Environmental Information Management System

Name: Fisher

Phylum: Craniata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Mustelidae

Scientific: Pekania pennanti

• A forest dependent species, reliant on intact mature forests in proximity to denning sites.
• Rest and maternal dens are generally associated with:
  • Tree cavities
    • Black Cottonwood, Trembling Aspen or Balsam Poplar >75cm and Spruce >40cm dbh
    • Large diameter trees with natural decay
    • Trees having decay class 2 or 3 (preferred), 2-6 (acceptable) (see Stand Level Biodiversity Management - Module 3, Figure 8 - British Columbia's wildlife tree classification system)
    • Spruce trees with rust brooms (resting habitat)
• Areas with elevated pieces of CWD; CWD in decay classes 2-6.

• Minimize disturbance during the breeding season.
• Maintain denning habitat throughout all seasons.
• Maintain desired plant communities and key habitat features.

All Activities

• Identify key habitat features using appropriate measures (i.e. QP direction, desktop review, field confirmation, etc) and plan activities within the operating area accordingly.
• Avoid sensitive areas such as den sites (rest and maternal) and denning habitat.
• Minimize impacts to large diameter trees, coarse woody debris and standing deadfall within identified habitat.
• Time works such that they occur outside of the critical timing window.
• Apply the appropriate survey and setback requirements for WHFs within identified habitat. (Refer to section 1.9 of the EPMG for additional guidance on WHFs).

 

All Activities

• Retain large diameter trees and natural accumulations of coarse woody debris or create piles of CWD within openings (disturbances) to promote safe movement of fisher through the disturbed area.
• Undertake construction and operation of oil and gas activities in a manner that minimizes impacts to desired plant communities and key habitat features.

 

Timing considerations when working within identified habitat:

• Avoid disturbance and/or clearing activities during the critical timing window from March 15 to June 30th.

 

• Where an application area is within a NEBC WHA for Fisher, please refer to the EIMS summary for that Order. Proponents are required to adhere to the guidance provided in that summary, including any relevant timing considerations.

 

Linear Features

All

• Upon completion of the activity, undertake the following measures to encourage re-establishment of the pre-disturbance ecological trajectory:

• deactivate unnecessary access corridors,
• undertake measures to control access,
• promote natural or assisted regeneration.