An ecosystem-based management approach for maintaining sandhill crane nesting habitat on northern Vancouver Island
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Authors
Innes, Tyler
Issue Date
2010-06-15T17:26:23Z
Type
Language
Subject
migration , wind energy , breeding habitat , ecosystem-based management
Alternative Title
Abstract
Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) migratory populations use wetland ecosystems on
northern Vancouver Island for their breeding habitat. With wind energy development being
proposed for the area, an ecosystem-based management approach is being used to maintain
Sandhill Crane breeding habitat and biological diversity within the bog wetland complex of the
Nahwitti Plateau at the northern tip of the island. Shelter, forage and nesting habitat suitability
were identified and rated with a six-class scheme from April to October over a two-year period.
Vegetation surveys and crane inventories were carried out in 2006 and 2007 to spatially map the
structure and patterns of bog ecosystems used by migrating cranes. The highest-rated Sandhill
Crane nesting habitat consisted of sedge and low shrub dominated blanket bog wetlands with
vegetated mounds. Riparian features and bog forests were also determined to be important
habitats for forage, shelter, and living habitat. Based on the analysis, three Wildlife Habitat Areas
were proposed to maintain Sandhill Crane nesting habitat and connected ecological services that
support ecosystem-based management objectives, including promoting human well-being.