Habitat Conservation Plan Habitat Conservation Plan for the Town ...

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8 Habitat Conservation PlanGoose River Bog Management Unit (4295.46 acres)The Goose River Bog Management Unit, found within the Town’s Stewardship Zone, islocated northwest of the Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay. The Management Unit islocated south of Goose River and encompasses a large section of Otter Creek and itstributaries. The area is approximately 5.5 kilometers in length, 4 kilometers in width andis almost entirely comprised of peatland with shallow open water patches.Field assessment of the Goose River Bog Management Unit preliminarily indicates thatcommon species observed in the area include Common golden-eye, Common merganser,Green-winged teal, Moose, Black bear, and Squirrel. The area is enriched with habitatthat is commonly known to be utilized by waterfowl species for nesting, brood rearingand staging. (see Appendices 4 & 5).Birch Island Creek Management Unit (809.1 acres)The Birch Island Creek Management Unit, located south of the community, isapproximately 3 kilometers in length and a kilometer wide. The southern section of theManagement Unit uses the Churchill River as its southern boundary. Birch Island Creekmeets Spring Gulch along its route (approximately 1 km from where the creek enters theChurchill River).The substrate in the creek is almost entirely mud with brown opaque water that containssilt and poised sediments. The creek contains emergent plants and grasses such as willowand marshy areas are also abundant. Fallen trees in the creek provide food and shelter forfish and waterfowl, as well as other wildlife in the area. On the south side of the creek,the riparian zone consists of mixed deciduous and old coniferous vegetation. Othervegetation in the area includes wild calla, Crowberry, Red osier dogwood, Whitestempondweed, Marsh cinquefoil, and other common plants (Appendix 6). Near ChurchillRiver the water becomes shallower, with sandy riverbeds and banks.A large number of wildlife species are known to utilize the area surrounding Birch IslandCreek and the Churchill River. During a field assessment a wide variety of wetland andwaterfowl species were recorded. American black duck, Canada Geese, Commongolden-eye, Common merganser, Green-winged teal, Mallard, Northern pintail, Scoterand Wood duck are some of the recorded nesting and brood raring waterfowl in the area.Common songbirds include American robin, Black-capped chickadee, Gray jay, Northernwater thrush, Ruby-crowned kinglet, White throated sparrow and Yellow-rumpedwarbler. Other avian species around the creek include the nesting Great horned owls,Ospreys, and Shorebird species like the Greater yellowlegs and Semi-palmated sandpiper.
Habitat Conservation Plan 9Existing Land Use and Its Potential Impact on Wetlands and WaterfowlResidential/Commercial DevelopmentThe Stewardship Zone in Happy Valley – Goose Bay currently consists of a large numberof residential developments, as well as industrial and commercial developments and iswell known for its Airport facility. No known development, however, has occurredwithin the Town’s Management Units.FishingFishing within the Management Units of the community of Happy Valley – Goose Bay isnot viewed as a significant concern with regards to its impact on waterfowl and wetlandhabitat. However, fishers should be reminded that waterfowl are easily disturbed duringthe nesting and brood raising period (May to mid-July), and if encountered they shoulduse caution so as not to disturb the birds. Broods are very susceptible to predation whenleft unattended and during the nesting period adult waterfowl will often abandon the nestif disturbed. Similarly, when constructing docks or other structures, known nesting sitesshould be avoided.Tourism/RecreationHappy Valley – Goose Bay is an excellent and thriving location for recreation andtourism opportunities including world class hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, canoeing andkayaking. Other attractions in the area include golfing at the Amaruk Golf and SportsClub, enjoying beautiful scenery at Muskrat Falls, as well as local biking, walking andhiking trails. The Birch Brook Nordic Ski Club is also within a 20 minute drive of theTown. Although most recreational activities in Happy Valley – Goose Bay occur aroundwater bodies, the current use of these areas, within the Stewardship Zone, appear to becomplimentary to the continued existence of waterfowl and their habitat. Increases inrecreational use provide ample opportunity for the implementation of educationalprograms and habitat enhancement projects. This also provides a great opportunity toraise awareness and educate visitors and residents about waterfowl and wildlife withinthe community and the importance of wetlands and upland habitat in the area.All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) UseATV usage in the Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay is governed by town by-lawswhich prohibit their public use except in designated areas.LitterUnfortunately, during a field assessment of Birch Island Creek Management Unit, it wasrecorded that the area has been visibly degraded with numerous vehicle wrecks along thenorth banks, as well as in the creek itself. Other debris such as garbage bags, car batteriesand household furniture and appliances were identified to scatter the area. An extensivecleanup of Birch Island Creek is strongly recommended for the future.
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