ObjectivesManagement Direction/StrategiesMeasures of Success/TargetsIntent
1. Manage resource development and use activities to maintain or enhance riparian habitats that sustain healthy aquatic ecosystems supporting viable fish and wildlife populations1.1 Continue to manage S1 – S3 streams as per current legislationMineral and placer activities in riparian areas consistent with current legislation and regulations (e.g., Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia; Inter- Agency Memorandum of Understanding) Forest management in riparian areas consistent with current legislation and regulations (e.g., Forest and Range Practices Act; Forest Planning and Practices Regulation; Riparian Management Area Guidebook)To maintain riparian integrity and function. The definitions for streams are the Forest and Range Practices Act definitions as they may be amended from time to time. To encourage flexibility and variation of application to meet the unique needs of specific stream systems. For all stream classes, continue to use as guidelines the maximum overall levels of basal area retention within the riparian management zone. Variances in buffer widths can occur as per the current guidelines. Retain wildlife trees where practicable within the management zone. Consistent with the objectives for riparian management areas in community watersheds: minimize the impacts of forest and range use on stream and lake water quality by providing a vegetated buffer and filter between those activities and the streams. Maintain stream channel stability by protecting stream banks and stream bank vegetation and by ensuring that a longterm supply of large wood is available for stream channel processes For the purposes of this strategy, a qualified person or persons must have education and expertise in riparian values, fisheries and wildlife values, stream hydrology and timber harvesting
1.2 Consistent with best management practices, where windthrow risk is moderate or high in the reserve zone, a sufficient number of trees should be retained within the management zone to protect the wind firmness of the reserve zone
1.3 Retain wildlife trees that do not pose a risk to workers within the management zone adjacent to the reserve zone
2. Maintain the function of riparian areas by minimizing the impact of forest health management activities directed at preventing bark beetle outbreaks2.1 The primary approach in riparian areas should be sanitation, which might include tree removal, rather than salvage
3. Increase knowledge and information available on riparian ecosystems3.1 Initiate research to assess the effectiveness of current management for maintaining riparian values (not only for fish) for all streamsSpecific work is required on this issue, which should tie into provincial work that is underway
3.2 Complete stream inventories for the plan area, where fish presence information is lacking