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ARCHIVED - Species at Risk Public Registry - Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in Canada [Proposed] - 2014
Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in Canada [Proposed] - 2014
Part 1 - Appendix 1
Part 2 - Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in British Columbia, prepared by the Canadian Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team for the B.C. Ministry of Environment
Part 2 - Appendices
In the spirit of cooperation of the Accord, the Government of British Columbia has given permission to the Government of Canada to adopt the "Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in British Columbia" (Part 2) under Section 44 of the Species at Risk Act. Environment Canada has included an addition which completes the SARA requirements for this recovery strategy.
Part 1 - Federal Addition to the “Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in British Columbia”, prepared by Environment Canada
3.1 Identification of the Species’ Critical Habitat
Environment Canada. 2014. Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in Canada [Proposed]. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment Canada, Ottawa. 21 pp. + Appendix.
For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry.
« Programme de rétablissement de la grenouille maculée de l’Oregon (Rana pretiosa) au Canada [Proposition] »
The following sections have been included to address specific requirements of SARA that are either not addressed, or which need more detailed information, in the Recovery Strategy for the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) in British Columbia (Part 2 of this document, referred to henceforth as “the provincial recovery strategy”). In some cases, these sections may also include updated information or modifications to the provincial recovery strategy for adoption by Environment Canada.
Table 1. Conservation status of the Oregon Spotted Frog (from NatureServe 2011 and British Columbia (B.C.) Conservation Framework 2010).
Global (G) Rank*
National (N) Rank*
Sub-national (S) Rank*
G2 (2011) N1 (2011) British Columbia (S1), Washington (S1), Oregon (S2), California (S1) Endangered (2011) Red Highest priority**: 1, under Goals***1 and 3
*Rank 1 - Critically Imperiled; 2 - Imperiled; 3 - Vulnerable; 4 - Apparently Secure; 5 - Secure; H – possibly extirpated; SNR – Status Not Ranked; SNA – Not Applicable
**Six level priority scale ranging from 1 (highest priority) to 6 (lowest priority).
*** The three goals of the B.C. Conservation Framework are: 1. Contribute to global efforts for species and ecosystem conservation; 2. Prevent species and ecosystems from becoming at risk; 3. Maintain the diversity of native species and ecosystems.
Habitat use pressures within the Oregon Spotted Frog range and the presence of introduced species constrains the number of available new or reintroduction sites. Although 13 potential sites are presented in Table 4[1], further investigation will likely reveal that several of these sites are not suitable (e.g., may be too degraded to be effective for recovery). With this in mind, the goal was set to establish 6 or more populations over the next 10 years. This would result in the number of occupied locations increasing from 4 to a minimum of 10 locations. A minimum number of breeding adults at each location is needed to sustain viable populations. Until more specific information is available, the population objective is 200 breeding adults per location. It is recognized however, that the carrying capacity may limit what is achievable and as a result targets will vary by location. In addition, it should be noted that the distribution objective may slightly expand the species' range beyond the historic sites, due to introductions into suitable habitat in the Fraser Valley that is not known to have been occupied in the past.
This section provides information that augments, replaces, or references “Information on habitat needed to meet recovery goal” (Section 7) in the provincial recovery strategy, as identified in each subsection.
Section 41(1)(c) of SARA requires that recovery strategies include an identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction.
This section replaces “Description of Survival/Recovery Habitat” (Section 7.1) in the provincial recovery strategy.
Critical habitat for the Oregon Spotted Frog is identified in this recovery strategy to the extent possible, based on the best available information. It is recognized that the critical habitat identified below is insufficient to achieve the population and distribution objectives for the species because it does not include habitat for the six or more additional populations that must be established to meet the population and distribution objectives. Critical habitat was not identified at historical or candidate introduction locations because the habitat is currently unsuitable for the frog and/or the Canadian Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team (the “recovery team”) has not confirmed which sites are suitable for (re)introduction. Additional work is required prior to finalizing the list of introduction locations (P. Govindarajulu pers. comm. 2011, M. M. Pearson pers. comm.2011, K. Welstead pers. comm. 2011). A schedule of studies (Section 3.2) has been included which outlines the activities required to complete the identification of critical habitat.
The recovery team has developed a definition of habitat critical to the survival of Oregon Spotted Frog (“survival habitat”) by identifying important biophysical attributes of survival and recovery habitat and by identifying a process to geospatially describe the necessary survival and recovery habitat. The process and areas of survival habitat identified by the recovery team are outlined in “Procedure to describe survival and recovery habitat” (Section 7.1.3) in the provincial recovery strategy. The criteria for including habitat as critical habitat are outlined below, and capture the five process points outlined in the provincial Description of Survival/Recovery Habitat, while providing greater certainty about the location of Critical Habitat. The critical habitat identification also excludes one element of the provincial survival habitat identification: the critical habitat identification does not include an increase in width when impermeable surfaces are present within the critical habitat area. The intent of creating this area was to maintain hydrology and water quality. However, as it would be extremely difficult to determine exactly where this additional critical habitat area is located, this element of the survival/recovery habitat description was not included.
the habitat is within 3 kilometers (km) (straight-line distance) of occurrence records, and &lt; 260 meters (m) in elevation
the habitat is within 3 km (straight-line distance) of occurrence records, and &lt; 260 m in elevation
the habitat is within 3 km (straight-line distance) of occurrence records, and is &lt; 260 m in elevation.
All other areas the Oregon Spotted Frog depends on to maintain the necessary attributes of its habitat (e.g. the quality and quantity of water).
The areas of groundwater flow identified up to their headwaters may extend &gt; 3 km (straight-line distance) from occurrence records and &gt; 260 m in elevation
A 45 m wide area of critical habitat, measured from the high water mark[2], identified around each side of habitats identified by criterion 1 and criterion 2. Areas of impermeable surfaces (e.g. roads, parking lots, buildings) within the 45 m wide area are not considered critical habitat.
An area of critical habitat, measured from the high water mark, around each side of all types of groundwater flow identified by criterion 3a.
The necessary width of the area varies depending on the surrounding dominant vegetation and land use. In areas of intact forest where the dominant land use is and will remain forestry, the area identified around each side is 30 m wide. In areas where the surrounding dominant land use is agricultural or urban (not forestry), or in harvested forest areas, the area identified around each side is 45 m wide.
For rationales and references to support these criteria, see “Procedure to describe survival and recovery habitat” (Section 7.1.3) in the provincial recovery strategy. In addition to the information in the provincial recovery strategy about riparian areas removing chemicals such as herbicides, it should be noted that riparian areas can reduce the amount of sediment that reach the waterway, which can help maintain the abundance and species richness of amphibian communities (Vesely and McComb 2002, Rashin et al. 2006, Crawford and Semlitsch 2007, Peterman and Semlitsch 2008). Peterman and Semlitsch (2008) recommended retaining a 30 m forested zone around streams to reduce the input of sediment into the waterway. Other studies on amphibian populations also recommend the retention of a 30 m zone to preserve the characteristics of the resident amphibian community (e.g., Crawford and Semlitsch 2007).
Critical habitat is identified around four known occupied locations of Oregon Spotted Frog in the lower mainland of British Columbia: Aldergrove, Mountain Slough, Maria Slough, and Morris Valley. The four areas within which critical habitat occurs are shown in Appendix 1.
The Oregon Spotted Frog is a wetland/marsh specialist that prefers floodplain wetlands, side channels, and sloughs associated with permanent waterbodies. Habitats generally have good solar exposure with low to moderate amounts of cover by emergent vegetation (25–50%; Watson et al.2003), and silty, rather than gravelly substrate. Habitat requirements are divided into three life-seasons: breeding (oviposition) and early larval habitat, active summer habitat, and overwintering habitat. Dispersal/connective habitat is required to link the three main habitat types during late spring and fall. Water quality, maintained by limiting the introduction of fertilizers, pesticides, and sediments into watercourses and wetlands, is a requirement in all habitat types.
areas that experience shallow inundation (&lt;26 centimeters (cm) deep) in the spring (Pearl and Hayes 2004);
are &gt;3° C in March/April (C. Bishop, unpubl. data, 2005, 2007); and
wetlands that are &gt;40 cm deep (R. Haycock, unpubl. data, 2001–2002, Watson et al. 2003); and
This section augments “Information on habitat needed to meet recovery goal” (Section 7) in the provincial recovery strategy.
Identify locations suitable for the identification of critical habitat. Activities may include:
Assess habitat and identify critical habitat at six or more additional locations as sites become suitable through habitat rehabilitation, threat mitigation, or the introduction or discovery of Oregon Spotted Frogs. Activities will include:
This section replaces “Specific Human Activities Likely to Damage Survival/Recovery Habitat” (section 7.2) in the provincial recovery strategy.
Understanding what constitutes destruction of critical habitat is necessary for the protection and management of critical habitat. Destruction is determined on a case by case basis. Destruction would result if part of the critical habitat were degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from a single or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time. Activities described in Table 3 include those likely to cause destruction of critical habitat for the species; destructive activities are not limited to those listed. Additional information on the negative effects of these activities is provided in “Description of the Threats” (Section 4.2) in the provincial recovery strategy.
Description of how activity would destroy critical habitat
(e.g., ditching / channelling, culverting, ditch cleaning, exposure of bedrock through mining operations, drawdown, active removal of beaver dams [but excepting natural beaver dam-building]) Hydrological modification can result in water depths, temperatures, and flow rates that are outside the range required for successful breeding, dispersal, and / or summer and winter survival. The timing of peak flows / water depths and temperatures is critical to the function of the different seasonal habitat types, so destruction can result when activities modify these parameters to a point where seasonal requirements are not met. Yes, changes in water source (from ground to surface) can result in greater inputs of pollutants and sediments into watercourses and wetlands. Applicable at all times. Retaining natural water levels is important for populations of Oregon Spotted Frog, particularly during: the period between oviposition and hatching of tadpoles; over-winter during the coldest period; and in areas that are required to support oviposition, over-wintering, foraging or dispersal.
Release of pollutants into watercourses or wetlands
(e.g., runoff or spray of pesticides or fertilizers, runoff of manure stored adjacent to habitat, direct input of manure/urine by cattle or livestock, release of leachate from mining operations) Release of pollutants can result in changes in water chemistry leading to loss of water quality required for survival and successful reproduction. No Applicable at all times.
Inputs of sediment into watercourses or wetlands
(e.g., forest harvest within critical habitat areas, allowing cattle access to riparian areas, mechanical or chemical removal of riparian vegetation) Sedimentation can directly affect water quality and modify channel structure, resulting in sediment levels and water depths outside the range required for successful breeding and/or summer and winter survival. Yes, the build-up of sediment in the watercourse / wetland or the watercourses that input water/materials to the watercourse / wetland can lead to large runoff events with a resulting sudden influx of pollutants from the surrounding area. Applicable at all times.
Partial or total removal of natural riparian vegetation around watercourses or wetlands
(e.g., forest harvesting, urban or agricultural conversion, linear developments, allowing cattle access to riparian areas) Natural riparian vegetation plays an important role in moderating microclimate and hydrology. Removal of natural riparian vegetation around watercourses or wetlands can result in water temperatures, depths, and flow rates/patterns that are outside the range required for successful breeding and/or summer and winter survival. Yes, removal of riparian vegetation can also reduce soil stability, leading to bank erosion and increased sedimentation. Removal of riparian vegetation also effects surface permeability, which increases the rate at which pollutants enter wetlands / watercourses. Loss of natural riparian vegetation also facilitates invasion by exotic plant species. Applicable at all times.
Partial or total removal of natural emergent or submergent vegetation
(e.g., allowing cattle access to riparian areas, mechanical or chemical removal of emergent / submergent vegetation) Removal of natural emergent or submergent vegetation can result in densities below the range required for successful breeding and / or summer and winter survival. No Applicable at all times.
Introduction of semi-aquatic exotic plant species
(e.g., Reed Canarygrass [Phalaris arundinacea]) Introduction of semi-aquatic exotic plant species, which grow in greater densities than native semi-aquatic plant species, can result in emergent and submergent vegetation densities outside the range required for successful breeding and/or summer and winter survival. No Applicable at all times
Installation of impassable barriers
(e.g., impassable culverts, dams, roads) Installation of impassable barriers leads to elimination of access between breeding, summer, and winter habitats, which results in loss of habitat function and reduced gene flow. Yes, installation of barriers can affect not only movement of Oregon Spotted Frogs, but also hydrology, resulting in water depths, temperatures, and flow rates that are outside the range required for successful breeding, dispersal, and / or summer and winter survival. Applicable at all times
One or more federal action plans will be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry by 2019.
A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals. The purpose of a SEA is to incorporate environmental considerations into the development of public policies, plans, and program proposals to support environmentally sound decision-making and to evaluate whether the outcomes of a recovery planning document could affect any component of the environment or any of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy’s goals and targets (FSDS).
The provincial recovery strategy notes that recovery actions for Oregon Spotted Frog are unlikely to have any negative effects on non-target species or communities within its range, and may benefit other species at risk. The Oregon Spotted Frog uses similar areas to the Salish Sucker (Catostomus catostomus), the Western Painted Turtle (Pacific Coast population)(Chrysemys picta), the Oregon Forestsnail (Allogona townsendiana), and the Pacific Water Shrew (Sorex bendirii), which are listed as Endangered under SARA; the Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora), Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas), Vancouver Island Beggarticks (Bidens amplissima), and Great Blue Heron fannini subspecies (Ardea herodias fannini), which are listed as Special Concern under SARA; as well as the American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) and Green Heron (Butorides virescens), which are considered provincially to be of Special Concern. The site-level details of these species’ habitat requirements may differ.
Chelgren, N.D., C.A. Pearl, J. Bowerman, and M.J. Adams. 2006. Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) movement and demography at Dilman Meadow: implications for future monitoring. United States (U.S.) Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
Hallock, L. and S. Pearson. 2001. Telemetry study of fall and winter Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa) movement and habitat use at Trout Lake, Klickitat County, Washington. 36 pp.Cited in Pearl and Hayes (2004) and Cushman and Pearl (2007).
McAllister, K.R. and W.P. Leonard. 1997. Washington State status report for the Oregon Spotted Frog. Washington Dept. Fish and Wildlife, Seattle, WA. 38 pp.
Pearl, C.A. and M.P. Hayes. 2004. Habitat associations of the Oregon Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa): a literature review. Final report. Washington Dept. Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, WA.
Govindarajulu, P. Amphibian Specialist and Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team Co-Chair. B.C. Ministry of Environment, Victoria, B.C.
Pearson, M. M. Environmental Consultant and Oregon Spotted Frog Expert. Balance Ecological, Vancouver, B.C.
Welstead, K. Species at Risk Biologist and Oregon Spotted Frog Recovery Team Co-Chair. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations, Surrey, B.C.
Figure A.1. The four areas within which critical habitat occurs for the Oregon Spotted Frog in Canada: Mountain Slough, Maria Slough, Morris Valley, and Aldergrove.
Long description for figure A.1
Figure A.1. is an overview map of the four areas within which critical habitat is found (Mountain Slough, Maria Slough, Morris Valley, and Aldergrove) as well as their associated 10 km x 10km standardized UTM grid squares.
Figure A.2. Critical habitat for Oregon Spotted Frog at Mountain Slough (Agassiz, B.C.)
Long description for figure A.2
Figure A.2. shows the detailed polygon within which critical habitat is found at Mountain Slough (Agassiz, BC). It is represented by the yellow shaded polygons, where the criteria and methodology set out in Section 3.1 are met. The 10 km x 10 km grid overlay shown on this figure is a standardized national grid system that indicates the general geographic area containing critical habitat.
Figure A.3. Critical habitat for Oregon Spotted Frog at at Maria Slough (Agassiz, B.C.)
Long description for figure A.3
Figure A.3. shows the detailed polygon within which critical habitat is found at Maria Slough (Agassiz, BC). It is represented by the yellow shaded polygons, where the criteria and methodology set out in Section 3.1 are met. The 10 km x 10 km grid overlay shown on this figure is a standardized national grid system that indicates the general geographic area containing critical habitat.
Figure A.4. Critical habitat for Oregon Spotted Frog at Morris Valley (Fraser Valley Regional District, Electoral Area C, B.C.)
Long description for figure A.4
Figure A.4. shows the detailed polygon within which critical habitat is found at Morris Valley (Fraser Valley Regional District, Electoral Area C, BC). It is represented by the yellow shaded polygons, where the criteria and methodology set out in Section 3.1 are met. The 10 km x 10 km grid overlay shown on this figure is a standardized national grid system that indicates the general geographic area containing critical habitat.
Figure A.5. Critical habitat for Oregon Spotted Frog at Aldergrove (Township of Langley, B.C.)
Long description for figure A.5
Figure A.5. shows the detailed polygon within which critical habitat is found at Aldergrove (Township of Langley, BC). It is represented by the yellow shaded polygons, where the criteria and methodology set out in Section 3.1 are met. The 10 km x 10 km grid overlay shown on this figure is a standardized national grid system that indicates the general geographic area containing critical habitat.
1This table is found in the provincial recovery strategy, in part 2 of this document.
2“high water mark (PDF: 149 Kb)” [accessed Oct 2011] means the visible high water mark of a stream where the presence and action of the water are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark on the soil of the bed of the stream a character distinct from that of its banks, in vegetation, as well as in the nature of the soil itself, and includes the active floodplain.