M-PEPE-Fisher

Fisher

Pekania pennanti

  • Phylum: Craniata
  • Class: Mammalia
  • Order: Carnivora
  • Family: Mustelidae

The fisher (Pekania pennanti) is a carnivorous mammal native to North America, a forest-dwelling creature whose range covers much of the boreal forest in Canada to the northern United States.

General Information

Key Habitat Features

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. 


 

Objectives

Minimize disturbance during the breeding season.

Maintain denning habitat throughout all seasons.

Maintain desired plant communities and key habitat features. 

 

Planning and Operational Measures

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.