ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS SECTION 5
Background
5.1 Revelstoke is adjacent to the transition zone between the wetter and cooler North Columbia Mountains and the drier and warmer Central Columbia Mountains biogeoclimatic zones. These zones are characterized by assemblages of plant and animal species within a climatic region. Generally speaking, a mixed and diverse range of plants and animals are found in transition zone areas. Environmentally sensitive areas in the Revelstoke region include those contained in Mt. Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks.
This fact becomes even more significant in the case of Revelstoke given the history of resource developments and their attendant environmental impacts in the region. Hydroelectric development resulted in substantial loss of low elevation areas with gentle topography in the Columbia River valley between Revelstoke and Shelter Bay. Within the boundaries of Revelstoke a significant proportion of the remaining low elevation, high productivity areas exist. These remnant natural areas provide rich and diverse habitats along the valley bottom and extending along the valley slopes to higher elevations. The areas may be classed as environmentally sensitive and generally include those which are discussed further below.
South Slopes of Mount Revelstoke
The south slopes of Mount Revelstoke which fall within the City's boundaries provide important habitat for a number of species of wildlife. Large mammals found on these steeply sloped forest lands include caribou (important winter range), mule deer, whitetail deer, moose, black and grizzly bears. A number of smaller mammals including marten, weasel, lynx, porcupine and squirrel also inhabit this area. The slopes also host a substantial breeding bird community comprising kinglets, warblers, chickadees, grosbeaks, hawks, grouse and other species.
Airport Wetlands
The area on either side of the airport runway which is periodically inundated by the Upper Arrow Reservoir is important waterfowl habitat. The significance of the area is due in part to the fact that it is the only remaining sizeable wetland in Canada along the Columbia River located downstream of Donald, BC. The area is critical as a staging area for spring migrating waterfowl and has the potential for use during fall migration if reservoir water levels allow. The most prominent species of waterfowl are the mallard, Canada goose, American widgeon, common merganser, ring-necked duck and green-winged teal. Pelicans and swans have also been sited. Other water birds common to these wetlands include grebes, great blue heron and the American Coot.
Riparian Areas
Riparian areas may be defined as those with an integral connection to a stream or other watercourse. In addition to the Airport Wetlands on the Columbia River noted above, a number of others streams within the City provide important riparian areas. These include: - Illecillewaet River
- Tonkawatla Creek
- Dolan Creek
- Jordan River
- Bridge Creek
- Moses Creek and other small creeks
- Williamson Lake and Locke Creek in Westside Road area
These watercourses provide unique natural habitats for birds, fish and wetland vegetation.
Objectives
5.2 Council's objective is to protect areas defined as environmentally sensitive. In some cases, development may be allowed if mitigative measures can be taken to preserve the sensitive area.
Policies
South Slopes of Mount Revelstoke
5.3 Council's policy is to designate the slopes of Mt. Revelstoke adjacent to Mt. Revelstoke National Park, as shown on Schedule D -Environmentally Sensitive and Hazardous Areas, as environmentally sensitive. Development in this area will be discouraged unless it can be demonstrated that mitigative measures such as sensitive timber removal, noise abatement or other steps will be effective in preserving this important wildlife habitat. Furthermore, the City will seek to minimize human/wildlife conflicts in this area through requiring restrictive covenants under Section 215 of the Land Title Act as a condition of subdivision approval. These covenants will require the use of animal-proof garbage containment and management systems, and preclude fruit trees and gardens in order to minimize potential conflicts.
Airport Wetlands
5.4 Council's policy is to designate the Airport Wetlands as shown on Schedule D - Environmentally Sensitive and Hazardous Areas, as an environmentally sensitive area where development will be discharged unless effective mitigative measures can be implemented.
Riparian Habitats
5.5 Council's policy is to designate the following, as shown on Schedule D - Environmentally Sensitive and Hazardous Areas, as environmentally sensitive areas: - 200 year floodplain of the Illecillewaet River;
- within 15 metres of the high water mark of Dolan Creek, Tonkawatla Creek, Moses and other small creeks in the City;
- within 60 metres of the high water mark of the Jordan River;
- within 15 metres of the high water mark of the portion of Bridge Creek north of Highway #1. The remaining portion of Bridge Creek to its confluence with the Illecillewaet River will be protected through appropriate land uses and structural works where required.
No development will be allowed within any of these designated areas with the possible exception of the Illecillewaet River floodplain. Development may be allowed here in accordance with the policies set out in the Hazardous Areas section of this Plan. Furthermore, Council will encourage appropriate land use designations such as Parks and Trails, Reservoir Drawdown and Steep/Undeveloped to protect these sensitive areas.
General
5.6 Council's policy is to recognize the linkages which exist between habitats. In support of this policy, Council will consider undertaking an inventory of habitats and their linkages. Once completed, the results of this work may form the basis for an amendment to this Official Community Plan. Council will also consider habitat conservation in planning greenway routes, and through making appropriate land use designations such as parks.
5.7 Council's policy is to consider optional approaches taken in other communities to dealing with tree protection, and to determine how these approaches may be implemented in Revelstoke. This exercise will be carried out in consultation with the community.
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