Irgens Creek Species Census

Irgens Creek Species Census

The purpose of the Irgens Creek Project is to better understand the direct impact of industry activities on mammals and birds, black bear den characteristics and use development, together with how forest harvesting and road building, affect mammal communities in this highly developed area between Chapman Creek and Burnett Falls. Similarly, we aim to depict the trove of species that live in or frequent this area, between the elevation of 200 meters to 400 meters above sea level. Irgens Creek is the first substantial valley providing shelter from the weather patterns hitting the Coast. On a cold and stormy day, it is peaceful in Irgens Creek. In the full heat of the summer, when clear cuts are reaching 110 degrees or higher, Irgens Creek is a cool and refreshing spot for the animals that live at the various elevations which this small but productive creek spans. Located next to a municipal road which becomes Forest Service Road as it leads you past the landfill, the walking trails of Chapman Creek and towards the Gravity Park and The Tetrahedron. Irgens Creek leads you through steep terrain at the 200 meter level to a swampy area at about 300 meters, between Dusty Rd and Burnett Falls. This is a very productive area for multiple species which proliferate in this basin, some seasonally. A true watershed, the basin which becomes Irgens Creek collecting water which runs beneath the surface of the forest floor, the rocks and cliffs, to create Irgens Creek and the seasonal swamp lands on this shoulder of the mountain as it rises quickly from Porpoise Bay Inlet to Mt Steele. Species Census and Citizen Science Most Canadians do not realise that species data relies largely on reported sightings and data from hunters and trap lines. BC Parks and lands supports many citizen science projects and encourages you to get involved with Camera Trapping instead of fur trapping. Its more fun! This survey is being conducted within the boundaries of the 30 meter easement of the stream. https://ibis.geog.ubc.ca/biodiversity/CitizenScienceProjects.html https://science.gc.ca/site/science/en/citizen-science-portal#wb-auto-4 https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fia/documents/fieldguide_speciesatrisk_coast.pdf