Vaseux–Bighorn National Wildlife Area Management Plan: appendix 1

Appendix I

Species at Risk Act (SARA) - Listed species at risk confirmed or likely to occur in Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Areas (NWA)

Common Nighthawk (threatened, SARA Schedule 1)

Common Nighthawk occurs in all Canadian provinces and territories. It was designated as threatened due to significant population declines (49.5% decline over 10 years). This species hunts for flying insects at dusk and dawn, and nests in a range of open, vegetation-free habitats. Declines in insect populations due to insecticide use and habitat loss and alteration are likely contributing factors to the decline of the species (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) 2007a).

The species was listed on Schedule 1 in 2010, and a recovery strategy has not yet been completed. The NWA likely provides an abundant source of insect prey for Common Nighthawks as well as potential nesting sites. This species is frequently seen feeding in the area of the NWA.

Flammulated Owl (special concern, Schedule 1)

In Canada, the Flammulated Owl only occurs in British Columbia’s southern interior, with a substantial amount of habitat appropriate for the species occurring in this NWA. Older forests of mixed Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine constitute its preferred habitat. Foraging habitat includes large trees and is more open; security habitat includes younger, more dense trees, and large-diameter snags with preexisting nest cavities are required for suitable nesting habitat. Nest boxes will also be readily used when available. Fire suppression, selective logging and insect outbreaks (e.g., pine beetle) have negatively affected this owl’s preferred habitat (COSEWIC 2010a).

A provincial management plan is in the early stages of development for this species.

Lewis’s Woodpecker (special concern, Schedule I - has been reassessed by COSEWIC as threatened, and is currently being considered for up-listing under SARA)

The Lewis’s Woodpecker breeds in the southern interior of British Columbia from the Similkameen Valley east to the East Kootenay Trench. The core breeding range in the province is in the Okanagan Valley and Thompson Basin (Cooper et al. 1998). Preferred habitats include low-elevation old riparian cottonwood stands along river valleys; low-elevation grasslands with scattered mature and old Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir; open Ponderosa Pine forests with fire-maintained features such as low-stem densities, abundant wildlife trees, and rich herb and shrub layers; and open areas with very old veteran Ponderosa Pines (Cooper et al. 2004).

Lewis’s Woodpeckers occur regularly in the NWA (Cooper et al. 1998, 2004; Dawe et al. 2004). Substantial amounts of suitable habitat occur, and the NWA should be considered a core conservation area for this woodpecker. Although there is high potential for enhancing suboptimal habitat using prescribed burning, girdling of trees, riparian plantings and shrubland enhancement, multi-species habitat needs should be considered before embarking on actions (Cooper and Gillies 2000). A draft management plan for the Lewis’s Woodpecker is in the final stages of approval (Environment Canada, unpublished).

Long-billed Curlew (special concern, Schedule 1)

In Canada, long-billed Curlews breed in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Preferred nesting areas include large, relatively flat areas of short (less than 30-centimetres tall) grassland. In British Columbia, cultivated fields are sometimes also used (COSEWIC 2002).

Peregrine Falcon (threatened, Schedule I)

The anatum subspecies of Peregrine Falcon is currently listed as threatened on SARA Sche

le 1. However, the anatum and tundrius subspecies were reassessed in 2007 by COSEWIC and combined into one unit (anatum/tundrius) on the basis of genetic analysis, and collectively designated as special concern. The change to Schedule 1 is currently under consideration.

Peregrine Falcons occur across Canada. In British Columbia, they breed along the coast and portions of the southern interior. Nest sites (typically cliff ledges or crevices near a prey source) appear to be a factor affecting the distribution of the species. The species historically occurred throughout the Okanagan Valley, including a known nest site at McIntyre Bluff near the NWA. The species had been considered extirpated from the valley for most of the 20th century, but reintroduction programs appear to have had some success (Cooper and Beauchesne 2004). A federal recovery strategy had been drafted but is likely being modified as a management plan to reflect the new status designation.

Rusty Blackbird (special concern, Schedule 1)

Rusty Blackbird is found in all Canadian provinces and territories; virtually the entire breeding range of the species is within Canada. Primarily a boreal forest species, it occurs within north and central British Columbia and the southern interior, not along the coast or southeastern region (COSEWIC 2006a).They are uncommon in the Okanagan Valley, and are seen occasionally in the Vaseux area.

The species was listed as special concern due to significant population declines, likely as a result of habitat loss on the wintering grounds and, to a lesser extent, the breeding grounds. As this species is a riparian specialist, the loss of wetlands in southern Canada is a likely factor in its decline (COSEWIC 2006a). A federal management plan has not yet been developed for this species.

Sage Thrasher (endangered, Schedule I)

In Canada, the Sage Thrasher occurs regularly only in the southern Similkameen and Okanagan valleys of British Columbia, and southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta (Cannings 2000b). Since approximately 1980, only 5-10 pairs have been present in British Columbia (Campbell et al. 1997).

The Sage Thrasher is limited in distribution to regions of Big Sage and shrub-steppe habitats. It nests primarily in large sage bushes, a habitat that is potentially at risk due to urban, recreational and vineyard development. Cattle ranching can be compatible with successful breeding of Sage Thrashers, given moderate levels of grazing and carefully monitored management.

A draft recovery strategy is in the final stages of approval. Considerable amounts of suitable or potential Sagebrush habitat occur near the NWA, especially at White Lake. Dry sites within the NWA offer potential to manage for Big Sagebrush, which could contribute to the regional habitat requirement for Sage Thrashers.

Western Screech-Owl (endangered, Schedule I)

The Western Screech-Owl macfarlanei subspecies in Canada is restricted to south-central British Columbia, including the Okanagan Valley. It is listed as endangered because of its extremely small population size and past and imminent future loss of its native riparian woodland breeding habitat in the lowland valleys of the southern interior of British Columbia, particularly in the Okanagan and lower Similkameen watersheds (Chaundy-Smart 2002).

This cavity-nesting species requires high-quality riparian habitat with mature large-diameter trees for roosting and nesting, as well as suitable adjacent woodlands and edges of open habitats.

A provincial recovery strategy is available (Western Screech-Owl, macfarlanei subspecies Recovery Team 2008). Mature riparian forest is in very limited supply in the NWA, but opportunities to enhance and conserve habitat along Vaseux Lake and the Okanagan River are available.

White-headed Woodpecker (endangered, Schedule I)

In Canada, the White-headed Woodpecker is found only in British Columbia, where it is a rare resident in the Okanagan Valley from Naramata south, and a casual resident in the Similkameen Valley, Grand Forks area, and Kootenays (Campbell et al. 1990). White-headed Woodpecker sightings have occurred several times near Vaseux Lake, on provincial and federal conservation lands including the NWA (Vaseux Protected Area, Vaseux-Bighorn NWA, White Lake Protected Area, and Nature Trust lands) (Environment Canada, unpublished data).

The White-headed Woodpecker needs mature Ponderosa Pine that produces significant amounts of seed. Current habitat has been degraded through harvesting of larger-diameter pines and fire suppression (the density of younger trees has increased in some areas) (Cannings 2000a). Most of the old-growth Ponderosa Pine forests of British Columbia were logged in the 1930s and 1940s (Cannings et al. 1998), but scattered remnants occur in some areas.

A draft recovery strategy for White-headed Woodpeckers is in the final stages of approval (Environment Canada, unpublished). Considerable amounts of suitable or potential Ponderosa Pine habitat occur in the NWA, and these areas could be a focal point for habitat management/enhancement for the White-headed Woodpecker.

Williamson’s Sapsucker (endangered, Schedule I)

The Williamson’s Sapsucker inhabits higher-elevation mature, mixed coniferous and deciduous forests dominated by Western Larch. In the southern interior of British Columbia, breeding primarily occurs in montane forests (Campbell et al. 1990). In the Okanagan region it is restricted to the southern Okanagan highlands, where populations are thought to be sizable and stable (Cannings et al. 1987; Cooper 1995). Habitat loss is the primary threat to the Williamson’s Sapsucker, and this is primarily through logging activities and fire, reducing the amount of mature coniferous forest. Williamson’s Sapsuckers may benefit from management practices aimed at protecting and maintaining the NWA’s and surrounding lands’ open-canopy Ponderosa Pine forest with grassy understorey. A draft recovery strategy for the Williamson’s Sapsucker is in the final stages of approval (Environment Canada, unpublished).

Yellow-breasted Chat (endangered, Schedule I)

The Yellow-breasted Chat auricollis subspecies, British Columbia population, occurs in Canada almost exclusively in the south Okanagan and Similkameen valleys. As of 2010, it was estimated that there were approximately 153 breeding pairs of Yellow-breasted Chats in the province (Environment Canada, unpublished data). The primary threat to the species is the loss, degradation and fragmentation of its habitat through development, roadside vegetation removal, and livestock grazing (Cannings 2000c).

A draft recovery strategy is nearing completion. The NWA has some suitable chat habitat and some potential for enhancement. Restoration efforts have already occurred within the NWA, as species recovery efforts have been ongoing for several years. However, it is important to ensure that recovery efforts are compatible with other species in need of conservation.

American Badger (endangered, Schedule I)

Badgers occur in British Columbia in the Okanagan and Thompson valleys, East Kootenay Trench and the Cariboo. Populations are very low, probably less than 350 individuals. Formerly occurring regularly in the NWA, sightings in recent decades have dwindled. Threats to badgers include continued loss of habitat to development, mortality from road kill, and the relatively low and dispersed populations. Subdivision and development of private land, and current and future sales of existing crown lands, are also a significant threat. Fire suppression has also resulted in extensive ongoing forest in-growth.

Management practices such as forest thinning and burning in areas that were historically open habitats will contribute to badger recovery. Human-caused mortality from road kill must be addressed, including provision of safe crossing structures and openings in concrete barriers (BC Conservation Data Centre 2010.

A provincial recovery strategy is available (Jeffersonii Badger Recovery Team 2008). Substantial amounts of suitable habitat exist in the NWA, but threats from road-kill mortality need to be addressed before it is likely that badgers can recover in the Okanagan Valley.

Nuttall’s Cottontail (special concern, Schedule 1)

Although a common species in the United States, within Canada the nuttalli subspecies of Nuttall’s Cottontail only occurs in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys (COSEWIC 2006b), in shrub-steppe habitat, with Sagebrush and rocky outcrops being important habitat features. Suitable habitat is present in the NWA. A provincial management plan has not yet been drafted for this species.

Pallid Bat (threatened, Schedule I)

The Pallid Bat occurs in Canada only in extreme southern British Columbia in the southern Okanagan Valley, in a localized area between the Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan falls. It appears to be most abundant on the Osoyoos Indian Reserve. Pallid Bats have also been captured at Vaseux Canyon and Gallagher Bluff. The Pallid Bat is found in arid desert-like habitat in British Columbia, often near rocky outcrops and water. It is restricted to low elevations (300-500 m) in Sagebrush areas and Ponderosa Pine forests in the vicinity of cliff faces and water. Preferring to forage in open areas, the Pallid Bat can be found over lengthy tracks of sandy, sparsely vegetated Sagebrush and grassland. Gravel roads and canyon mouths are preferred feeding areas. Ponderosa Pines are preferred as night roosts, and cliffs are used for day roosts.

The main limiting factors for Pallid Bats in Canada seem to be climate and naturally low availability of adequate habitat. The bats are threatened by continuing habitat loss from a rapidly increasing human population, urban expansion, recreational use and agriculture.

A provincial recovery strategy is available for Pallid Bats (Pallid Bat Recovery Team 2008). Substantial amounts of suitable habitat occur in the NWA, and the NWA could be part of the core protected area for this bat.

Spotted Bat (special concern, Schedule I)

The Spotted Bat is patchily distributed from central Mexico through the western United States. In Canada, it is restricted to lower elevations (below 900 m) in the southern interior of British Columbia. Most occurrences are in the bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine, or interior Douglas Fir biogeoclimatic zones. Day roosts consist of crevices or cracks in high cliff faces. Winter roosting habitat is unknown. Foraging sites are close to water and within 6 km of day roosts. Foraging activity in the Okanagan has been observed in old fields adjacent to Ponderosa Pine forest (COSEWIC 2004a).

A provincial management plan has not yet been initiated for this species. Suitable foraging (and likely roosting) habitat occurs in the NWA.

Western Harvest Mouse (special concern, Schedule 1)

Like the Nuttall’s Cottontail, the Western Harvest Mouse is at the northern limit of its range in Canada. The megalotis subspecies occurs throughout the south and central Okanagan in valley bottoms or south-facing slopes up to 780 m elevation. Suitable habitats are shrub-steppe grasslands with a well-developed, abundant herb layer. Old agricultural fields and orchards may also be used (COSEWIC 2007b). Suitable habitat is present in the NWA. A provincial management plan has not yet been drafted for this species.

Desert Nightsnake (endangered, Schedule I)

Nightsnakes occur in Canada only in the South Okanagan, including in the NWA. Less than 25 sites are known, and the Desert Nightsnake is considered highly endangered (Gregory 2001). The most essential habitat for Nightsnakes is over-wintering hibernacula. These occur on rugged hillsides, usually on warm aspects, dominated with rock outcroppings and talus. Entrances are usually fractures in bedrock or gaps between rocks that extend below the frost line. The internal structure of the overwintering sites is unknown, but it must be sufficiently deep to avoid freezing, and high humidity is likely important to avoid desiccation. Other important habitats include summer shelter (large flat rocks, burrows, crevices) and nests (currently unknown) (Sarell 2004).

Nightsnakes are a priority species for the Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team (Sarell 2004) and a provincial recovery strategy has been prepared (Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008c). There are likely opportunities to enhance/conserve habitat in the NWA, as Nightsnakes are known to occur there in Big Sage / rock outcrop habitats (Dawe et al. 2004).

Great Basin Gophersnake (threatened, Schedule I)

Great Basin Gophersnakes occur in the NWA and at low and mid-elevations within dry areas of the southern interior of British Columbia. Open areas in bunchgrass, Sagebrush, shrub-steppe and open Ponderosa Pine forest habitats are preferred. Over-wintering dens are usually located on south-facing slopes in the Ponderosa Pine and bunchgrass biogeoclimatic zones. They are mainly found above the valley bottom, usually located at the base of cliffs, talus slopes, rock piles, or fissures in rock outcrops. Horizontal fissures or talus at the base of cliffs are particularly suitable. Individual gophersnakes occasionally use abandoned rodent burrows and human-modified habitats, such as the gravel bed of a railway. Dens are often communal and, in addition to Great Basin Gophersnakes, may be occupied by other snake species, including the Western Rattlesnake, Western Yellow-bellied Racer, Desert Nightsnake, and garter snakes (Waye and Shewchuk 2002). Gophersnakes disperse quickly from overwintering sites in the spring and may move 1 km or more to summer foraging areas, where they make regular use of shelter sites. Shelter sites are usually located in abandoned rodent burrows on south-facing slopes. Nests are usually located in abandoned rodent burrows on sparsely-vegetated, south-facing slopes with loose, sandy soils (Shewchuk 1996).

Conservation is being addressed mainly by the Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team, and a recovery strategy has been prepared (Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008d). Because there are substantial amounts of suitable habitat, there are likely multiple opportunities to conserve and/or enhance habitat in the NWA.

Great Basin Spadefoot (threatened, Schedule I)

The Great Basin Spadefoot reaches the northern limit of its distribution in the dry valleys of the southern interior of British Columbia. It is a poorly known species, mainly because of its habit of living underground most of the time. Spadefoots are often opportunistic breeders, as they use ephemeral water bodies that may not be available each year. They may also use more permanent water bodies with distinct basins that predictably contain water until at least late summer. Such sites can be very important in supporting the population during drought years, when ephemeral egg-laying sites are either not available or dry up before tadpoles are able to complete their development (COSEWIC 2007c; Sarell 2004).

The Great Basin Spadefoot is known to occur in the NWA (Dawe et al. 2004), but the extent of its distribution and abundance is uncertain. Ephemeral ponds are rare in the NWA, but there may be opportunities to enhance more permanent water bodies as habitat for Great Basin Spadefoot toads. A provincial recovery strategy is available (Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008e).

Rubber Boa (special concern, Schedule I)

In Canada, Rubber Boas are patchily distributed throughout southern British Columbia. A wide variety of habitat types are used, with the presence of abundant, coarse, woody debris appearing to be an important feature component. Rock crevices and abandoned rodent burrows are used extensively for thermoregulation; individuals spend the majority of time underground (Cameron et al. 2003). The stated management objective to reduce coarse, woody debris in the NWA may limit suitable habitat for this species. A provincial management plan has not yet been drafted.

Tiger Salamander (endangered, Schedule I)

The endangered Southern Mountain population of Tiger Salamander is restricted in Canada to a small area of arid habitats in the South Okanagan, Lower Similkameen, and Kettle River Valley watersheds (COSEWIC 2001; Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008g). Important habitats include egg-laying sites (aquatic) and terrestrial shelters. Tiger Salamanders breed in both permanent and ephemeral water bodies in valley bottoms up to 1250-m elevation. The water bodies in which egg-laying sites occur are often alkaline and soft bottomed, but can be of various sizes and depths and are often surrounded by grassland. Egg-laying sites are usually in warm, shallow (less than 1-m deep) water. Shelters are burrows or underground crevices (Richardson et al. 2000).

Tiger Salamanders likely occur in various parts of the NWA. Conservation is being addressed mainly by the Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team and a provincial recovery strategy has been prepared (Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008g). Maintaining the structural integrity and water quality of wetlands and their shorelines in the NWA may be the best method of conserving habitat.

Western Painted Turtle (special concern, Schedule I)

Western Painted Turtles are distributed across the central United States, with disjunct populations in the southwest and Mexico. In southern Canada, the species occurs from Ontario to British Columbia. The Intermountain-Rocky Mountain population, which is designated as special concern and which occurs in the NWA, is geographically isolated from the endangered Pacific Coast population. Preferred habitat consists of a cluster of breeding and over-wintering ponds, their associated riparian areas, and upland habitat connecting the areas (COSEWIC 2006c).

The species is known to occur in the NWA (COSEWIC 2006c). A provincial management plan has not yet been prepared for the Intermountain-Rocky Mountain population.

Western Rattlesnake (threatened, Schedule I)

In Canada, this species, also known as Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, occurs mainly in arid regions of the Okanagan and Thompson valleys. It is considered threatened in Canada as a result of habitat loss from agricultural and residential development as well as persecution by humans. Western Rattlesnakes are known to have three important habitats: over-wintering dens (hibernacula), maternal rookeries and shelter sites. Western Rattlesnake over-wintering hibernacula occur on steep and rugged hillsides, usually on warm aspects, dominated with rock outcroppings and talus. The entrance may be a fracture in bedrock or gaps between rocks. Over-wintering sites usually have flat, exposed areas around the entrance of the den where rattlesnakes spend several weeks laying out just after emergence in the spring, and just before re-entering in the fall. Maternal rookeries are usually composed of rock with recesses and fissures. The complex structure and temperature gradients of the rocks and fissures that make up the sites are essential for proper development of embryos, and also provide protection from predators. Rookeries are usually located within 50 m of the winter hibernacula. Shelter sites occur in rock outcroppings, rubble, vegetation or man-made structures (e.g., concrete berms, construction materials).

The Western Rattlesnake requires several interconnected habitats to perform its life-history functions. Extensive seasonal movement between habitats makes the Western Rattlesnake particularly vulnerable to disturbance. Conservation is being addressed mainly by the Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team, and a provincial recovery strategy is in place (Southern Interior Reptile and Amphibian Recovery Team 2008f). The Western Rattlesnake is relatively common in the NWA and several hibernacula sites are known (Dawe et al. 2004). As habitat and numbers are relatively abundant, there seems to be a great opportunity to conserve habitat and populations in the NWA.

Western Skink (special concern, Schedule I)

In Canada, Western Skinks are limited in distribution to the south Okanagan and Similkameen valleys and the Kootenay region, with most records coming from the hotter, drier locations. Diverse habitats, including forest and grassland, are used. Abundant herbaceous cover, and cover objects such as coarse, woody debris or talus, are important habitat features, as is a south-facing aspect (Ovaska et al. 2002).

Suitable habitat is present in the NWA. A provincial management plan has yet to be prepared for this species.

Western Toad (special concern, Schedule 1)

The halophilus subspecies of the Western Toad ranges from western British Columbia to southern Alaska. Preferred habitat types are desert streams and springs, grasslands, aspen groves and mountain meadows; they are less common in heavily wooded regions. Western Toads are terrestrial amphibians, and outside of the breeding season they spend their daylight hours on the forest floor or under rocks or shrubs. There are two records of individual adult Western Toads observed around the Vaseux basin / NWA-constructed wetlands in 2005 and 2006.

Suitable habitat is present within the NWA. A draft provincial management plan is available for Western Toads in British Columbia (Provincial Western Toad Working Group, unpublished), and a national management plan is also nearing the final stages of completion (Environment Canada, unpublished).

Western Yellow-bellied Racer (special concern, Schedule I)

Yellow-bellied Racers occur across North and Central America. In Canada they occur only in the south and central interior of British Columbia, with the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys comprising the core of the species’ range. Favoured habitats are characterized as open and sparsely treed. Nesting sites are usually south-facing, and can be abandoned rodent burrows or stable talus slopes. Nest sites are sometimes shared with other species, such as gophersnakes. Hibernacula are also on south-facing slopes (steep), and shared with other snakes. Dens may be on rocky outcrops, talus slopes and small rock piles with sufficient humidity to prevent dessication (COSEWIC 2004b).

Suitable habitat is present in the NWA. A provincial management plan has yet to be prepared for this species.

Behr’s Hairstreak (threatened, Schedule I)

In Canada, the Behr’s Hairstreak is known to occur only in the South Okanagan, from Penticton south to the U.S. border (Shepard 2000). It uses Antelope Brush, almost exclusively, as a host plant. Hairstreaks generally lay their eggs singly on woody twigs of Antelope Brush plants and at the base of the buds of the next year’s leaves. The Behr’s Hairstreak appears to select large, mature Antelope Brush (> 2 m in height) as host plants. Yarrow, Smooth Sumac, Baby’s Breath and other flowering plants are also used for nectaring.

Surveys for Behr’s Hairstreaks in 2003 in the NWA found most individuals in the Northeast Upland Unit (Dawe et al. 2004). A provincial recovery strategy has been completed (Southern Interior Invertebrates Recovery Team 2008a), and as Antelope Brush occurs commonly in the NWA, there are likely substantial opportunities to enhance and conserve habitat. Although the NWA provides protection from development and destruction of Antelope Brush habitat, additional management practices to increase the quality of this habitat are required. These practices include reducing recreational activity in the protected area, eliminating exotic species, and identifying areas of burned Antelope Brush with previous Behr’s Hairstreak records in the NWA along with developing a plan to replant these communities in accordance with recovery strategy goals.

Monarch (special concern, Schedule I)

In Canada, the distribution of the Monarch is correlated with the northern range limit of milkweeds, which is generally southern Canada, with highest abundances in southern Ontario and Quebec (COSEWIC 2010b). Southern British Columbia represents the only area where the western population occurs. Showy Milkweed is the only native milkweed in British Columbia, and along with cultivated milkweeds, provides the Monarch’s larval caterpillar with its sole food source. Primary threats to the species are at over-wintering sites in Mexico, although the use of herbicides and pesticides near breeding areas is also a concern (COSEWIC 2010b).

Suitable habitat is present in the NWA. A national management plan for the Monarch is in the draft stages.

Mormon Metalmark (endangered, Schedule I)

The Mormon Metalmark is a butterfly of arid regions, and occurs in British Columbia only in the South Okanagan. The Mormon Metalmark uses Snow Buckwheat as both larval food plant and adult nectar source. Common rabbitbrush is an important secondary nectar source. It is mainly associated with hillsides, dunes and embankments on barren, sandy or gravelly soils where the buckwheat larval host plants grow (St. John 2002). A provincial recovery strategy has been prepared (Southern Interior Invertebrates Recovery Team 2008b).

Where possible, early successional habitats that promote the growth of Snow Buckwheat will be maintained. Maintenance activities that could damage areas that contain, or could contain, Snow Buckwheat will not be carried out.

Short-rayed Alkali Aster (endangered, Schedule I)

In Canada, the Short-rayed Alkali Aster is found only in British Columbia’s southern interior, including along the shores of Vaseux Lake. The aster seems to depend on late-summer draw-downs of ponds and rivers and is found on gentle, moist slopes. The aster flowers from July to October, and dispersal is facilitated by wind, water and animals. The plant has a very limited distribution in Canada, and the main threats are beach management activities and invasive plants.

Additional information can be obtained at:

Environment Canada
Inquiry Centre
10 Wellington Street, 23rd Floor
Gatineau, QC K1A 0E3
Telephone: 1-800-668-6767 (in Canada only) or 819-997-2800
Fax: 819-994-1412
TTY: 819-994-0736
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca