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The location I have selected for my field research project is Cosens Bay in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, Vernon BC (50011’44” N, 1190 15’40” W) (Figure 1). There is a hiking trail that extends approximately 2.5 km from the car park west, downslope towards Kalamalka Lake. On September 25, 2019 between 17:20 and 18:45 it was 15 degrees Celsius and cloudy. Several ecological communities are present (including forest, grassland and riparian communities) within the Cosens Bay area, of which are associated with the following features: the riparian area of Kalamalka Lake, adjacent wetland, open disturbed grassland, gulley features, south facing slope with an open canopy and a north facing slope. Given the environmental gradient at the site there are several differences in ecological communities to observe.
The riparian area of Kalamalka Lake (approximately 400 m above sea level (asl)) consists of a vegetated area approximately 20 m wide and 330 m long with black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), interior Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and a stand of trembling Aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees (Photo 1). Several dead black cottonwood trees are wildlife trees with cavities suitable for nesting avian species. Shrub species along the riparian area consist of black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii), common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Douglas maple (Acer glabrum), tall Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), Saskatoon (Amelanchier alnifolia), rose species (Rosa spp.), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), wild asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) and horsetail species (Equisetum spp.).
Behind the black cottonwood riparian band is a wetland feature approximately 75 m wide and 170 m long (at similar elevation of 400 m asl) with common cattail (Typha latifolia) dominating the wetted perimeter of the wetland (Photo 2). Other shrub species surrounding the wetland include the aforementioned species.
North of the riparian area is a south facing slope extending up to 700 m asl dominated by ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) with some interior Douglas fir trees (Photo 3). The tree canopy is relatively sparse as the elevation increases to 700 m asl with an understorey dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata). Areas of exposed rock are present indicating shallow soils.
An open valley is between the south facing slope, and a north facing slope. The open valley appears disturbed with a high occurrence of invasive species including knapweed species (Centaurea), mullein (Verbascum thapsus), thistle species (Cirsium spp.), sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), white sweet clover (Melilotus albus) and chicory species (Cichorium spp.) (Photo 4). Native species within the open valley included thickets of common snowberry and Saskatoon. The north facing slope is more gradual relative to the south facing slope and consists of a dense interior Douglas fir forest (Photo 5).
Wildlife observed within the riparian area included birds of prey. A chorus frog was heard adjacent to the wetland area and signs of deer were observed within the open valley. No other wildlife was observed, however the area would likely be used by other song birds and ungulate species.
On review of the different ecological communities, I observed more common snowberry present in the riparian area, surrounding wetland area, and moisture receiving areas within the open valley community. Common snowberry was less dense when the ecological community transitioned to a steeper, south facing slope. In areas where rock was exposed and the understorey was dominated by bluebunch wheatgrass there was little to no common snowberry present.
On review of the ecological communities, the following questions are presented:
- Is common snowberry present in moisture receiving areas only?
- Is common snowberry more dense in riparian areas?
- How drought tolerant is common snowberry?
- Is common snowberry important foliage for wildlife in fall and winter?
- Does the presence of common snowberry influence the occurrence of wildlife in fall and winter?
- Can understanding common snowberry and associated species influence riparian restoration and enhancement to improve water quality and overall watershed management?
- Is the riparian area ecological community Red or Blue listed in BC and how does this influence management decisions?
Field notes from September 25, 2019 are attached below.
