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To support Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) strategic planning initiatives in the Central Coast region of British Columbia, the Ministry of Environment had 1.5 million hectares of forest mapped for potential nesting habitat quality using a six-class (Nil to Very High) air photo interpretation classification system. This classification evaluates attributes, such as tree size and canopy complexity, that are indirectly associated with potential nesting platform occurrence, on 1:10 000/1:15 000 air photos. We verified the habitat classifications of the air photo inventory maps using helicopter lowlevel aerial surveys.
We used newer, larger-scale 2007 colour air photos to interpret habitat attributes and classify habitat quality of 14 Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) nest sites identified in 1992 (n = 2) and 1999 (n = 12) in Mussel Inlet on the Central Coast of British Columbia. Mussel Inlet is a fjordland environment atypical of other areas for which the air photo interpretation classification has been tested using nest sites (i.e., Haida Gwaii, Vancouver Island, and south coastal British Columbia). Nesting habitat described by 3-ha plots centred on the nest site was characterized in Mussel Inlet as having complex canopies with large trees in mid to low meso slope positions, and as such is comparable to that reported elsewhere in British Columbia. However, comparisons of the nest plot habitat attributes to those at 27 random plots also suggested that interpretations of murrelet habitat selectivity for Mussel Inlet differed from other coastal areas due to differences in characteristics and availability of forest structures. Overall in Mussel Inlet, more nest plots were classed as lower quality (i.e., 50% Low and Very Low) on air photos compared to other British Columbian studies (i.e., ~14% Low and Very Low). Although selectivity testing based on air photo habitat class was inconclusive, particularly for the High and Very High quality habitats for which limited habitat was available (~1 % of the study area), a trend was indicated for higher proportional use of Moderate and Low habitats and lower proportional use of Very Low habitats. We discuss limitations of the samples used for this study and issues in interpretation, resolution, and scale in applying the air photo methods in topographically complex, fjordland landscapes such as Mussel Inlet. Given these limitations and issues, we recommend use of aerial survey methods to confirm occurrence of nest platforms.
"Air photo interpretation (API) is widely used in British Columbia for assessing and mapping forest nesting habitat of the Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus). For strategic land use planning in Haida Gwaii, the entire land base (approximately 1 million ha) has been mapped based on polygons assessed with API. The API method does not, however, detect microsite features in the forest canopy, especially the presence of mossy mats and other potential nest platforms, which are essential for murrelets to nest. This study was therefore undertaken to compare the API habitat quality classifications with those made by low-level helicopter surveys (aerial surveys), which focus on the canopy structure and the presence of potential nest platforms."--Document.
This report was compiled & edited by the interagency Marbled Murrelet Conservation Assessment Core Team. The 37 chapters cover both original studies & literature reviews of many aspects of the species' biology, ecology, & conservation needs. It includes new information on the forest habitat used for nesting, marine distribution, & demographic analyses; & describes past & potential effects of humans on the species habitats. Future research needs & possible management strategies for both marine & forest habitats are suggested. Charts & tables.
Sections 1-2. Keyword Index.--Section 3. Personal author index.--Section 4. Corporate author index.-- Section 5. Contract/grant number index, NTIS order/report number index 1-E.--Section 6. NTIS order/report number index F-Z.
The Forest Practices Code guidebooks help forest resource managers plan, prescribe and implement sound forest practices that comply with the Forest Practices Code. This guidebook is designed to be a "fine filter" approach to addressing habitat requirements of critical wildlife, in addition to the "coarse filter" approach provided by the Biodiversity Guidebook and the Riparian Management Area Guidebook.