Koocanusa Reservoir Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping – Phase 2

Author: H. Leschied

The objectives of the project are: greatly improve information about the fish, wildlife and archaeological values of Lake Koocanusa; Develop science-based coordinated management guidance for land and water uses associated with Lake Koocanusa, and promote the application of this guidance in decision-making by all levels of government including First Nations, developers, planners, and all other interests; Liaise with related initiatives to enable aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem monitoring to effectively contribute to a cumulative effects assessment and an improved understanding of the overall health of the lake ecosystem; and, Facilitate information sharing and encourages collaboration amongst the community to efficiently and effectively coordinate and integrate land use decision-making.

Sensitive habitat inventory mapping. Aquatic habitat Index to rank shoreline segments. Fish habitat assessments for kokanee, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout and burbot. Long-billed Curlew critical nesting habitat.
The Aquatic Habitat Index (AHI) results show that the majority of the shoreline has High (41%) or Very High (23%) ecological value. These areas include segments that have little disturbance and are important habitat areas for fish and wildlife. These areas include most tributary inlets, shallow vegetated areas, and zones essential for fish and/or wildlife populations to complete their life cycle. The Moderate (24%), Low (6%) and Very Low (6%) ranked segments are generally disturbed, therefore have lower values for fish and wildlife.
Very High habitat areas were identified as essential for the long-term maintenance of fish and/or wildlife values through the AHI analysis process. These areas are located along the shoreline and include most tributary inlets, shallow vegetated areas, and zones essential for fish and/or wildlife populations to complete their life cycle. Zones of Sensitivity (ZOS) were identified for the shoreline and drawdown zone. ZOS includes aquatics, birds and unique features such as scenic values. ZOS were identified for tributary mouths, existing Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA) for lewiss woodpecker and longbilled curlew, as well as new curlew sites identified, bank swallow nesting areas, and juvenile rearing habitat. There were 25 ZOS identified on the reservoir

Sensitive habitat inventory mapping. Aquatic habitat Index to rank shoreline segments. Fish habitat assessments for kokanee, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout and burbot. Long-billed Curlew critical nesting habitat.
The Aquatic Habitat Index (AHI) results show that the majority of the shoreline has High (41%) or Very High (23%) ecological value. These areas include segments that have little disturbance and are important habitat areas for fish and wildlife. These areas include most tributary inlets, shallow vegetated areas, and zones essential for fish and/or wildlife populations to complete their life cycle. The Moderate (24%), Low (6%) and Very Low (6%) ranked segments are generally disturbed, therefore have lower values for fish and wildlife.
Very High habitat areas were identified as essential for the long-term maintenance of fish and/or wildlife values through the AHI analysis process. These areas are located along the shoreline and include most tributary inlets, shallow vegetated areas, and zones essential for fish and/or wildlife populations to complete their life cycle. Zones of Sensitivity (ZOS) were identified for the shoreline and drawdown zone. ZOS includes aquatics, birds and unique features such as scenic values. ZOS were identified for tributary mouths, existing Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHA) for lewiss woodpecker and longbilled curlew, as well as new curlew sites identified, bank swallow nesting areas, and juvenile rearing habitat. There were 25 ZOS identified on the reservoir