Master of Science in Ecological Restoration Applied Research Projects | BCIT Institutional Repository

Master of Science in Ecological Restoration Applied Research Projects

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This is Canada’s first master’s program specializing in Ecological Restoration and is offered as a joint program between British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). The MSc in Ecological Restoration combines the strong technical and applied (experiential) knowledge at BCIT with SFU’s fundamental (contextual) basic science and community engagement expertise.

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Abiotic and native vegetation species associations of an invasive tree species in the Central Kootenays BC
I studied an invasive tree species black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.), in BC’s Lower Columba Valley (LCV). Black locust has invaded forests and open lands since its introduction to revegetate disturbed slopes in the 1940’s. I conducted research to help my partners Teck Metals Ltd. achieve three goals: (1) assess the ability of aerial imagery to support visual identification of black locust stands and recommend strategies for improving black locust identification, (2) identify abiotic conditions and native vegetation species associated with risks of black locust invasion, and (3) develop strategies to contain new black locust invasions in the LCV and remediate sites invaded by black locust. Aerial imagery successfully helped identify flowering black locust trees but did not help identify non-flowering trees and black locust shrubs and recruits. Black locust cover increased in association with increasing temperature, light availability, moisture availability, and soil disturbance, but black locust did not occur on sites with permanently saturated soils. Black locust was associated with early-seral deciduous tree species including black cottonwood and trembling aspen and the native conifer species western white pine and Douglas-fir. Black locust was not associated with later-seral coniferous species associated with either hot and dry conditions (including ponderosa pine) or cool conditions (including western hemlock). Black locust invasions may be able to be contained and restored by physically remediating disturbed sites, removing black locust on disturbed sites, and planting native tree and shrub species to stabilize soils and reduce black locust seedbank and rootstock establishment and maturation success by outcompeting black locust for light, space, and moisture. Native forests may be able to be re-established on sites invaded by mature black locust stands by protecting sites from further disturbances, restoring native tree species throughout the region to increase propagule availability and re-colonization success, and planting native tree and shrub species to replace maturing black locust stands with native mid- and later-seral forest species., black locust, forest ecology, invasive species, ecosystem succession, image validation, ecological restoration
Assessing juvenile salmon use of restored habitat in the K’ómoks estuary
The mouth of the Courtenay River on the K’ómoks Estuary has been exposed to a range of anthropogenic stressors and influences over the past one hundred years. Since 1998 organizations such as the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Comox Valley Project Watershed Society have conducted restoration projects in hopes of restoring juvenile salmon habitat throughout the K’ómoks Estuary. This study was an overview of the juvenile salmon use of restored salmon habitat in the K’ómoks Estuary. Sampling of juvenile salmon was conducted at three study sites by Comox Valley Project Watershed Society’s Sampling Team between April and July 2023. Measurements such as Water Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen Concentration, and Salinity were also sampled and recorded along with Percent Shade Cover at the study sites. These data will be used to assess the success of historic restoration projects, as well as provide baseline data for the upcoming Kus-kus-sum restoration project., juvenile salmon, Courtenay river, K’ómoks estuary, Kus-kus-sum, restoration success, Project Watershed
Assessing the allelopathic effect of invasive phragmites australis on sida hermaphrodita and ammannia robusta; two species at risk in Southern Ontario
In Ontario, invasive Phragmites australis threatens to displace many species including the endangered species Sida hermaphrodita and Ammannia robusta. Germination and growth assays measured the effect of P. australis aqueous extracts from the leaves, rhizomes, and roots on S. hermaphrodita and A. robusta. Germination was inhibited by some of the treatments, but growth was not. The tissues inhibited germination differently for S. hermaphrodita (leaf> rhizome> root) compared to A. robusta (root> rhizome> leaf) indicating that the allelopathic effect was species-specific. However, the laboratory results show that allelopathic effects are weak. This result is consistent to the field study results showing an increase in S. hermaphrodita area and density over time. Results from this project inform management options by indicating which part of the plant needs to be targeted. In this case, all the tissues had some phytotoxic effects, indicating that biomass may need to be removed or long-term management implemented., Invasive Species, Species at Risk, Seed Germination, Seedling Growth, Allelopathy
Assessing the effects of manual tree removal as a grassland restoration treatment in the Churn Creek protected area
High-elevation grasslands in the Churn Creek Protected Area of the British Columbia Interior are being lost to the expansion of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca) forests. In 2015, trees were manually removed in four of six treatments of varying tree density, height and maturity. The two extreme vegetation treatments, open grassland and mature closed forest, did not undergo tree removal. Three plots were randomly assigned per treatment to assess grassland community recovery. Vegetation percent cover, stem density and height of new tree seedlings were recorded in fixed-radius plots pre- (2015) and post-treatment (2018 and 2023). In 2023, soil characteristics were also measured. There were declines in herbaceous cover in 2023, due to either observer differences or low total annual precipitation since 2021. Soils in the mature closed forest had lower soil water content, temperature and electrical conductivity. In 2023, stem density of Douglas-fir seedlings was greater than previous years, yet shorter in height., woody encroachment, grassland recovery, seedling recruitment, manual tree removal, cultural burning, soil dynamics
Assessing the implications of forest management strategies on stream condition in the Oktwanch River Watershed, BC
The harvest of riparian vegetation is a principal threat to aquatic ecosystems, often resulting in heavily aggraded and widened streams that provide diminished benefits for ecologically and culturally important salmonids. Riparian Management Areas are buffers required by the Forest and Range Practices Act of BC that restrict harvest around rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The purpose of this study was to determine if current forest management strategies, such as RMAs, are effectively protecting streams from the impacts of forest harvest and if restoration could aid in the recovery of riparian forests in the Oktwanch River watershed. This was achieved through assessments of stream condition and riparian vegetation structure, composition, and width in the Oktwanch River watershed and a spatial analysis of forest-cover-based intactness of RMAs and lateral morphological changes in the Oktwanch River mainstem from 1985 to 2022 using Landsat imagery. This study determined that poor stream condition was more closely linked to the structure and composition of stands in RMAs than insufficient RMA widths, suggesting that the legacy effects of riparian harvest that began more than 60 years ago continue to impact stream condition in the Oktwanch River watershed. A management approach that restricts forest harvest at the watershed-scale would be most effective in facilitating the recovery of riparian forests and streams in the Oktwanch River watershed.
Assessing the potential impact of English ivy (Hedera helix) on the arthropod community of Stanley Park
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a vine species that had been introduced to North America in colonial times. Extensive monocultures of English ivy and the attachment to other plants have been shown to impact native flora of North America. Its impact on native fauna has been overlooked. I sampled arthropods in six native plant plots and six English ivy plots in Stanley Park, British Columbia. A weekly collection of arthropods through pitfall traps was conducted from May to August 2019. There was no significant difference in arthropod diversity and total abundance of groups between native and ivy plots. Non-metric multidimensional scaling was used to show distances between beetle community compositions. There was a large overlap of beetle compositions despite three families found exclusively in native plots. Implications for managing and restoring English ivy of the park were discussed., NMDS, Hedera helix, Invasive species, Arthropods, Ecological restoration, Beetles as indicators, © Tianbi Wu, 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright heron may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – graphics, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without written permission of the author.
Biological soil crusts for reclamation of mine tailings
Research was conducted examining biocrust development on reclaimed mine tailings and testing amendments to enhance biocrust establishment. Three reclaimed Canadian mine sites were samples for biocrusts: Endako mine (BC), Brenda mines (BC) and Gaspe mines (QC). Sampling showed Cladonia sp. lichen dominating the lichen samples. Microbial biomass was seen to be lower in older biocrusts, correlated to carbon content and, higher in microbial or moss dominated biocrusts. Carbon fraction was higher than mineral soils while nitrogen fraction was closer to organic soils. The biocrust samples also showed higher Al, P, K, S and Mg concentrations but lower Fe concentrations, than the sub-surface tailings sand. Experiments with amendments on the exposed tailings of Gibraltar mines (BC), showed an enhanced chlorophyll response to inoculation, fertilization and partial shading. Use of an organic media significantly enhanced moss productivity. This research project demonstrates the potential to use biocrusts for reclamation on mine tailings facilities., © Shantanu Dutt, 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright heron may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – graphics, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval systems – without written permission of the author.
Blanket Creek Provincial Park weedy field restoration plan
A key management concern for provincial parks is the establishment of invasive species due to their impacts on native biodiversity. Within Blanket Creek Provincial Park there is a 0.24 ha heavily invaded field dominated by hawkweed species and spotted knapweed which developed after a series of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Restoration actions are required to renew the ecological process of natural succession and shift the vegetation community from its current state to one dominated by native species. The aim of this project was to determine the current site conditions which will inform a restoration plan for the site and act as baseline conditions for future monitoring. This site assessment focused on the characterization of the vegetation and soil conditions. Restoration recommendations focus on promoting the development of a deciduous forest characteristic of the Interior Cedar-Hemlock biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification zone. The restoration recommendations include invasive species management, decompaction, fertilization, mulching, and the planting of native trees and shrubs., restoration, alternative stable states, invasive species, forest succession
Breeding waterfowl use of restored wetlands in the Cariboo region of British Columbia
This study investigated effects of wetland size and emergent vegetation cover on breeding waterfowl and young at 12 restored wetlands in the Cariboo region of British Columbia. Repeated ground surveys were conducted throughout summer 2019 to determine total abundance, density and species richness of waterfowl. Surveyed wetlands varied in size and emergent cover. Large (16-19 ha) wetlands had greater breeding total abundance and lower breeding and brood densities than smaller wetlands. Total abundance of breeding waterfowl and young were highest when wetlands had less than 60% emergent cover. Previous studies suggest that high densities of waterfowl decrease young survival. Restorations created to benefit several species of breeding waterfowl may want to restore wetlands that are large (>16 ha) and have less than 30% emergent vegetation cover. These wetlands had higher total abundances and lower densities than other categories studied, however, certain species may depend on smaller wetlands which should be researched further., Cariboo region, wetland restoration, breeding waterfowl, emergent vegetation
A climate adaptation plan: Identifying thermal refugia for salmonids in the Tsolum River
Stream temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are increasing due to climate change, resulting in thermal stress for salmonids. Groundwater is a cooler source of water into streams, providing thermal refugia. The goal of this Applied Research Project was to identify groundwater input areas in the Tsolum River, using temperature loggers to trace the thermal signal of groundwater. A total of 28 water temperature loggers and 2 air temperature loggers were deployed within the watershed in the summer of 2019. Results showed that 12 sites may be influenced by groundwater input. Restoration/management actions such as riparian planting, gravel bar live staking, and restrictions on groundwater withdrawal are recommended to decrease stream temperatures. This study demonstrated that temperature loggers can be deployed within streams to identify areas of groundwater input. The identification of thermal refugia within the Tsolum River and other salmonid-bearing streams will help to protect salmonids from climate change impacts., climate adaptation, thermal refugia, Tsolum River, groundwater
Collaborative exploration of novel bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) restoration techniques in an urban ecosystem
This applied research project serves as the first year of a collaborative project between the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and Kelp Rescue Initiative aimed at tailoring bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) restoration methodologies to Burrard Inlet. This research characterized abiotic and biotic conditions at reference sites, compared these conditions to three identified restoration sites to determine their viability for larger-scale restoration, and trialled the green gravel and kelp-seeded tile restoration methods. This study concluded New Brighton Park has sufficiently large substrate to be a restoration site in future years. Naturally recruited N. luetkeana was found from the low intertidal to a maximum depth of 3 metres below chart datum at an average sporophyte density of ~3 sporophytes per m2 in the late summer. The restoration trials saw limited success past April; however, lessons learned suggest outplanting larger kelp-seeded rocks and attaching kelp-seeded tiles to larger substrate could increase restoration success., macroalgae, kelp, Nereocystis luetkeana, restoration, green gravel
Determining the Accuracy of the Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool for Identifying North American Beaver (Castor canadensis) Habitat in the Central Interior Cariboo Region of British Columbia
Perennial watercourses in British Columbia are becoming intermittent from climate change. North American beaver (Castor canadensis) dams retain perennial flow while providing other ecosystem services. The Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) estimates a stream’s dam capacity by evaluating the vegetative, physical, and hydrological habitat. This research project surveyed 15 streams in the Cariboo region to assess the accuracy of the BRAT’s outputs. Climate data were used to model changes in flow. Overall, the BRAT outputs generally correlated with field measurements. However, the non-vegetation outputs contributed minimally to dam capacity, and higher dam capacity did not always indicate higher habitat quality. Climate projections also indicate most streams will lose nival flow by 2041-2071. Therefore, using the BRAT with other models can determine both dam capacity and overall habitat quality to increase successful beaver restoration chances. When vegetation and physical stream conditions are met, higher watershed/channel size may indicate higher-quality habitat.
Determining the accuracy of the beaver restoration assessment tool for identifying North American beaver (Castor canadensis) habitat in the Central Interior Cariboo region of British Columbia
Perennial watercourses in British Columbia are becoming intermittent from climate change. North American beaver (Castor canadensis) dams retain perennial flow while providing other ecosystem services. The Beaver Restoration Assessment Tool (BRAT) estimates a stream’s dam capacity by evaluating the vegetative, physical, and hydrological habitat. This research project surveyed 15 streams in the Cariboo region to assess the accuracy of the BRAT’s outputs. Climate data were used to model changes in flow. Overall, the BRAT outputs generally correlated with field measurements. However, the non-vegetation outputs contributed minimally to dam capacity, and higher dam capacity did not always indicate higher habitat quality. Climate projections also indicate most streams will lose nival flow by 2041-2071. Therefore, using the BRAT with other models can determine both dam capacity and overall habitat quality to increase successful beaver restoration chances. When vegetation and physical stream conditions are met, higher watershed/channel size may indicate higher-quality habitat.
Drivers of humpback whale movement in Boundary Pass, British Columbia
The Salish Sea is critical habitat for several whale species including the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). Boundary Pass is part of the Salish Sea and connects the Pacific Ocean to several commercial shipping ports in the Pacific Northwest Region of North America. Since 1997, the number of Humpback whales continues to increase in this area, meanwhile the number of vessels is also increasing such that Boundary Pass is among the busiest shipping routes in the region. This high vessel traffic in the area leads to acoustic disturbances that degrades whale foraging opportunities for humpback whales. Commercial vessels transporting goods through whale habitat causes an increased risk of vessel collisions with humpback whales. Humpback-whale movements in Boundary Pass was recorded through systematic scan surveys conduction from a vantage point between June and August. Whale occupancy was compared to oceanographic variables and vessel presence. We found humpback whales were most likely to be present during ebb tides of speeds of -2 m/s under the influence of low tides and also whales were active in areas overlap with shipping lane in the area. Based on our founding in the area about humpback whale connection with biophysical properties of region I hypothesized that whale distribution in area and it relation to low tide and ebb current is most probably under the influence of food abundance in those periods of time. This study concludes with policy recommendations for improving humpback whale foraging grounds by reducing acoustic harassment and risk of ship strikes in the Boundary Pass., Humpback whale, movements, oceanographic variables, Boundary pass, Salish sea, Vessel strike, tide, currents, SST, salinity
The dynamics of wetland water loss in Churn Creek protected area
Twelve Churn Creek Protected Area wetlands were characterized to gain an understanding of the potential factors affecting their water loss. Monitoring consisted of pond area, depth, and temperature measurements at twelve wetlands, and additional comprehensive monitoring at five wetlands, encompassing (1) randomized quadrat emergent vegetation sampling with canopy climate monitoring and beneath-canopy water property monitoring; (2) permanent radial soil transect sampling through compaction, electrical conductivity, moisture, and temperature measurements. Findings revealed that the rate of water loss at each wetland is dependent on its specific biological, chemical, and physical characteristics. A wetland’s elevational position in the landscape, as well as its basin shape and size, and vegetative cover and density, all played a prominent role in determining the rate of water loss. These findings underscored the importance of prioritizing vegetated wetlands in future monitoring efforts and serve as a foundation for comprehensive studies in CCPA and British Columbia grassland ecosystems., closed-basin wetland, wetland hydrology, wetland water loss, pond evapotranspiration, semi-arid grasslands, wetland water balance
An ecological restoration plan for a weedy field at the University of British Columbia Okanagan
Grassland ecosystems are rare, in decline, and support a multitude of at-risk species in British Columbia. At the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Kelowna BC, a 3.3 ha site at the entrance of the campus is outlined as Okanagan grassland in campus design plans but currently lacks native bunchgrass communities. The goal of this restoration plan is to return grassland plant communities to the site despite the pervasiveness of noxious weeds. I characterised site conditions through soil and vegetation surveys. Restoration recommendations include managing noxious weeds through mowing, hand-pulling and some herbicide application. The site will be replanted with bunchgrass vegetation, two pockets of ponderosa forest, and two types of shrub communities. A walking path, signage, and two xeriscape gardens will also be included to control human use of the landscape. Long-term monitoring will be incorporated into classroom curricula to tie monitoring to learning opportunities., Grassland, exotic plants, Noxious weeds, urban restoration, restoration plan

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