Riparian Management of Perennial Coastal Streams with Potential Habitat for a Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei)

Abstract

Assessments were conducted at stream reaches associated with recent harvesting in the mid-coast of British Columbia to: 1) determine how riparian vegetation has been managed around coastal streams that do not typically require a riparian reserve, but contain potential habitat for tailed frogs, and 2) correlate harvest prescriptions with habitat quality. The results are intended to guide decisions related to harvesting around small fish-bearing, and all non-fish streams on the mid-coast of BC. We found that bedrock-dominated reaches exhibited less disturbance than erodible streams when subjected to riparian cutting but their confined channels may have facilitated the transfer of road debris downstream, creating blockages and dewatering. Tailed-frog tadpoles were observed where some riparian harvesting had occurred, but the channels were stable and stream flow undisturbed. Recommendations for best practices when planning to harvest around perennial coastal streams include the consideration of geologic site characteristics prior to making harvesting decisions.