Resort Municipality of Whistler
Wildlife Permit SU11-70751
Amphibian Sampling Data Report
Submitted to:
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources
Permit and Authorization Service Bureau
PO Box 9372 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9M3
Submitted by:
Emma Tayless
Summer Fish and Wildlife Technician
Resort Municipality of Whistler
4325 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC V0N 1B4
February 2012
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
Summary
This report summarizes data collected for amphibian presence surveys in selected
waterways located throughout the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). As well as
information collected for Western Toad Management purposes at Lost Lake Municipal
Park. The surveys were conducted through visual observation and dip netting through
the summer of 2011.
Amphibian species observed in 2011 in surveyed Whistler waterways and their
conservation listings are tabled below.
English Name
Scientific Name
Taricha granulose
Roughskin newts
Salamanders species
Northern Pacific Tree Pseudacris regilla
Frogs
Anaxyrus boreas
Western Toads
Species
Code
A-TAGR
A-AM
A-PSRE
BC
Conservation
Listing
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
A-ANBO
Blue
ii
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
Table of Contents
Summary ..........................................................................................................................ii
1.0
Introduction............................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Objectives .............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Study Area ............................................................................................................. 1
2.0
Methods................................................................................................................. 3
3.0
Results and Discussion ......................................................................................... 4
3.1 Cal-Check constructed wetland ponds .................................................................. 4
3.2 Cheakamus Crossing SP2 Pond ........................................................................... 5
3.3 Cheakamus Crossing SP4N Pond ......................................................................... 5
3.4 Cheakamus Crossing RP1 Pond ........................................................................... 6
3.5 Lost Lake Western Toad Population ...................................................................... 6
4.0
Recommendations ................................................................................................ 7
5.0
References ............................................................................................................ 8
iii
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
1.0 Introduction
In the summer of 2012, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) conducted
reconnaissance level amphibian surveys for amphibian presence in selected waterways
throughout Whistler. These report summaries the survey data collected under Wildlife
Permit SU11-70751 for the summer of 2011.
The surveys were conducted by RMOW summer fish and wildlife technicians. The goal
of the reconnaissance level surveys were to document amphibian use of constructed
wetland ponds and stormwater ponds as well as document the timing and life stage of
the 2011 Western Toad population at Lost Lake Municipal Park.
This information can be used to track amphibian species use of specific waterways over
time, as well as to determine what waterways amphibians are using and apply best
management practices for amphibians to these areas.
1.1 Objectives
The objective of the 2011 amphibian presence surveys were to document amphibian
species use of stormwater and constructed wetland ponds. The objectives of the 2012
Western Toad Surveys at Lost Lake Municipal Park were to:
 estimate population numbers at various life stages; and
 divert juveniles away from high mortality trampling areas.
1.2 Study Area
The surveys were conducted within the boundaries of the RMOW. The three main study
areas were the Cal-Check parking lot restoration site, Cheakamus Crossing (previously
the Whistler Athletes Village) and Lost Lake Municipal Park. Map 1 shows the general
survey area locations.
1
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
Map 1. General amphibian study area locations in Whistler for 2011 amphibian surveys are outlined in
red and the RMOW boundary in grey. Base map source RMOW 2012.
The Cal-Check constructed wetland ponds (UTM 10U 491790 5545270) were built in
2010 as part of efforts by the Ministry of Highways to restore amphibian habitat in the
sea to sky region, after it had been heavily impacted by the re-alignment of Highway 99
and parking lot construction by the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) for the
2010 Olympics Games.
The ponds were designed to be ephemeral (to dry up for part of the year) and like small
water bodies in natural ecosystems, some years will be more productive than others.
The ponds are numbered 1 through 5, from Pond 1 at the south end of the site (lowest
elevation) to Pond 5 at the north of the site (highest elevation). Fully wetted the ponds
have an approximate surface are of 50 m2 to 120 m2 and a maximum depth of 20cm to
100 cm.
The Cheakamus Crossing neighborhood (previously the Whistler Athletes Village) had
three ponds surveyed in this area.
1. SP2 Pond (UTM 10U 497010 5547315) is centrally located in the Cheakamus
Crossing neighborhood. Historically this was a naturally wetted area that was
converted to a stormwater pond during neighborhood development by Whistler
2020 and post-construction it was converted into a constructed
2
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
wetland/stormwater retention area. Fully wetted the pond has an approximate
surface are of 1750 m2 and a maximum depth of 3 m.
2. SP4N Pond (UTM 10U 496767 5547560) is an unintentional shallow pond just
north of SP4 that is seasonally wetted by surface water and snow melt. Fully
wetted the pond has an approximate surface area of 100 m 2 and a maximum
depth of 40 cm.
3. RP1 Pond (UTM 10U 496625 5547952) is a constructed wetland pond located in
a previously disturbed landfill area. The pond in approximately 180 m2 and a
maximum depth of 1 m. It is seasonally wetted, usually drying up by August.
Lost Lake (UTM 10U 504530 5552690) (watershed code: 119-467100-97600-171000930) has a surface area of 16.73 ha, maximum depth of 23 m, mean depth of 8 m and
is located at 685 m in elevation. The one inlet channel is a side channel to Blackcomb
Creek and enters at the south-west end of the lake near the one lake outlet.
Terrestrial habitat around the lake is composed of mature second growth forest in the
Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone. The Valley Trail system
circumnavigates the lake and provides a connector trails to the village that are hard
packed and/or paved. The park also features an extensive network of single track
mountain biking / hiking trails that weave throughout the park. The park is surrounded
by a golf course and residential development from the south and west. A road provides
vehicle access to the parking lot and main beach area of the park and to the golf course
maintenance area.
2.0 Methods
Waterways were assessed for amphibian presence by a shore based visual surveys
and live capture (dip netting). Shore based visual surveys consisted of walking around
the edge of the pond with polarized sunglasses. Species presence and estimated
numbers were noted. Live capture consisted of dip netting amphibians from shore and
transferring them to a wetted bucket., then released at the site of capture after
identification.
Standard Operating Procedures: Hygiene Protocols for Amphibian field Fieldwork (MOE
2008) were followed to reduce the risk of disease transmission between sites and
included:




rinsing gear and equipment of any mud, algae, plants or invertebrates;
bleaching of gear/equipment for a minimum of 15 minutes;
rinsing of bleached gear/equipment; and
sun drying of gear/equipment.
3
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
3.0 Results and Discussion
3.1 Cal-Check constructed wetland ponds
Cal-Check pond monitoring in 2011 consisted of random visits to the ponds throughout
June and July to document water retention rates and amphibian use of the ponds. A
distinction was not made between northwestern salamanders, long-toed salamanders
and rough skinned newt hatchlings or larvae, as they can be similar in appearance.
Although based on habitat type and some appearance characteristics, it is likely the
salamanders present in the ponds are long-toed salamanders.
In 2011 newt/salamander hatchlings/larvae and western toad tadpoles were observed in
the ponds. Due to the ponds 1 to 3 drying by late June/early August, no tadpoles or
larvae survived to metamorphose stage. Pond 4 did not retain any water and was dry all
summer. Pond 5 stay remained wetted beyond late July and it is unknown if the
newt/salamander larvae survived to metamorphose stage.
Table 1 summaries amphibian observation and pond dry by dates.
Table 1. Cal-Check Constructed wetland ponds summary of water retention and amphibian observations.
Water
body
Date
Pond 1
Pond 1
Pond 1
Pond 1
23-Jun-11
6-Jul-11
13-Jul-11
19-Jul-11
Est.
Wetted
Surface
Area (m2)
Est. Max
Water
Depth
(cm)
<1
dry
dry
dry
NS
Amphibian Species Observed
450 western toad tadpoles
11 salamander hatchlings
Pond 2
23-Jun-11
60
NS
Pond 2
Pond 2
Pond 2
6-Jul-11
13-Jul-11
19-Jul-11
35
10
dry
NS
7 (avg. 2)
500 Western toad tadpoles
10 Salamander larvae
1 Adult Rough skin newt
500 western toad tadpoles (back
legs)
10 salamander larvae
500 western toad tadpoles (dead)
Pond 3
Pond 3
Pond 3
Pond 3
23-Jun-11
6-Jul-11
13-Jul-11
19-Jul-11
80
70
56
dry
NS
NS
NS
1 salamander larvae
3 salamander larvae
Pond 4
All
summer
dry
Metamorphoses
Achieved?
No
-
No
Unlikely
4
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
Pond 5 23-Jun-11
Pond 5 6-Jul-11
Pond 5 13-Jul-11
Pond 5 19-Jul-11
NS = not sampled
15
10
4.5
12
NS
NS
7
20
1 salamander larvae
4 salamander larvae
5 salamander larvae
Unknown
This was the first year the ponds where functioning for an amphibian breeding season
since construction. As the ponds development and there is an increase in aquatic
vegetation growth and development of the pond bottom, they may retain water for
longer periods of time. Or they made need some redesign. The summer of 2011 was
hot and dry and the ponds only received a little recharge through rainfall.
3.2 Cheakamus Crossing SP2 Pond
The Cheakamus Crossing SP2 pond was surveyed once for amphibians on June 30,
2011. Newt/salamander larvae were observed in the pond. Table 2 summarizes
amphibian observations.
Table 2. SP 2 Pond, Cheakamus Crossing Constructed Stormwater retention/wetland pond amphibian
observations.
Water
body
Date
Amphibian Species Observed
Number captured
SP 2
June 30, 2011
Newt/salamander hatchlings
2
Previous to pond construction, western toad tadpoles were observed using the naturally
wetted area. Since post pond construction and the development of roads, trails and
building around the pond, no western toads have being observed in the area.
3.3 Cheakamus Crossing SP4N Pond
Western toad tadpoles and pacific tree frog tadpoles were observed in the SP4 N Pond.
The pond was dry by late August. It appeared the western toad tadpoles did not survive
long enough to metamorphose, it is unknown if the tree frog tadpoles metamorphosed.
Table 3 summaries the amphibian observations for the pond.
Table 3. SP 4N Pond, Cheakamus Crossing stormwater pond amphibian observations.
Water
body
Date
Amphibian Species Observed
Number observed*
SP 4N
June 8, 2011
Western toad tadpoles
15
SP 4N
June 30, 2011
Western toad tadpoles
10
SP 4N
June 30, 2011
Northern pacific tree frog
5
* Due to very dark water, visibility for observing amphibians was poor.
Amphibian use of this pond in past years is unknown.
5
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
3.4 Cheakamus Crossing RP1 Pond
Northern pacific tree frog tadpoles were observed in the pond in July. By August 14 th the
pond was dry and two juvenile salamanders were found under woody debris in the
pond. Table 4 summaries amphibian observations.
Table 4. RP 1 Constructed wetland pond, Cheakamus Crossing, amphibian observations.
Water
body
Date
Amphibian Species Observed
Number observed
RP 1
June 8, 2011
Northern pacific tree frog tadpoles
10
Amphibian use of this pond in 2009, the year the wetland construction was completed is
unknown.
3.5 Lost Lake Western Toad Population
The western toad population at Lost Lake varies from year to year as does the time it
takes for the tadpoles to develop and become land based.
Adult breeding was not observed in 2011. Tadpoles were observed grouping at the
southern wetland/beach area May 31st with peak numbers estimated at 15,000. Juvenile
toads started emerging form the lake on August 21st and moved back and forth from the
wetland grasses to the lake. The toads started migrating to the forest September 13th,
with stragglers still heading to the forest September 30th.
ACO wildlife fencing was used to guide migrating juvenile toads from the wetland to the
riparian area of Blackcomb Creek, away from the main beach, lawns and park access
trail. The juvenile toads still had to cross one trail and a park access road (for the ones
that choice to travel south-east).
A mortality event of juvenile toads was noted on August 26 and September 3. On
August 26 approximately 1,500 dead juvenile toads were found and on September 3
approximately 1000 juvenile toads were found dead. The toads were stuck together in
various piles throughout the wetland grasses. It appears the dead toads had piled on
top of one another and the toads at the bottom of the pile had overheated and stuck
together creating a sticky mass that alive toads in the middle and top layer began to
stick to as well. The dead piles of toads were removed from the wetland grasses.
After the first incident the toad piles in the wetland area were lightly sprayed with water
in the afternoon to break up the piles and let the toads at the bottom move out as well
as to help keep the toads moist.
2011 produced the largest toad migration in the last five years that records have been
kept. This is a large change from 2010 which only saw 1 juvenile toad develop from a
tadpole grouping of 5,000-7,000 individuals (it is thought there was a mass tadpole die
off in the lake).
6
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
4.0 Recommendations
Follow up recommendations to this reconnaissance level amphibian survey data
include:
 reconnaissance level monitoring of stormweater and constructed wetland ponds
in 2012 to see if there is any change in species that use the ponds; and
 applying adaptive management techniques to the western toad population at Lost
Lake, including but not limited to improved signage, alteration of diversion fence
to follow natural migration route and construction of a trail underpasses.
7
Resort Municipality of Whistler Wildlife Permit SU11-70751 Amphibian Sampling Data Report
5.0 References
Ministry of Environment (MOE). 2008. Standard Operating Procedures: Hygiene
Protocols for Amphibian Field Work. Ecosystems Branch.
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection (MWLAP). 2004. Best Management Practices
for Amphibians and Reptiles in Urban and Rural Environments in British Columbia.
Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW). 2012. RMOW External GIS. Accessed
February 1, 2012. Web address: http://maps.whistler.ca/WhistlerMap/Default.aspx
8