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Chilako River Forage Enhancement ProjectGeography and History BackgroundThis past project took place 30 km southwest of Prince George near the Chilako River. It involved areas within Management Units (MU) 7-10, 7-12, Fraser Fort George Regional District, Prince George, Omineca Electoral District, and the Cariboo Development District. The project was started July 1992 and ended September 1993. The Chilako River is a major tributary of the Fraser River that drains the area southwest of Prince George. The project concentrated enhancement activity on the lower third of the river, largely on the border between MU 7-10 and 7-12. This area is one of the most productive areas for moose in the Omineca sub-region. The Chilako River is situated within the Sub-boreal Spruce, Blackwater River Dry Warm Southern (SBSk2) and Nechako River Dry Warm Southern (SBSk3) biogeoclimatic sub zones and the Nechako Lowlands (NEL) ecosection. The region has typically low gently rolling terrain with moderate snow depths and warmer, drier conditions than elsewhere in the sub-region. The riparian areas and adjacent of the Chilako River were selectively logged during 1950's and 60's, approximately 750 ha in MU 7-10 and 700 ha in MU 7-12. The subsequent deciduous regeneration created an area with extremely high quality food resources interspersed with nearby cover areas. In addition to moose, a small population of mule deer has historically used this area. The project involved the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Spruce City Wildlife Association, local sportsman and contractors. From the information gathered there may have also been support from the Environmental Youth Corp. Project Description The deciduous browse vegetation, primarily willow, in the riparian lowlands associated with the Chilako (Mud) River is important winter forage for local moose populations. Hand falling in a patchwork pattern will be used on the willow-red-osier dogwood complex in the riparian area and adjacent terraces. Manual treatment of this vegetation will revitalize willow and dogwood plants approaching decadence and improve browse availability by promoting stem and root suckering. The Enhancement Techniques Mature willow and red-osier dogwood will be hand felled with chain saw or brush saw to promote sprouting. Treatment will concentrate on the decadent segment of the willow complex to maintain a spatial distribution of treated thickets which will have improved forage and untreated thickets which will continue to provide thermal and security cover. A patchwork of openings, none larger than 100m x 100m (1 ha) will be created. Visual barriers will be maintained adjacent to any roads or skid trails. Where possible, large deciduous trees will be girdled to promote wildlife tree (snag) production. However, any deciduous tree with evidence of osprey or eagle nesting will not be damaged. Some of the Benefits and Implications to the Resource The riparian habitat of the Chilako River is an integral habitat component to the surrounding moose populations. The valley bottom is rated as Class I range for ungulates, probably the best moose range in the Omineca sub-region. However, vegetation in the riparian area is passing into a mature stage, which reduces forage availability for moose and other ungulates. The project will rejuvenate important browse species for ungulates; increase the availability of browse; and establish a habitat mosaic more beneficial for moose. The moose populations supported by this area contribute significantly to local recreational use. Habitat improvements may also provide benefits to furbearers, especially beaver and lynx, and non-game wildlife species. Why Enhancement? What is its Relevance to the Region?Moose is one of the key management species in the Omineca sub-region. It supports the highest level of consumptive recreational use and has increasing value for wildlife viewing and interpretation. The Chilako River area is located relatively close to several major population centres and is heavily used by local hunters. The river valley has some of the most productive moose habitat in the sub region. However, natural succession gradually reduces the quality of moose habitat. The suppression of natural disturbances (fire, insects, disease) necessitates periodic habitat management to rejuvenate the site if it is to maintain its high productivity. The very high capability to support ungulates makes the Chilako River area unique to the sub region. The areas proximity to large population centres increases the value of this area for wildlife. Results In July 1992, mature willow stands in two zones along the Chilako river between Gregg creek and Dahl creek were treated by power saw hand slashing to improve moose and deer range. Thirty-one opening were created, ranging from 500 m2 to 43,000 m2. In total, 20 ha (198,000 m2) were slashed and 9100 m of edge were created. Five blocks totaling 11,000 m2 and producing 1150 m of edge were treated in Zone A immediately upstream of the confluence of Dahl creek with the Chilako river. The balance was completed in Zone B between the confluence of Gregg creek with the Chilako river downstream to the McBride Timber road crossing. | ||
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