Bowen Island Ecological Reserve #48

May 1997

 Ecological reserves are areas of land that have been protected from the consumptive resource use under the Ecological Reserves Act.  The Bowen Island Ecological Reserve was established in May 1973 to preserve dry subzone forest ecosystems in the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone at a location convenient for research.

The purpose of this study was to stratify the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve into site series units on the basis of physiography, soil and vegetation.  Six sites were selected to represent the different habitats found in the reserve.  Six sites and a total of ten plots were sampled.

The reserve is located primarily within the Coastal Western Hemlock Dry Maritime biogeoclimatic variant, with the highest elevation areas and the southeastern border of the reserve falling into the Coastal Western Hemlock montane very wet and very dry variants respectively.

Following guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Forests, the following site series were identified:

Site #1

• Plot #1                     CWHdm/06 (HwCw-Deerfern)
• Plot #2                     CWHdm/03 (FdHw-Salal)
• Plot #3                     CWHdm/01 (Hw-Flat Moss)

Site #2

• Plot #1                     CWHxm/03 (FdHw-Salal)

Site #3

• Plot #1                     CWHdm/03 (FdHw-Salal)
• Plot #2                     CWHdm/03 (FdHw-Salal)
• Plot #3                     CWHdm/03 (FdHw-Salal)

Site #4

• Plot #1                     CWHdm/02 (HwPl-Cladina)

Site#5

• Plot #1                     CWHdm/04 (Fd-Swordfern)

Site #6

• Plot #1                     CWHdm/06 (HwCw-Deerfern)

The reserve’s forest structure was also examined at these six sites as a preliminary to further habitat studies.  It is recommended that more site series classification studies be done to ensure a comprehensive database is achieved.  Recommended also is a vegetation survey conducted in the spring and/or summer to confirm our site series and establish a more complete inventory of species.  As well, a wildlife study would be of interest for further study of the area and to complement the forest structure data collected during this project.

We wish to thank Tom Eng, Research and Planning Technician with B.C. Parks for giving us the opportunity to work on this project and for all his help throughout the year

We would also like to thank Alan Whitehead, Warden of the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve, for the assistance he gave us during the planning process and for being there to give us assistance when we needed it.

Last but not least, we would like to thank Don Guthrie, our Project Supervisor at B.C.I.T. for all his support, especially with the G.P.S. and G.I.S. portion of the project.

Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ii

Acknowledgments………………………………………………………………………………………………….. iii

List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. v

List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………… vi

1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

            1.1 Background…………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

1.2 Study Area……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

1.3 Habitat Attributes Important to Wildlife Species………………………………………….. 4

            1.4 Methods and Materials……………………………………………………………………………. 6

1.4.1 Plots………………………………………………………………………………………… 8

2.0 Results and Discussion………………………………………………………………………………………. 11

      2.1 Site #1…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

            2.2 Site #2…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

            2.3 Site #3…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

      2.4 Site #4…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20

      2.5 Site #5…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

      2.6 Site #6…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

      2.7 Wildlife Observations……………………………………………………………………………… 27

      2.8 GPS and GIS mapping……………………………………………………………………………. 30

3.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 32

4.0 References………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 33

5.0 Appendix I – List of Common and Scientific Names of Plants and

Codes Used in Report……………………………………………………………………. 35

6.0 Appendix II – Data Sheets: Site Diagnosis, Forest Structure…………………………………… 37

Table 1.           Summary of physiography of three site series sampled in Site #1…………… 11

Table 2.           Site level soil properties for three plots in Site #1…………………………………. 12

Table 3.           Tree, shrub, herb and moss species found in each of the 3 plots at Site #1.. 13

Table 4.           Physiography characteristics of one plot at Site #2……………………………….. 15

Table 5.           Site level soil properties for the plot in Site #2……………………………………… 15

Table 6.           Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses found at the sample plot of Site#2………… 16

Table 7.           Physiographic characteristics of three plots at Site #3……………………………. 17

Table 8.           Site level soil properties for three plots in Site #3…………………………………. 18

Table 9.           Trees, shrubs, herbs and moss species found in 3 plots at Site #3…………… 19

Table 10.         Physiographic characteristics of one plot at Site #4……………………………….. 20

Table 11.         Site-level soil properties for the plot at Site #4……………………………………… 21

Table 12.         Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses at Site #4…………………………………………… 21

Table 13.         Physiographic characteristics of one plot at Site #5……………………………….. 22

Table 14.         Site-level soil properties for the plot in Site #5……………………………………… 23

Table 15.         Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses found in the plot at Site #5………………….. 24

Table 16.         Physiographic characteristics of one plot at Site #6……………………………….. 25

Table 17.         Site-level soil properties for the plots in Site #6……………………………………. 26

Table 18.         Trees, shrubs, herbs, and mosses found in the plot at Site #6…………………. 27

Fig. 1.              Map of the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve study area……………………….. 2

Fig. 2.              Map of biogeoclimatic subzones of the CWH zone on Bowen Island………. 3

Fig. 3.              Diagram of forest structure and species use………………………………………….. 4

Fig. 4.              Edatopic grid used to key out soil moisture and nutrient regimes

and determine site series…………………………………………………………………….. 7

Fig. 5.              Diagram of plot layout………………………………………………………………………. 9

Fig. 6.              Location of the six sites and associated plots surveyed on the

Bowen Island Ecological Reserve………………………………………………………… 9

Fig. 7.              Example of a typical soil pit dug for data collection………………………………. 10

Fig. 8.              Optimist Bog……………………………………………………………………………………. 28

Fig. 9.              Optimist Creek…………………………………………………………………………………. 28

Fig. 10.            Deer bones found near Optimist Bog…………………………………………………… 29

Fig. 11.            GIS map of reserve……………………………………………………………………………. 31

1.1 Background

In December 1971, an ecological reserve was proposed for Bowen Island for the purpose of preserving dry subzone forest ecosystems in the Coastal Western Hemlock Zone at a location convenient for research.  It was approved and established in May 1973 (Krajina, 1974)

Earlier surveys of the reserve have been done (Bell, 1977), but data collected at the site was not organized and presented in a framework which is currently accepted.  The primary goal of this study, conducted between October 1996 and April 1997, was to initiate a database using a common language that would make collected data accessible to resource managers and researchers.  The biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification initially developed by Dr. V.J. Krajina, then revised by the B.C. Ministry of Forests, as well as a current site identification and interpretation methodology (Green and Klinka, 1991) was used.

G.P.S. (Global Positioning System) surveys of the study sites were initiated, but due to the rugged terrain, data collection was often inhibited.  Therefore, G.P.S. data was only collected for some of the sites.  An analysis of forest structure was also initiated to determine habitat potential.  The proportion of trees showing signs of woodpecker activity was surveyed and will be useful for future studies of habitat use by cavity nesters.  It is hoped that the habitat information collected will help to determine some of the habitat features required by forest-dwelling species, thereby setting the stage for future research in such areas as biodiversity conservation.  G.I.S. (Geographic Information Systems) ecosystem mapping of the study sites was not completed as originally planned, due to a lack of time.

Field work for this study was completed between October 1996 and January 1997 and office work was finished by April 1997.

1.2 Study Area

Bowen Island, which lies in Howe Sound, is 20 kilometers northwest of Vancouver.  It is part of the Coast Mountains and Islands Physiographic Region (Valentine et. al. 1986), and the Vancouver Forest Region (Green and Klinka, 1994).

The Bowen Island Ecological Reserve itself is located within Latitude 49°22’ – 22’10”N and Longitude 123°21’ – 22’30” W.  It is two kilometers south-west of Snug Cove on Bowen Island, (Fig. 1).  It covers an area of approximately 400 hectares with elevations ranging from 75 to 480 meters.  The reserve is almost entirely forested, with the exception of one bog and some rocky outcrops (Bowen Island Green Zone Report, 1992).

1.2 Study Area Continued

Fig 1. Map of the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve study area

The reserve straddles a rocky ridge which lies in a southwest to northeast direction.  Several glaciations and subsequent fluvial action have produced a variety of surficial deposits and landforms in this area.  The soil material over the reserve is predominantly moderately coarse textured glacial till or colluvium over bedrock.  The predominant soil is classed as an Orthic Humo-Ferric Podzol ( Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks, 1993).

The majority of the project area lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock (CWH) Dry Maritime Biogeoclimatic Subzone (see Fig. 2).

Fig.2. Map of biogeoclimatic subzones of CWH zone on Bowen Island.

The climate here is characterized by warm, relatively dry summers, and moist, mild winters with little snowfall.  On zonal sites, the predominant trees are Douglas fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock.  The understorey consists mostly of salal, red huckleberry, step moss, feather moss, lanky moss and flat moss.  Oregon grape, vine maple, bracken fern and sword fern may also occur occasionally as well (Green and Klinka, 1994).

The highest elevation areas of the reserve, which are found in its northwest corner, lie in the CWH Very Wet Maritime Subzone.  The climate is characterized by cool, short summers and cool winters with substantial snowfall.  On zonal sites, the predominant trees are hemlock and amabilis fir.  The understorey consists of Alaskan blueberry, five-leafed bramble, stepmoss, and lanky moss.

The southeast area of the reserve borders the CWH Very Dry Maritime Subzone.  The climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and moist, mild winters with relatively little snowfall.  On zonal sites, the predominant trees are Douglas-fir , then hemlock and minor amounts of red cedar.  The understorey consists of salal, dull Oregon-grape, red huckleberry, stepmoss, and Oregon beaked moss.

The reserve is dominated by second growth Douglas-fir forest established after fire around 1920 and in the early 1950’s, and is in the late seral stages of development.

The site is protected by the Ecological Reserves Act and is currently being used by University and College Research Teams, as well as for limited hiking and nature photography (Bowen Island Green Zone Report, 1992).

1.3 Habitat Attributes Important to Wildlife Species

Wildlife species occupy specific layers of the forest.  Each layer can be analyzed as a specific habitat (see Fig.3 below).

Some species are present over a broad range of layers, whereas others live within a very narrow range.  Warblers and pileated woodpeckers tend to occupy the upper canopy and lower canopy respectively.  Hairy woodpeckers, sapsuckers, brown creepers and nuthatches prefer the upper bole of trees: sparrow, thrushes and towhees forage around the shrub and ground layers (Giles, 1978).

1.3 Habitat Attributes Important to Wildlife Species

Live Trees:

Large, mature trees provide

• nesting sites for species such as the bald eagle,
• fissured bark for the insect foraging red-breasted nuthatch,
• foliage for many species of warblers, and
• cones for the Douglas squirrel.

Younger trees are preferred by some species such as yellow-rumped warblers for foraging habitat.  Deciduous trees are particularly important for many cavity-nesters such as woodpeckers.

Snags:

Dead standing trees are home to a variety of insects and invertebrates, and are crucial nesting and roosting sites for many species of birds and bats.  Different wildlife species will choose snags according to size, stage of decay and tree species.  Many woodpeckers choose dying or recently dead deciduous trees, while red-breasted nuthatches nest in somewhat older coniferous snags with broken tops.

Coarse Woody Debris:

Coarse woody debris (CWD), especially large decayed pieces, hosts many species of forest vertebrates.  It provides shelter for winter wrens, a modified microclimate for salamanders, as well as a substrate for plant and lichen growth.

Canopy and Gaps:

Species such as the Douglas squirrel and Townsend’s warbler which forage in tree foliage prefer habitat with a closed canopy.  Deer also rely on a dense canopy for snow interception.  Townsend’s solitaires seek out open canopies, whereas hoary bats are found in discontinuous canopies

Shrubs:

Thickets of shrubs are especially important cover and foraging habitat for species such as sparrows and spotted towhees.  Shrub cover predominates in regenerating forests.

1.3 Habitat Attributes Important to Wildlife Species continued

Herbs

Herbs provide cover for small mammals and amphibians, browse for deer and food for seed-eating species such as pine siskins and deermice.  They are an indicator for seral stage as well as forest type.

Moss and Organic Litter:

This layer accumulates over time.  It is vital for nutrient cycling and soil mulching, and is a source of foraging habitat for invertebrates and small mammals such as shrews.

1.4 Methods and Materials

The following equipment was used to conduct the survey of the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve:

1) Office methods:

• preliminary typing of study area using 1: 20,000 aerial photos into tentative ecosystem units based on topography and stand features

• determining representative plot locations from the typed aerial photos, forest cover maps and topographical maps for each ecosystem unit

• keying out site series using edatopic site classification grids (Green and Klinka, 1994) such as the one shown below in Fig. 5.

1.4 Methods and Materials Continue

Fig. 4. Edatopic grid used to key out soil moisture and nutrient regime and determine site series.

2) Field methods:

• fine-tuning photo typing
• laying out 100m²  plots

For each plot:

*      using G.P.S. to pinpoint exact location (this was not always possible due to terrain and canopy closure)

*      digging 0.5 x 0.5 m soil pit

*      recording all species of trees and shrubs within each quadrant of the plot, as well as herbs and mosses within each of 4 subplots (Fig. 3)

1.4 Methods and Materials Continued

*      completing a Vancouver Forest Region Site Assessment, including physiographic and soil properties, and an indicator plant analysis, for site series determination (an indicator plant analysis, normally used to verify site series, was not done because of herb die-off so late in the season)

*      recording species height class and distribution of all vegetation

*      recording species name, height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and the age of two (2) representative trees within each plot

*      recording distribution and diameter class of CWD

*      recording evidence of birds ( identified by sight or sound ) within or in the close vicinity of the plot

1.4.1 Plots

Six project study sites were initially identified with the aid of 1:20,000 and 1:10,000 scale topographical maps, forest cover maps and aerial photos.  In addition, the six representative sites were assessed with the aid of a Bowen Island landscape analysis done in 1976 ( Hirvonen, 1976).

For sites #1 and #3, three plots were sampled and were spaced approximately 50m apart.  For sites #2 and #4-6, only one plot was sampled due to ruggedness of the terrain and time constraints.  For each of these plots, G.P.S. coordinates were collected (dependent on terrain and canopy closure), and physiographic, soil and vegetation data were recorded on standard Ministry of Forests Site Diagnosis forms for ecosystem identification and site series classification. In addition, habitat/forest structure assessment was initiated.

Design

The plots were established according to standard methodology (Ministry of Forests, 1996).  To make analyses easier, 100 sq. m. plots were used instead of the more common 400 sq. m. plots.

Each of the 100 sq. m. circular plots was staked out using four 5.6m ropes, each defining the radius of the plot and forming four equal quadrants (Fig. 4).  Percent cover for the shrub layer was recorded over each of the quadrants.  The remaining vegetation layers (herbs and mosses) were sampled in a 2mx2m subplot laid out in each quadrant.  An  isosceles triangle within the plot was used as an intercept transect for coarse woody debris determination.

Fig. 5.  Diagram of plot layout

The following figure shows the location of the plots for each site surveyed on the reserve.

Soil pits

For each plot, a soil pit was dug to establish soil characteristics for the site (see Fig. 6 below).  Depth varied depending on the depth to bedrock or other obstruction.

Fig. 7. Example of a typical soil pit dug for data collection.

Tree heights and ages

Representative trees from the plot were increment bored to determine age.  As well, their diameter at breast height (dbh) and their height were measured.  Height was measured using a clinometer, Eslon tape and simple trigonometry.

 2.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 Site series analyses were completed for six sites surveyed.  Forest structure and habitat data including trees, shrubs, forbs, snags and CWD has also been incorporated into a database and analyzed below.

2.1 Site #1

The first site was located near a bog on the east side of the reserve.  It required a 30 minute hike over an elevational change of approximately 200m.  This site was located in the CWHdm biogeoclimatic subzone.  Table 1 describes the physiographic characteristics of the three plots from this site.

Table 1. Summary of physiography of three plots sampled in Site #1

The landform for all three sites was glaciofluvial.  The first site, CWHdm/06, had only a slight grade and a south-west facing aspect.  It was located right beside Optimist bog on a flat area with a concave shape.  The second site was established approximately 200m southwest of the first site and had a gentle slope gradient.  It was positioned on a middle slope with a straight shape and faced due north.  The last site, CWHdm/01, was 200m away on a bearing of 210øazimuth. Unlike the other two sites, this site had a slope gradient of 11% and faced 10øwest of due north.  It was located on a middle slope position with a straight slope shape.

The following table, Table 2, provides an outline of the main soil properties for each plot in Site #1.

2.1 Site #1 Continued

Table 2. Site-level soil properties for three plots in Site #1

Both plot #1 and #2 had a typical Mor humus form with an Ae horizon, whereas plot #3 had a Mor humus form lacking an Ae horizon.  This could be because heavy leaching was offset by the rapid addition of organic colloids and weathering of iron and aluminum.  All three sites had sandy-loamy (SL) soils and were likely Humo-Ferric Podzols which have a moderate to high iron and aluminum content with low base saturations (Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar, 1991).  Coarse fragment content was high in plot #3 at over 70% but was low in the other two sites.  All three plots had their soil derived from acidic parent material (granitic) which are low in clay minerals and poor in nutrients.  The soil at plot #3 had a noticeably red hue to it which indicates good oxygen movement and thus good aeration.

The three plots were keyed out to the following site series:

Table 3 shows the species of vegetation found in each forest layer in each of the 3 plots at Site#1.

Table 3. Tree, shrub, herb and moss species found in each of the 3 plots

at Site #1

* see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix

**denotes atypical ground e.g. logs, rocks, etc.

2.1 Site #1 Continued

Plot #1 was dominated by western hemlock approximately 45 years old and 20m in height.  The shrub layer was poorly developed, consisting of western hemlock seedlings and red huckleberry less than 2m in height.  The herb layer was dominated by bracken fern and the moss layer was made up of Oregon beaked moss and flat moss.  Plot #1 was distinctive in that it had a large percentage of ground cover by decaying wood, which is important habitat for small mammals and amphibians.  This is more significant given the plot’s location directly beside the bog.  About 65% of the ground in the plot was covered with coarse woody debris, with 89% of the volume having a diameter between 20 to 40cm.  The mosses were located on atypical ground which was partly due to the substantial ground cover by decaying wood in this plot.  Fine debris (needles, duff etc. less than 2cm in diameter) covered 80% of the ground at an average depth of 2 cm.  There were no snags present.

Plot #2 was a representative site for this biogeoclimatic zone.  The dominant trees were Douglas fir and western red cedar approximately 60 years old and 15m in height.  The shrub layer was well developed, less than 2m high for the most part, and consisted of western hemlock seedlings and salal.  The herb layer was poorly developed with the majority of it bracken fern.  The moss layer was moderately developed with a variety of species present including Oregon beaked moss, flat moss and lanky moss.  About 10% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters up to 20cm.  Fine debris covered 50% of the ground at an average depth of 1cm.  There were six snags present: two of these were hemlocks with woodpecker feeding holes present.

Plot #3 had a majority of Douglas-fir trees and western hemlock with a small percent of red alder.  Average tree age and height were measured at 80 years and 25m respectively.  The plot had a poorly developed shrub layer composed of hemlock seedlings and salal, at a height averaging less than 2m.  The herb layer was dominated by grass species.  The well developed moss layer was made up mostly of lanky moss.  About 30% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters in the 20-60cm range.  Fine debris covered 35% of the ground at an average depth of 0.5cm.  There was one alder snag with presence of cavities.

2.2 Site #2

Site #2 was located 375m on a bearing of 156øfrom the Optimist bog and creek junction.  This site differed from the rest in that it was located in the CWHxm biogeoclimatic zone rather than CWHdm.  Table 4, on the following page, describes the physiographic characteristics of the plot from this site

2.2 Site #2 Continued

Table 4. Physiographic characteristics

of one plot at Site #2.

This plot had a steep gradient and a southeast aspect.  It was in an upper slope position with a straight slope shape.  It was the lowest elevation site at 145m.

The following table provides an outline of the main soil properties for plot in Site #2.

Table 5. Site-level soil properties for the plot in Site #2

The soil depth was noticeably shallow and had a loamy texture, a moderate porosity and no Ae horizon.  This site had a Moder humus form which is transitional between Mor and Mull humus forms.  It had a very dry soil moisture regime and a very poor to medium nutrient regime.  The tree canopy was interrupted because of the rocky outcrop and very shallow soil.  The site series for the plot at this site keyed out to be CWHxm/03 (FdHw-Salal).

2.2 Site #2 Continued

Table 6 describes the species in each forest layer found at the sample plot of Site #2.

Table 6. Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses found at the sample

plot of Site #2

* see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix

This site was significant because it had arbutus on it and a high percentage of Douglas-fir.  The two Douglas-fir trees sampled were 85 and 24 years old and measured 18m and 9m respectively.  The shrub layer was very poorly developed but diverse, including Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine seedlings, salal and Oregon grape.  The lack of nutrients in the shallow soil was reflected in the dominance of the grass species on the plot.  There was much windswept moss which also indicates a very poor nutrient regime and low moisture at the site.  Only about 1% of the ground was covered with C.W.D.  Fine debris covered 60% of the ground to a depth of 3cm.  One hemlock snag and another of unknown species were present, neither of which showed signs of cavities.

2.3 Site #3

The third site, located in the CWHdm (dry maritime) subzone, was established on the west side of the reserve with plots at elevations between 320 and 350 meters (Fig. 6.).  Access to this site was through lot 24 of the Highland Estates housing development at Cowan Point.  Again, three plots were prepared and site properties (physiographic, soil and vegetation) were surveyed for each plot.  Table 7. describes the physiographic characteristics of the three plots from Site #3

Table 7. Physiographic characteristics of three plots at Site #3

* Atypical site (depression on a ridge crest)

The landform, glaciofluvial, remains the same for all three plots.  Plot #1 (elevation, 350m) was on an upper, south facing slope with a gentle decline.  Plot #2 was 50m east of, and at the same elevation as Plot #1; however, its’ location in a depression above a knoll on the upper slope made it an atypical site.  Plot #3 was at a slightly lower elevation, on the middle of the slope, facing north-east.

The following table, Table 8, provides an outline of the main soil properties for each plot in Site #3.

2.3 Site #3 Continued

Table 8. Site-level soil properties for three plots in Site #3

*abundant fungal mycelia present

The soil properties of these three sites were similar in many ways.  All were base-low, granitic sandy-loamy soils with medium  colors and Mor humus layers.  None of the plots contained exposed mineral soil, gleyed horizons or flooding.  Plot #1 had shallow soil (lacking an A horizon) with very little coarse fragments, though the porosity was high.  Plot #2 had very shallow soil which also lacked an A horizon but had a higher coarse fragment content and moderate porosity.  Plot #3 had deep soil with little coarse fragments and high porosity.  These soils were most likely Podzols (Valentine et al, 1994).

The site series designations for the three plots are displayed below.

2.3 Site #3 Continued

Percent cover of vegetation, including typical and atypical trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses, observed at Site #3 are shown in Table 9.

Table 9. Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses found in 3 plots in Site #3

* see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix

**denotes atypical ground e.g. logs, rocks, etc.

This area was predominantly occupied by Douglas-fir, salal, sword fern and bracken fern, all of which prefer dry to moist sites, as was encountered in this area.  Douglas-fir is a very wind-firm species and thus able to tolerate the higher elevations of these plots.

Plot #1 consisted exclusively of Douglas-fir, determined to be 90 years of age and 32m in height.  The shrub layer, predominantly less than 2m in height, consisted primarily of salal, with a small percentage of red huckleberry and Douglas-fir seedlings.  The herb layer was made up exclusively of bracken fern.  The moss layer was simply made up ot Oregon beaked moss.  About 10% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., measuring 40cm to 60cm in diameter.  Fine debris covered 65% of the ground to a depth of 3cm.  There were no snags present.

2.3 Site #3 Continued

Plot #2 also consisted of Douglas-fir, aged to be an average of 40 years and 10 m in height. The shrub layer, as in Plot #1, was predominantly salal.  The herb layer was dominated by sword fern, with a smaller presence of bracken fern.  Flat moss, then Oregon beaked moss dominated the moss layer.  About 10% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., ranging between 10cmo 40cm in diameter.  Fine debris covered 20% of the ground to a depth of 2.5cm.  There were no snags present.

Plot #3, like Plots # 1 and #2 consisted of Douglas-fir exclusively.  The trees sampled averaged 40 years of age and 15m in height.  The shrub layer was also dominated by salal and the herb layer by sword fern.  The moss layer was diverse, and consisted of flat moss, lanky moss and windswept moss.  Approximately 20% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters ranging from 20-60cm.  Fine debris covered 40% of the ground at an average depth of 1cm.  No snags were present.

2.4 Site #4

Site #4 was located on the west side of the reserve, approximately 470m from corner #10, on a bearing of 72°(Fig. 2.).  This site was distinct because it was our highest elevation site.  Table 10 shows the physiographic characteristics of this site (only one plot was surveyed here).

Table 10. Physiographic characteristics

of one plot at Site #4.

This plot was located in the highest area of the reserve at approximately 480m in elevation.  It was located on a ridge crest facing southeast with a fairly steep slope at 25%.  The slope shape and its position at the top of a ridge make this plot, as a water shedding site, fairly nutrient poor.

Shown in the following table are the soil characteristics of Site #4.

2.4 Site #4 Continued

Table 11. Site-level soil properties for the plot in Site #4

The soil at this site was extremely shallow sandy loam with low coarse fragment content.  No seepage or flooding was observed as this site was a shedding site.  It had a Mor humus that was 4 cm thick.  There was very little exposed mineral soil and decaying wood, but some coarse fragments covered the ground.

The plot’s site series was keyed out to be CWHdm/02 (HwPl-Cladina).

The occurrence of trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses at Site #4 are displayed in Table 12.

Table 12. Trees, shrubs, herbs and mosses at Site #4

*see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix I

**denotes atypical ground e.g. logs, rocks, etc.

2.4 Site #4 Continued

Lodgepole pine was the exclusive tree species in this area of the reserve.  This was an unexpected finding as it did not appear on the Forest Cover Map.  The average tree age and height were sampled at 75 years and 17m respectively.  There were very few shrubs except for Oregon grape and salal.  No herbs were present.  The moss layer was dominated by windswept moss.  Approximately 10% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters of 20 cm or less.  Fine debris covered 15% of the ground at an average depth of 0.5cm.  Two lodgepole pine snags were found with no cavities present.

2.5 Site #5

Site #5 was located 400m, on a bearing of 336°, from the junction of Optimist Creek and Optimist bog (Fig. 6).  Table 13 shows the physiographic characteristics of this site.

Table 13. Physiographic characteristics

of one plot at Site #5.

This site had very little gradient and a cool aspect facing northeast.  Its location on a middle slope reflects a balance in the water movement and dissolved nutrients, as it is neither a shedding site nor a receiving site.  At 350m, this plot is at the same elevation as the plots in site#3 but is a more nutrient rich site as indicated by the site series.

Shown in the following table are the soil characteristics of Site #5.

2.5 Site #5 Continued

Table 14. Site-level soil properties for the plot in Site #5

Site #5 had deep loamy soil with little coarse fragment content.  It had a moder humus form and was moderately porous.  No exposed mineral soil was contained within the plot and ground cover had little coarse fragment content and decaying wood.  The site keyed out to be CWHdm/04 (Fd-Swordfern).

2.5 Site #5 Continued

The following table shows the distribution of the vegetation sampled in Site #5.

Table 15.Trees, shrubs, herbs, and mosses found

in the plot at Site #5

*see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix I

**denotes atypical ground e.g. logs, rocks, etc.

This plot was dominated by western hemlock with the occasional red alder.  Trees sampled averaged 60 years of age and 23m in height.  Again, there were few shrubs except for hemlock and lodgepole pine seedlings as well as a small percentage of red huckleberry.  The herb layer was made up almost exclusively of sword fern.  Flat moss and step moss were present in a poorly developed moss layer.  Approximately 15% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters ranging from 10cm to 40cm.  Fine debris covered 60% of the ground at an average depth of 6cm.  Two of the three snags found were hemlock and had woodpecker feeding holes.

2.6 Site #6

Site #6 was located 400m on a bearing of 118° from corner #7 (see Fig. 6).  Table 13 shows the physiographic characteristics of this site.

Table 16. Physiographic characteristics

of one plot at Site #6

This site was located on a south-facing, low-gradient slope.  It was positioned low on the slope and was neither concave nor convex in shape.  As with all other sites, the landform is glaciofluvial.

At this site, two soil pits were dug because bedrock was encountered so early in the first plot and it was decided to sample another area to see if this was truly indicative of the area.  Soil pit #1 was located in the south-east quadrant of the plot, whereas soil pit #2 was in the north-east quadrant.

Shown in the following table are the soil characteristics of both plots sampled at Site #6.

2.6 Site #6 Continued

Table 17. Site-level soil properties for the plots in Site #6

The soil color for pit#1 was very rusty (indicating oxygen movement and thus good aeration), whereas the soil color in pit#2 was more of a grey-brown.  Pit #2 could be considered a late transitional Mor becoming a Moder due to the presence of earthworms.  Soil pit #1 was noted for having an abundant population of earthworms, and would therefore be classed as having a moder humus form.  The site keyed out to be CWHdm/06 (HwCw-Deer fern).

2.6 Site #6 Continued

The following table shows the distribution of the vegetation sampled in Site #6.

Table 18. Trees, shrubs, herbs, and mosses

found in the plot at Site #6

*see botanical names and common equivalents in Appendix I

The diversity of vegetation at this plot was quite high.  The tree layer consisted of equal proportions of Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western cedar.  The shrub layer was thickly covered with salal, and the poorly developed herb species consisted exclusively of a small percentage of sword fern.  The moss and lichen layer was varied, with a mixture of flat and lanky moss, as well as reindeer lichen.  Approximately 25% of the ground was covered with C.W.D., with diameters generally greater than 40cm.  Fine debris covered 65% of the ground at an average depth of 3cm.  One hemlock and one Douglas-fir snag were present, with the latter marked with woodpecker feeding holes.

2.7 Wildlife Observations

The reserve supports a variety of amphibians,  birds, and small mammals, and is also important overwintering habitat for the resident Columbia black-tail deer of the island. Optimist Bog and Optimist Creek (shown in Fig.7 &  8 below) contribute to this diversity in the reserve and we saw many amphibian egg masses there.

Fig. 8. Optimist Bog.

Optimist Creek (see Fig.9 below) is an important waterway since it runs year-round (though likely at very low levels during the summer).

Fig. 9. Optimist Creek.

2.7 Wildlife Observations Continued

Also, there is a cluster of swamps near corner I (see Fig. 6) on the western side of the reserve where we observed egg clusters underneath logs.

Evidence of Columbia black-tail deer was found in every area of the reserve we hiked through. This included scat, tracks, obvious travel routes, and visual sightings. We also discovered many deer remains (see Fig. 10) in the area surrounding Optimist Bog, though we are not sure why there were so many in this one area.

Fig. 10. Deer bones found near Optimist Bog

Birds seen and/or heard in the area include:

• bald eagles
• pileated woodpeckers
• northern flickers
• winter wrens
• black-capped chickadees
• nuthatches
• juncos
• barred owl
• stellar jays

2.7 Wildlife Observations Continued

There were many good wildlife trees throughout the reserve and we found lots of cavities at many of our sites.

We also observed and heard several Douglas squirrels and came across many squirrel tables during our travels to our sites.

2.8 GPS Data and GIS Mapping

At this time, we are only able to provide a map with the reserve digitized on it and two GPS data points (Fig.11 below). These data points show our access route to the reserve on the east side from the Dallas’ property and a point on Lee Creek. Because of time limitations, we are unable to synthesize and elaborate on the other points that we collected: however, this data will be forwarded to Tom Eng, Research and Planning Technician, South Division, BC Parks this fall.

This inventory focused on stratifying the Bowen Island Ecological Reserve into site series units on the basis of physiography, soil and vegetation.  Five different site series in the CWHdm (dry maritime) and CWHxm (very dry maritime) biogeoclimatic zone variants found in the reserve were established.  They were:

• FdHw-Salal
• HwCw-Deer fern
• Hw-Flat moss
• HwPl-Cladina
• Fd-Swordfern

Several of the sites were representative site associations, however, one was atypical and displayed characteristics of a depression but was actually on an upper slope.

Many problems occurred while trying to reference our plots since G.P.S. data collection was often inhibited by the rugged terrain, weather, and canopy closure.  We recommend a survey be done to establish the boundaries of the reserve which would create sound reference points.

More site series classification study should occur at the reserve because the area is so large and many areas were not surveyed by this project team. Another survey should be done in the spring or summer to obtain a more complete vegetation analysis.  The vegetation analysis done during this survey was incomplete due to winter die-off of forbs in the area and, therefore, indicator plant analyses was not used for site series. A spring/summer vegetation analysis would confirm the site series which were determined.

Finally, a wildlife survey should also be conducted to inventory the many different species which inhabit the reserve. The forest structure data we collected may aid the study of the wildlife habitat of the reserve and to an understanding of how this structure contributes to habitat diversity.

Aerial photos # 30BC 82 060 248-250

Bell, M. 1977.  Inventory of Bowen Island Ecological Reserve: Data provided by Tom Eng, B.C. Parks.

Block, J. 1978. Bowen Island:  A Resource Analysis for Land Use Planning. Vol. 1, 2.  Islands Trust, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MOELP.

Bookhout, T.A. 1994. Research and Management Techniques for Wildlife and Habitats.

Bowen Island Green Zone Technical Sub-committee. 1992. Bowen Island Green Zone Report.

British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forests. 1990. Describing Ecosystems in the Field. MoE Manual 11

British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 1991. Research Branch. Biogeoclimatic Units of the Vancouver Forest Region. Map 5 of 6 Sheet 6. Scale 1:250 000.

C.S.S.C. 1987. The Canadian System of Soil Classification. Research Br. Agriculture Canada. 164pp

Dept. Energy Mines and Resources. 1979. Surficial Geology. Geological Survey Map #1486A. Scale 1:50,000

Eng, T., Research and Planning Technician. 1996. Personal Communication, re: Soils of the Langley-Vancouver Map Area

Giles, R. 1978. Wildlife Management. W.H. Freeman and Company. San Fransico.

Green, R. and K. Klinka. 1991. Field Guide to Site Identification and Interpretation for the Vancouver Forest Region. B.C. Ministry of Forests.

Hirvonen, H. E. 1976. Bowen Island: A Landscape Analysis. Environment Canada, Forest Service.

Krajina, V. et al. 1974.  Ecological Reserves in British Columbia.  MOELP, Victoria.

Meidinger, D. and J. Pojar. 1991. Ecosystems of British Columbia.  B.C. Ministry of Forests. Special Report Series 6.

Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks. 1993. Soils of the Langley-Vancouver Map Area – Volume 2

Ministry of Forests, 1996. Resources Sampling Procedures, Vegetation Inventory (Chapter 4)

National Topographic (NTS) . B.C. Series. 1968. Map 92G/6C, Ed. 2.

National Topographic (NTS). B.C. Series. 1985. Map 92g/7W, #492

Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 1994. Plants of Coastal British Columbia. B.C. Forest Service. Research Program

Schilberg, K., S. Barrett, G. Rusel. 1994. Skagit Valley Ecological Reserves: Resource Inventories.  Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission.

Valentine, K. P. Sprout, T. Baker and L. Lavkulich. 1994. The Soil Landscapes of British Columbia. B.C. Ministry of Environment.

List of Common and Scientific Names of Plants and Codes Used in This Report

Common Name                          Scientific Name                          Code

TREES:

arbutus                                      Arbutus menziesii                        A

bigleaf maple                              Acer macrophyllum                      Mb

Douglas fir                                 Pseudotsuga menziesii                  Fd

grand fir                                     Abies grandis                             Fg

red alder                                     Alnus rubra                                Dr

shore pine                                  Pinus contorta                            Pl

vine maple                                 Acer circinatum                           Mv

western hemlock                          Tsuga heterophylla                      Hw

western red cedar                         Thuja plicata                              Cw

SHRUBS:

Alaska blueberry                          Vaccinium alaskaense                   VACCALA

dull Oregon grape                        Mahonia nervosa                         MAHONER

holly                                         Ilex aculifolium                           Ilexacu

ocean-spray                                 Holodiscus discolor                     HOLODIS

red huckleberry                            Vaccinium parvifolium                Vaccpar

salal                                          Gaultheria shallon                      Gaulsha

salmonberry                                Rubus spectabilis                                    Rubuspe

thimbleberry                               Rubus parviflorus                        Rubupar

trailing blackberry                        Rubus ursinus                            Rubuurs

HERBS/FERNS:

bracken fern                                Pteridium aquilinum                    Pteraqu

deer fern                                     Blechnum spicant                        Blecspi

grass sp.                                    Poa                                           POA spp.

lady fern                                     Athyrium filix-femina                   Athyfi

licorice fern                                 Polypodium glycorrhiza                POLYGLY

oak fern                                      Gymnocarpium dryopteris                    GYMNDRY

spiny shield fern                          Dryopteris expansa                     Dryoexp

sword fern                                  Polystichum munitum                   Polymun

yarrow                                       Achillea millifolium                     ACHIMIL

lichens and Mosses:

coastal leafy moss                        Plagiomnium insigne                   PLAGINS

coastal reindeer lichen                   Cladina portentosa                      CLADPOR

false pixie cup                             Cladonia chlorophaea                 CLADCHL

flat moss                                    Plagiothecum undulatum              PLAGUND

haircap moss                               Polytrichum sp.                           POLY spp.

lanky moss                                 Rhytidiadelphu loreus                  RHYTLOR

Oregon beaked moss                    Kinderbergia oregana                  KINDORE

red-stemmed feather moss              Pleurozium schreberi                   PLEUSCH
sphagnum moss                          Spagnum spp                              SPHAGNU

6.0 APPENDIX II

Data Sheets