Managing Identified Wildlife:
Procedures and Measures
Volume 1
February 1999

Birds

American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)

WHA planning objectives

Maintain the quality and isolation of feeding habitats.

Wildlife habitat area

Important feeding lakes within 165 km of Stum Lake should be considered for WHA designation. This should include, but not be limited to, Pantage, Chilcotin, Rosita-Tautri, Abuntlet, Owen, Martin, Natsy, Kluskus, Puntzi, Anahim, Martin, Knox, Meldrum, Tzenzaicut, Alex Graham, Palmer and Tanikul. The WHA should include the entire area of each major feeding lake and a one km buffer around the lake.

GWM management objectives

Maintain the isolation of feeding lakes by minimizing access during the breeding season (April 1 through August 31).

General wildlife measures

These measures must be applied within a WHA approved for the species.

Access

Do not develop any new permanent roads unless variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager. Deactivate or gate all current and future temporary roads after use.

Recreation

Do not develop recreational sites.

Silviculture

Do not harvest during breeding season unless the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager are satisfied there is no other practicable option and the variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager.
Do not salvage during the breeding season unless variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager.

Management considerations (not mandatory

Disturbance of pelicans at their feeding sites can have negative consequences for breeding success. The education of boaters, float plane operators, lodge owners and visitors to these lakes is an important management tool. Activities that alter the natural condition of feeding lakes or encourage recreational use (e.g., stocking with recreational fish, use that causes fluctuations in water levels during the feeding season, alienation of Crown land along the perimeter of feeding lakes) should be discouraged. Where activities cannot be subdued in active feeding and loafing areas, alternate sites can be encouraged with anchored logs.

Cross references

American bittern

American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)

WHA planning objectives

Maintain nesting wetlands that are not already protected or adequately managed through the Riparian Management Area Guidebook.

Wildlife habitat area

Establish WHAs for nesting wetlands that are less than 5 ha in size. The WHA should extend a minimum of 50 m beyond the entire stand of emergent vegetation known to be used for nesting.

GWM management objectives

Ensure that the structural integrity of emergent vegetation is retained in and around nesting areas to provide cover and nesting habitat.

Maintain adequate cover around nesting wetlands.

Minimize access during the breeding season to prevent disturbance.

General wildlife measures

These measures must be applied within a WHA approved for the species.

As a general rule, the breeding season extends from April through August. However, breeding times vary by location. MELP should be consulted for site-specific breeding times.

Access

Do not develop any permanent access structures as defined in the Operational Planning Regulations.
Avoid road construction and use during the breeding season unless the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager are satisfied there is no other practicable option and the variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager.

Range

Plan grazing to ensure that the structural integrity of stands of emergent vegetation is maintained and nests are protected from trampling. Fencing may be required.
Do not mow hay meadows until after August 15 to prevent mortality of young.

Recreation

Limit recreational access during the breeding period by deactivating or gating roads.
Do not establish recreational facilities.

Silviculture

Retain as many of the understorey trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants as is practicable.
Do not harvest during the breeding season unless the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager are satisfied there is no other practicable option and the variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager.
Do not salvage during the breeding season unless variance is approved by the district manager and regional fish and wildlife manager.

Management considerations (not mandatory

Consideration should be given to maintaining water level fluctuations within natural limits and avoiding siltation, eutrophication and chemical pollution.

On lakes, do not use power boats during the breeding season.

Cross references

Sandhill crane

Sandhill crane (Grus canadensis)

WHA planning objectives

Maintain nesting wetlands that are not already protected or adequately managed through the Riparian Management Area Guidebook.

Wildlife habitat area

A WHA is recommended for breeding wetlands of less than 5 ha and for traditional foraging areas. The WHA consists of the entire stand of emergent vegetation around the wetland or the traditional foraging area, and a 50 m buffer.

GWM management objectives

Ensure that the structural integrity of emergent vegetation is retained in and around nesting areas to provide cover and nesting habitat.

Maintain adequate cover around nesting wetlands.

Minimize access during the breeding season to prevent disturbance.