Introduction

This guidebook covers the process necessary to determine the lake class for inclusion into operational plans as defined in the regulations. The process and the requirements outlined in this guidebook generally apply to all lakes greater than 5 ha and involves selection of management goals, lake classes and determination of the lakeshore management zone (LMZ). The classification process includes a set of management requirements which apply to all classified lakes and specific requirements which apply to certain lakes depending on the lake classification (Class A, B, C, D, or E). The responsibility of lake classification is shared by Ministry of Forests and BC Environment. The collection of data to support the process is the responsibility of these agencies and the proponents of forest practices.

Lakes smaller than 5 ha in size do not require a lakeshore management zone unless the district manager and the designated environment official agree that one is required to protect the special values of the lake. Lakes less than 5 ha in size are, however, subject to the establishment of riparian management zones (see the Riparian Management Area Guidebook for further information).

Relationship to other guidebooks

This guidebook deals exclusively with forest management activities within the lakeshore management zones around lakes. It is understood that activities that occur outside these zones can also impact on the values of a lake. There are, however, other guidelines, procedures and inventories that are designed to identify and protect those values. Examples of these guidebooks, inventories and policies are:

• Riparian Management Area Guidebook protects the values of streams flowing into and out of lakes and wetlands that border many lakes.
• Biodiversity and Managing Identified Wildlife guidebooks protect wildlife habitat within and beyond the lakeshore management zone.
• Visual Landscape Management Guidebook maintains the integrity of visual values within and beyond the lakeshore management zone.
• Forest Engineering Guidebook (Forest Road and Logging Trail Engineering Practices) provides management direction for construction of forest roads and logging trails.
• Silviculture Prescription Guidebook provides direction in terms of amount of site disturbance permitted for harvesting and road construction.
• Coastal Watershed Assessment Procedures and Interior Watershed Assessment Procedures guidebooks address hydrologic impacts from activities in forest lands beyond and including the lakeshore management zone.

Strategic and landscape objectives

Ecological significance, existing uses (public and commercial), and higher level plan objectives are incorporated into the lake classification process through the selection of management goals. There are three management goals which can be applied to each individual lake or group of lakes (wilderness, quality and general). The intent of the management goal selection is to provide a clear direction on how a lake or group of lakes will be managed.

This guidebook also recognizes that the Lakeshore Management Zone is one important element at the landscape level in supporting biological diversity. Biodiversity requirements for landscape units will be provided for, by a variety of habitats. LMZs can provide some of these habitat requirements. The overall landscape unit objectives will address biodiversity at the landscape level. This guidebook focuses on incorporating biodiversity requirements at the stand level.

In the absence of higher level plans and/or inventory information the objective would be to avoid foreclosing on future management options. This may require a higher classification until a higher-level plan is in place or a full inventory of lake attributes is done. There may be a role for forest proponents in the collection of inventory information to support this process.

Lakeshore management zone (LMZ)

The LMZ is determined on a site specific basis. The LMZ width will vary according to the physical and ecological features of each lake. As a starting point, the LMZ should be 200 m in width.

All lakes >5 ha - <1000 ha will have a 10 m riparian reserve zone established around them. In cases where a riparian reserve zone exists the LMZ is applied outward from this zone. Where no riparian reserve zone exists (e.g. lakes >1000 ha) the LMZ is measured outward from the high water mark of the lake or from the outer edge of contiguous wetland vegetation [1]. See Figure 1.

Lake classification process

Lakes smaller than 5 ha in size will not be subject to classification unless they have values that warrant classification, as determined by the district manager and designated BC Environment official. Generally, those lakes less than 5 ha, and all wetlands will be subject to the Riparian Management Area Guidebook.

It should also be recognized that other issues may also be identified during the classification process that have to be further addressed at the operational level: i.e., access issues and visual sensitivity issues outside of the lakeshore management area.

Lakeshore management zone goals

The lakes throughout a forest district contain many values and features that provide opportunities for various interests. The management goals provide for possible mixes or combinations of activities, settings, ecological attributes and probable experience opportunities. This approach is not unlike the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum approach (Ministry of Forests, Recreation Inventory) which is based on providing an established range of recreation experiences. The management goal for a lake or group of lakes is determined by considering three basic criteria: strategic objectives of higher-level plans, existing uses (public and commercial) and ecological significance. This list of goals should be considered as a starting point.

1. Wilderness lakes

   The goal is to provide for lakes with natural features in undisturbed areas having non-motorized access:

   • hike, canoe, kayak
   • ROS setting is primitive (pristine wilderness settings)
   • unmodified natural environment
   • no commercial land development

2. Quality lakes

   The goal is to provide for lakes with quality natural features where limited development and access may occur:

   • access may be limited
   • ROS setting is semi-primitive non-motorized (SPMN) and semi-primitive motorized (SPM)
   • pristine surroundings and natural appearing environment
   • limited or no commercial development

3. General lakes

   The goal is to provide for lakes primarily used for public recreation in a predominantly rural and natural setting:

   • access is generally good two wheel drive
   • land development may vary from none to controlled
   • ROS setting is roaded resource land (RRL) — natural environment may be substantially modified

The intent of management goal selection is to give clear direction of how the lake or group of lakes will be managed. All operational plan proposals must be consistent with the intent of the management goal. The guidelines within this guidebook are one set of tools that can be used to achieve the management goal for a given lake. Examples of other tools include access management guidelines, Visual Landscape Management Guidebook, Biodiversity Guidebook, recreation inventory, and fishing and hunting regulations.

Requirements for the establishment of LMZs on lakes

Lake classification

• All lakes greater than 5 ha in size require the establishment of a lakeshore management zone. For lakes >5 ha and <1000 ha this is established outward to a distance of approximately 200 m from the riparian reserve zone. Lakes >1000 ha have no riparian reserve zone.
• As determined by the district manager and the designated environment official, the width of the lakeshore management zone and/or the riparian reserve zone may be varied for any lake or for different portions of a lake.
• The lakeshore management area is made up of both the riparian reserve zone and the lakeshore management zone (LMA = RRZ + LMZ). The RRZ is set by regulation and can vary by agreement of the district manager and the designated environment official; the LMA will vary according to the physical and ecological features of each lake.
• Access management strategies should be developed for each classified lake. These strategies should be incorporated into existing FDPs access development plans and/or existing or future coordinated access management plans.

Planning

• The lakeshore management zone should be managed in the context of the larger landscape.
• Where there are lake complexes or chains of lakes, the integrity of the forest cover which connects the lakes should be maintained (refer to Biodiversity Guidebook for discussion of forest ecosystem networks).
• Licensees must establish and maintain communications with resort owners and residents during the Forest Development Plan and Range Use Plan process and during forest and range operations.
• Where seasonal resource values are identified on any class of lake, the Forest Development Plan should make provision for harvesting during other periods.
• All operational plan proposals should be consistent with the intent of the LMZ goal and the objectives of the particular lake classification (i.e., recreation plan, range use plan, commercial development).
• Where the LMZ has been defined by the Lake Classification team, the forest proponent should show this boundary on the FDP.
• Silviculture prescriptions (SP) including regeneration and site preparation plans (e.g., broadcast burning or windrowing), and forest health management practices, fire management practices and fire control operations, should include consideration of methods consistent with the intent of the LMZ goal and the objectives of the lake classification

Silvicultural systems and management practices within the LMZ

Silvicultural systems

• Refer to guidebooks such as the Biodiversity and Riparian Management Area guidebooks and the Visual Landscape Management Guidebook for recommendations of choices of silvicultural systems.
• Partial cutting includes selection and shelterwood systems. These systems should be the preferred silvicultural systems where soil and stand ecology permit
• Clearcutting and partial cutting systems should leave wildlife tree reserves within the LMZ.
• Where proposed cutting boundaries include both area within and outside of the LMZ, the LMZ boundary should be marked on the ground, unless the entire block is to be harvested under the same prescription.
• The boundary of the riparian reserve zone should be marked on the ground prior to harvesting or treatment.
• Cutblock shape, size and distribution should be determined according to existing guidelines such as the Visual Landscape Management Guidebook, and the Biodiversity Guidebook. Factors to be considered include visual quality objectives (VQOs), viewing distance, land form shape, size scale, slope, viewing angle, natural openings, vegetation patterns, natural disturbance types, fish and wildlife and biodiversity values and recreation objectives. [2]

Vegetation diversity

• Deciduous trees and shrubs should be retained where possible in large patches or as continuous cover.
• The presence of all naturally occurring shrub and herbaceous species should be encouraged.
• Maintain wildlife trees, where possible. This should be reflected in the silviculture prescription (SP). Consider leaving wildlife tree reserves around hazard trees (Biodiversity Guidebook).
• Residual trees should be windfirm and of sufficient density and composition to have a positive aesthetic influence and wildlife benefit. Windfirmness may be enhanced by edge feathering, topping, limbing, and other practices.
• Native grass seeding and planting of fast-growing species such as deciduous trees or shrubs should be considered to enhance green-up, provide screening, and reduce the time required to achieve visual effective green-up (VEG).[3] This practice must be consistent with the silviculture objectives of the site.
• Management of herbaceous and shrub vegetation should facilitate timely establishment of forest cover. Brushing activities must be sensitive to fish and wildlife habitat and should be planned to deliberately leave areas of shrub and herbaceous vegetation and other important wildlife habitat features such as snags. Vegetation management activities should give preference to spot treatments over broadcast treatments.

Roads, landings and skid roads

• Unless no other feasible alternative exists, main haul roads, borrow pits and landings will not be located within the LMZ, and construction of spur roads should be restricted. Where no feasible alternative exists, roads, borrow pits, landings, skid roads, and back spar trails should be planned and constructed, maintained, deactivated and/or rehabilitated to minimize site disturbance, surface/ground water flows, colour, and linear contrast in visually sensitive landscapes. Landings and temporary roads that significantly detract from the visual landscape values, should be fully rehabilitated and re-contoured to fit in with the surrounding topography as soon as possible.
• Thorough disposal or removal of right-of-way slash should occur along all roads which will remain open to public use, following logging.
• Where aesthetic values may be compromised, or where there is insufficient distance between the skid roads and the lake to ensure the effectiveness of waterbars, sidecast soil and debris should be replaced to its original position on the slope with a back hoe or excavator. Permanent deactivation may be required.