribution information indicates that reach 20 contains the uppermost fish sample point (rainbow trout and chinook, (FISS)). A bridge crossing towards the upstream end of this reach should be checked for sediment input (Sediment Source Survey). The riparian area is dominated by a mature coniferous forest and off-channel habitat is rated poor for quantity and quality.

The Baezaeko River becomes more confined upstream of reach 20. Reaches 21 to 24 lack large woody debris and pool frequency is low. The off-channel habitat is poor and the dominant riparian area is mature coniferous forest. A bridge crossing at the upstream end of reach 24 is a possible source of sediment.

Reaches 25-36 have no substantial impacts. All impacts are natural and low priority for restoration activity. There are no roads or harvesting in the upper portion of the watershed. The riparian vegetation changes from mature coniferous forest to a dominance of shrub type cover. The upper limit of fish distribution is a 3 meter falls at the upstream end of reach 36 (aerial reconnaissance video, 1997).

Coglistiko River is the largest tributary to Baezaeko and has a high fisheries value as a result of chinook spawning and rearing, resident rainbow trout and resident bull trout. Coglistiko Lake (3 km length) is basically a widening of the river channel before entering Baezaeko River. Upstream of the lake Reach 1 has chinook and resident rainbow trout spawning (FISS). No major impacts were observed during the Overview assessment. The riparian area in this section of river is dominated by a young coniferous forest (defined by the riparian assessment) and only a few pieces of LWD were observed (evenly spread throughout the reach).

Reach 2 was also shown to have resident rainbow trout from background information (FISS). The riparian area for this reach was dominated by a young coniferous forest. The off-channel habitat was rated as poor in quality and quantity (natural).

The downstream end of reach 3 has a bridge crossing which may be a sediment source to Coglistiko River. An old road paralleling (south of) the 4000 road and Reaches 3-5 may be a sediment source. The dominant riparian vegetation for these reaches is young coniferous forest (defined by the Riparian assessment). Off-channel habitat was rated poor. There is known chinook spawning (FISS) within reach 5. LWD for these reaches is not abundant and observed in only 6 of the 15 sections associated with the above reaches.

The Kluskus Trail runs parallel to reaches 6 through 11 and may be a sediment source to Coglistiko River. Pools in this section were rated very low (<25%) along with a low abundance of LWD observed by air photo (Appendix 2). Riparian vegetation has changed to a dominance of shrub type willow.

Reaches 12-27 are minimally impacted. Most of these reaches have a dominant riparian area of mature coniferous forest and a subdominant riparian area of shrub/herb. The off-channel habitat was given a poor rating. LWD is rated very low and was visible only in reaches 16-21 in only a few sections of each reach. FISS information indicated the presence of chinook up to reach 27.

The lack of LWD in Coglistiko channel is a natural state since minimal forest harvesting has been conducted in this sub-basin and there is no harvesting in the upper 50% of the sub-basin.

The Level 1 - Habitat Survey Data Form for reaches surveyed is in Appendix 4. Habitat values have been averaged on a per reach basis. The Level 1 - fish distribution form is found in Appendix 5. The data from the preliminary fish stream classification is represented in this form. The summary of Level 1 field survey data is presented in Appendix 6: Level 1 - Habitat Diagnosis Summary Form. The site numbers refer to the actual field sample sites for the Level 1 assessment.

This reach originates at the Fish Pot Lake road and ends at the first bridge on the 4000 road (E443400, N5867400). Both resident rainbow and chinook are present. Adult chinook were observed during the field survey. The site assessment was performed over a length of 598 meters. This reach had the highest pool area of any site in Baezaeko (15.82%) which still gave it a poor rating. Only half of these pools were considered deep enough (>1m residual) to function as adult holding pools. Cover in the pools was fair, due to the presence of large woody debris (Figure 1) and overhanging vegetation. The large woody debris rating for this reach was the second highest of the reaches sampled at 2.14 pieces/channel width (wb), giving it a good rating. The gradient in this reach averages 1% slope. There were also three elevated mid-channel bars present in this reach. Cover is dominated by deep pool, overhanging vegetation and cutbank. Spawning in this reach is isolated to a handful of eight small pockets of fair gravel. The spawning gravel is considered to be suitable for both resident trout and anadromous salmon (chinook). The gravel is rated fair due to sand being subdominant in most of the habitat units and the interstitial spaces generally clear. The riparian area is dominated by mature mixed forest, which provides good large woody debris recruitment (Figure 2). Four small dead ended (slough) channels were present in this reach as off-channel habitat, with an average length of 11 meters and with good access (at all seasons). Fisheries values are considered high due to probable spawning habitat for both resident and anadromous species, good rearing and the presence of off channel habitats that can provide rearing and high water refuge. This reach appears to be in a natural state.

Reach 16 begins at the first bridge (E443400, N5867400) of the 4000 road. Approximately 632 meters of the total 4824 meters of this reach were sampled. This reach had the highest large woody debris per channel width at 3.26, giving it a good rating. Pool frequency was 4.21 (channel widths between pools), giving it a poor rating. The pool area for this reach was the third highest for all of the sites sampled on Baezaeko mainstem at 7.09%; it still only rated in the poor category. Only a few of the pools sampled were greater than 1 meter residual depth and of these, few provided enough cover to rate them as good adult holding pools. The three dominant cover types in this reach were cutbank, LWD and overhanging vegetation. Spawning gravel for the most part was abundant in almost all of the habitat units sampled. This gravel, due to its smaller size, was suitable for resident trout (Figure 3). Gravel quality was deemed fair due to subdominant sand/silt in-filling the interstices of the larger substrate. There were seven sloughs present in this reach with an average length of 5 meters; access being split between good and poor (Figure 4). The riparian area consisted of a mature mixed forest. Eight habitat units with mid-channel bars were noted as disturbance indicators. The channel is aggrading slightly due to natural upstream influences. This reach has a high fisheries value as a result of abundant resident trout spawning gravel, diverse and high amounts of cover for all life stages of fish and good quality and quantity of off-channel habitat.

This reach starts just downstream of a small tributary (170-3658-385) crossing which at the time of our field sampling had a new bridge (the crossing was a blown culvert at the time of the Overview). The road was reworked slightly and travels to the south alongside the tributary for approximately one hundred meters. A good portion of this reach has low canopy cover with shrub the main riparian vegetation. The portion of reach sampled was approximately 1032 meters and was located adjacent to an open field logged to the banks on private land for agricultural purposes (Figure 5). A low pool frequency of >4 Wb/pool and low (<1 piece/Wb) LWD count are attributable to the adjacent riparian type present. There is minimal LWD recruitment, subsequent scour pool formation, and poorer quality cover attributable to the stream and harvesting. Cover is dominated by overhanging vegetation and cutbank. Of the two pools sampled, both were greater than one meter deep but lacked enough overhead cover to be considered good holding pools. Approximately 300 meters into the reach (starting from the downstream break) there was a side channel on the east side with enough flow to be rearing habitat. A riffle-glide sequence with the odd pool dominated the sample site (Figure 6). Only three small pockets of spawning gravel suitable for resident trout were found throughout the sample site. Four elevated mid-channel bars were noted in this reach. At the upstream end of the sample site a chinook was observed moving upstream. This site was lacking shade and near-future LWD recruitment. The reach is considered to have low fisheries value in its present habitat condition. This reach is functioning mainly as a migration corridor.

Reach 18 begins at two tributary confluences (170-3658-416,417) and continues upstream to a ford crossing (E437130, N5859800). Of the total 4162 meters of this reach 885 meters was sampled during the field visit. Cover in this reach was mainly comprised of large woody debris and cutbank. Pool frequency (>4 Wb/pool) for this reach along with LWD (<1 piece/Wb) was rated very poorly. Pool area for this reach was also rated poor with a value of 1.53%. The majority of LWD was parallel to the river banks and non functional. This suggests that high flows are depositing LWD high onto the banks. Riparian area was dominated by a mature coniferous forest. Cutbanks were noted frequently as a cover element (Figure 7). The cutbanks seem to be quite stable as seen from the intact riparian area. There is a ford crossing at the upstream end of this reach that should be eliminated or stabilized (Figure 8). The river has broadened due to disturbances to the stream bed by vehicles crossing the river (seems fairly active). This ford is introducing sediment into the stream as well as changing and disturbing the stream substrate. Seven small 3-7 meter sloughs were located within this reach and all but two had good access for rearing and high water refuge. Spawning gravel (suitable for salmon and resident rainbow) in this reach was abundant in almost all of the habitat units sampled. Recreational angling produced one adult bull trout in this reach.

Reach 19 begins at the ford crossing of Reach 18 (E437130, N5859800) and ends at the second bridge on the 3900 road. The length of the site sampled in this reach was 531 meters of the total length of 4627 meters. Site 17 begins 531 meters downstream of a second (upstream) ford crossing (E436475, N5859260, Figure 9). Access to the site was along an old access road exiting the 3900 road from the northwest side of the second bridge crossing (turn right going northwest). This road crosses Baezaeko River at both of the above mentioned fords. The pool frequency in this reach was rated fair, giving this reach the best rating found on the Baezaeko mainstem at 2.88 channel widths between pools (Figure 10). Percent pools (6.34%) and LWD pieces/Wb (<1) were both rated poor. Cover for this reach was dominated by cutbank and overhanging vegetation. The riparian area was dominated by a young coniferous forest structure and stage. Eroding banks resulting from the migrating channel were observed, but the riparian area appears undisturbed. Spawning gravels in isolated pockets, suitable for resident trout, were found in two habitat units. Holding pools for resident or anadromous fish were infrequent. Only a few pools were greater than one meter in depth and containing good cover in the form of LWD. Spawning gravel quality is rated as fair because sand/silt is the subdominant substrate, but the interstitial gravel spaces were generally clear. Chinook were present in this reach at the time of this survey. Fisheries values in this reach were low due to only two habitat units having suitable spawning gravel, minimal amount of holding pool habitat and only one slough present with good cover.

1961 meters of this reach were sampled, starting at the downstream end. The dominant substrate in this reach is gravel and the subdominant substrate is sand. Habitat values with regard to pool frequency and LWD are rated poor, although the pool area for this reach was the second highest of all Baezaeko River Level 1 sample sites at 7.84%. The riparian area consists of a mixed mature forest. Pools had inadequate LWD or other forms of cover and only three of twenty-three were deep enough to be adult holding pools. Cover in this reach consisted of LWD, overhanging vegetation and cutbank. There appeared to be a higher frequency of unvegetated bars (Figure 11) in this reach than others with a total of 14% of the habitat units sampled having this disturbance type. This would indicate bed loading (aggradation) from upstream reaches and most likely the bridge crossing (100 meters east of the junction of 4300 road and 3900 road). Eroding banks caused by high flow and scour (Figure 12) were present to a small degree.

This site was assessed starting 600m downstream of the 6500 road bridge. No FISS information was available upstream of Reach 23. The fish stream classification for the riparian assessment expanded known fish distribution up to and including this reach. Only two pools were found in this reach giving it the third lowest pool area of 1.73%. This site was characterized by a riffle-glide continuing sequence. Both pools were deep enough for adult holding but lacked cover. A small beaver dam has created a waterfall of 0.75m (Figure 13) which may be a barrier to juvenile fish at low flows. Spawning gravel was observed in five small areas and was rated as poor quality for all target species due to inappropriate substrate size. Substrate was dominated by cobble and gravel as subdominant. There were 3 sidechannels present in this reach with an average length of 15 meters; all were flowing at time of survey. Also present were 3 slough type channels with an average length of 9.6 meters and good access (provides excellent overwintering and high water refuge habitat for all species. The riparian area consisted mainly of a mixed mature forest with some sections having shrubs and pole/saplings as the dominant riparian vegetation. Cutbank was the dominant form of cover (Figure 14). Eroding banks were the dominant disturbance indicator. Fine textured soils and a lack of mature coniferous root structures are contributing factors of erosion. The erosion is a natural process and occurs throughout the Baezaeko system.

Reach 25 begins at the last bridge crossing of Baezaeko River (spur road off of the 3900 road). Beyond this bridge crossing, there are no harvesting or harvesting related roads. This reach (589 meters sampled) is treated as a control unaffected by forest harvesting. This reach was also sampled for the preliminary fish stream classification by helicopter and a chinook juvenile was captured just upstream of the bridge. The known fish distribution (FISS) changed to reflect this information. Site 8 had the lowest pool area (0.26%) of all the sites sampled on Baezaeko River. Large woody debris was also very infrequent due to the riparian area being dominated by pole/sapling (natural openings), shrub and to a lesser degree, mixed mature forest. Any LWD falling in the river is too small to remain in this reach during high flows and is found in lower energy reaches downstream. Reach 26 is confined and carries high velocity flows into Reach 25. Cover in this reach was dominated by cutbank. Abandoned bridge footings span two meters on both sides of the Baezaeko River thirty meters upstream of the current bridge (Figure 15). The footing structure and the current bridge fill (Figure 16) are both eroding and will be addressed as part of the Sediment Source Survey. Riparian vegetation removal for both the old and current bridge has affected cover and LWD recruitment in this reach. This reach has low amounts of rearing habitat and serves mostly as a migration corridor. This control was not really appropriate in the end due to bridge influences. This reach confirmed that Baezaeko River for the most part has natural impacts across the watershed, but has site impacts needing restoration.

The sampling for this reach started (Figure 17) just downstream of the second bridge (E439740, N5875100) of the 4000 road. Approximately 2000 meters of this reach was sampled. A very low pool area was recorded for this site (0.23%) along with a poor pool frequency. Large woody debris was rated as poor, although recruitment into the Coglistiko River is good due to a mixed mature forest riparian area. The banks were generally stable. Instream vegetation (Figure 18) accounted for approximately 30% of the instream cover and is the dominant cover type. Algae present on the substrate and the instream vegetation suggest that Coglistiko River has adequate nutrients present to support a healthy resident and rearing anadromous fish population. The substrate in this reach was dominated by large gravel and cobble as subdominant. Off channel habitat was present in six side channels (all flowing at time of survey) for a total of 29.5m with good access. Spawning is isolated to six pockets of potential spawning gravel for resident trout and anadromous salmon. The morphology for this reach was monotypic (dominated by a riffle, glide repetition).

Approximately 1286 meters of Reach 4 (2454 meters total length) were sampled. The river is naturally confined on the north side by a steep slope and does not meander south (high energy straight channel). This reach continues with the monotypic riffle-glide morphology seen in Reach 3. The pool area was low at 0.05%. Only two pools were found throughout the length sampled. Large woody debris counts were extremely low with a rating <1 LWD/channel width. The LWD was clumped in the low velocity/energy riffles (LWD recruited in the higher energy habitat units are moved downstream to these areas, where the pieces accumulate). The riparian structure/type consisted of a young coniferous forest. Instream vegetation is the dominant cover type. Substrate in this reach is dominated by gravel and subdominant by cobble. Spawning is suitable for anadromous and resident fish.

969 meters of this reach were sampled (of the total reach length of 3082 meters). No pools were found in the sampled section. Recruitment of LWD is adequate due to the mature coniferous riparian area, but functional LWD is low due to its movement downstream to lower energy habitat units. Cover in this reach is dominated by instream vegetation and subdominated by cutbank (Figure 20). The river banks in this section are stable and have minimal sign of erosion or scour. Four sidechannels were encountered, all with good access. Four slough channels with good access provide rearing opportunities and high water refuge habitat. The substrate found in this reach was dominated by gravel and subdominated by cobble. Riffle-glide morphology and high amount and area of suitable substrate size for spawning (anadromous and resident fish populations) make this an extremely valuable reach for fish.

Site 12 (approximately 500 meters surveyed) began in a wetland complex with a low velocity, low gradient channel. The substrate was dominated by fines and organic materials. Overhanging shrubs were the dominant form of cover and riparian vegetation type (Figure 21). Only one pool was found in this site (pool area of 0.1% for the entire site) and a pool frequency >4 bankfull widths between pools. Large woody debris in this reach was low (<1piece/channel width) given the shrub riparian structure/type. Cutbanks were the subdominant form of cover. This reach is providing excellent rearing and overwintering habitat for resident fish species (many fry and juvenile rainbow trout observed during survey). Rearing chinook may also use this tributary for high water refuge and rearing. Small beaver dams in this reach may be barriers to juvenile fish at low flows.

Approximately 570 meters of this reach were surveyed. This reach continues upstream from the first bridge on the 3900 road. Stream morphology is riffle-glide interspersed with only two pools (low pool area of 0.35% and a low pool frequency of >4 bankfull widths between pools). The large woody debris pieces per bankful width were low with <1 piece/channel width. The riparian structure/stage was dominated by young mixed forest interspersed with shrub/grassland patches. Spawning habitat was non-existent due to lack of suitable substrate and flows. This reach is suited for overwintering and rearing. A beaver dam may be a barrier to juvenile fish at low flows (Figure 22).

Approximately 800 meters of this reach was sampled during the level 1 field survey. This tributary has some opportunity for rainbow trout and bull trout spawning. A beaver dam pictured in Figure 23 may be a barrier to juvenile fish at low flows. The upper section of this site is a low gradient rearing/overwintering area with minimal spawning opportunities due to organic/fine substrate. The natural wetland riparian area and low gradient channel has not been affected by forest harvesting. The tributary passes through a culvert but does not appear to be a barrier to migration because of adequate water depth at time of survey and the presence of fry above the crossing. This culvert may be a high water barrier and may need to be assessed. Multiple channels were noted as a disturbance indicator.

This site began at the mouth (Figure 25) where the stream drains into Baezaeko River. The channel morphology is riffle-glide interspersed with few small pools. The sampled area contained twelve pools recorded, the area of which still had a poor rating (11.46%). The large woody debris in this section was tallied at <1piece/channel width. The riparian area was dominated by a coniferous mature forest. Due to the low channel width of the tributary there were spanning LWD pieces (spanning bank to bank and not functional). The dominant cover type found in this reach was cutbank. The dominant bed material found in this site was cobble with small amounts of gravel suitable for resident rainbow and bull trout spawning. Channel braiding was noted in seven places (Figure 26). This is an indication of an unstable channel and higher peak flows (flashy at peak flow periods). The channel is slightly confined on the west side by a slope leading to an older clear-cut. There was no off-channel habitat present.

The sites on this stream began at the confluence of the tributary and Coglistiko River (661 meters total sampled length). Reach 1 has a riffle-glide-pool morphology, although none of the pools met the minimum criteria presented in the FHAP manual. The riparian vegetation of Reach 1 is a mixed mature forest. The large woody debris was <1piece/channel width, which is a poor rating. 125 meters upstream of the mouth of the tributary is a ford crossing for vehicles going up the Kluskus Trail (Figure 27). A log bridge is 10 meters downstream of the ford crossing, but is not being used although it is suitable for crossing. The ford crossing is widening the channel to the point where it is cutting off a side channel and is becoming dangerously shallow at low flows. Many rainbow trout (possibly bull trout as well) fry were observed rearing in pools upstream of the crossing. The fry may become isolated from access to the lower portion of the stream and Coglistiko River during low flows if the ford continues to widen, resulting in possible mortality to the isolated fish. There is evidence of recent aggradation and channel braiding above the ford crossing (caused by peak flows and movement of sediment from upstream). There are suitable spawning gravels for bull trout and rainbow trout up to Section 1-3 (approximately 450 meters upstream of the mouth of the tributary).

Section 1-3 begins at a gradient increase of 1% slope (from 2% to 3%). The stream morphology changes to a shallow, low energy step-pool characteristic. Many fry were observed in the pools of this section (pools under the natural riparian structure which provided good cover) and using the cobble-boulder substrate as cover (interstices were clear). 100 meters into this reach, the 4000 road crosses the stream. The crossing is a deactivated bridge crossing affecting approximately 100 meters of the stream (Figure 28). The 4000 road ends at this point due to a halt of the proposed harvesting in the upper watershed. The crossing has resulted in the removal of all of the riparian vegetation and caused channelization (by road fill) of the stream for 100 meters. No fry were observed in the channelized portion of the stream. Fry were again observed at the upstream end of the crossing, where the natural riparian structure remained intact. A dry channel (50 meters length) was encountered west of the crossing and it is suspected that this was a side channel isolated by the road crossing construction. Grasses and young shrubs are beginning to colonize the banks of the crossing. The gradient increases by 0.5% upstream of the road crossing and the riparian vegetation changes to a mature coniferous forest. Substrate is dominated by cobble with subdominant boulders.

The Baezaeko River is characterized by low gradients (0.5% to 2% slope) and generally unconfined channel pattern. LWD recruitment is good where the natural riparian area is forested and impacts to the mainstem riparian area are minimal. Many areas of the mainstem have natural riparian openings and a shrub/pole sapling type structure. Functional LWD is rated fair to poor for the Baezaeko mainstem, but naturally occurs as such. The general river morphology is a riffle-glide-pool pattern with fall and winter low flows and peak flows associated with the spring snow melt. The river has high fish value due to excellent spawning, rearing, and adult holding habitats within the mainstem for anadromous and resident populations.

The Coglistiko River sub-basin is characterized by low gradients (0.5% to 2% slope) with extensive areas of glide habitat. Functional LWD recruited from mature coniferous riparian areas tends to be clumped in low energy habitat units. Adult chinook holding pools are rare and rated poor, but resident adult trout take advantage of the cutbanks and boulder cover offered by this system. Tributaries along the Coglistiko River do not provide trout with many opportunities for spawning, overwintering or high water refuge, thus the suitable tributaries are considered critical to the continued health of the resident trout population.

Assessment and prioritization of rehabilitation opportunities within the Baezaeko watershed are contingent upon the degree of impact attributed to forest harvesting and the value of rehabilitation to the target fish species. The target fish species for the Baezaeko drainage are chinook salmon, rainbow trout and bull trout. The target habitats for the above species are the Baezaeko mainstem, Coglistiko mainstem, tributaries, off channel rearing and high water refuge habitat. The upper limits of fish upstream migration in the Baezaeko mainstem is reach 36 (3 meter falls) and tributary HWC 170-3658-739 has a 5 meter falls (E411760, N5849690) preventing upstream migration. Resident populations above these barriers are not confirmed.

The impacts to fisheries values due to forest harvesting or other anthropogenic influences within the Baezaeko watershed appear to be minimal. Forest harvesting has not occurred on either the Baezaeko or the Coglistiko mainstems (Baezaeko River has harvesting along its mainstem on private land in one area only). The remainder of the harvesting has occurred at the headwaters of insignificant tributaries (with regard to flow, discharge or target fish values) over the eastern third of the watershed.

The physiography of the watershed is characterized by wetland type tributaries with low gradient, energy and complexity. The wetland complexes associated with the tributaries are acting as buffers to potential degradation of mainstem habitat via increased peak flows or sediment delivery as a result of forest harvesting. Naturally open riparian areas, low flows, channel complexity and lack of target fish species habitat in harvested areas further suggests that forestry related impacts to this watershed are minimal. Although both the Baezaeko and Coglistiko Rivers exhibit disturbance impacts such as scour, lack of pools, eroding banks and lack of functional LWD, these impacts are for the most part natural processes. Overall observation and study of the Baezaeko watershed concludes there are limited adult chinook holding pools in the Coglistiko mainstem, which may be a limiting factor to the chinook population through increased adult mortality (by predation). There are very few tributaries in the Coglistiko sub-basin suitable for trout spawning or rearing because of low flows and natural limitations discussed above.

During and subsequent to the Level 1 assessment, it became apparent that watershed wide impacts such as large scale removal of riparian vegetation or increased peak flows due to forest harvesting did not exist. Site impacts from road crossings became the focus for rehabilitation. Natural sediment input from erosion or bank failures is apparent throughout the watershed, thus many stream crossings do not require specific any rehabilitation measures apart from normal maintenance. Riparian areas have been impacted by a number of crossings (refer to the BioTerra Consulting RAP report, December 1997) and have been assessed and rehabilitation prescriptions written for them. As far as instream rehabilitation is concerned, this involves stabilizing ford crossings (Sites 4, and 16A) and adding LWD to a channelized, deactivated bridge crossing (site 14). Refer to section 10.0 for a more complete description of rehabilitation options and recommendations.

The majority of the FHAP sites had low priority due to natural impacts and lack of forestry related impacts. The two medium priority sites (10 and 16A) are associated with road impacts. Site 16A contains a ford crossing that should be stabilized by the addition of larger cobble materials directly in the river bed to limit sediment disturbances. This site was classified as a medium priority due to the fact that it crosses the Baezaeko mainstem (very high fish value: high priority), but is on a road (south end of the 4300 road) that is not widely used. Site 10 shows disturbance indicators indicative of high peak flows (unusually high amount of unvegetated bars and channel braiding). Aggradation of the site below the bridge crossing at the (junction of the 4300 road and the 3900 road) may be a result of erosion of road fill at the crossing (will be addressed in the Sediment Source Survey report, BioTerra Consulting 1998). The Riparian Assessment has addressed rehabilitation of the riparian vegetation at the crossing. The crossing itself may need to be assessed again after the Sediment Source recommendations are given, thus the site was deemed a medium priority for rehabilitation.

Sites 8, 4 and 14 are high rehabilitation priority sites within the Baezaeko watershed. Site 8 is a high priority bridge crossing that has altered the channel flow and is causing sediment input to the Baezaeko mainstem. A partially deactivated bridge crossing 20 meters upstream of the current bridge crossing (spur road off of the 3900 road) is eroding. The channel appears to have been altered either when the old bridge was removed or when it was constructed. Consequently the channel is scouring the new bridge crossing (Figure 16) and will be addressed in the Sediment Source Survey report (BioTerra Consulting 1997).

Sites 4 and 14 warrant special attention. The sites are on sections 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 of tributary 170-3658-251-208 (Reach 4 Coglistiko River, map sheet 93G001). This tributary is the stream encountered on Coglistiko River with high trout values for rearing, overwintering, spawning and downstream of forest harvesting. The Kluskus trail is a traditional Native road that will continue to be used indefinitely. To prevent further degradation to the stream, the unused bridge should be removed and larger cobble materials be placed in the ford crossing upstream of the bridge. The cobble substrate will help the ford crossing retain its integrity and will require minimal maintenance over the long term.

Site 14 of Section 1-3 requires LWD placements in the channelized section of the deactivated bridge crossing. The LWD placements are needed to provide stream complexity, cover and to dissipate the energy of the peak flow. Recent aggradation and channel braiding are evidence of high energy peak flow impacts found in Section 1-2 of the tributary. Further assessment of the dry channel found to the west of the deactivated crossing is needed to determine if it should be reconnected to the tributary. This dry channel may have been a seasonal side channel flowing only at peak flows. Downstream impacts mentioned above may be a result of the side channel isolation. Riparian rehabilitation should take place along the open crossing and along the channelized banks.

No rehabilitation should be undertaken in this watershed until prescriptions have been written for the above mentioned sites.

BioTerra Consulting. 1998. Baezaeko River Watershed: Watershed and Site Level Riparian Assessment Final Report. Williams Lake, B.C.