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Stikine River Moose Study
Wildlife Evaluation of Stikine-Iskut Dams
by
F.Lance Craighead,
E.L.Young,
and
Rodney D.Boertje
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Division of Game
Juneau,Alaska
Final Report
Funded by Alaska Legislative Appropriation
(Printed April 1984)
Section
SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
OBJECTIVES
STUDY AREA
PROCEDURES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
. ... . . . ... . . .
Page
1
1
2
2
3
Population Estimation and Composition . • . • • • .••4
Movements and Distribution of Radio-collared Moose • 4
Winter Habitat Use,Availability,and Preference • •••4
Winter Food Habits and Utilization • • • • . • • • • • • 5
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5
•
Population Estimation,Composition,and Status • • •••5
Mortali ty . . . . . ....6
Density and Group Size • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •••6
Movements and Distribution of Radio-collared Moose •••7
Winter Habitat Use,Availability,and Preference.•••7
Winter Food Habits and Utilization • • • •.••••8
PREDICTABLE EFFECTS OF HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS
Hydrological Changes • • • • • • • • • • • •
Vegetation Changes • • • • • • . • • • • • •
Moose Population and Distribution Changes
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
LITERATURE CITED
FIGURES .
TABLES
APPENDIX A.Moose Horne Ranges
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• • •11
•12
• •14
. • • •17
• • • •30
APPENDIX B.Plant Observations and Checklist by J.Siddall.58
APPENDIX C.Scientific and Common Names of·Plants.
i
•72
.r •....
SUMMARY
Twenty-four moose (Alces alces andersoni)were marked with
numbered collars and fitted with radio transmitters in the
Stikine River valley and were monitored between 14 March 1982 and
6 April 1983.Home range size of cows ranged from 446 ha to
4,936 ha ,Bull home range sizes varied from 1,593 ha to 4,688
ha.
Vegetation surveys,use transects,and telemetry data indicated
that Salix spp ,and Cornus stolonifera were the primary browse
species,while other plants used were Vaccinium spp , ,Populus
balsamifera trichocarpa,Ribes bracteosum,·Viburnum edule,and
Malus fusca.Alnus-Salix ecotone was used more often than Picea,
Populus,and Tsuga habitats in winter.Alnus-Salix habitat
adjacent to or interspersed with Populus was used early in the
winter and Picea ecotones were used later.Habitats in which
Salix and/or Cornus comprised less than 25%cover received little
use.
Proposed dam construction on the Stikine and Iskut Rivers is ex-
pected to eventually reduce the amount of moose browse and win-
tering habitat in the Alaska portion of the river.After dam
construction,moose numbers and harvest success are expected to
increase temporarily,then decline over an extended period as
early successional stages of vegetation are replaced by climax
vegetation.
BACKGROUND
This study was initiated in 1982 to provide data on Alaska's
Stikine moose population and its habitat requirements,and to
help predict impacts that may result from changes in the hydro-
logical regime.Moose are the major big game species along this
section of the Stikine;this is the largest Alaskan moose herd
south of Juneau,and there is considerable local interest and
concern for Stikine moose.
The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (B.C.Hydro)has
proposed construction of 5 hydroelectric dams on the Stikine and
Iskut River drainages in British Columbia.Most of B.C.Hydro's
environmental impact studies have been carried out in British
Columbia (McCourt Management Limited 1982,B.C.Hydro 1982,and
others),although some studies have been done in Alaska by Beak
Consultants Ltd.(1982).
Two of the 5 dams are proposed for the Grand Canyon of the
Stikine;tre closest to Alaska is 230 kID (142.9 mil upstream from
the U.S.border.The remaining 3 dams are proposed for the Iskut
River,a tributary of the Stikine;the closest to Alaska is 78 km
(48.8 mi)upstream from the U.S.border.Among the expected
hydrological effects on the Alaska portions of the Stikine are
1
changes in mean water levels,sediment loads,flood magnitude and
duration,mean water temperature,and stream morphology.Changes
in these physical factors can result in changes in vegetative
succession (Gill 1973,Teversham and Slaymaker 1976,Church and
Rood 1982)potentially affecting moose habitat.
We studied several aspects of the moose population,including
moose population status and productivi ty,habitat availability
and utilization,relativ3 use of vegetation successional stages,
seasonal movements and distribution,winter food habits and
preferences,winter range conditions,and winter habitat utili-
zation and preferences.
OBJECTIVES
To assess condition,productivity,and status of the Stikine
moose population.
To determine seasonal habitat selection,movements,and distribu-
tion of Stikine moose.
"
To describe winter food habits,food
utilization,and winter range conditions.
availability and
To determine critical habitat types and areas during late winter
and early spring.
To predict,if possible,impacts of the proposed B.C.Hydro dams
on moose populations and habitat along the Stikine River in
Alaska.
STUDY AREA
The Alaska portion of the Stikine River flows through a steep
valley 2-3 km wide.The study area encompassed the Stikine
drainage and delta in Alaska and parts of adj acent drai~ages
(F~g.1).The central study area consisted of about 142 km (55
mi )of moose range at latitude 56 0 41'N,longitude 132 0 W.The
Stikine delta is the largeSf inter~idal wetland in southeast
Alaska and consists of 200 kID (77 mi )of marsh and tidal flats.
Important moose winter range consists of the following plant com-
muni ties in successional order.Newly exposed riverbanks are
colonized by Equisetum varie~atum,~arvense,and ~fluviatile
with Salix alaxensis and S.1nterior as the predominant willows.
~sitchensis and ~barcrayi colonize older pioneer stands as do
Alnus rubra and Populus balsamifera trichocarpa seedlings.As
Alnus and Populus develop,S.alaxensis is less common although
~sitchensis and ~barclay~often remain in more open habitats.
Mature Populus stands develop on elevated river terraces with
Malus fusca occasionally invading these stands.In shrub stands
2
without an overstory and in Populus stands,major species include
Rubus spectabilis,Cornus stolonifera,Echinopanax horridum,
Sambucus racemosa,Viburnum edule,Ribes bracteosum,and picea
sitchensis seedlings.In well-drained areas with favorable con-
ditions,mature P.sitchensis stands develop with an understory
of Rubus,Echinopanax,Viburnum,and some Cornus and Vaccinium
sp.Mixed Picea/Populus stands occur in well-drained sites.At
higher elevations along the valley wall,Picea is interspersed
with Tsuga heterophylla with increasing amounts of Vaccinium in
the understory.Numerous slide areas along the valley wall are
dominated by stands of Alnus,Salix,and Cornus.
Near the delta,annual precipitation is between 200 and 400 cm.
The study area is at an interface between 2 weather systems:a
maritime climate with saturated air masses,and drier air masses
funneling down the Stikine valley from the Canadian interior.
This movement of drier air creates winds up to 50 knots in the
study area.In winter,when high pressure areas predominate
along the coast,the wind blows downstream and warm coastal air
encounters the colder interior air creating snow or rain.In
summer,high pressure areas occur over the interior and wind
direction is often upriver.The wind affects patterns of precip-
itation and the drifting of silt loess and snow.
During winter 1981-82,river ice did not break up until 28 April.
Winter 1982-83 was milder and breakup occurred on 7 April.Bud
break on Cornus and Salix on the lower sections of the river
began in mid-May 1982 and mid-April 1983.The upper sections of
the river (above Kakwan Point)were phenologically later than the
lower portion by 1 week in both years.The river froze by 24
November 1982.
PROCEDURES
A sample of 20 moose (16 cows and 4 bulls)were immobilized and
radio-collared on wintering areas from 11-13 March 1982.An
additional 4 cows were radio-collared on 15 and 16 January 1983.
Moose were located and darted from a Hughes 500 helicopter.
Darts for adult moose contained 8 cc of 1 mg/cc etorphine hydro-
chloride (M-99,D-M Pharmaceuticals,Rockville,MD)and 2 cc of
100 mg/cc xylazine hydrochloride (Rompun,Chemagro,Kansas City,
MO)i this was reduced to about 7 cc total mixture for subadult
moose.Darts were delivered with a Cap-Chur gun (Palmer Equip-
ment Company,Douglasville,GA).
When possible,blood and hair samples were collected,body mea-
surements (total length,chest girth,and hind foot length)were
taken,an incisor tooth was removed,and body condition was
evaluated.Tests for hemoglobin content (Hb)and packed cell
volume (PCV)were run within 30 hours of collection,and serum
samples were frozen for blood chemistry analysis (Franzmann and
LeResche 1978)and disease diagnosis.Moose were fitted with a
radio-transmi tter (Telonics,Mesa,AZ)and a numbered visual
collar (Denver Tent and Awning,Denver,CO).Numbered monel ear-
tags were placed in each ear.
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Population Estimation and Composition
Population estimates were derived using the Lincoln-Peterson
Index method.Counts were conducted on 3 occasions in key
wintering areas using a Hughes 500 helicopter and 2 or 3
observers.
Sex and age composition counts were made during flights on 11-13
March,4 November,and 4 December 1982.Males were sexed by
presence of antlers or absence of white vulva patch.
Movements and Distribution of Radio-collared Moose
A total of 32 radio-location flights were made in fixed-wing air-
craft at approximately 2-week intervals between 14 March 1982 and
6 April 1983 except during the hunting season (15 September to 15
October)•In addition,moose were occasionally radio-located
from the ground.Locations were plotted on USGS 1:63,360 topo-
graphic maps (Appendix A).
Winter Habitat Use,Availability,and Preference
Habitat use by radio-collared moose was estimated during aerial
and ground surveys as the percent cover of overstory and percent
cover of understory within an area about 50 m in radius around
each moose.Overstory classifications were cottonwood (Populus),
spruce (Picea),hemlock (Tsuga),or percent cover of each.
Understory was classified as alder-willow (Alnus-Salix),open
alder-willow,open,or muskeg.
Documentation of habitat use in late winter was further refined
by counting moose tracks and bedding sites along 17 winter tran-
sects from 23 February to 13 March 1983.Three initial transects
were situated from the river to the valley wall in 3 key winter-
ing areas (Fig.2).The remaining 14 transects were established
parallel to the first 3 at 0.4 km (0.25 mil intervals.Transect
length varied from 180-3,220 m. Two observers walked transects:
one pulled a 20 m cable and recorded snow depth at each station,
while the other recorded habitat type and number of tracks and
bedding sites in a plot 5 m on both sides of the 20 m transect
(10 x 20 m).We used records of habitat type in these 10 x 20 m
plots (n =1,453)to calculate habitat availability.
We further documented relative habitat use in key wintering areas
by counting pellet groups in 10,O.OOl-acre (0.0004-ha)plots
along each of 40 late winter and early spring browse transects.
For 6 successional stages,we weighted relative habitat use by
dividing the number of pellet groups by the number of transects
in each successional stage,and expressed the value on a percent
basis.
4
We calculated indices to habitat preference by dividing percent
use of habitat types by percent availability,and expressed
indices on a percent basis.This resulted in indices of habitat
preference based upon radio locations,tracks,bedding sites,and
pellet groups.
An additional survey of plant community composition was made
during spring transects in May 1983 (Appendix B).
Winter Food Habits and Utilization
We established 17 browse transects in May and June 1982 repre-
senting the major successional stages in key winter areas
(Boertje and Young 1982).Replicate data from these transects
were gathered in April and May 1983,and 6 additional transects
were established.
Transect design followed that described by Doerr et al.(1980),
with transects 300 steps (100 stations)in length.We located
the nearest shrub species and closest browse species in a 180 0
arc in front of each station.We recorded availability class,
form class,utilization class,and number of twigs browsed out of
10 randomly selected twigs for the closest browse species
(Boertje and Young 1982).At 10-station intervals along each
transect,we established milacre (0.0004 hal plots to estimate
percent cover of overstory and understory species.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Population Estimation,Composition,and Status
The post-hunting season moose population estimate for the survey
area (Fig.2)ranged from 160-301 using the Lincoln-Peterson
Index (Table 1).Factors responsible for the variation in pop-
ulation estimates included variable flying conditions,visi-
bility,number of observers,areas surveyed (Fig.2),and pilot
expertise.We feel the best estimate is 300 moose.
Composition counts indicated a low post-season bull/cow ratio of
3 to 5 bulls/100 cows (Table 2),primarily due to the high har-
vest of yearling bulls (Young 1981,Boertje and Young 1982).
Rausch and Bratlie (1965)found a similar ratio of 5 bulls/100
cows in the Matanuska Valley with no deleterious effects on herd
productivity.Composition counts indicated a winter calf/cow
ratio of 23-38 calves/100 cows including 14-23 twins/100 cows
(Table 2).Doerr (pers.corom.)found 50 calves/100 adults on the
Stikine in March 1981.
We feel the Stikine moose population is stable,or more likely,
increasing slightly.This is substantiated by consistent harvest
levels from 1952-82 (Boertje and Young 1982)and by increased
moose sightings in adjacent drainages and on nearby islands in
recent years indicating an expanding population (Young 1981).
5
We used a population estimate of 300 moose (Table 1)and December
1982 composition data (Table 2)to derive a conservative winter
population model of 225 cows,63 calves,and 12 bulls.If the
annual calf recruitment consists of about 31 bulls and 31 cows,
then 43 legal bulls would be present prior to the hunting season
(assuming no natural mortality).Since the herd sustained an
annual harvest level of 32 to 33 bulls from 1980 to 1982,the
minimum population must be at least 300 moose.While emigration
and immigration undoubtedly occur,this study indicates that it
is fairly low (Appendix A),and movement across the International
Boundary was discounted in the population model.
Mortality
The neonatal calf population could not be accurately assessed,
since dense understory precluded calf observations in late May
through October.Of 16 marked cows with 9 calves in 1982,15
cows and at least 7 calves survived until March 1983.The oldest
marked cow was 14.5 years old,while 2 cows were 2.5 years old
(Table 3).
We found 2 unmarked moose dead during winter 1981-82 from unknown
causes,possibly wolf predation.During winter 1982-83,at least
2 cows died of unknown causes,1 with pink bone marrow indicating
poor health.Wolves utilized the carcasses,but there was no
evidence of wolf-caused mortality.We received unsubstantiated
reports of 2 additional cow deaths during winter 1982-83.Cap-
tured moose were found to be in healthy condition accoiding to
blood parameters (Table 4).Serum samples were found to be free
of indications of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis,bovine viral
diarrhea,or parainfluenza III (R.Zarnke,pers.comm.).Two of
4 collared bulls were killed during the 1982 hunting season,and
a third was shot illegally after the season.The remaining bull
was taken by hunters in September 1983.
Density and Group Size
Total ¥ear-rou~d moose range in the study area consists 2of about
142 km (55 mi).We estimated density at 2.2 moose/trn.Doerr
(1983)estimated a similar density (2.3 moose/km)f~the
Stikine,while Peek et ale (1976)considered 1.96 moose/km as a
high on a Minnesota study area and 2Gasaway et ale (1983)reported
a peak population o~1.5 moos 2/km on an interior Alaska range.
We considered 74 km (28.6 mi )to be winter moose habitat (see
Winter Habitat Use,Availabilit and P eference)and calculated a
winter habitat denslty of 4.0 moose kID
During the period 4 November-22 March,we found mean group sizes
of 2.2 (+0.2)for marked moose and 2.3 (+0.1)for unmarked
moose.RoJley and Keith (1980)found winter aggregations in
Alberta of 1.8 moose/group to be independent of population den-
sity.Group sizes on the Stikine varied with season:winter,
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2.7 moose/group (n =180);late winter,2.4 (n =176);spring,
1.6 (n =46);summer,1.4 (n =34);and fall,2.5 moose/group
(n =80).Smaller group sizes during spring and summer may have
resulted from poor sightability.
Movements and Distribution of Radio-collared Moose
We plotted year-round horne ranges for 20 radio-collared moose and
winter ranges alone for 4 others (Appendix A).Six moose had
separate summer and winter horne ranges (Table 3).Total hOJ~e
range sizes of cows (n =16~varied from 466 hectares (1.8 mi )
to 4,936 hectares (l9.1 mi 2).Bull horne range ~zes (n =4)
ranged from 1,593 ha (6.7 mi )to 4,688 ha (18.1 mi ).
Moose were most often found at lower elevations.Maximum ele-
vations used by moose ranged from less than 100 feet to 2,000
feet.Sixty percent of the cows were always located at 100 feet
or less,while the remaining 40%were sometimes found above 500
feet but always below 2,000 feet (Table 3).
Several moose left the Stikine from late April to early June,
moving into tributary or adjacent drainages.One moose left the
lower winter range (Fig.3)via Andrew Creek and summered in ad-
jacent Horseshoe Basin in the Porterfield Creek drainage.Five
animals moved via North Arm Creek to the Thunder Creek drainage
of LeConte Bay.Moose wintering above the mouth of Ketili River
did not have separate winter and summer horne ranges.Sergief
Island and the adjacent portion of Farm Island are known"to have
been used as wintering areas in past years,but very few moose
were observed there during winters 1981-82 and 1982-83.
Winter Habitat Use,Availability,and Preference
Aerial observations of radio-collared moose indicated that they
were more often associated with early successional stages and
ecotones than with more advanced successional stages throughout
the year (Table 5).Counts of tracks,bedding sites,and pellet
groups (Table 6)provided a more refined assessment of habitat
use.Our data show that alder-willow ecotones were used most
frequently.
Radio locations and pellet group surveys indicated a winter pre-
ference for mixed Picea-Populus stands or pure Populus stands
(Table 7).Late winter track and bed counts showed a declining
use of Populus but increased use of Alnus-Salix-Picea ecotones.
This late winter affinity for Picea is likely associated with
increasing snow accumulation in Populus stands which provide
little snow interception.Picea stands were much preferred as
bedding areas.Stikine moose obviously thrive where there is a
diverse mix of habitat types.
7
Winter track and bedding observations indicated that moose sought
shel ter in mature spruce stands during rain,heavy snow,and
strong winds.Peek et ale (1976),VanBallenberghe and Peek
(1971),and others also reported moose use of conifers for
shelter during heavy snowfall.
In studies by Nasimovich (1955),Kelsall and Prescott (1971),and
Coady (1974),snow depths greater than 76 cm were found to re-
strict moose movements.Average snow depth on the Stikine study
area was 161 cm during winter 1982-83 (Table 8).Since snow in
the study area was generally wet and heavy,thick crusts often
formed which could support moose.Even though snows exceeded 76
em (Table 8),moose track depth was usually less than 70 em,
Spruce stands,with their associated shallower snow depths,
showed increased moose use following heavy snowfall.
Winter Food Habits and Utilization
Analysis of data from 23 browse utilization transects in early to
late successional stages on key wintering areas (Fig.3,Table 9)
allowed the following generalizations:
1.Salix spp.and Cornus stolonifera were the primary
browse species.
2.Habi tats in which Salix and/or Cornus comprised less
than 25%cover received little use by moose (Table 9).
3.The majority (77-100%)of key browse plant species were
in vigorous condition.
4.Percent utilization of available browse averaged only
about 60%in the most highly utilized stands of young
and mature alder-willow without overstory (Table 9),
indicating a healthy range condition with an abundant
food supply.
5.Secondary food plants constituted less than 10%of the
observed use and included Vaccinium spp.,Populus
balsamifera trichocarpa,Ribes bracteosum,Viburnum
edule,and Malus fusca.
PREDICTABLE EFFECTS OF HYDROELECTRIC DEVELOPMENTS
Hydrological Changes
Hydrologists (B.C.Hydro 1981)predict that during construction
there will be little change in water level.As the reservoirs
are filled (approximately 1 spring and summer for each darn),
there will be reduced flows,although minimum flow amounts have
not been decided.During operation,mean water levels will be
8
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approximately 0.8 m lower during summer (a 25%reduction),and
0.8 m higher during winter (a 100%increase).The magnitude and
duration of flood events will be affected more in spring than in
fall.Water temperatures may be 1°C (about 2 OF)higher than
normal during winter.Stikine winter water temperatures cur-
rently range between 0°and 1°C (B.C.Hydro 1981).
Because the mean water level during summer will be reduced 0.8 m,
floods will be up to 0.8 m lower than usual at their peak.De-
pending upon the volume of flood waters and the area flooded,
peak flood events will be some fraction of 0.8 m lower than nor-
mal after regulation.Water volumes above 120,000 cfs influence
most side channels and sloughs (M.Horton,pers.comm.1983).
At lesser flows,water is restricted primarily to the main chan-
nel.Andrew Slough,for instance,dries up when river stage
drops below 14.9 ft (4.5 m) (M.McCorison,unpubl.data).
Vegetation Changes
The lower water levels in spring will encourage colonizing of
bare areas by Equisetum,Salix,Alnus,and Populus.Wind-
dispersed seeds of Salix and Populus will quickly colonize open
moist areas unless seedlings are inhibited by spring flooding
which deposits silt (L.Walker,pers.comm.).Sediment surface
is a controlling factor in establishment of plant communities as
well (Church and Rood 1982,Teversham and Slaymaker 1976).
Reduction of flood will encourage Picea encroachment on river
terraces,where it is now inhibited by periodic flooding.Spruce
now occur in areas that are seldom flooded.Flooding for 29 days
or more in early summer has been found to kill most small white
spruce (P.glauca)and black spruce (P.mariana)trees (Ahlgren
and Hansen 1957).Lees (1964)found that flooding killed most
older spruce seedlings and all younger ones.On the Peace River
in British Columbia,Populus balsamifera trichocarpa forests with
Cornus stolonifera were flooded an average of less than 6 days a
year,conifer stands were rarely inundated,and unforested areas
were generally flooded between 30 and 84 days per year (Teversham
and Slaymaker 1976).
Comparisons of 1948 and 1979 plant community maps (Beak Consul-
tants 1982)show that Picea coverage increased in the study area,
replacing cottonwood and shrubs,while Populus coverage also in-
creased,replacing former shrub communities (Table 10).In the
Barnes Lake and Dry Wash areas,successional trends have been
reversed,probably attributable to a rising water table caused by
increased glacier melting.The area lost to erosion on the river
was offset by comparable gains in newly vegetated area (ca.250
hal.The Stikine Delta gained 522 ha during the 31-year inter-
val.
9
In an extreme-case scenario,Picea stands will continue to expand
(but at a much faster rate)as areas become better drained.
Guerin Slough will probably be reduced to 1/4-1/3 its present
width.Ketili River (Warm Springs Slough)and Andrew Slough will
be invaded by xeric plant communities,and the upstream ends will
eventually be blocked off.The islands between Limb Island and
Kakwan will eventually be vegetated and consolidated into a
single island.The area known as the Desert will be vegetated at
a slower rate because of wind erosion.Elbow Slough will be
invaded by Equisetum and Salix and will be blocked.The North
Arm of the Stikine River will be reduced in size and may be
closed off at the upper end.
Moose Population and Distribution Changes
Fifteen of 20 collared cows had home ranges which were within 3.2
km (2 mil of the waters of the Stikine River.Doerr (1983)found
that only 2 of 246 telemetry locations were over 0.4 km (.25 mil
from the floodplain of the Stikine or from the stream courses of
Andrew,Thunder,or North Arm Creek.The importance of riparian
wintering habitat cannot be overstated,since late winter and
early spring are the critical periods for Alaskan moose (Gasaway
and Coady 1974,Gasaway et ale 1983),especially following
winters of heavy snowfall.Snow depths during both winters
exceeded 2 m (6.6 ft)in some areas (Table 8).
The replacement of alder-willow by cottonwood and eventually
spruce will redistribute wintering habitat and eventually reduce
it.Moose distribution will be altered,and as winter carrying
capacity is reduced,the population will decline to an unknown
extent.We cannot accurately predict the amount of spruce
ecotone and alder-willow wintering habitat which will be suc-
ceeded by xeric vegetation.Such predictions would necessitate
detailed hydrological forecasts and topographic maps with contour
intervals of 1 ft or less.Based on available hydrological data,
it is possible that all of the existing alder-willow habitat will
be replaced by cottonwood and/or conifer overstory.Areas which
are more dependent on groundwater levels than river stage (Barnes
Lake,North Arm Creek)may be less affected by regulation,al-
though the effects of the project on groundwater levels have not
been adequately addressed in available hydrology reports.
Moose carrying capacity would likely increase over the first de-
cade of regulation as newly dried areas are invaded by alder-
willow communities and spruce ecotones which provide winter food
and shelter.Over the long term,however,channelization of the
river and shading of alder-willow by overstory species can be
expected to reduce carrying capacity and populations.This re-
duction is not quantifiable.
10
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i
The predicted lOC increase in water temperature will probably
leave the lower river ice free during most winters.After darn
construction and water regulation,the Peace River in British
Columbia remained ice free in "normal"winters to a point 120 km
(68.3 mi)below the darn.Similar effects have been noted in
Russian hydroelectric projects where the temperature regimes are
similar to those of the Stikine (B.C.Hydro 1981).
Stikine moose use the river ice frequently as a movement corri-
dor.Open water combined with shorefast ice could tend to limit
winter moose movement.The effect of this factor on winter
distribution cannot be predicted.Although recreational snow
machine use would be reduced,boat traffic would increase,and
winter disturbance of moose would continue to occur.Since boats
are more widely used than snowrnachines,there could be an
increase in winter disturbance of moose.Hunting in the study
area is associated with preferred moose habitat and ease of
access.Most hunters confine their activities to the riverbank
and the banks of the larger sloughs and creeks.Moose carcasses
are dragged or winched to canoes or skiffs for transport to town.
Andrew Slough,Ketili River (often called Warm Springs Slough),
Government Slough,and the North Arm of the Stikine are heavily
hunted.After darn construction,it is likely that these areas
and many others now hunted will not be accessible by boat during
the fall moose season.Camping sites would then be restricted to
the banks of the main river channel.Boat access to the Forest
Service bathing facilities at Chie f Shakes Hot Springs may no
longer be feasible.This facility is extremely popular with
moose hunters,fishermen,and recreational boaters.
Changes in access will be evident within a short time and will
lower moose harvest levels.The expected decline in the moose
population will occur gradually as carrying capacity declines
with habitat degradation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We wish to thank the many volunteers who assisted in various
phases of the project.Robert Berceli assisted on winter browse
transects,winter range surveys,and radio-location surveys.
Jean Siddall and Sue Yamamoto assisted during spring with browse
transects and plant community composition assessment and supplied
Appendix B.Their energy and enthusiasm were greatly appre-
ciated.Biologists of the U.S.Forest Service,including Larry
Ethelbah,Mark Madrid,and Kurt Becker,provided assistance with
aerial surveys and the loan of equipment.Joe Doerr and Lars
Walker freely shared ideas and observations with us.Dr.Donald
McKnight critically reviewed the manuscript and supported the
project throughout.Bob Wood and Chuck Schwartz assisted with
moose capture and data collection.Nate Johnson,Mike Thomas,
Matt Kirchhoff,and Rod Flynn provided invaluable assistance with
biometrics,computers,and study design.Finally,we wish to
thank Bill and Peggy Byford of Wrangell for their support and
assistance,and Jackie Tyson for typing the numerous manuscript
revisions.
11
LITERATURE CITED
Ahlgren,C.E.,and H.L.Hansen.1957.
porary flooding on coniferous trees.
Some effects of tem-
J.For.55:647-650.
B.C.Hydro.1981.Stikine-Iskut hydroelectric development feas-
ibili ty study:hydrology,river regime and morphology.
Hydroelectric Generation Projects Div.Report No.H 1110.
Vancouver.
B.C.Hydro.1982.Habitat utilization by ungulates and other
wildlife in the proposed reservoir areas on the Stikine and
Iskut Rivers.Unpubl.Vancouver.
Beak Consultants Ltd.1982.Analyses of the potential impacts
of hydroelectric development of the Stikine River system in
Alaska.Unpubli shed report to B. C.Hydro and Power
Authority,Vancouver,B.C.
Boertje,R.D.,and E.L.Young.1982.Stikine River moose
study;wildlife evaluation of Stikine-Iskut dams.Progress
report,Vol.I,Alaska Dep't Fish and Game,Juneau.
Church,M.,and K. M.Rood.1982.Peace River Surveys;1979 and
1981.Department of Geography,University of British
Columbia.Unpublished manuscript.
Coady,J.1974.Influence of snow on behavior of moose.Nat.
Can.101:417-436.
Doerr,J.G.1983.Home range size,movements and habitat use
in two moose,Alces alces,populations in southeastern
Alaska.Can.Field Nat.97(1):79-88.
Doerr,J:G.,E.L.Young,and A.W.Franzmann.1980.
Ecological and physiological aspects of a moose population
in Thomas Bay,southeast Alaska.Proc.16th N.Am.Moose
Conf.Workshop.
Franzmann,A.W.,and R.E.LeResche.1978.Alaskan moose blood
studies with emphasis on condition evaluation.J.Wildl.
Manage.42:334-351.
Gasaway,W.C.,and J.W.Coady.1974.Review of energy re-
quirements and rumen fermentation in moose and other
ruminants.Nat.Can.(Que.)101:227-262.
12
...
i
Gasaway,W.C.,R. O.Stephenson,J.L.Davis,P.E.K.Shepherd,
and O.E.Burris.1983.Interrelationships of wolves,prey
and man in Interior Alaska.Wildl.Monogr.84.50 pp.
Gill,D.1973.Floristics of a plant succession sequence in the
MacKenz ie Delta,Northwest Territories.Polarforschung,
43 (1/2):55-65.
Hulten,E.1968.Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories.
Stanford Univ.Press,Stanford,Calif.1,008 pp.
Kelsall,J.P.,and W.Prescott.1971.Moose and deer behavior
in snow.Can.Wildl.Sere Rept.Series No.15.25 pp.
Lees,J.C.1964.Tolerance of white spruce seedlings to
flooding.For.Chron.40:221-225.
McCourt Management Limited.1982.Studies on furbearing animals
in the Stikine River Drainages.Unpublished report to B.C.
Hydro.
Nasimovich,A. A.1955.The role of the regime of snow cover in
the life of ungulates in the USSR (Trans.from Russian).
Moskua.Akad.Nauk USSR.403 pp.
Peek,J.M.,D.L.Urich,and R.J.Mackie.1976.Moose habitat
selection and relationships to forest management in north-
eastern Minnesota.Wildl.Monogr.48.65 pp.
Rausch,R.A.,and A.Bratlie.1965.Annual assessment of moose
calf production and mortality in southcentral Alaska.Presen-
tation at 45th annual conference of Western Association,
State Fish and Game Commissioners,Anchorage,Alaska.
Rolley,R.E.,and L.B.Keith.1980.Moose population dynamics
and winter habitat use at Rochester,Alberta.1965-1969.
Can.Field-Nat.94(1):9-18.
Teversham,J.M.,and O.Slaymaker.1976.Vegetation composi-
tion in relation to flood frequency in Lillooet River
valley,British Columbia.Catena 3:191-201.
VanBallenberghe,V.,and J.M.Peek.1971.Radiotelemetry
studies of moose in northeastern Minnesota.J.Wildl.
Manage.35(1):63-71.
Young,E.L.1981.Moose survey-inventory progress report,Game
Management Units 1B and 3 in Annual Report of Survey Inven-
tory Activities.Part II~Moose.R. A.Hinman,Ed.
Alaska Dep't Fish and Game.Juneau.
13
o
This map taken from Petersburg quad and Bradfield quad 1:250,000.
Figure 1
Study Area
Itikine River
British
Columbia
------
Alaska
N
A
Scale
V2 1 mi.
Itikine River
British
Columbia
---
N•Scale
Y2 1 mi.
Alaska
I I
<',1 _---
1------
,,
\;"
.."
Figure 2
Moose survey areas,post-hunting season census StikineRiver
R 1982-83 and 1981-22 survey areas.r-additional area surveyed in 1981-82
....----late winter browse utilization transects 1982-83
Wrangell
o
'"'
Alaska
N
A
Scale
V2 1 mi.
British
Columbia
Itikine River
I
\-----..---..--
Figure 3
Major Moose Wintering Areas, Stikine River
1981-82 1982-83
LOWER RIVER
WINTER RANGE
o
Table 1.Moose population estimates using Lincoln-Peterson
Index,Stikine River,1982.
Total Moose Marked Observation Population
Date Moose Observed/Moose Efficiency Estimate
Observed Hour (no.marked)
3/22/82 88 23 11 (20).55 160
11/4/82 39 10 2 (15).13 293
12/4/82 113 40 6(16).38 301
17
Table 2.Moose composition counts,Stikine River,1982.
Bulls per
Date 100 Cows
3/11-14/82 5.0
11/04/82 3.0
12/04/82 5.0
Calves per
100 Cows
38
23
28
18
Twins per 100
Cows with Calves
14
33
Total
Sample
56
39
113
Table 3.sex,age,borne range,elevation,and calf production of Stikine River radio-collared
rroose.a
1983 . b No. No.Maxl.mum
Appended Collar Age summer 2 Winter2 Elevation Calves Calves
Map No.No.Sex (yr)Total Home Range (ha,mi )(ha,mi )(ft)1982 1983
Al 00 F 11.5 :3,400 ha (13.1 mi~)1,303(5.0)432 (1.7)100 0 2
A-2/A3 0 F 10.5 '4,155 ha(16.0 mi 2)267(1.0)3,888(15.0)1,400 a 1
A4/A5 1 F 2.5 4,936 ha(19.1 mi 2)1,600 (6.2)3,336(12.9)2,000 a 1
A6 22 F 7.5 2,137 ha (8.3 mi 2)1,400 1 2
A7 X F 5.5 2,380 ha (9.2 mi 2)100 a 1
A8 11 F 10.5 3,183 ha(12.3 mi 2)100 1 a
A9 8 F 10.5 1,456 ha (5.6 mi 2)100 a a
A10 9 F ?1,632 ha (6.3 mi 2)100 1 0
All 7 F 4.5 1,575 ha (6.1 mi 2)1,088(4.2)487 (1.9)1,200 1 0
A12 4 F 2.5 1,955 ha (7.6 mi 2)100 a 0
I-'A-13 6 F 7.5 1,256 ha (4.9 mi 2)600 1 0\0
A14 44 F 14.5 1,059 ha (4.1 mi 2)100 1 0
A15 33 F 6.5 901 ha (3.5 mi 2)100 a 1
A16 3 F 4.5 1,072 ha (4.1 mi 2)600 a 1
A17 5 F 5.5 466 ha (1.8 mi 2)383 (1.5)83 (0.3)1,100 a a
A-18/A-19 2 F 6.5 1,803 ha (6.9 mi )109(0.4)1,694 (6.5)900 1 0
A20 82 F ?c 505 (2.0)100 a
A21 000 F ?c 728 (2.8)100 0
A22 111 ?c 300 (1.2)100 1 1F
A23 6B F ?c 334 (1.3)100 0. d
(6.7 mi~)A24 66 M 3.5d 1,735 ha 400
A25 8B M l.5d 1,593 ha (6.2 mi ~100
A26 88 M 2.5 4,688 ha (18.1 m~)100
A27 77 M 2.5e 1,352 ha (5.2 mi )526(2.0)826 (3.2)900
a Individual home range maps are found in Appendix A.b Maximum observed elevation plotted on USGS topographic map to nearest 100 foot contour interval.c Collared in January 1983;summer range not monitored.d Age at death in 1982.e Age at death in 1983.
Table 4.Characteristics of 24 Stikine River moose,March 1982 and January 1983.
Body Measurements (em)
Collar Collar With Age Body Blood Parameters Total Chest Hind Ft
Frequency Number a Sex Calf (yr)Condition Hbb PCVC Length Girth Length
151.500 0 F No 9.8 6 14.0 44.0 285 193
151.510 1 F No 1.8 6 16.5 41.0 265 202 79
151.520 2 F Yes 5.8 6 12.8 35.5 287 204 79
151.530 3 F No 3.8 7 15.0 41.0 266
151.540 4 F No 1.8 5 12.0 30.5 267 174 98
151.550 5 F No 4.8 6 14.5 36.0 266 168 84
151.560 6 F Yes 6.8 7 14.2 41.5 268 193
151.570 7 F Yes 3.8 7 16.5 42.0 306 208 86
151.580 8 F No 9.8 6 15.0 42.0 292 202 83
151.590 X F No 4.8 7 17.0 46.0 312 240 80
151.610 00 F No 10.8 6 13.0 41.5 292 193 80
151.620 11 F Yes 9.8 6 17.0 46.0 316 185 90
151.630 22 F Yes 6.8 6 15.0 40.5 294 199 87
151.640 33 F No 5.8 5 16.5 55.0 284 206
IV 151.650 44 F No 13.8 4 12.0 37.5 279 218 79
0 151.660 8 M 0.8 5 14.5 36.0 217 164 71
151.680 9 F Yes Adult 5 14.0 32.0 292 204 83
151.690 66 M 2.8 5 15.0 38.0 279 178 86
151.710 77 M 0.8 6 16.0 39.5 228 160 76
151.720d 88 M 1.8 6 13.0 34.5 259 202 79
151.660d 000 F No 8 16.8 47.0 249 194
151.390d 111 F Yes 8 14.7 42.0 257 189
151.720d 82 F No 7 15.6 45.5 216 150
151.690 6B F No 9 16.6 46.0 255 194
Mean ex)6.2 14.84 40.58 272.1 192.2 82.5
Standard Deviation of the Mean (SO)1.1 1.55 5.42 26.8 20.0 6.6
Standard Error eSE).2 .32 1.11 5.5 4.2 1.6
a The 1st 15 collars listed are yellow with black numbers;the last 5 are blue with yellow numbers.b Hb =hemoglobin".c
d PCV =Packed-cell volume.
Collared on 15 and 16 January 1983;others collared 11-13 March 1982.
Table 5.Percent use of successional stages by radio-collared
moose by season,Stikine River,1982-83.
Season #of
Locations
Percent Use by Successional Stage
Winter 124
(1 Jan-14 Mar)
Late Winter 106
(15 Mar-1 May)
Spring 78
(2 May-15 June)
Summer 100
(16 June-31 Aug)
Fall,Early winter 64
(15 Oct-31 Dec)
a Mid-climaxb ClimaxcEarly
47 30 23
53 18 29
49 29 22
43 33 24
47 19 34
a
b
c
0-30%overstory.
31-69%overstory.
70-100%overstory.
21
Table 6.Indices of winter (1 Jan-14 Mar)habitat use by
moose,Stikine River,1982-83.
Percent Occurrence
Radio Track Pellet
Locations Counts Beds Groups
Habitat Types (n =472)(n =760)(n =57)(n =398)
Open 1 7 5
Alnus-Salix 14 66 46 63
Populus 14 2.2 27
Picea-Populus 10 1
Picea 60 22 47 7
Picea-Tsuga 1 2 3
Totals 100 100 100 100
22
Table 7.Habitat availability and preference during winter,
Stikine River,1982-83.
Preference Indices
Availabilitya Radio Pellet
Habitat Type %Locations Tracks Beds Groups
Open 10 1 17 13
Alnus-Salix 56 2 28 21 19
Populus 7 19 7 8 64 b
Picea-Populus 2 48 12 a
Picea 21 27 25 58 5
Picea-Tsuga 4 2 12 a 12
Totals 100 99 101 100 100
a
b Measured in late winter.
No distinction was made between pure Populus stands and mixed
Picea-Popu1us stands in pellet group counts.
23
Table 8.Snow depth by habitat type on the Stikine River,
winter 1982-83.
Habitat Snow Depth
Open habitat 168 em±2.1 (n
Cottonwood overstory 166 cm ±4.9 (n
Spruce-cottonwood overstory 156 cm ±4.7 (n
Spruce overstory 146 em ±3.1 (n
Hemlock-spruce overstory 165 cm ±7.5 (n
Mature spruce 128 em ±4.6 (n
24
=787)
61)
14)
=299)
38)
=99)
Table 9.Vegetative characteristics of spring moose browse transects,Stikine River,
26 April-20 May 1983.
%No.Pellet
Available %Groups
Habitat 'l'ransect %Cover %Cover %Cover %Foods Browse Key Foods 0.004 hectare
Type #OVerstory Salix Cornus in Diet Utilized Vigorous (0.01 acre)
Young 1 0 80 0 100 Salix 89 Salix 99 17
alder-
willow 2 0 81 0 95 Salix 21 Salix 100 11
5 Populus 15 Populus
20 Total
N Mature 3 0 39 40 88 Salix 88 Salix 94 21
VI alder-10 Cornus 84 Cornus
willow 2 Malus 23 Malus
83 Total
4 9 Alnus 46 54 66 Cornus 45 Salix 99 11
3 Picea 34 Salix 38 Cornus
40 Total
5 2 Picea 69 55 64 Salix 57 Salix 100 22
36 Cornus 42 Cornus
50 Total
6 9 Picea 36 39 81 Cornus 87 Cornus 96 34
7 7 Picea 55 21 58 Cornus 40 Cornus 98 20
42 Salix 34 Salix
37 Total
Table 9.Continued.
%No.Pellet
Available %Groups
Habitat Transect %Cover %Cover %Cover %Foods Browse Key Foods 0.004 hectare
Type #Overstory Salix Cornus in Diet Utilized Vigorous (0·.01 acre)
8 1 Picea 30 9 83 Salix 90 Salix 94 16
15 Cornus 86 Cornus
2 Malus 14 Malus
84 Total
Mature 9 2 Picea 55 43 71 Cornus 82 Salix 99 22
alder-22 Salix 68 Cornus
willow 7 Ribes 33 Ribes
66 Total
'"10 0 56 3 81 Salix 86 Salix 100 13
0'\16 Cornus 79 Cornus
3 Ribes 100 Ribes
81 Total
11 0 61 0 99 Salix 31 Salix 99 5
1 Sorbus 33 Sorbus
31 Total
Young 12 25 Populus 1 19 96 Cornus 77 Cornus 93 8
cottonwood 1 Alnus 4 Salix 52 Salix
68 Total
13 56 Populus 0 58 100 Cornus 23 Cornus 100 0
Mature 14 21 Populus 39 39 91 Cornus 37 Cornus 93 2
cottonwood 9 Salix 70 Salix
39 Total
15 26 Populus 0 41 98 Cornus 69 Cornus 100 12
1 Ribes 50 Ribes
1 Sambucus 69 Total
Table 9.Continued.
%No.Pellet
Available %Groups
Habitat Transect %Cover %Cover %Cover %Foods Browse Key Foods 0.004 hectare
Type #Overstory ~Cornus in Diet utilized Vigorous (0.01 acre)
16 33 Populus 14 38 89 Cornus 64 Cornus 100 13
6 Ribes 63 Salix
5 ~60 Ribes
64 Total
Mature 17 21 Populus 0 10 100 Cornus 59 Cornus 98 5
cottonwood 23 Picea
Mature 18 62 Pice a 0
2 97 Cornus 46 Cornus 97 0
9 Populus 3 Viburnum 6 Viburnum -spruce
IV 39 Total
-..J
19 33 Picea 8 11 86 Cornus 57 Cornus 96 9
1 Alnus 9 Salix 56 Salix
3 Ribes 27 Viburnum
2 Viburnum 26 Ribes
54 Total
20 56 Picea 2 1 89 Salix 74 Salix 95 2
9 Cornus 54 Cornus
2 Viburnum 5 Viburnum
57 Total
21 56 Picea 0 20 98 Cornus 39 Cornus 98 8
3 Tsuga 1 Viburnum 10 Ribes
1 Ribes 8 Viburnum
37 Total
Table 9.Continued.
Habitat Transect
Type #
%Cover
Overstory
%Cover
Salix
%Cover
Cornus
%Foods
in Diet
%
Available
Browse
Utilized
%
Key Foods
Vigorous
No.Pellet
Groups
0.004 hectare
(0.01 acre)
68 Vaccinium 70 Cornus 100 1
13 Cornus 30 Ribes
10 Viburnum 18 Viburnum
9 Ribes 9 Vaccinium
23 Total
Mature 22 61 Tsuga 0 17
spruce-9 Picea
hemlock Vaccinium
parvifolium
4
23 33 Tstlga 0 1
29 Picea
Vaccinium
ovalifolium
t-.)38
00
93 Cornus
4 Viburnum
3 Alnus
28 Cornus
7 Viburnum
26 Total
98 2
Table 10.Hectares of Stikine River moose habitat,1948 and 1979a•
Habitat 1948 1979 Change
Bog 474 (1.83 .2)484 (1.87 mi2)+10 hamJ.
Marsh 1,070 (4.13 mi 2)1,411 (5.44 mi 2)+341 ha
Shrub 3,564 (13.75 mi2)2,355 (9.09 .2)1,209 hamJ.
Spruce 565 (2.18 mi 2)1,317 (5.08 .2)+752 hamJ.
Alder-
(11.14 mi2)(10.09 mi 2)cottonwood 2,887 2,615 +272 ha
a Adapted from Beak Consultants (1982).
29
Appendix A
MOOSE HOME RANGES
30
Moose Number 00
home range
total 3400 hectares (34 km2,13.13 mi 2)
main winter range (downstream)
432 hectares (1.67 mi 2)
main summer range (upstream)
1303 hectares (5.03 mi 2)
some overlap between summer and winter range
female 11 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
2 calves in 1983
Appendix A-2
Moose Number 0
summer range
267 hectares (2.67 km 2,1.03 mi 2)
female 10 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
1 calf in 1983
32
w
w
Moose Number 0
winter range
3888 hectares (38.88 km 2,15.01 mi 2)
female'10 1/2 years in 1983
Appendix A-4
34
Moose Number 1
summer range
approx.1600 hecta 2es(16 km2,6.17 mi )
female 2 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
1 calf in 1983
w
U1
Moo s e Number 1
win t er range
female 2 1/2 years in 1983
Appendix A-6
Moose Number 22
home range
2137 hectares (21.37 km 2,8.25 mi 2)
female 7 1/2 years in 1983
1 calf in 1982
2 calves in 1983 (one died)
36
Appendix A-7
Moose Number X
home range
female 5 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
1 calf in 1983
37
w
00
Moose Number 11
home range
3183 hectares (31.83 km 2,12.29 mi 2)
female 10 1/2 years in 1983
1 calf in 1982,no calf in 1983
Appendix A-9
Mo os e Number 8
home rang e
1456 hectares (14.56 km 2,5.62 mi 2)
female 10 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
39
Appendix A-IO
Moose Number 9
home range
1632 hectares (16 32 2.km,
adult female 1 (,one ca f #8)in 1982
no calf in 1983
40
summer range (north)
1088 hectares (10.2 km 2 ,4.2 mi 2 )
winter range
487 hectares
(so u t h)
(4.87 km 2 ,1.88 mi 2 )
Moose Number 7
home range
4 1(2 years in 1983
one calf (#77)in 1982
no calf in 1983
female
8
Appendix A-12
.---r,p..--
Moose Number 4
home range
female 2 1/2 years when died about 8 Jan.1983
no calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
42
Appendix A-13
Moose Number 6
home range
1256 hectares (12.56 km 2,4.85 mi 2)
female 7 1/2 years in 1983
1 calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
43
Appendix A-14
Moose Number 44
home range
1059 hectares (10.59 km 2,4.09 mi 2)
female 14 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
44
.~
•
d i A-ISAppenIX
Number 33Mo o s e
home range
k 2 3.48(9.01 m,9 01 hectares
in 198361/2 ye~rs1982femalea1fIn
no c "19831calfIn
45
.2)ml
Appendix A-16
Moose Number 3
home rang e
female 4 1/2 years in 1983
no calf in 1982
1 calf in 1983
46
Appendix A-I?
Moose Number 5
home range
summer range (north)383 hectares (3.83 km2,1.48 mi 2)
winter range (south)83 hectares (0.83 km2,0.32 mi 2)
female 5 1/2 years in 1983,no calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
47
Appendix A-18
Moose Number 2
summer rang e
109 hectares (1.09 km 2,0.42 mi 2)
female 6 1/2 years in 1983
1 calf in 1982
no calf in 1983
48
d i A-19AppenIX
Moose Number 2
winter range
4 k 2 6.54(16.9 m,1694 hectares
years in 1983female61/2
49
.2)mJ..
Appendix A-20
Moose Number 82
winter range
adult female no calf in 1983
50
Appendix A-21
Moose Number 000
winter range
adult female no calf in 1983
51
Appendix A-22
Moose Number III
winter range
300 hectares 2km ,
adult female 1 calf in 1982
1 calf and 1 yearling in 1983
52
d i A-23AppenlX
Number 6BMooserange
winter .2)
2 1.29 m~(3.34 km ,h ec tares 83
C al f in 19no
334
l t femaleadu
53
Appendix A-24
Moo se Number 66
home range
male 3 1/2 years when shot (X)16 Oct.1982
54
+
:t>
'"Cl
"i:J
tT1
U1 Z
U1 t::I
H
:><
:t>
I
N
on 64 c.n
Moo s e Number 8E
home range
1593+hectares (15.93 km 2,6.15 mi 2)
male 1 1(2 years when shot on 5 Oct.1982 behind Petersburg cabin;
about 5 1/2 mile downstream from nearest home range location.
U1
en
Moo s e Number 88
home range
4688 hectares (46.88 km 2,18.10 mi 2)
male 2 1/2 years when shot (X)in November 1982
Appendix A-27
Moose Number 77
home range
summer range (no r t h )526 hectares (5.26 km 2,2.03 mi 2)
winter range (south)826 hectares (8.26 2 3.19 mi 2)km ,
male 2 1/2 years in 1983
57
Appendix B
PLANT OBSERVATIONS AND CHECKLIST
by
Jean Siddall
58
Appendix B
DRAFT
HABITATS identified during the
STIKINE RIVER MOOSE STUDY
May 1983
Jean L.Siddall
Coastal
Carex meadows above high tide
Knig Slough "tideflats"
Riparian
pioneer Salix interior-Equisetum varietagum communities colonizing sand and gravelbars.
.Kckwcn Itgravelslt,dry sloughs on Andrew Is.,"cottonwood"beach
mature cottonwood/willow spp./Equisetum
Andrew Is.
mature cottonwood/diverse shrub/herb communities on river levees and "islands"of higher ground.
Kakwan "gravels",Limb Is.,#14-POTR bench
Carex meadows in low areas behind river levees and along sloughs
Twin lakes,Kakwan Itgravelslt,Guerin Slough,Small Slough meadow
willow-alder community invading Carex meadows
#15-E.of Twin lakes,#23-Dry Wash SASI
Sphagnum bogs
Kakwan "gravels"bog,Dry Wash Cr.bog
Upland
mature spruce/OPHO/Poly~tichumbraunii
#17 -Guerin PISI
mature spruce!RIBR-MEFE-OPHO-MAFU/MADI-fern
Kakwan cabin/pt.
mature spruce/VAPA-RUSP/RUPE-COCA .
Flemer cabin,#22-Dry Wash PISI
mature spruce-western hemlock/ferns
#1 ~Guerin TSHE, Banana Pt.
dense wi IIow-alder thickets/sparse understory
#20-Guerin,#21-Twin lakes,#16-Small Slough
59
PLANTS seen during
STiKINE RIVER MOOSE STUDY
May 8 to 20,1983
by Lance Craighead
Jean L.Sidda II
Sue Yamamoto
TREES
Appendix B
Upper river-Flemer area Lower ri ver-Kakwan area Mitkof
Is.
X
x
x....
x
x
X X~
x
lO.Xx
x
Chcmcecyporls nootkatensis
(Ala:;ka yellow cedar)
Picea sitchensis
(Sitka spruce)
Pinus contorta
(shore pine)
Tsuga heterophylla
(western hemlock)
Tsuga menziesii
(mountain hemlock)
PopuIus tri choca rpa
(black cottonwood)
SHRUBS
x
X
x
X
·X"
'X
X
·X 'X X ·X ~
X
'X
'X
X~·X X X X
x
X"X X X
)(+X X··X 'X-'X'-X
XX X
X l:-X-- X··X--
.)(X
X X X
Alnus rubra
(red alder)
Alnus sinuata
(Sitka alder)
Alnus tenuifolia
(thin-leaved alder)
Comus stolonifera
(red osier dogwood)
Juniperus communis
(creeping juniper)
Malus fusca
(Oregon crabapple)
Menziesia ferruginia
(fool's huckleberry)
Oplopcnox horridus
(devil's-c1ub)
Ribes bracteosum
(stink currant)
Ribes lacustre
(prickly currant)
Ribes laxiflorum
(trailing black currant)
Rubus parviflorus
(thimbleberry)
Rubus spectabilis
(soImonberry)
60
Appendix B
·X ·X ....·X ·X···X"
X
X
<;X
·X
x
i'X ~X
I>X
.~
·X"
·X
X
·X
·X
·X
·X ·X X
X'"
Shrubs (continued)
Stikine study plant list
May 1983
Page 2
Salix alaxensis
(felt-leaf wi "ow)
Salix barclayi ·X ·X ·X....
(Barclay wiIlow)
*Salix lnrerlor ,·X
(sandbar willow)
Salix monticola
(park willow)
Safix sitchensis ·X ·X+·X ·X ·X-
(Sitka willow)
Sambucus racemose X X X X X X- X
vor ,arborescens
(red elderberry)
Sorbus aucuparia
(European mountain-ash)
Sorbus scopulina
(western mountain-ash)
Sorbus sitchensis
(Sitka mountain-ash)
Vaccinium alaskense
(Alaska blueberry)
Vaccinium caespitosum
(dwarf huckleberry)
Vaccinium ovalifolium 'X ·X··
(oval-leaved huckleberry)
Vaccinium parvifolium X~+X ·X·
(red huckleberry)
Vaccinium ufiginosum
(bog huckleberry)
/Vaccinium vitis-idaea
(I i ngonberry)
Viburnum edule X X-X X X X-X+
(high-bush cranberry)
HERBS
Achillea millefolium
ssp.borea lis (yarrow)
Actaea rubra
(baneberry)
Andromeda polifolia
(bog rosemary)
**Angelica arguta ~
(sharp-toothed angelica)
X ·X ·X X
X
·X X X X
x
X
61
Appendix B
X
XL.....~X+-1-X .....·X-X-~X-
X
X X
X aX L X
bX X
X ·XL·XL
-x ·X
X
J,X -X ~
L·X-
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 3
Rerbs (continued)
Angelica genuflexa
(kneeling angelica)
Angelica lucida
(seacoast angelica)
Aruncus sylvester
(goat's-beard)
Boschniakia rossica
(ground-cone)
Caltha palustris ssp.asarifolia
(yellow marsh-marigold)
ICaltha sp,[?biflora]
(marsh marigold)
Cardamine oligosperma
vor ,kamtschatika 3
(Siberian bittercress)
*Cardamine pratensis
ssp.angustifolia If-
(cuckoo flower)
*/cf.Cardamine purpurea s
(purple bittercress)
Carex ssp.
(sedges)
ICastilleja cf.hyetophila
(Indian paintbrush)
Circaea alpina
(enchanter's-nightshade)
Coptis asarifolia
(fern-leaved gold-thread)
Coptis trifolia
(trifoliate gold-thread)
Comus canadensis
(bunchberry)
Comus suecica
(Swedish cornel)
Icf.Dicentra Spa
Dodecatheon jeffreyi
(Jeffrey shooting-star)
Dodecatheon pulchellum
(pretty shooting-star)
Drosero anglica
(long-leaved sundew)
Drosera rotundifolia
(round-leaved sundew)
x
X
62
X
x X X X X X
X X X
·X ·X
x
X
x
X
X
x
x
x
X
x
X
-c
·0 C)
Q,....
c.E
C t!o Q)C _
o Q)co Q,.
X
X
X
X ..X ·X X X
X
x
X X'"X"
x X X
X X X X X X
x X X X
Appendix B
X X
x
X X- X X
X X
x X'"X X
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 4
Herbs (continued)
fEmpetrum nigrum
(crowberry)
Epilobium angustifolium
(fireweed)
IEpi lobium cf .Iuteum
(yellow wi IIow-herb)
Equisetum fluviatile
(swamp horsetai I)
Equisetum pretense
(meadow horsetai I)
Equisetum variegatum
vor ,alaskanum
(variegated scouring-rush)
Eriophorum russeolum
vor ,albidum [E.chamissonisl
(cotton-grass)
IFauria crista-galli
(deer cabbage)
Friti IIaria camshatcensis
(Kamshatka friti IIary)
Galium triflorum
(sweet-scented bedstraw)
Geum calthifolium
(caltha-leaved ovens)
Geum macrophy Ilum
(large-leaved ovens)
Heracleum lanatum
(cow parsnip)
Hierochloe odorata
(vanilla grass)
Hippuris vu Igaris
(morels-tail)
Iris setosa ssp.setosa
(wiId iris)
Kalmia polifolia
(ka Imia)
ledum groenlandicum
(laborador tea)
ledum palustre ssp.decumbens
(northern laborador tea)
*flimnosella cquctlco ,
(mudwort)
*/listera convall ario ides 1
(broad-lipped twayblade)
63
!
Stikine River Plant List
May 1983
Page 5
Herbs (continued)
lupinus nootkatensis
(Nootka lupine)
lysichitum americanum
(yellow skunk-cabbage)
Maianthemum dilatatum
(wiId Ii Iy-of-the-va IIey)
Menyanthes trifoliata
(buckbean)
/Mimulus guttatus
(yellow monkeyflower)
Monesis uniflora
(one-flowered pyrola)
Montia sibirica [Claytonia s.]
(Siberian miner's-Iettuce)
Osmorhiza purpurea
(sweet dcely)
Oxycoccus mi crocarpus
[Vaccinium 0xycOCCUS]i
(bog cranberry)
Plantago mccrocorpo e
(Alaska plantain)
Plantago major
(broad-leaved plantai n)
Potenti 110 egedii ssp.grandis
[P.anserina vor .grandis]
(silverweed)
Potenti 110 pa lustris
(marsh five-fingers)
/Pyrola sp,(?asarifolia)/0
(pyrola,wintergreen)
Pyrola secunda
(one-sided wintergreen)
Ranunculus bongardii
[R.unci notus vcr ,parviflorus]
(little buttercup)
Ranuncu Ius repens
(creeping buttercup)
/Ranunculus sp.
(buttercup)
Rubus arcti cus ssp.stellaris
(Nagoon berry)
Rubus chamaemorus
(c1oudberry)
·X ·X
x X'" X X
64
X
x
X
X
X
X
·X ·X ·X ·X ·X
bX X X
·X
x X X X
X X
X--
X
·X
..x
x x
X
X
·X
X
X
X
·X
·X
Appendix B
-X
XXX
X'+'~X X
X
X L
-
X
L--X
L-X
X
Xl.
-X 'X -X
-X ·X
·Xt·X ·X
-X bX bX
X X
X
X
X
X
X
·X 'X
X
X
X
X
X X
-X -X -X -X -X
·X
..x -X -X -X ·X -X
-£..c~..c w
g g ~g>..c '"~.'"~
c..D Q)..c ..2 me..I-e,'"
._]..Dm"':;)e e e c"..D _0._.-.-.-Q)o -'-~~...r->
U ~01-.0 C '"Q)Q)Q)Q).-..~'"E e :;):;):;):;)0:::
Q)0 e,-'".-C>C>C>C>::E l-t~1111Q):::"'to"O "ClOo-O ...._.0 E ....,~N ~LLU ",,,,""......
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 6
Herbs (continued)
Rubus pedatus
(five-leaf bramble)
**/cf.Sanicula crcsslceulls j,
(snakeroot)
ISanguisorba menziesii?
(Menzies'burnet)
ISanguisorba stipulata ?
(Sitka burnet)
Saxifraga mertensiana
(Merten's saxifrage)
Saxifraga punctate
(brook saxifrage)
Scirpus spp.
(rushes)
Sedum rosea ssp.integrifolia
(rosy stonecrop)
Streptopus amplexifolius
(twisted stalk)
Streptopus roseus vor,curvipes
(rosy twisted sta Ik)
Tellima grandiflora
(fri ngecup)
ITha Ii ctrum sp,
(meadowrue)
ITIarella unifoliata
(foamflower,coolwort)
Tiarella trifoliata
(three-leaved coolwort)
Tofieldia glutinosa
ssp.brevistyla
(tofieldia)
Trientalis arctica
(Arctic starflower)
Urtica Iyallii rUe dioica]
(stinging nettles)
Veratrum viride
ssp.eschscholtzii
(green false hellebore)
Viola epipsifa ssp.repens
IV.palustris]
(marsh vio let)
Viola glabella
(Johnny-jump-up)
65
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 7
FERNS
Athyrium filix-femina
(lady-fern)
Cystopteris fragilis
(fragile fern)
Dryopteris austriaca
[D.di latata)
(spreading wood-fern)
Gymnocarpium dryopteris
(oak fern)
*Polypodium hesperium t s:
[P.vulgare vcr ,columbianum)
(licorice fern)
Polystichum brcunil 13
(Alaska shield-fern)
Pteridium aqui linum
(bracken)
Thelypteris phegopteris
(beech-fern)
FERN ALLIES
Lycopodium annotinum
ssp.annotinum
(stiff 'club-moss)
Lycopodium annotinum
ssp.pungens
(stiff club-moss)
Lycopodium clava tum
(ground-pine)
Lycopodium selago
(fir club-moss)
x X X X X
X X X X
X X
X
X X
X X
X X
X
X
X
X
X
X
x
X
x
X
X
X
X
X·X
·X
MOSSES [only to indicate sphagnum areas)
Sphagnum spp.
(sphagnum moss)
66
X ......
Compiled by Jean L.Siddall
Lake Oswego,Oregon
May,1983
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
page 8
NOTES AND COMMENTARY
The flora used for plant identification include:Hulten,Flora of Alaska and neighboring territories;
Welsh,Anderson's Flora of Alaska and adjacent parts of Canada;and Hitchcock,et al.,Vascular
Plants of the Pacific Northwest.
Nomenclature usually follows Anderson's Flora of Alaska,with synonyms given in [ ]where necessary.
Symbols used:
++=codominant
+=abundant
- =uncommon
--=scarce
R =regenerating (trees)
L =local
Notes:
=blooming on date seen
=in bud
=in fruit
I =need flower for positive identification
*=out of known range in Alaska,as given on Hulten's maps
**=may be new state record;not in Hulten or Anderson
•
1 -Salix interior - known range (Hulten)is Yukon north
2 ~Iica arguta -not in either Hulten or Anderson;known range is s, BC to Cal.{Hitchcock)
3 Cardamine oligosperma vcr ,kamtschatika - in Anderson but not Hulten
4 Cardamine pratensis ssp.angustifolia -known ra"nge is Juneau north (Hulten)
5 Cardamine purpurea - known range is Yukon north (Hulten)
6 Limnosella aquatica - known from disjunct sites in Alaska but none SE (Hulten)
7 Listera convallarioides - known in Alaska only from the Aleutian Islands (Hulten),but
occurs as far south as Oregon (Siddall)
8 Oxycoccus microcarpus -on Oregon list of rare and endangered species as Vaccinium
oxycoccus
9 Plantago macrocarpa - on Oregon list of rare and endangered species;probably now
extinct in Oregon.
10 Pyrola ?asarifolium -based on known ranges,this should be Pyrola minor,but the leaves
are much too large;known range for P .asarifolium is Juneau north.
11 Sanicula crassicaulis - known range is s, BC to Calif.(HitChcock)
12 Polypodium hesperium -livery rare in Alaska"{Anderson};not in Hulten.
13 Polystichum braunii -Hulten splits P.braunii into ssp.braunii and ssp.andersonii,with
the key difference being that the upper basal pinnae are conspicuously
longer than succeeding pinnae in P.andersonii.I (Siddall)collected
many leaflets from the plants on t~nsect #17,which intergrade from
"equal to"to "conspicuously longer than"within the same population.
I have seen many P.andersonii in Oregon.The fronds do not over-
winter under the sj:;ow,as these do,and characteristically they have
a bulblet on the rachis (stem),which none of these have.I am
therefore not recognizing the subspecies.
67
.J
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 9
Site descriptions/dote of inventory:
Flemer cobin,T60s R86e,5/11/83 -mature PISI/RUSP-VAPA/RUPE-COCA
Most of the area was sti"under snow, so few herbaceous species were seen.Those thot were
visible (bunchberry,5-leaf bramble and red huckleberry)are port of a plant community more
like the Pacific Northwest than other areas of the Stikine.
"Cottonwood beach~T60s R86e,5/9 &5/11/83 -POTR/ALSI-COST-RUSP-SARA-OPHO/EQPR
A steep sand beach On the north side of the Stikine River opposite Flemer cobin.Salix interior
is colonizing the sand in front of the cottonwood-Sitko older-shrub community.[Beaver and
beaver cutti ngs.J
'14-POTR bench,T60s R86e,5/9/83 -POTR/ALSI-COST/EQPR
A very uniform cottonwood/Sitko older-dogwood stand with scattered viburnum,salmonberry
and devil 's-c1ub on on old river terrace.Shrubs were just leafing out;some areas of the
transect were still under snow. Plants of interest were lost years stalks of Boschniakia rossica.
This area has been heavily browsed in the post,but not during the post several years.
Small Slough meadow,T60s R86e,5/11/83 -Carex,with COST/ALSI/POTR/PISI edges
This large sedge meadow at the end of transect '16 is surrounded by distinct zones of dogwood,
then older and cottonwood,and finally spruce.There were snow patches persisting along the
edges; herbs were not up yet.
'16-Small Slough,T60s R86e,5/9 &5/11/83 - dense COST-RUSP-ALTE-SASI, with scattered PISI
Area just out of snow; shrubs just leafing out;very few herbs up yet.Based on the height of the
browse, this area is used mostly in winter when covered with deep snow.This must be on
impenetrable brush thicket in summer.
Guerin Slough,T60s R86e,5/11,5/12 &5/16/83 -PISI (TSHE)/ALSI-SASI-OPHO
The open channel of the shallow slough and its muddy floodplain is lined with Alder and Sitko
willow.The bonks above the slough are a mosaic of Sitko spruce-western hemlock stands,and
willow-older or salmonberry-devil's-c1ub thickets.The stream flows through a Carex meadow
at the up?er end.Moose use along the channel is heavy.This area would chonqe radically
if the water table dropped three feet.
'17-Guerin PISI,T60s R86e,5/11/83 -PISI/OPHO-ALSI/Polystichum braunii
Mature spruce stands are interspersed with thickets of devil's-c1ub and older.In areas under
devil's club where the snow has just gone out,Polystichum braunii is abundant.New fiddles
are corning up through old leaves which over-wintered under the snow. In areas which thaw
out sooner,the understory is oak fern •
'18-Guerin TSHE,T60s R86e,5/12/83 - mature TSHE-PISI/OPHO-VAPA-RUSP/ferns
A mature spruce-hemlock forest,with devil's-c1ub,red huckleberry and salmonberry understory.
The ground cover was predominately ferns and club-moss,with few other species,on interesting
plant community.[Block bear]
68
to
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant List
May 1983
Page 10
#19-Guerin PISI,T60s R86e,5/16/83 -PISI (TSHE)/OPHO-(RUSP-COST-VIED)/Polystichum braunii
Like #17,this is mature spruce/devil's-club/Polystichum braunii,but with more hemlock
regenerating,less alder and no Sitka willow.There is also greater species diversity on this
transect in both the shrub and herb layers.
#20-Guerin SASI,T60s R86e,5/16/83 - dense SASI-SABA-ALTE-COST/Angelica -Equisetum
A dense stand of willow-alder-dogwood adjacent to a muskeg,with Angelica genuflexa and
,~quisetum pratense in the understory,and very few other species present.
Ketili River,T59s R85e,5/20/83
The focus of this survey was to determine if any unusual plants occurred in the area around the
hot springs that had not been seen elsewhere.Most of the species were common to the Stikine
but there were two new species - Mimulus guttatus,yellow monkeyflower,down stream from
the hot springs,and Plantago major,a lawn weed,near the boardwalk.It is of interest that
the latter is the only introduced species seen on the river in two weeks,and it probably come
in on someone's boots.All other species were native,which shows how pristine the Stikine
sti II is.
Ory Wash Cr.bog,T59s R84e,5/19/83 - dwarf TSHE-TSME-PISI/Kalmia-Rubus/Sphagnum
A sphagnum bog similar to the Petersburg muskeg in species composition,but the tree species
here were "bonscl"western and mountain hemlock and spruce,rather than lodgepole pine.
There are at least four species of sphagnum in this bog.
#22-Dry Wash PISI,T59s R84e,5/19/83 -mature PISI/OPHO-VAOV/RUPE
A wet site spruce/devil's-c1ub community with both red and oval-leaved huckleberry,5-leaf
bramble,and bunchberry in the understory.If the Flemer cabin area were resurveyed after the
snow goes out,it would probably have many of the same species as this site.
#23-Dry Wash SASI,T59s R84e,5/19/83 -ALSI-SASI/Carex
An O1most pure stand of Sitka willow and alder invading a carex meadow,with occasional micro-
habitats of small spruce/oval-leaved huckleberry/bunchberry.This transect and the nearby bog
were the only places mountain hemlock was seen alon3 the river.At the time of survey,the
site was awash with 6"to 1.5'of water.
Kakwan cobin/Pt.,T60s R84e,5/8 to 5/20/83 -PISI/diverse shrub and herb comrnunlfles
A diverse mosaic of mature spruce,open brush areas,wet strea:nside habitat,and rock cliffs.
Plants just coming up on May 8 were in full bloom by May 20.The Kakwan cliffs were the
only site seen during the survey for Sedum rosea ssp.integrifolia,Dodecatheon pulchellum,
Saxifraga mertensianaand Saxifraga punct~-.-
,Kakwan "gravels'"T60s R84e,5/8,5/10,5/20/83
There are many plant communities within a small area on the gravel bars west of Kakwan Point.
These vary from pioneer Salix interior-Salix monticola-Equisetum variegatum communities
colonizing often-flooded sand and gravels,to cottonwood-shrub habitat with well-established
69
..
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 11
Kakwan "gravels"(continued)
understory on river levees and "islands"of higher ground.There are Carex meadows and
sphagnum bogs behind the levees and along sloughs where the water table stays high,and
Carex meadows being invaded by willow and alder (transect #15).Each is directly related
to its elevation above the river,which fluctuates dramatically in this area.A microhabitat
of Eriophorum-Equisetum was found in one small,then dry,slough.This was the only
cottongrass seen on the river.Salix alaxensis (preferred ruffed grouse browse) was only
seen in the Kakwan-Andrew Island area.Salix interior is apparently not known from
SE Alaska.
'15-E.of Twin lakes,T60s R84e,5/10/83 -SABA (SASI)/Carex-(herbs),with AlTE
Dense to scattered willow with some alder invading a Carex meadow,which has high species
diversity.This is one of two sites where red alder was found.
Twin lakes (Figure Eight lake),T60s R83-84e,5/18/83
The lakes were nearly dry when surveyed.Vegetation on the mudflats around the lakes was
sparse,but included Equisetum fluviati Ie and Hippuris vulgaris not seen elsewhere during the
survey.There are Carex meadows at the east end of the lakes,which speci es found otherwise
only in Dry Wash Cr.bog,Knig tideflats or Petersburg muskeg.Two species of Cardamine
were only seen here.The lakes are surrounded by stands of willow and alder •
'21-Twin lakes RUSP,T60s R83e,5/18/83 -RUSP-SASI/Urtica Iyallii
A dense thicket of salmonberry-Sitka willow/nettles,with few other species.
Andrew Island,T60s R84e,5/15/83 -POTR/SAAl-SABA-SASI-(SAIN-SAMO)/EQVA
In the small area of the island surveyed,there were almost pure stands of cottonwood/Alaska
Barclay and Sitka willow on sand,with sandbar and park willow establishing themselves
with Equisetum variegatum,in more recently disturbed sloughs.All five wiIIows seen on the
Stikine occur here together..(RuHed grouse drumming)
limb Island,T60s R83e,5/13/83 -mature POTR/AlSI:-shtyb
A mature cottonwood/diverse shrub-herb community on a sand beach above high water line.
This stop was to listen for moose radio transmitters;only a small section of beach was seen.
It is the only site for fragile fern found during the survey,however.
Knig tideflats,T60s R82e,5/13/83 -coastal Carex meadow above high tide
This is the only tidal area surveyed,and therefore many species seen here were not found
elsewhere.These include,lupinus nootkatensis,Potenti 110 egedii,Angelica lucida,Iris
setosa,etc.Of special interest was Plantago macrocarpa,which is on the list of rare and
endangered plants in Oregon,and is now probably extinct on the Oregon coast.
Banana Point,Mitkof Island,T61s R81e,5/13/83 -mature PISI/MEFE-OPHO-VAAL-VAOV/MADI
The onIy area surveyed was in the immediate area of the boat ramp.Severa I species were seen
only here:Monesis uniflora,Vaccinium alaskense and,Polypodium hesperium,which is
apparently rare in Alaska.(bald eagles)
70
•
•
Appendix B
Stikine River Plant list
May 1983
Page 12
Petersburg,T58s R7ge,5/14,5/15/83 -dwarf PICO-JUCO/Kalmia-Andromeda/Sphagnum
Other than Serbus aucuparia,all species listed were found in the "Petersburg muskeg, ..
an extensive area of Sphagnum bog with open ponds,which extends from the town to the
airport.It is of interest that lodgepole pine and dwarf juniper,usually thought to be
dry-site species furt her south,are growing here in water,and that Alaska cedar,usually
the bog species,occupies higher ground.Although similar in general species composition
to the Dry Wash Cr.and Kakwan bogs,some species were only seen here:Andromeda,
'both Drosera,Empetrum, both ledum,Rubus chamaemorus,Tofieldia,and lycopodium
annotinum ssp.pungens.
Siddall Comments and Observations:
This report is written not only to record what we found,but also to help future botanists following
me up-river,as it apparently contains new information not previously reported.Salix interior,
for instance,a key member of the plant community colonizing sandbars along the river,is not
known from SE Alaska,according to the floras.In all,we found five species for which the
Stikine River is a significant range extension within Alaska;and two others not known to be
in Alaska at all.The presently known range is s.BC to Calif •.
I am very impressed that in two weeks on the river,only one introduced plant was seen,and
that was next to the boardwalk near the hot springs.All of the rest were native species.This
may not be unusual in Alaska,but it certainly is in the south 48.
Based on Hulten's maps,there is an interesting "vegetation breok"between Wrangell and Juneau.
Species in the Wrangell/Stikine area go south,some such as Plantago mccroccrpo , and Friti IIaria
camchatcensis (found in Oregon for the first time in 1982))reach their southern limit in Oregon.
Species in the Juneau/Sitka area go west along the coast,or into the interior.
71
•
Appendix C.Scientific and Common Names of Plants.a
,Alnus rubra
Cornus stolonifera
Equisetum variegatum
E.arvense
E.fluviatile
'Malus fusca
Echinopanax horridum
Picea <J"lauca
P.marlana
P.sitchensis
Ribes bracteosum
Rubus spectabilis
Salix alaxensis
S.interior
S.sitchensis
Sambucus racemosa
Tsuga heterophylla
Viburnum edulev.ovalifolium
v.parvifolium
red alder
American dogwood
variegated horsetail
common horsetail,devil's-guts
water horsetail
Oregon crabapple
devil's club
white spruce
black spruce
Sitka spruce
stink currant
salmonberry
Alaska willow,felt-leaf willow
sandbar willow,interior willow
Sitka willow
redberry elder
western hemlock
high-bush cranberry
over-leaved huckleberry
red huckleberry
a Nomenclature follows Rulten 1968.
72