Perseverance Creek Mapping and Inventory Project Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping (SHIM) Survey

Report Prepared by: Joanne Ellefson

For: Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Box 3007 Courtenay, BC V9N 5N3

December 2003

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Executive Summary During 2003 Comox Valley Project Watershed Society conducted a Sensitive Habitat & Inventory Mapping (SHIM) survey on Perseverance Creek. The SHIM method utilizes Trimble Pro XR GPS with stream inventory data collection, resulting in georeferenced lines and point data for viewing in ArcView GIS. This report is the outcome of the survey and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying maps of Perseverance Creek. The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund sponsored this project. Perseverance Creek is located in the Cumberland area and flows through the jurisdiction of the Village of Cumberland. Extending for approximately 6.9 km Perseverance Creek’s mainstem flows from its headwaters, Allen Lake, into Comox Lake. Perseverance Creek has one main Tributary, Cumberland Creek. The headwaters of Cumberland Creek are Stevens Lake, which flows into Hamilton Lake and Pond No. 2 before connecting with Perseverance Creek. Perseverance Creek also receives flow from a low-lying wetland complex, (with a shared connection to the Trent River watershed), located east of the mainstem (the site of historic China Town) and from several ephemeral tributaries draining the ridge situated to the southwest of Perseverance Creek mainstem. The map in Appendix 2 depicts Perseverance Creek. Coho Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden and Sculpin (General) are fish species present in Perseverance Creek. Our field observations indicate that Perseverance Creek lacks sufficient flow in the summer and suffers from torrential flow during high precipitation events. The primary limiting factor to fish productivity appears to be the lack of summer flow in the lower reaches.

Survey Summary Stream Gazette Name: Perseverance Creek Alias: Watershed Code: – 920-55320-94200-31100 Map locations: – 92F065-2-1, 92F065-2-2, 92F065-2-3 Start Date of Survey: October 7th, 2003 End Date of Survey: October 30th, 2003 Stream Length Surveyed: Perseverance Creek Mainstem: 4.6 km

Total Length with Tributaries: 7.9 km

List of Accompanying Documents: Appendix 1: Perseverance Creek Overview with Contour Lines (1:40,000, 11 x 17). Appendix 2: Perseverance Creek Overview (1:11,000, 11 X 17). Appendix 3: Perseverance Creek Fish Trapping Sites & Results (1:11,000, 11 x 17). Appendix 4: Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers Annual Report. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 2 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Appendix 5: 4 SHIM maps: Perseverance Creek Features (1:11,000, 11 X 17) Appendix 6: SHIM map: Perseverance Creek Wetlands Connectivity (1:11,000, 11 x 17) Report Prepared by: Joanne Ellefson, Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Date of Report: December 2003 Date of Survey: October 7th, 2003 to October 30th, 2003

Purpose of Survey The streams inventoried were chosen because of a need to collect information for the following purposes: • Updates to the Regional District of Comox Strathcona’s Sensitive Habitats Atlas • Initiation of, or additions to, a set of “Streamkeepers Data” for the watershed • Determining rehabilitation, restoration or protection opportunities for the watershed • Documenting “hydrological features” of the watershed • Creation of accurate stream lines and wetland boundaries

Mapping Methodology Streams The methodology used for the stream mapping/inventory portion of this project was “Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping” (Mason et al 2001). Stream GPS mapping was conducted using Trimble Pathfinder Pro XR equipment. SHIM Version 2002 data dictionary was utilized for data gathering. Due to time and budget limitations portions of the upper watershed where delineated by a photogrammetric 3D viewer. To view the latest revisions for the SHIM methodology, visit the CMN website www.shim.bc.ca/method2.html. Wetlands Due to the nature of wetlands defined channels are not generally evident. In areas of beaver created ponds and large wetland complexes, the mapping of a consistent stream centerline was often impractical. From a field mapping perspective, the logistics of traversing wetlands to determine location and existence of channels through wetland areas requires time and resources beyond the scope of the survey. Furthermore assigning a “channel” to a wetland area is misleading and not truly descriptive of the hydrology of the watercourse. If a channel were evident within a wetland then it was mapped using SHIM methods. However, as was often the case, no channel was evident and standing water was dominant across an area. These areas were treated in one of two ways: • Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory Wetlands: If the Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory already surveyed the area, then technicians would walk the approximate boundary looking for sources of inflow. These would be followed to their source and if the channel was defined, it was mapped using SHIM methods. • Wetland not Delineated or Inventoried: If the wetland was not identified by SEI methods, air photo interpretation using an ISM aerial photo photogrammetric 3D viewer was used to delineate the boundary. Boundaries of these wetlands were walked when possible, using the GPS for assistance in geo-referencing. These wetlands were not classified due to the lack of time and money for this type of survey.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Limitations of Survey The SHIM survey was confined to the lower reaches of Perseverance Creek in those areas defined by FISS as the extent of fish habitat. The use of a photogrammetric 3D viewer combined with ground truthing enabled the upper reaches to be assessed for channel location, though no fish habitat information was collected. Stream segments were defined according to the criteria established by SHIM for fish habitat inventories. However, due to time and budget limitations segment breaks were limited and confined to general characteristics. Channel dimensions, dominant hydraulic type, bank characteristics and gradient change > 5% were determinants for segment breaks. Detailed cross sections for each segment were not conducted due to budget limitations. The need for accurate stream location and habitat conditions was deemed a priority. This survey is not exhaustive in its presentation of information, but is intended as a base for further surveys and data collection. This report highlights basic features of interest within the Perseverance Creek Watershed and the accompanying maps depict accurate (+/-5%) streamlines and wetlands. The Perseverance Creek SHIM data will be available for viewing on the CMN website www.shim.bc.ca/projectwatershed/main.htm. Jpg’s of the Perseverance Creek SHIM survey maps will be available at http://www.projectwatershed.bc.ca/map_intro.htm.

Overview Perseverance Creek is located in the Cumberland area and flows through the jurisdiction of the Village of Cumberland. Extending for approximately 6.9 km Perseverance Creek’s mainstem flows from its headwaters, Allen Lake, into Comox Lake. Perseverance Creek has one main Tributary, Cumberland Creek. The headwaters of Cumberland Creek are above Stevens Lake, which flows into Hamilton Lake, Pond No. 2 and Henderson Pond before connecting with Perseverance Creek. A spillway channel connects Pond No. 2 to Perseverance Creek below Allen Lake. Perseverance Creek also receives flow from a low-lying wetland complex, a shared drainage with the Trent River located east of Perseverance Creek mainstem and from several ephemeral tributaries draining the ridge situated to the southwest of Perseverance Creek mainstem. The map in Appendix 2 depicts the Perseverance Creek Watershed. Perseverance Creek is a third order stream with a magnitude of ten. The drainage area is estimated to be approximately 2099 ha2. The drainage elevation of Perseverance Creek is approximately 240 meters from Allen Lake to Comox Lake. Cumberland Creek drains from approximately 900 meters. Appendix 1 provides a map with contour lines. Perseverance Creek and its main tributary Cumberland Creek are utilized as the water supply for both Cumberland and Royston. Comox Lake into which Perseverance Creek drains is the reservoir of the Puntledge River from which the Comox Valley’s domestic and commercial water supply is drawn. Both upstream and downstream of Perseverance Creek flow regulation affects flow regimes and/or water levels in the creek. Fish Presence Coho Salmon, Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden and Sculpin (General) are fish species present in Perseverance Creek. http://pisces.env.gov.bc.ca/ provides further information on Perseverance Creek and fish distribution. Cutthroat Trout, Dolly Varden and Sculpin are resident populations. Coho Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 4 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection populations are the result of hatchery stocking in Comox Lake. The Puntledge Hatchery releases both adult coho pairs into Comox Lake as well as juvenile coho. At the time of this survey technicians observed juvenile fish (most likely coho) in the low gradient reaches of Perseverance Creek. The primary limiting factor to fish productivity in Perseverance Creek appears to be lack of summer flow in the lower reaches. The Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers regularly salvage fry during the summer months and have estimated during 2002 & 2003 salvaging 11,000 coho fry, stranded in pools. It is estimated that 50,000 fry die in the creek each year when it dries up. On December 9th, 2003 Gord Bainbridge deployed 14 traps throughout the Perseverance Creek Wetlands. The map in Appendix 3 depicts the location of the traps and results. Landowners and Special Interest Groups Perseverance Creek is under the jurisdiction of the Village of Cumberland. Hancock Timber Resource Group and the Village of Cumberland own the land surrounding Perseverance Creek. The Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers (PCSK’ers), comprised of local volunteers, are the main impetus behind stewardship activities on Perseverance Creek. The PCSK’ers perform activities such as fry salvage, and flow testing under the guidance of Fisheries & Oceans Canada. Appendix 3 contains the Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers annual report. The land in the vicinity of Perseverance Creek is also the focus of two other groups. The Whytes Bay Forest Society and the Cumberland Community Forest Society. The Cumberland Community Forest Society website provides further information on their activities. http://www.members.shaw.ca/cumberlandforest/index.html Anthropogenic Alterations/Impacts Land use in Cumberland was historically mining and logging. www.cumberland.museum.bc.ca. Perseverance Creek wetlands are located on what was previously a thriving Chinese community. The surrounding mountains have been logged of first growth. Slag piles and the presence of old mine shafts attest to the presence of extensive mining in this area. The hydrology of the Perseverance Creek Watershed has been altered through the construction of dams at the outlets of Allen Lake, Hamilton Lake, Stevens Lake, Pond No. 2 & on Cumberland Creek. Additionally a “Spillway Channel” that connects Pond No. 2 to Perseverance main stem, (near the out flow of Allen Lake), is used for over flow. (Appendix 2 depicts this). The Village of Cumberland due to dam maintenance needs recently lowered Hamilton Lake. Flow in Perseverance Creek and Cumberland Creek is regulated by series of dams in the upper watershed. Appendix 2 shows approximate dam locations. A power generation plant operated by BC Hydro is located on the Puntledge River hence; Comox Lake is subject to water level fluctuations as it is regulated by a reservoir dam, located at the outflow, from Comox Lake, of the Puntledge River. A penstock dam is located 4.0 km downstream. Further information on BC Hydro’s water use plan for the Puntledge River can be obtained from www.bchydro.com/wup/puntledge/. In December of 1992 two Cumberland Creek dams failed. Due to intensified water velocity downstream of the dam, the creek cut a new channel through to the wetlands adjacent to what was Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 5 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection formerly the gun club site and the historically the Chinese community site. The channel was returned to its “original” course through the construction of a berm. The current primary land use within the Perseverance Creek watershed is logging. The forest cover is predominately second growth, which is being harvested adjacent to the Village of Cumberland and around Perseverance Creek’s headwater lakes and tributaries. In the upper areas of Perseverance Creek and Cumberland Creek road building and clear cutting of land may further interfere with the hydrology of Perseverance Creek. Current Perseverance Creek Studies Fisheries & Oceans Canada with the assistance of the Perseverance Creek Streamkeepers is conducting a flow study of Perseverance Creek. This instream flow study “internal report” is still under development. Enquiries can be directed to [email protected]. The Village of Cumberland is completing a Dam Safety Review. This study is focused on a structural review of existing dams, but addresses hydrology as it pertains to operation and maintenance of the dams. This study is available from Mac Fraser, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Village of Cumberland. Streamline Environmental Consultants, a private contractor, is applying to the BC Hydro Bridge Coastal fund to assess impacts on fish productivity and identify critical habitat impacts caused by the impoundment of Comox Lake. If the proposal is successful it is intended that this study will form the basis of future prescriptions for habitat improvement work, focused on compensation or remediation of identified impacts created by the Comox Lake reservoir.

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration and Protection. This section should be read in conjunction with the four maps in Appendix 5.

Feature 1. The mouth of Perseverance Creek at Comox Lake September 7th, 2003. At the time of the survey winter precipitation hadn’t begun yet, hence lake water levels were low. (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Mouth of Perseverance Creek at Comox Lake. (Feature 1) Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 6 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 2. Example of sediment build up. (Figure 2). This sand/gravel bar marks the upper limit of Comox Lake inundation of Perseverance Creek during the dry season when lake water levels are low. During the rainy season the lake influence potentially extends as far as Comox Lake Road. (Figure 3). At the time of this portion of the survey, (September, 8th, 2003), the channel was intermittent beyond this point up to Feature 8. (Figure 4).

Figure 2. End of segment 1 and start of segment 2. End of wetted channel.

Figure 3. Segment 1, channel of Perseverance Creek inundated by Lake.

Figure 4. Intermittent ponds throughout lower Perseverance Creek.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection

Feature 3. Possible location for off-channel summer habitat: This wetland area, located on the left bank flood plain, adjacent to Perseverance Creek’s main channel is likely inundated during high flows. However potential exists for enhancement of this area to create holding ponds for summer refuge. Access is good. Feature 4. Channel confinement increases. Start of Reach 2. Feature 5. Extensive logjam. Pools beneath are providing summer refuge for fish. (Figure 5). Feature 6. This 90.0 m tributary is ephemeral. Channel definition is poor. Flow is essentially seepage through a logging road and local drainage from steep banks. Figure 5. Log jam & location of summer refuge pools.

Feature 7. Erosion on right bank. Clay is exposed for greater than 10 meters 2. (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Exposed clay and pools immediately downstream from Comox Lake Road bridge.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 8. Culvert & Pool. Extensive pool immediately downstream of approximately 6 x 6 x 12 meter culvert on Comox Lake Road. Figure 6 shows pool and Figure 7 culvert. Feature 9. Channel is watered and flowing from this point upstream. Feature 10. Tributary 2 converges with mainstem. Flowing from the southwest across a clear cut, this tributary is ephemeral. Substrate is varied, predominately gravel, with cobble, fines and some Figure 7. Comox Lake Road culvert. bedrock. Large woody debris is evident throughout though not entrenched and likely to dislodge at the next deluge. This tributary has a poorly defined channel and has minimal potential as fish habitat. Distribution of gravel throughout the vicinity of the channel and extent of debris indicate that this is a significant drainage. The banks of this tributary are logged and remaining trees are part of the poorly defined “channel” area. Feature 11. Side channel and mainstem confluence. This side channel likely provides significant fish refuge from floodwaters and potential summer rearing habitat. The channel’s wetted width is 4.1 meters and extends for 208.0 m, with some deep pool habitat, excellent crown closure, 60% cover and essentially wetland/riparian characteristics (skunk cabbage and devils club were prominent). Feature 12. Potential obstruction. A span log is damming the flow and contributing to debris build up. Feature 13. Side channel (Feature 11) divides from mainstem. Feature 14. Potential obstruction. A logjam is collecting debris, which is continuing to build up. Feature 15. Confluence of 166.0 m backwater channel. Off channel habitat, wetland characteristics and good cover. May become side channel during floodwaters. Feature 16. Confluence of 197.0 m side channel. Ephemeral. No flow at time of survey. Substrate was predominately gravel and fines. Mouth of channel and confluence of mainstem was aggraded. Minimal fish habitat. Feature 17. Confluence of 245.0 m side channel. Flow was strong and complexity good. Excellent refuge and rearing habitat. This channel connects to the mainstem, but the upper 95.0 m were dry at the time of this survey. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 9 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 18. Erosion & potential obstruction. Persistent instream debris is blocking 75% of channel. Funneling of water around debris is contributing to bank erosion. Feature 19. Side channel diverges. This additional side channel meets up with the mainstem. Feature 20. Start of surface flow for side channel. Feature 21. Stream diverges. Beginning of side channel. Feature 22. Constructed berm. The failure of two dams in the upper watershed (1972) resulted in the Creek forging a new channel through what was previously the gun club and into a wetland. (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Perseverance Creek during high flows. Constructed berm is on right bank adjacent to stream.

Feature 23. Perseverance Creek adjacent to constructed berm, (see feature 22). This is now a drainage divide between flow in the mainstem and northerly drainage. The historically forged channel is ephemeral and drains into the wetland adjacent to the gun club. (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Drainage through old channel at base of Rod & Gun Club.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 24. Drainage tributary from the hillside. Water is pooling in what appears to be an old mine shaft head. This entire area is wetted, with Devils Club throughout. There is poor channel definition and minimal fish habitat. Feature 25. Confluence of Perseverance Creek and Cumberland Creek. Feature 26. Extent of SHIM survey. Increased gradient, channel confinement and change in substrate. (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Upper extent of SHIM survey just beyond confluence of Perseverance Creek and Cumberland Creek. Feature 27. Rod & Gun Tributary. Ephemeral channelized drainage through what was previously Rod & Gun Club. (Figure 9). This channel receives some flow, at its upper end, from seepage from the main stem and from general drainage of the area. The majority of flow comes from an ephemeral tributary draining the hillside. Feature 28. Ephemeral tributary. Main flow source of Rod & Gun Tributary’s. Minimal fish habitat value due to flow fluctuation and lack of refuge. (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Main source of gun club (historical channel) flow. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 11 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 29. Henderson Dam. Figure 12.

Figure 12. Henderson Dam reservoir (right) and spillway (left). Feature 30. Allen Lake Dams. (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Allen Lake. Water reservoir.

Feature 30.5. Eroding bank. Feature 31. Pond # 2 Dam Feature 32. Pond # 2 spillway channel outflow. Feature 33. Hamilton Lake Dam. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 12 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 34. Stevens Lake Dam. Feature 35. See the map in Appendix 6 (points 5 & 6). Beaver impounded wetland is immediately adjacent to Perseverance Creek mainstem. (Figure 14 & 15). Flow from the Perseverance Creek Wetlands enters the mainstem at this point. This beaver dam may be an obstruction to migrating fish.

Figure 14. Perseverance Creek mainstem adjacent to wetland 1. Beaver dam is just behind technician.

Figure 15. Perseverance Creek Wetland 1.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 36. ( See the map in Appendix 6, points 1 & 7). Connective flow between wetlands. The water in wetland 1 is backed up by a beaver dam and flows north-northeast, across the old railway grade that bisects the wetlands, into wetland 2. This beaver dam may be an obstruction to migrating fish. Feature 37. A 180.0 m meter channel runs adjacent to the old railway grade providing connective flow between the large wetland 1 ponds and the westerly areas of wetland 1. Feature 38. (See the map in 6, point 2). Connective flow between wetlands. Wetland 1 & 3 are connected by a culvert approximately 6.0 m long with a diameter of 0.6 m Feature 39. See the map in Appendix 6 (point 3). Connective flow between wetlands. Water seeps beneath an old collapsed wooden bridge, connecting wetland 3 & 4. A hole is forming mid trail. (Figure 16).

Figure 16. Dirt road/old wooden bridge between wetlands 3 & 4. Seepage is causing soil slump. Feature 39.5. Connective flow between wetlands. A submerged culvert provides flow between wetland 4 and wetland 1. Feature 40. End of a gulley with minimal drainage. Flow goes subsurface immediately adjacent to wetland 3. Feature 41. Springs. Outflow from ridge flowing into wetland 3. Feature 42. Shared headwaters. Wetland 4 drains both east into the Trent River watershed and west into Perseverance Creek. Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 14 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection Feature 43. (See the map in Appendix 6, point 4). Wetland 4 drains through culvert beneath gravel logging road and into stream channel flowing east to Trent River watershed. Feature 44. Drainage from ridge. Ephemeral flow. Feature 45. Waterfall issuing from top of ridge. Feature 46. Slagheap adjacent to Perseverance Creek Wetland 1 (See Figure 17).

Figure 17. Slagheap adjacent to Perseverance Creek Wetland 1

Conclusions The hydrology of Perseverance Creek is influenced by a series of dams in the upper watershed and by fluctuating water levels in Comox Lake. Our field observations indicate that Perseverance Creek lacks sufficient flow in the summer and suffers from torrential flow during high precipitation events. In the upper reaches of Perseverance Creek, there are no natural areas with the potential to detain water and provide slow release. These extreme flow fluctuations create problems for fish & fish habitat; no water in the lower reaches limits summer habitat and habitat is destroyed during high flow events. Lack of summer flow in the lower reaches appears to be the primary factor limiting fish production in Perseverance Creek. At the time of this survey rain had begun so it is not known to what extent the mid reaches of Perseverance Creek provide summer refuge. The Perseverance Creek Wetlands adjacent to and flowing into Perseverance Creek have potential as summer refuge for fish. However, fish accessibility between Perseverance Creek and the Perseverance Creek Wetlands, may be limited during low flows as the beaver dams in the wetlands, may be of sufficient height to serve as migration Comox Valley Project Watershed Society Page 15 of 17

Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection barriers. The Perseverance Creek Wetlands are natural reservoirs allowing for slow release of water during summer and functioning as sediment settling ponds, filters and providing nutrients to the system. Additionally these areas are excellent habitat for amphibians and wildlife. Care and diligence should be exercised in improving fish migration through these areas. High flow refuge and over-wintering habitat are present throughout the mid-reaches, primarily in the form of side channels and back channels. During flood events these off channels may be engulfed by high waters, forming an extensive flood plain. Gravel is spread extensively beyond the existing channel and flood plain extending into the riparian area adjacent to Perseverance Creek. Throughout, the main stem of Perseverance Creek the gravel substrate is plentiful and loosely compacted. The presence of gravel throughout the riparian area and loosely compacted instream, suggests an extensive erosion source upstream. This was confirmed by Mac Fraser, Chief of Operations at the Village of Cumberland, who indicated an erosion site on the spillway channel in the upper watershed. This site may be the source of the gravel. Due to the extent and velocity of high flows any restoration work in Perseverance Creek should consider the impact of extreme flow fluctuation.

Recommendations Further inventory &/or mapping of Perseverance Creek be conducted, documenting the extent of flow, pool location and fish habitat present in the lower channels during the dry season. Further studies be conducted to addresses the causes of the dewatering of the lower reaches of Perseverance Creek. In co-operation with the Village of Cumberland, a hydrologist be consulted and the issue of flow regulation be addressed giving consideration to the feasibility of: o The creation of additional reservoirs for supplementary flow for summer habitat. o The creation of additional reservoirs for peak flow regulation and sediment settlement. o The mitigation of existing sediment deposition from upland sources. Fish trapping be continued, to determine presence and distribution of fish, throughout the wetlands adjacent to Perseverance Creek. Water levels and fish access connectivity of Perseverance Creek Wetlands be studied during the dry season. Year round water quality testing throughout the Perseverance Creek wetlands be initiated, with an eye to utilizing existing wetland ponds for summer habitat. Depending on results of above studies, consideration be given to improving fish access to the Perseverance Creek Wetlands.

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Perseverance Creek SHIM Report

Features of Interest, Enhancement, Restoration & Protection References Associated Engineering Services Ltd. Regional Water Study, School District 71. Regional District of Comox-Strathcona. 1975 Ardith, Riddell and Bryden, George. Courtenay River Water Allocation Plan. Ministry of Environment, Lands & Parks, Vancouver Island Region. April 1996 Fraser, Mac. Personal Communication November 18th, 2003. Griffith, R.P. Puntledge River: Biophysical Assessment of Streams Tributary to Comox Lake. BC Hydro and Power Authority, Burnaby, BC. 1995. Koers & Associates Engineering Ltd. Comox Valley Water System 1997 Water Study. Regional District of Comox Strathcona. July 1997. Mason, B., and R. Knight. 2001. Sensitive Habitat Inventory and Mapping. Community Mapping Network, Vancouver, British Columbia. 315pp + viii. M. Johannes, Editor. Copyright © 2001, Community Mapping Network Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Lands and Air Protection Sproule Gwyn. Personal Communication October, 2003.

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