HomeMy WebLinkAboutAPA3163Arctic Gas
BIOLOGICAL REPORT SERIES
VOLUME TWO
PIPELINE REVEGETATION
DON L.~ABBS, WILHELM FRIESEN, SHANE MITCHELL
Prepared by
NORTHERN ENGINEERING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED
JANUARY , 1974
CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY LIMITED
LALASKAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES AND PHOTOS
LIST OF TABLES
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Scope
2. 0 OBJECTIVES
3 . 0 J'viElliODS
PIPELINE REVEGETATION
Table of Contents
3.1 Arctic Test Facility
4.0 RESULTS
4.1 Summary of First Years Findings
4.2 Second Year Evaluation of Plots
4.3 Reinvasion of Spoil Bank by Native Species
4.4 Fertility Requirements
4. 5 Seeding of Winter Road
4.6 Plant Cover Effects on Soil Energy Budget
and Permafrost Recession
4.7 Slope Stabilization
4.8 Tundra Restoration
5. 0 DISCUSSION
5.1 Evaluation of Species Seeded at the
Arctic Test Facility
5.2 Successional Processes on the Pipeline Backfill
Page
No.
1
1
2
3
13
13
16
16
17
18
20
21
23
26
6.0
7.0
8.0
Table of Contents
5.3 Nutrient Requirements for Establishment and
Continued Growth
5.4 Plant Cover Effects on the Soil Energy
Budget and Permafrost Table
5.5 Slope Stabilization Technique
5.6 Recommendations for Right-of-Way Revegetation
SMALL MMNAL S1UDY
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Methods
6.3 Results
6.4 Discussion
6.5 Conclusions
S~ffiRY AND CONCLUSIONS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX "A" REINVASION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
.APPE.t'IDIX "B" PERMAFROST PROFILES OVER TEST SECTIONS II AND V
Page
No.
28
30
34
35
38
39
47
52
58
62
64
FIGURE I
FIGURE II
FIGURE III
FIGURE IV
PHOTO 1
PHOTO 2
PHOTO 3
PHOTO 4
PHOTO 5
FIGURES V
to IX
FIGURES X
to XIV
PHOTO 6
List of Figures and Photos
Location of Sans Sault Test Facility
Location of test plots at the Sans Sault test
facility
Typical seeding plot plan
Location of test areas on the Oxbow Winter Road
View of the west end of test section I in the spring
of the second growing season (June 8/72)
Test section I on July 2, 1972
The north end of test section II on June 7, 1972
The north end of test section II on August 9, 1972
Fertilizer test in a plot of creeping red fescue
Average hourly heat flux graphs, test section I,
July to November
Average hourly heat flux graphs, test section III,
July to November
A tussock of cottongrass that had been knocked loose
by seismic activity in the winter
Follows
Page
1
4
4
8
14
14
14
14
17
18
18
22
PHOTO 7
List of Figures and Photos
The root system developed in one season by a
cottongrass tussock
FIGURE XV Permafrost profiles across a seismic line on the
Follows
Page
22
Yukon north slope 22
FIGURE XVI Illustration of study grid A 39
FIGURE XVII Location of the study grid~ 41
FIGURE XVIII Location and dimensions of study grid B and C 41
FIGURE XIX Location and arrangement of grid D and E 42
FIGURE XX Population density for grid A over the five trapping
periods
FIGURE XXII The number of meadow voles and tundra red-backed voles
per hectare in grid C
FIGURE XXIII Population density of trapped animals for each period
48
48
in grid D 48
FIGURE XXIV Population density of trapped animals for each
period in grid E
FIGURE XXV Total population density and age class composition
observed in gird F
FIGURE XXVI The age class composition for each small mammal
species in grid A
48
48
48
List of Figures and Photos
FIGURE XXVII Population density of adults, subadults and juveniles
for meadow vole and tundra red-backed voles in
grid C
FIGURE XXVIII Age composition of each species of small mammal
in grid D
FIGURE XXIX Population density of adults and subadults of meadow
and tundra red-backed voles in grid E
FIGURE XXX
FIGURE XXXI
Age class compositions for small mammal species in
grid B
Population density and densities of each species
in each trapline of grid A
FIGURE XXXII Trap frequency values
FIGURE XXXIV Number of rodents captured at each trap
and XXA~ location
Follows
Page
48
48
48
48
48
50
50
List of Tables
Follows
Page
TABLE I Grasses seeded in the experimental test plots 4
TABLE II Pounds, on a per acre basis, of nutrient applied in
the 1971 fertilizer trials 4
TABLE III Growth and development of grasses seeded at the test
facility 14
TABLE IV Reinvasion of plots by native species 16
TABLE V Response to second fertilization 16
TABLE VI Soil analysis, one year after fertilization 17
TABLE VII Ground cover; Oxbow lake winter road 17
TABLE VIII Influence of restored plant cover on the soil energy
budget 18
TABLE IX Comparison of soil temperatures 1971 and 1972 18
TABLE X Cover and frequency values of the most common species
of vegetation found in the trapping grids 39
TABLE XI Dates of trapping periods for each of the six study
grids
TABLE XII Weather summary in the study area by trap cycles
TABLE XIII Sex ratios calculations for the total number of meadow
42
45
voles and tundra red-backed voles live and snap traps 47
List of Tables
TABLE XIV Mean home range values for meadow voles and tundra
red-backed voles in grid B,C.F and combined grids D
and E.
TABLE XV Extent of damage to the experimental grasses, June
Follows
Page
49
and September 1972 51
TABLE XVI Mean biomass values 51
TABLE XVII Daily consumption of grass seed and lab pellets 52
1.1 PURPOSE
Development in northern Canada and Alaska has brought with it
sophisticated technology, particularly within the petroleum
industry. This industry has developed and changed quickly over
the past several years in response to climatic and terrain restric-
tions imposed on it in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Part
of this developing northern technology includes the design of
a proposed large diameter pipeline for the transport of natural
gas from Prudhoe Bay and the ~hckenzie Delta region to markets
in southern Canada and the United States. A pipeline of this
length would traverse many hundreds of miles of terrain which
would be subject to potential soil and thermal erosion when
the existing plant and organic cover is removed. The purpose
of this research project has been to develop data relevant to
the revegetation of land surfaces disturbed by pipeline construction
and operation, to prevent such erosion.
1.2 SCOPE
This paper reports only on the research which has been conducted
at the Sans Sault test facility on the Mackenzie River (Figure
1). Hernandez (1973) has provided an excellent review of the
revegetation research conducted by others in Canada and Alaska.
The location of the Sans Sault test facility is shown in Figure
I. This site is located within Rowe's (1959) "Lower Mackenzie
Section of the Boreal Forest". The site is situated on a high
terrace above the river. The vegetation around the site is
an open, stunted black spruce/lichen forest.
- 1 -
2.0 OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this research project has been to determine
the suitability of twenty-three different plant species, mostly
grasses, for use in revegetating disturbed land surfaces in
the northern boreal forest.
The various species used have been evaluated on the basis of:
Rate of growth
Ground covered by shoot
Biomass production
Rate and depth of rooting
Litter accumulation
Winter survival
Nutrient requirement for establishment and continued growth
Insulative value and effect on soil energy budget.
Evaluation of these plots has also included a measurement of
the rate and character of invasion by native plant species.
As seeding of grasses alone may not be adequate in some areas,
the feasibility of hand planting shrub cuttings to prevent soil
erosion on side slopes and approaches to rivers and streams
has been examined.
Results reported by other researchers indicate that the growth
and biomass production of seeded grasses in tundra areas has
been much less than trials conducted in forested regions. The
potential of stripping and replacing the surface tundra mat
to the backfill as an additional restoration measure to seeding
has been studied in the northern Yukon.
The effects of habitat alteration and cropping of grasses by
small mammals was studied in detail.
- 2 -
*-SITE LOCATION
100
8 C A LIE
..-rw•u _ ....... -
....-.rT UIIITD
I.MGI ..........
GAS ....... L1M111D
LOCATION OF
SANS SAULT TEST FACILITY
(65°40' N; 128°49'W.)
FIGURE I
3.1 ARCTIC TEST FACILITY
The experiments designed to evaluate and select the plant species
best suited to restore a plant cover following construction
in northern latitudes, was implemented in the spring of 1971
at the Arctic Test Facility (65° 40' N 128° 49' W). The site
is situated at the confluence of the MOuntain and Mackenzie
Rivers (Figure 1).
3.1.1 Construction of Test Site and Seeding of Plots
During the winter of 1970/71, four experimental test sections
of 48" pipe were installed for the purpose of testing the engineering
concept of a winter constructed, buried, chilled natural gas
pipeline.
It is important to understand the techniques used in constructing
the pipeline because the amount and type of disturbance for
which restoration programs must be developed, depends entirely
on the engineering and construction methods employed.
The first stage was to hand-clear all trees and shrubs over
two feet high, piling the slash in a windrow at the periphery
of the clearing. Gravel was back-loaded onto the windrow of
trees to build a narrow roadway.
All pipeline ditching and construction activities took place
on top of packed snow in December, January and February. The
material taken from the ditch was dumped on the snow, pipe installed
and the backfill returned to the ditch. Due to the bulking
up of the soil, when removed from the ditch in a frozen state,
and the fact that a four foot diameter pipe had been placed
in the ditch, a mound or berm of material was left over the
line. With subsequent thawing and compaction of the top layers,
the berm receded to less than two feet above grade. The net
result of this construction technique was that the low shrubs,
moss and ground litter was left undisturbed except for the actual
backfill mound and part of the spoil not returned to the ditch.
-· 3 -
On June 19th and 20th, 1971 test sections I, II, III and IV
were seeded (Fig. II). Each 500 foot buried test section was
marked off into 20 equal plots measuring 25 X 80 feet with the
pipeline running through the centre of the plot (Figure III).
The central 18 plots (outside plots seeded to a guard mix) were
each subdivided into "a" and "b" subplots.
The grasses seeded were selected by an agricultural consultant
retained by AR.CO Chemical Company of Fairbanks, Alaska. The
common and scientific names of these 18 grasses and the rates
at which they were seeded (pounds/acre) is given in Table I.
The seed was pre-weighed (plot size 0.046 of an acre), and applied
evenly over the entire plot using a hand-operated broadcast
spreader. The fertilizer was spread after the seed was sown,
using the same technique. Subplot "a" received fertilizer at
a rate equivalent to 700 pounds per acre and subplot "b" at
the rate equivalent to 350 pounds per acre of the formulation
10-19-19. See Table II for the analysis of this fertilizer
and the weight in pounds of nutrients added.
To simulate construction conditions, no seedbed preparations
were made and no post-seeding treatments were applied. The
seed and fertilizer were broadcast on the ground surface and
allowed to lie, subject to predation and adverse climatic conditions.
3.1.2 Second Season Evaluation
.1 Plot Plan, Qperating Test Sections -Figure II shows
the layout of the Arctic Test Facility. Test section I, II,
III, and IV were over the buried pipe sections through which
chilled air had been circulated for two years.
The placement of each plot and initial rate of fertilization
for each operating test section is given in Figure III.
- 4 -
SEISMIC ---·--·
ARCTIC TEST FACILITY
SCALE:
0 &0 100
METRES
TEST AREA ill 1/--
-~
DfSIGIIfD IY
w. w.
CHfCkfD 1Y,
,IIOJfCT IIIANAe!ll,
En&h•Hriall SH'Vic:e• Limited
NORTHERN
ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
CALGARY AL&ERTA
ENGINEERS FOR
CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY LTD.
LOCATION OF TEST PLOTS
AT THE SANS SAULT
ARCTIC TEST FACILITY
TEST SECTION 'IJ
FIGURE I I
SCALfo
DAT[,
P'IIOJfCT No.
OIIAWIIII llo. II IV.
-A
,-
80'
-I --< ... I ... 1
I I
I I
a I I a ~5· 1 b-Blend -b-(TYPICAL)
I I
a I I a 2 ~--Creeping Red Fescue -b-2 b I I
3 ~-~-I I a Red Top ---3 b I I b
f-~-I I a 4 b Canada ~luEJgrass -b-4
a I I -~-5 b-Ken tuck¥ Bluegrass 5 I b
a I I a 6 b-Rough Bluegrass ---6
I I b
a I I a 7 b-Meadow Fescue -b-7 I I
a I I a 8 b-Tall Fescue -b-8
I I
a I I a 9 1-b-Sheep Fescue -b-9
I I
a I I a 10 ~--Streambank Wheatgrass -b-10 b I I
a I I a 11 b-Reed Canary ---11
I I b
a I I a 12 ~--Meadow Foxtail -b-12 b I I
a I I a 13 t-.--Creeping Bent Grass -b-13 b I I
a I I a 14 ~--Brown Top -b-14 b I I
a I I a 15 t-b-Slender Wheat grass -b-15
I I
a I I a 16 b-Crested Wheatgrass -b--16
I I
~~-I I a 17 17 Tall Wheatgrass b I I b
a I I a 18 18 f---Intermediate Wheatgrass -b-b I I
a I I a 19 19 ~--Fowl Bluegrass -b-b I I
a I I a 20 20 ~---Blend ---b I I b
I I
I I
1....<-:J BURIED PIPE
Fertilization Rates: a -70011/Acre
10-19-19 b -350#/Acre
Figure III
DESIGNED IY, ~ NORTHERN
ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
D~AWN n, CALGARY ALr.ERTA
ENGINEERS FOR Eftllille-eril\11 Servic•• Limited
CHECKED 1Y, CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY LTD. SCAL[,
DATE,
ENIIN[[III "''' TYPICAL SEEDING PLOT PLAN BURIED PIPE .. IIOJ[CT llo.
SECTIONS DIIAWIIII No. lillY. 'IIDJECT MANAIUII,
-A
TABLE I
Grasses Seeded in the Experimeptal
Cormnon Name
Brown Top
Creeping Bent
Red Top
Canada Bluegrass
Fowl Bluegrass
Kentucky Bluegrass
Rough Bluegrass
Creeping Red Fescue
Meadow Fescue
Reed Fescue, Alta Fescue
Sheep Fescue
Meadow Foxtail
Reed Canary Grass
Crested Wheatgrass
Intermediate Wheatgrass
Slender Wheatgrass.
Streambank Wheatgrass
Tall Wheatgrass
Test Plots at the
Arctic Test Facility
Botanical Name
Agrostis tenius
A. palustris
A. alba
Poa cornpressa
P. pa lus tris
P. pratensis
P. trivia lis
Festuca rubra
F. elatior
F. arundinacea
F. ovina
Alopecurus pratensis
Phalaris arundinacea
Agropyron cristatum
A. intermedium
A. trachycaulum
A. riparium
A. elongatum
Rate/Acre (#)
10
10
40
so
30
30
30
so
30
30
so
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
TABLE II
Pounds, on a per acre basis,
of nutrient applied in the 1971 fertilizer trials
Fertilizer 10 -19 -19
Components Percent 700 lb/acre 350 lb/acre
Total Nitrogen (N) 10.0 70.0 35.0
Available phosphoric acid (P205) 19.0 133 .o 66.5
Soluable potash (K 20) 19.0 133 .o 66.5
Sulfur (S) 2.6 18.2 9.1
Boron (B) 0.2 1.4 0.7
Copper (Cu) 0.3 2.1 1.05
Manganese (Mn) 0.9 6.3 3.15
Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0005 0.0035 0.00175
Zinc (Zn) 0.2 1.4 0.7
Bulk 47.8 334.6 167.3
.2 Plot Sru~~ling -The amollilt of ground cover by stru1ding
dead biomass, "litter", ru1d stru1ding living biomass, "plru1t
tops", was determined by estimating the amount of ground covered
in five, 1/4 m2 quadrats placed in each .subplot. Cover classes
for each seeded and native species were recorded using a modified
Braun-Blru1quet scale (from Knapp, 1958).
Range of
Cover Cover !\lid-Point
Class Per Cent Per Cent
+ Present 0.25
But Rare
1 1 - 5 2.5
2 6 -25 15.0
3 26 -so 37.5
4 51 -75 62.5
5 76 -100 87.5
Using the mid-point percentage, an estimate of the amount of
ground surface covered by top growth and litter was computed.
The amount of surface litter laid down by each species, after
one year of growth, was determined in the second growing season.
This was determined prior to the initiation of growth in order
to avoid confusion with the second year production.
The percent survival was determined by counting the number of
new shoots in twenty, 1/16 m2 quadrats per subplot, compared
to the number of seeds sown in the equivalent area of plot in
1971.
Ground cover of both seeded grasses and native species was determli1ed
at the end of the growing season, August 28th to September 15th.
- 5 -
.3 Instrumentation -
Soil Temperatures
As part of the initial instrumentation of the test site, silicone
diode sensors were installed above, below and beside the pipe
sections, in twelve locations (three per operating pipe test
section). Soil temperatures were automatically read and recorded
twice daily. These data were used to compare 1971 and 1972
near surface soil temperatures under several plots at different
pipe operating temperatures.
Soil Heat Flux Measurement
To determine the heat flux at the soil surface under different
plots, heat flux plates were installed in mid-July.
Six revegetated plots were instrumented with three plates in
each plot. The plates were placed in a horizontal plain 5 -10
em beneath the surface, arranged roughly in a three foot triangle.
The plates in each plot were wired in series, to integrate the
readings, and connected to a continuous recorder. Two control
plots, a denuded mineral backfill mound and undisturbed open
black spruce-lichen forest, were similarly instrumented. The
plots instrumented with heat flux plates were:
Plot 5
Plot 12
Plot 16
Plot 2
Plot 7
Plot 10
Test Section I
Test Section III
- 6 -
Poa pratensis
AZopeaurus pratensis
Agropyron aristatum
Festuaa rubra
Festuaa eZatior
Agropyron riparium
The data, by hour, have been averaged over one month periods
and expressed graphically on a 24 hour time scale. The data
were registered in terms of millivolts on a strip chart recorder.
The millivolt equivalents in BTU/ft 2/hr. and cal./cm2min. have
been calculated and plotted against the time scale to show the
daily average heat energy flux in the plots .
. 4 Measurement of Active Layer -The seasonal recession
of the permafrost table above and beside the test sections of
pipeline was monitored by means of repeated probing of permanently
marked transects. A portable Yellowsprings MOdel 42 telethermameter,
equipped with a graduated one metre stainless steel insert probe,
was used in probing to determine the permafrost (0°C) level
at measured intervals along the transect lines.
One transect line was directly down the centre line of the pipe
with two lines parallelling the pipe, five metres to either
side. The two parallel lines were within the right-of-way clearing.
Depth to permafrost was determined at intervals of five metres
along the longitudinal transects. Three lines were probed at
one metre intervals, perpendicular to the ditchline. Starting
from the edge of the clearing adjacent to the roadway, they
extended across the pipeline and into the undisturbed black
spruce forest.
Level surveys were run on all transects probed. The surface
grade was plotted and the maximum depth of thaw (determined
September 22nd) drawn in relationship to grade.
- 7 -
. 5 Winter Road Seeding -Plots were established an
a roadway which nms from the south end of the cold loop to
a small oxbow lake, near the Carcajou River, an June 15th, 1972
(Figure IV). This road had been used during the early operation
of the test facility. The vegetation had been destroyed due
to use of the road by tracked vehicles during the growing season.
To determine the effect of varying the rate of fertilization,
a single mix of seed was applied tmiformly to three test areas
on the winter road. All areas, except replications 'a' and
'h' in test area II, were seeded with a mix containing equal
portions of Frontier Reed Canary Grass, Climax Timothy, Fall
Rye, Conunon Bromegrass, Boreal Creeping Red Fescue, Red Top,
Alsike Clover, and Alfalfa applied at a rate of 30 kilograms/hectare.
Fertilizer was applied to plots 1.5 X 20 metres long at 0, 100,
200 and 300 kilograms/hectare.
The fertilizer formulae contained 24% total nitrogen and 24% available
phosphoric acid (P 2o5) . The' fertilizer applications were
replicated four times :in test areas I, eight times in test area
II, and four times in test area III. Fertilizer treatments
were randomized throughout the three test areas.
Two, 1 m2 quadrats were used to determine the percent ground
cover in each plot. Ground covered by both the seeded vascular
plants and mosses was determined at the end of the growing season,
September 20th, 1972.
- 8 -
SCALE:
i I
0
METRES
DESIGNED IY ·
D~AWN IY,
CHI CUD IY,
PROJECT IIAIIAit:~,
AREA I
LAKE No. 2
W.L. 194·36 1
FIGURE IV
LIMITED
CALGARY AL&£RTA
Eqta.eria& S..-vice• Li mlted
EPIGIPfE£AS FOR
CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY L TO. SCALf,
LOCATION OF TEST AREAS
ON THE OXBOW WINTER ROAO
DATE,
I'~OJfCT llo.
DIIAWIIII llo. ~EV.
-A
.6 Second Fertilization -The plots on the active pipeline
test sections were fertilized at the time of seeding in June
of 1971 with as much as 70 kilograms/hectare nitrogen. By late
July 1972, many varieties showed signs of chlorosis. To determine
if it was a nutrient deficiency, and identify the deficiency,
fertilizer was applied to 1 rn 2 subplots within the major plot.
The formulations 34-0-0 and 11-48-0 were applied at the equivalent
of 400 kg/ha on July 25th, 1972 in the following plots:
Test Section No. 1
Plots 2,3,4,5,7,10,
11,15,17,19.
Test Section No. III
Plots 3,7,11,15.
Test Section No. II
Plots 2,3,7,11,12,
15,17,19.
Test Section No. IV
Plots 2,3,5,10,11,12,
15,19.
On August 25th, 1972, additional fertilizer trials were established.
Within randomly located 1 rn 2 quadrats, the following fertilizer
formulations and rates were applied in the plots listed below:
34-0-0 @
46-0-0 @
11-51-0 @
0-0-62 @
Test Section No. I
Plots 2,3,4,5,7,10,
11,15,17,19.
Test Section No. IV
Plots 2,3,5,7, (no 0-0-62).
200 Kilograms/hectare
310 " "
200 " "
200 " II
Test Section No. II
Plots 2,3,7,11,12,15,
17,19.
- 9 -
One year after initial fertilization, soil samples were taken
for laboratory analysis. Composite samples from the top 30
an in 16 plots were analyzed for: texture, loss on ignition,
carbonates, available phosphorous, total nitrogen, nitrates,
and total cation exchange. All analyses followed Harowitz (1970) .
. 7 Biomass Determination -Biomass production, determined
by clipping, was used to evaluate the increase in productivity
resulting from the fertilization of plots on July 25th, 1972.
Plant biomass was determined for all plots on test sections I
and II plus those plots on sections III and IV that were fertilized
in July, between August 19th and 25th.
Four to ten (depending on density and uniformity) 1/16 m2 quadrats
were clipped and sorted into:
1) current years productions
2) standing dead biomass
A minimum of four quadrats were randomly placed over the backfill
mound or mineral spoil bank. One, 1/16 m2 quadrat was clipped
in the centre of each 1 m2 fertilized plot.
The quadrats were placed in the plot to provide the best measure
of the net primary production of the seeded species and a measure
of the annual increment of litter accumulation.
The samples were oven dried at 60°C for 18 to 24 hours. The
results are expressed as dry matter in grams/metre square.
-10 -
.8 Shrub Plantings -The evaluation of planting shrub
cuttings to stabilize sideslopes and river banks was started
in September 1971. Several hundred cuttings of willow (Salix),
alder (Alnus), birch (Betula), and dogwood (Cornus) were hand-
planted on the side of an unstable, water-saturated, gravelly
sideslope on a seismic line near camp.
The above ground portions of the stems were cut back to:
-5 centimetres above ground (or not less than the second
stem axis).
-20 centimetres above ground.
-30-45 centimetres.
The purpose of cutting the stems back was to avoid desiccation
of tips exposed above the snow surface.
To evaluate spring planting of shrub cuttings and to determine
the number of man hours required to plant a unit area of sideslope,
three additional locations were planted in June of 1972.
1) Inactive pipe test no. 2, on the banks of the MOuntain River.
An area of 180m2 .
2) Test area I on the Oxbow Winter Road, 60m2 •
3) Test area III on the Oxbow Winter Road, 75m2 .
The percent survival of shrub plantings was determined in late
summer by laying out a series of 1 m2 quadrats, counting the
living and dead shrubs, by species, per quadrat .
. 9 Tundra Restoration -The restoration of plant cover
in tundra regions has been shown in other studies QHernandez
1973) to be much more difficult than within the northern boreal
forest. A technique which included stripping the tundra mat
and replacing it plus seeding and fertilizing was tried on a
location on the coastal plateau of the northern Yukon. A seismic
line located at 69°15'N., 139°05'W., at an elevation of 136
m above sea level over a low ridge in the Buckland Hills was
selected for this study.
-11 -
The seismic line was put in during the winter of 1971/72, making
1972 the first growing season after disturbance. The bulldozer
blade was set not to strip the vegetation off completely, but
had the effect of mocking off the Eriophorwn tussocks in a
path about two metres wide along both sides of the line with
the effect that the tussocks were piled in a low mound down
the centre line.
4-1 4-1
Ul 0 ro
Ul·r-i !-<
~!-< "'d § u..o (!)
0 (!) ~
Ul"'d u ..._;
~ u ] 'i ..._; •r-i
4-1§ ,.0
Ul ~ ObO ~
!-< u ..._;
§~ 0 Ul
Ul •r-i
~§ ~ §
Cross sectional profile of line on June 13th, 1972.
Approximately 400 metres of line was seeded on June 13th, 1972.
One hundred metre plots were seeded to Festuca :r>uhra {Boreal
Creeping Red Fescue), P~Za:r>is arundinacea (Frontier Reed Canary
Grass), Phleum p:r>atense (Climax Timothy), plus a mix of all
three. They were seeded at a rate of approximtely 15 kg/ha.
About 40 metres of each strip plot (5 m wide) was fertilized,
at an approximate rate of 800 kg/ha with the formulation 26-
24-24.
Growth of all tundra species had just been initiated at the
time of seeding. The tussocks of Eriophorwn were loosely scattered
on the surface and could be easily kicked around as they were
not rooted, though they contained viable green plants.
-12 -
4.1 SUMMARY OF FIRST YEARS FINDINGS
The following briefly summarizes the findings of the first growing
season (1971), of plots established on the four active test
pipe sections at the Sans Sault test facility:
All species of grass seeded in June successfully germinated
and produced good stands.
Ten of the eighteen species attained a 50% ground cover
on at least one of the four test sections.
Several species had an average rate of root growth in excess
of 2.0 mm/day.
Two species successfully germinated and grew in both organic
and mineral soils.
Transpiration cooling of the soil may be an important mechanism
by which reseeded plants aid in the restoration of the
predisturbance soil thermal balance.
Restored plant cover on the ditchline is not expected to
have a marked effect on the depth of thaw in the active
layer during the first season.
One-third of the species under study require a comparatively
high level of fertilization for rnaxi~murn growth.
A total of 35 native plant species were found to recolonize
the mineral spoil bank in the first season after construction.
4.2 SECOND YEAR EVALUATION OF PLOTS
Evaluation of plots at the end of the first growing season emphasized
germination, initial establishment and growth. Second season
sm,~ling included measurements of factors related to longer
term objectives such as surface litter accumulation, winter
survival and continued growth.
-13 -
Table III (a,b,c & d) summarizes the data collected in 1972
in the plots established on the four active pipeline test sections.
4.2.1 Ground Litter Cover
The restoration of the soil energy budget in disturbed areas
is dependent on both accumulation of an organic layer on the
soil and growth of actively transpiring plants.
The litter (standing dead biomass) of plant tops laid down in
each plot at the end of one full year was determined and is
expressed in the table in percent ground cover (for the mineral
backfill only).
To determine the effect of the initial fertilization rates on
the amount of litter accumulated, the cover data in subplot
'a' was compared with subplot 'b' for each variety, by means
of a paired t-test.
Photos 1 and 3 show the surface litter in the plots on test
sections I and II. These pictures were taken before the initiation
of new growth.
4.2.2 Percent Survival
The winter survival of the grasses planted is an absolute requirement
for a successful revegetation program. Though all species germinated
and grew well during the first season, they did not all survive
the first winter equally well. Photo 2 shows two plots in which
the grass did not survive the first winter.
As there are two distinct rooting media, organic mat (natural ground
cover) and mineral backfill, the data were collected and are
presented to show the difference between the two.
-14 -
Test Section I
u
>-. .... ....
..-< .... .... ....
"' ~
..-< .. .... ...
Plot Litter .... c
Species No. Cover (7.)
,...
Festuca rubra 2a 7.0 + 1.9
2b 21.5 + 6.9
Agrostis alba 3a 87.5! 0.0
3b 77.5 + 6.1
Pea compressa 4a 55.5 + 14.1
4b 53.0 + 12.4
Pea pratensis Sa 14.5 + 6.4
5b 14.5 + 6.4
Pea trivialis 6a 87.5 + 0.0
6b 77.5 + 6.1
Festuca elat ior 7a 14.5 + 6.4
7b 36.0 + 12.2
Festuca arundinacea Sa 57.5 + 9.4
8b 48.0 + 9.6
Festuca ovina 9a 77.5 + 6.1
9b 77.5 + 6.1
A gropyron riparium lOa 17.0 + 5.7 * lOb 1.1 + 0.6
Phalaris arundinacea 11a 62.5 + 7.9
11b 67.5 + 9.4
lopecurus pratensis 12a 43.5 + 14.1
12b 57.5 + 12.2
A
grosti s palustris 13a 63.0 + 15.4
13b 87.5 + o.o
A
grost is tenuis 14a 82.5 + 5.0
14b 72.5 + 10.0
A
gropyron trachycau1um 15a 7.5 + 3.1
15b 17.0 + 5.7
A
gropyron cristatum 16a 10.0 + 3.1
16b 12.5 + 2.5
A
gropyron e1ongatum 17a 14.5 + 6.4
17b 5.0 + 2.5
A
gropyron intermedium 18a 7.0+ 3.3
18b 7.5 + 3.1
A
Poa pa1ustris 19a 67.5 + 12.2
19b 52.5 ± 6.1
Growth and Development of Grasses
Seeded at the Arctic Test Facility
"" e u u
>-. >-. .... .... .... ....
..-< ..-< .... .... ... ... .... ....
"' "' ~ ~
..-< ..-< .. "' % .... 7. .... ... ....
Survival .... Survival .... c " Organic ,... Mineral ,...
8.5 + 1.9 21.0 + 3.4
9.5 + 3.4 33.9 + 3.7 * 2.3 ~ 0.6 0.8 ~ 0.3
3.5:;: 0.9 1.8+ 0.4 * 6.6 + 2.0 10.2 + 2.2
3.1 + 0.9 10.0 + 2.1
5.1 + 1.0 12.5 + 1.3
5.9 -1.9 10.5 + 0.9 +
4.2 + 1.4 5.8 + 1.7
4.3 + 2.1 6.3 + 2.8 -56.6 + 5.7 24.8 + 7.2
27.0 + 10.0 55.7 + 7.8
7.0 + 2.5 1.7+ 0.8 * 7.5 + 3.9 7.1 + 2.0
19.4 + 4.9 12.4 + 5.4
11.2 + 4.1 14.5 + 4.8
17.4 + 4.7 52.3 + 6.8 * 16.0 + 3.7 29.5 + 5.3
5.2 + 2.3 16.0 + 2.6
4.5 + 1.8 15.9 + 1.7
19.8 + 6.6 38.4 + 5.3
14.0 + 4.0 36.8 + 8.6
15.6 + 1.5 3.1 + 0.9
1.5+ 0.5 4.3 + 0.9
3.5 + 1.3 1.7+ 0.8
6.0 + 3.7 4.4 + 2.0
29.5 + 8.4 35.8 + 3.3 * 23.4 + 6.5 54.5 + 8.4
15.9 + 5.2 17.0 + 3.9
16.4 + 4.4 12.1 + 2.0
22.7 + 8.8 39.7 + 9.1
14.4 + 4.3 33.7 + 6.3
24.4 + 5.0 32.2 + 9.6
33.6 + 9.4 48.5 + 6.2
7.3 + 2.5 12.1 + 1.9
4.2 + 1.5 17.4 ± 2.8 -
* -Significant at the 95% level
** -Significant at the 99% level
Table III (a)
u u
>-. >-. .... ... .... ....
..-< ..-< .... .... ... ... .... .... " "' "' c "' 0 ~ ~ "' 0 .... ., .... "' "' .... ..-< ..... .. .... .... .... .. .. .... .... .... "' % Grd. .... % Grd. .... ... .. Rate of Growth Ul "" ... ... .. "" .0 a Cover .... Cover .... .0 g (IIID/day) " 0 c c " CJl u Organic .... Mineral ,... CJl u Shoot Root
* * 11.6 + 5.9 38.8 + 13.7 3.5 2.5
* * 5.9 + 2.9 75.0 + 7.2 * * 25.9 + 14.0 8.8 + 3.6 2.4 2.1
15.5 :;: 7.3 20.0 + 10.1
11.4 + 6.0 23.1 + 8. 7 2.4 2.0
* * 7.5 + 6.0 17.5 + 7.3
* * 12.1 + 5.7 38.1 + 9.7 2.1 1.7
15.5 + 31.9 + 5.6 7.3
15.5 + 7.3 4.5 + 3.6 0.9 1.5
25.5 + 16.0 7.6 + 4.3
* * 5.5 + 3.0 11.9 + 3.1 7.9 2.8
13.0 + 10.2 29.4 + 13.2
9.6 + 6.0 1.3 + o. 7 6.5 2.5
0.5 + 0.4 1.4 + 0.7
3.8 + 2.3 2.5 + 0.0 1.3 2.4
1.4+ 0.5 5.6 + 3.1
* * 1.0+ 0.5 8.8 + 3.6 * 4.2 2.7
3.1 + 2.4 5.1 + 3.4
* 9.2 + 6.1 32.5 + 11.3 8.9 3.0
* * r.o+ 0.5 15.0 + 0.0 * * 9.6 + 6.0 81.3 + 6.2 * * 6.3 2.5
3.5 + 2.4 81.3 + 6.2 * * 9.7 + 6.0 43.8 + 6.2 * * 3.2 2.8
* 7.2 + 6.1 62.5 + 10.2 * * 1.3+ 0.5 8.8 + 3.6 * 1.4 2.6
3.4 + 2.4 26.3 + 6.5 * * 0.6 + 0.4 8.8 + 3.6 * 6.5 2.7
* 0.6 + 0.4 20.6 + 5.6 * * 0.5 + 0.4 2.0 + 0.6 4.3 3.0
0.2 + 0.0 2.0 + 0.6 * 0.6 + 0.4 5.6 + 3.1 10.9 2.7
* 0.6 + 0.4 5.6 + 3.1
1.4+ 0.5 4.5 + 3.5 8.5 2.8
.1.0 + 0.5 11.3 + 8.8
8.0 + 3.2 50.0 + 7.2 * * 6.3 2.7
* * ll.4 ± 6.0 43.8 ± 6.2 *
Test Section II
Species Subolot '7o Litter
Festuca rubra 2a 34.2 + 17.4
2b 1.7 + 0.8
Agrostis alba 3a 38.3 + 13.7
3b 54.2 + 8.3
Poa compressa 4a 30.0 + 7.5
4b 26.7 + 18.3
P. pratensis Sa 6.7 + 4.2
Sb 0.2 + o.o
P. trivial is 6a 87.5 + 0.0
6b 62.5 + 14.4
Festuca elatior 7a 15.0 + 0.0
7b 22.5 + 7.5
F. arundinacea Sa 54.2 + 8.3 * 8b 22.5 + 7.5
F. ovina 9a 87.5 + 0.0
9b 46.7 + 21.4
Agropyron ripariurn lOa 22.5 + 7.5
lOb 6.7 + 4.2
Phalaris arundinacea lla 62.5 + 14.4
llb 30.8 + 15.8
Alopecurus pratensis 12a 45.8 + 8.3 * 12b 6.7 + 4.2
Agrostis palustris 13a 37.5 + 0.0
13b 62.5 + 14.4
A. tenuis 14a 46.7 + 15.8
14b 79.2 + 8.3
Agropyron trachycaulum 15a 62.5 + 14.4 * * 15b 10.8 + 4.2
A. crista tum 16a 2.5 + o.o
16b 2.5 + 0.0
A. elongatum 17a 2.5 + o.o
17b 15.0 + o.o
A. intermedium 18a 2.5 + o.o
18b 2.5 + 0.0
Poa palustris 19a 54.2 + 8.3
19b 54.2 + 8.3
Growth and Development of Grasses
Seeded at the Arctic Test Facility
% Survival
Organic Mineral
18.2 + 4.2 * 46.6 + 46.6 * * 8.3 + 1.7 18.7 + 3.4
1.9+ 0.7 2.3 + 1.0
3.0 + 0.7 3.0 + 1.7
8.0 + 1.6 13.8 -1.9 * +
4.8 + 1.3 7.1 + 2.3
7.5 + 1.5 * 11.1 + 2.9
4.2 + 0.5 9.7 + 2.6
9.2 + 3.0 10.7 + 3.9
7.4 + 1.9 13.2 + 2.7
45.4 + 7.0 53.7 + 4.4
48.7 + 7.5 68.6 + 8.4
26.9 + 5.4 13.4 + 6.3
24.5 + 4.4 21.0 + 5. 7
16.6 + 3.9 26.3 + 10.4
23.1 + 5.4 30.1 + 8.1
52.2 + 8.7 58.8 + 13.1
37.0 + 8.1 62.8 + 12.2
9.8 + 2.2 10.8 + 2.7
16.6 + 4.0 11.6 + 1.3
27.3 + 5.0 * * 32.0+ 7.1
8.4 + 2.1 26.2 + 7.6
6.4 + 2.1 5.0 + 1.9
7.1 + 1.9 6.7 + 1.7
4.0 + 1.6 1.9 + 0.9
2.8 + 1.4 4.1 + 0.8
32.2 + 7.7 47.0 + 9.4
31.5 + 8.3 67.4 + 11.6
16.1 + 3.3 * 23.9 + 4.5 * 34.1 + 6.5 60.3 + 12.0
31.9 + 8.2 56.4 + 16.0
32.3 + 9.2 71.2 + 9. 2
31.5 + 6.6 60.4 + 11.1
29.0 + 6.0 67.6 + 8.4
10.0 + 1.6 12.8 + 1.8
12.5 + 1.6 9.9 + 1.8 -
Table III (b)
Rate of Growth
'7o Grd. Cover (mm/day)
Sig. On>:anic Mineral Si11:. Shoot Root
* * 50.0 62.5 2.4 1.6
* 15.0 37.5
7.6 15.0 4.2 2.2
37.5 15.0
37.5 37.5 2.3 1.8
38.8 37.5
62.5 62.5 4.3 2.0
15.0 37.5
15.0 37.5 1.0 2.3
26.2 37.5
75.0 62.5 8.4 2.6
38.8 81.5
26.3 15.0 4.0 2.9
26.2 15.0
37.5 37.5 1.3 2.2
50.0 62.5
62.5 62.5 6.0 3.7
8.8 37.5
50.0 62.5 5.3 3.1
51.2 62.5
50.0 87.5 3.3 2.0
* 32.5 87.5
50.0 62.5 4.0 2.0
50.0 62.5
38.8 62.5 2.0 2.0
37.5 62.5
37.5 37.5 6.1 2.1
* 26.2 62.5
8.8 15.0 7.2 2.0
20.0 15.0
26.2 15.0 9.9 2.2
* 8.8 37.5
* 8.8 37.5 10.5 2.0
* * 8.8 15.0
51.3 87.5 5.3 1.7
62.5 62.5
Test Section III
Species Subplot % Litter
Festuca rubra 2a 70.8 + 8.3
2b 54.2 + 8.3
Agrostis alba 3a 62.5 + 14.4
3b 54.2 + 16.7
Poa compressa 4a 70.8 + 16.7
4b 70.8 + 8.3
P. pratensis Sa 18.3 + 10.2
Sb 30.8 + 15.8
P. trivialis 6a 62.5 + 14.4
6b 55.0 + 21.3
Festuca e1atior 7a 10.8 + 4.2
7b 30.0 + 7.5
F. arundinacea Sa 45.8 + 8.3 * * 8b 10.8 + 4.2
F. ovina 9a 70.8 + 8.3
9b 62.5 + 14.4
Agropyron riparium lOa 5.9 + 4.6
lOb 2.5 + o.o
Phalaris arundinacea 11a 15.0 + 0.0 * * 11b 2.5 + 0.0
Alopecurus pratensis 12a 6.7 + 4.2
l2b 6.7 + 4.2
Agrostis palustris 13a 59.2 + 28.3
l3b 14.2:;: 11.7
A. tenuis 14a 38.3+"13.7 * 14b 1.7+ 0.8
Agropyron trachycaulum 15a 5.9 + 4.6
15b 6.7 + 4.2
A. cristatum 16a 1.7+ 0.8
16b l.O+ 0.8
A. e1ongatum 17a 2.5:;: o.o
17b 1.7+ 0.8
A. intermedium 18a 1.7+ 0.8
18b 0.2 + 0.0
Poa palustris 19a 79.2 :;: 8.3 * * 19b 1.7+ 0.8 -
Growth and Development of Grasses
Seeded at the Arctic Test Facility
% Survival
Organic Mineral
3.1 + 1.1 57.7 + 9.4 * * 1.5+ 0.8 15.8 + 6.9
0.2 + 0.1 2.6 + 1.0
0.1 + 0.0 0.6 + 0.4
0.8 + 0.6 3.1 + 1.0
0.3 + 0.2 5.8 + 1.7
2.8 + 1.4 16.7 + 6.7
1.3+ 0.5 8.2 + 3.1
2.1 + 1.4 2.0 + 0.6
3.5 + 1.9 4.1 + 2.6
33.7 + 6.5 79.0 :;: 13.0
50.0 + 7.9 56.5 + 7.1
21.7 + 4.6 19.1 :;: 8.1
22.0 + 5.2 34.0 + 8.3
34.7 + 6.7 5.8 + 1.3
29.7:;: 6.7 24.5 + 12.9
66.0 :;: 7.0 * 63.9 :;: 13.7
39.8 + 7.8 44.6:;: 7.2
19.4 + 3.6 21.0 + 3.0
18.4 + 3.7 20.5 :;: 4.9
36.2 + 5.6 * * 26.0:;: 9.0
12.1 :;: 3.2 23.3 + 4.7
4.6 + 1.3 6.9 :;: 2.2
4.0 + 1.6 11.2 + 4.0
5.0 + 1.9 1.0 + 0.3
2.5:;: 0.6 4.5:;: 2.0
28.3 + 5.6 45.9 + 9.7
36.0 + 7.9 59.8:;: 6.5
19.3 + 3.6 19.6 + 5.0
28.1 + 4.8 33.0 + 7.2
50.0 :;: 7.6 * 52.7 + 9.6 * 30.6 :;: 5.7 26.3 + 6.9
29.1 + 6.7 18.8 :;: 11.5
24.1 + 6.6 10.1 :;: 8.0
2.6 + 1.0 5.5 :;: 1.8
1.7 ±: 0.8 7.6 ±: 3.2
Table III (c)
Rate of Growth
% Grd. Cover (am/day)
Sig. Oraanic Mineral Si&_. Shoot Root
* * 11.3 81.3 3.0
* * 0.5 87.5
* * 2.5 31.9 5.4 2.5
0.9 43.8
3.0
* * * * 3.0
* * 2.8
* * 20.0 87.5 11.5 3.0
38.8 62.5
3.2
* 2.7
50.0 37.5 3.0
26.3 2.5
3.9 3.5
3.0
2.0
2.0
4.6 3.0
2.4
3.0
2.5
2.0
*
Test Section IV
Species Subplot % Litter
Festuca rubra 2a 6.7 + 4.2
2b 1.7 + 0.8
Agrostis alba 3a 6.7:;: 4.2
3b 46.7 :;: 21.4
Poa compressa 4a 30.8 :;: 15.8
4b 18.3 :;: 10.2
P. pratensis Sa 22.5:;: 20.0
Sb 2.5 :;: o.o
P. trivial is 6a 79.2:;: 8.3
6b 70.8 :;: 8.3
Festuca elatior 7a 45.8 :;: 8.3
7b 37.5:;: o.o
F. arundinacea Sa 10.8:;: 4.2
Bb 54.2:;: 8.3
F. ovina 9a 62.5:;: 14.4
9b 62.5:;: 14.4
Agropyron riparium lOa 38.3 + 13.7
lOb 26.7:;: 18.3
Phalaris arundinacea 11a 38.3 + 13.7
11b 54.2:;: 16.7
A1opecurus pratensis 12a 38.3:;: 13.7
12b 38.3 + 13.7
Agrostis palustris 13a 79.2:;: 8.3
13b 79.2:;: 8.3
A. tenuis 14a 87.5:;: o.o
14b 87.5:;: o.o
Agropyron trachycaulum 15a 37.5:;: o.o
15b 22.5:;: 7.5
A. crista tum 16a 10.8 + 4.2
16b 6.7:;: 4.2
A. elongatum 17a 18.3 :;: 10.2
17b 10.8 :;: 4.2
A. intermedium 18a 0.2:;: 0.0
18b 2.5:;: 0.0 * * Poa pa1ustris 19a 79.2 :;: 8.3
19b 79.2 :;: 8.3 -
Growth and Development of Grasses
Seeded at the Arctic Test Facility
7. Survival
Organic Mineral
13.8:!: 3.1 29.7 :!: 3.1
15.0 + 4.4 30.7 + 3.0
0,6:;: 0.4 2.9:;: 1.4
0.1 :;: o.o 4.1:;: 1.6
1.9+ 0.6 9. 7 :;: 2.7
1.3+ 0.4 9.9 :;: 3.0
3.4:;: 1.4 12.2 :;: 2.1 *
2.1:;: 0.4 6.4 :;: 1.5
3.9 :;: 1.3 7.4 :;: 2.4
3.4 :;: 1.6 9.2 :;: 3.2
32.8 :;: 6.8 58.5 :;: 6.4
18.3 :;: 5.6 40.3:;: 4.5
12.6 :;: 2.8 18.7 ± 7.4
15.7 :;: 7.5 20.8 + 6.6
25.7 :;: 4.9 * * 23.7 :;: 11.6
10.8:;: 2.5 22.7:;: 5.2
39.1 :;: 10.5 24.8 :;: 9.8
48.4 + 7.7 23.8:;: 5.2
7.1 + 2.6 6.1 :;: 1.4
6.8 :;: 2.1 4.9 :;: 1.8
18.9 :;: 5.4 32.0 :;: 7.5
17.4:;: 3.6 17.1 :;: 6.1
4.9 :;: 2.1 1.9+ 1.5
2.9 :;: 2.4 0.6:;: 0.3
1.1+ 0.7 0.1:;: 0.1
0.4 + 0.2 0.2 :;: 0.1
17.5:;: 7.0 9.7:;: 4.8
24.2 :;: 7.8 10.2 + 5.2
12.8 :;: 6.2 8.0 :;: 3.1
6.6 :;: 3.0 3.9:;: 2.3
18.4 :;: 7.7 18.5:;: 7.3
14.1 :;: 4.9 14.5 :;: 5.5
40.4 :;: 9.6 27.4 :;: 7.6
29.3 :;: 6.5 36.8 :;: 7.0
5.6 + 1.7 14.7 :;: 4.0
4.9 ± 1.5 7.6 ± 2.2
Table III (d)
Rate of Growth
% Grd. Cover (DDD/day)
Sil>:. Organic Mineral Sig. Shoot Root
* * 30.8 ± 11.9 62.5 + 10.2 3.1 3.0
* 18.8 + 9.1 43.8 + 6.2
26.3 :;: 11.7 8.2 :;: 4.0 5.6 2.5
* 15.1 :;: 14.5 18.9 :;: 10.8
* * 17.5:;: 10.8 8.8:;: 3.6 4.5 2.5
* * 7.2:;: 6.1 14.4:;: 8.2
* * 15.5:;: 7.3 31.9:;: 5.6 * 3.4 2.4
* * 6.8 :;: 6.1 11.9:;: 3.1
9.6 :;: 6.0 7.6+ 4.3 2.6
5.2:;: 3.1 4.5 :;: 3.6
* 18.3 :;: 6.5 38.1:;: 9.7 3.5 3.0
* 5.9 :;: 2.9 50.0:;: 7.2 * *
1.3:;: 0.5 4.5:;: 3.5 3.5
5.9:;: 2.9 0.8 :;: 0.6
16.9 :;: 4.6 2.5:;: 0.0 * 2.0
6.3 :;: 2.8 5.1:;: 3.4
3. 5 :;: 2.4 16.9 + 7.7 4.0 3.0
1.4:;: 0.5 17.5:;: 7.3 * 8.0 :;: 3.2 29.4:;: 13.2 7.5 2.3
8.8 :;: 2.8 23.1 :;: 8. 7
32.5 :;: 10.6 68.8 + 6.2 * 9.0 3.2
20.8 :;: 13.6 62.5 :;: o.o
5.5:;: 3.0 35.6 :;: 15.7 3.0 3.6
19.6 :;: 10.4 44.4 :;: 11.4
0.6 :;: 0.4 1.3+ 0.7 1.5
0.9:;: 0.5 2.0 :;: 0.6
3.4 :;: 2.4 11.9 :;: 3.1 5.0 1.9
1.8+ 0.5 8.8 :;: 3.6
0.1:;: o.o 1.9+ 0.6 * * 1.5
0.1 :;: o.o 0.8 :;: 0.6
l.O+ 0.5 1.9+ 0.6 10.0 2.0
2.5:;: 0.0 2. 5 :;: 0.0 * * 0.6:;: 0.4 5.6 :;: 3.1 * 9.5 3.5
1.0+ 0.5 15.0 :;: o.o * *
* 14.2 + 5.4 8.8 :;: 3.6 5.0 3.0
6.3:;: 2.8 20.6 :;: 5.6 --
PHOTO 1: View from the west end of test section I in the spring of the
second growing season (June 8. 1972).
PHOTO 2 : Test section I on July 2, 1972. ote that some plots were
very slow to initiate growth the second year. otice the growth of
willow and birch from root stocks.
PHOTO 3: The north end of test section li on June 7, 1972. The
"mineral backfill"' discusse d in the text is the 12-15' wide strip over the
pipeline. The "organic substrate" is shown to the right of the pipeline
where the trees and shrubs hav e been remov ed.
PHOTO 4: The north end of test section II on August 9, 1 9 72. Note the
amount of cover provided by native speci es such as Arctagro stis latifolia
and Carex aqu at ilis.
The data presented are a measure of the net survival of seeds
in each plot. The figure is the percentage of seeds sown in
1971 which germinated, established and survived the first winter.
At-test was used to compare tl1e survival, on both substrates
(organic and mineral), and between the two initial rates of
fertilization.
4.2.3 Percent Ground Cover
The amount of ground covered by plant tops, of the seeded varieties,
is expressed as a percentage for the two habitat types. Here
also, the two initial rates of fertilization and substrates
have been compared in terms of the top production (ground cover)
after two growing seasons.
4.2.4 Rate of urowth
An average rate of growth in millnnetres per day of both shoot
and root is given for each species of grass, for each test plot.
This was computed on the basis of length of growth of representative
specli1ens divided by 100 (a growing season of 100 days).
Photos 1 to 4 provide a visual assessment of the rate of growth
during the second summer on two different test sections.
-15 -
4.3 REINVASION OF BACKFILL BY NATIVE SPECIES
The seeding of grasses, or other plant types, on disturbed land
surfaces is intended to provide a quick cover to control erosion
for the first few years. It is important, for the maintenance
of a stabilized area, that native species invade and establish
a stable plant community on the disturbed soils.
As part of this study, the process of succession on the backfill
mound, or exposed mineral soil, has been monitored. Table IV
(a, b, c and d) summarizes the data collected in the second
year after construction. Due to the importance of mosses in
maintaining ground temperatures, the bryophytes and vascular
plants are shown separately. The percent ground cover for each
species, for each subplot, is given together with the percent
frequency as a measure of the relative importance of each.
The species list and ground cover data for the portion of the
right-of-way in which only trees and shrubs were removed (organic
rna t) is given in appendix "A" .
4. 4 FERTILITY REQUIRIMENTS
The very low fertility levels of arctic soils require that fertilizer
be used when growing agronomic forage grasses in the north.
In a trial to determine fertilizer requirements to maintain
the established grasses in a vigorous and healthy condition,
two formulations (34-0-0 and 11-48-0) were applied to a number
of small subplots within the major trial plots. Table V summarizes
the results of this test. The effects of fertilization was
measured in terms of gms/m 2 production of shoot biomass, one
month after the fertilizer was applied.
-16 -
REINVAS ION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (a)
TEST SECTIOO: ...!_ SUBSTRATE: !!.!!!~
PLOT ----y-----3 ----4-----5---
SPECIES SUBPLq_!_ ---,;---b _ -.--b -~-b a b b a b b
10 13
a b
11 12
b b a b
14 :----"1"-5..., -16 17 18 19 %
b • --~---..! ____ b ___ • ___ L _ _! __ L _ _!__L.!.~
Ceratodon purpureus 5.1 23.1 1.4 3.8 16.9 5.6 14.4 5.6 23.8 2.5 .2 .1 4.4 1.4 • 7 .6 + + .8 5.1 1.4 1.4 8.8 5.6 1.9 5.0 5.6 + 1.9 66.0
Leptobryum ryriforme 1.9 11.2 1.3 1.9 2.5 1.9 5.1 4.5 .8 1.4 .2 .2 .2 .8 1.4 1.4 1.9 1.9 5.1 5.6 17.5 8.8 15.0 8.8 1.3 5.6 67.4
Splachnum sterile .8 5.6 1.3 + 1.4 1.9 5.2 .2 1.4 1.9 .B .1 .2 .2 .2 .8 1.4 1.9 .8 .8 5.6 5.6 8.2 13.8 .8 5.6 61.1
Funaria hygrometries .2 .8 .6 .8 .B 1.3 .B .2 1.4 .2 1.9 .2 .2 1.4 1.4 .1 .1 + .8 4.5 .8 .2 1.4 1.9 1.3 5.0 17.5 .1 1.4 69.4
Moss 214 .2 .6 + 4.4 1.9 3.8 .1 .7 1.4 1.4 1.9 1.3 .6 3.8 + .2 • 7 .6 4.4 4.4 34.0
Marchantia polymorp~a .2 .2 + + . 7 + .2 + 1.3 .1 .1 .1 1.9 .2 + .2 14.4 2.5 1.4 1.4 + .1 .8 .8 5.1 2.5 26.2 26.2 20.6 .43.8 26.2 31.9 10.7 5.6 .1 .2 68.0
Bryum pseudotriquetrum .1 .8 .2 .8 .1 + + .2 .1 .2 .2 .2 .2 + .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 42 .4
Aulacomnium acuminatum + + + .1 .2 .2 .1 .2 + .2 .2 + + + .+ .1 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .1 .2 35.4
Hylocomium splendens + + + + + + .1 + .1 7.6
Tomenthypnum. nitens .1 .1 + + + 6.2
Polytrichum junip-?:rinum + .1 .1 .1 4.9
Cinclidium stygium + .2 2.8
Sphagnum spp. + + 1.4
Epilobium angustifolium 1.2 + .6 .1 + .6 .2 .8 • 7 .2 + + 15.3
Equisetum arvense + + + • 7 .1 • 7 .1 + .1 .1 1.3 11.8
Potentilla spp. .8 1.4 5.6
Carex aquatilis • 7 + + + 1.2 + 5.6
Salix spp. + + .1 .1 .1 .6 + .2 + + + .1 .2 .1 14.6
Arctagrostis latifolia + + + + + .6 • 7 + 6.9
Epilobium spp. + + .1 .1 + + .2 + .8 .2 15.3
Equisetum scirpoides + + + + + + + + + .6 + .2 9. 7
Rubus chamaemorus + + .6 + + + 4.9
Rosa acicularis + .l .6 o. 7
Senecio congestus + .6 + 2.1
Equisetum palustre .1 + .2 .1 .1 + 10.4
Figures Represent Percent Ground Cover
+ -Species is present
REINVAS ION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (a) cont.
TEST SECTION: _!._ SUBSTRATE: ~111.~1:
Salix alaxensis + .1 9.0
Salix planifolia + 0. 7
Vaccinium uliginosum .6 + + . 7 3 .5
Carex spp. + + + 1.4
Eriophorum spp. + + 0. 7
Populus tremuloides + + + 1.4
Andromeda polifolia + + + 2 .1
Achillea borealis + .1 .1 3 .5
Stellaria spp. + + 0. 7
Trifolium spp. + + 2 .1
Betula glandulosa + 0. 7
Picea mariana + 0. 7
Chamaedaphne calyculata + 0. 7
Oxycoccus microcarpus + 0. 7
Arctostaphylos rubra + 0. 7
Poa palustris + + .7 3 .5
Ag rost is alba • 6 + 5. 6
Hordeum juba tum .6 + 2.1
Phalaris arundinacea + + 0. 7
Po a pratensis 0. 7
REINVAS ION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (b)
TEST SECTION: _l_L SUBSTRATE: !!l_NERA_h
-s~::IES -!::rPLOT ==--=-z--~~~=~~3=i=~~=b=-=i=f=:~-~-C-a -~~=--==~~-b-~_:_-~= a 10 b -=_.-U. b _a 12 :ti::--=z-!_3-=c-~~=~~--~~I==?:J>--a-~=-~ --~-~---.__i9" b --~~ -: -
~~
Marchantia polymorpha
Ceratodon purpureus
Leptobryum pyriforme
Moss 214
Splachnum sterile
Funaria hygrometries
Aulacomnium acuminatum
Polytrichum juniperinum
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Hylocomium splendens
Tomenthypnum nitens
Pleurozium schreberi
Sphagnum spp
Vascular Plants
Epilobium angustifolium
Arctagrostis latifolia
Salix alaxensis
CRUCIFERAE
Epilobium spp
Salix spp.
Equiaetum scirpoides
Potentilla spp.
Picea mariana
Plantago major
Vaccinium ul iginoslDil
Achillea borealis
Ranunculuslapponicus
R. gmelinii
Smilacina spp
Poa trivial is
Poa palustris
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2 .2 .2
2.5 .2 15.0 15.0 15.0 2.5 15.0 2,5 37,5 2.5 2.5 .2 15.0 2.5 37.5 15.0 37,5 37.5 62.5 37.5 37.5 15.0 37.5 15.0 .2 .2
2,5 .2 2.5 2.5 2.5 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2 2.5 2.5 .2 2 .5 .2 2.5 .2 15.0 15.0 37.5 37.5 37.5 37.5 62.5 .2 2.5
15.0 15.0 15.0 2.5 2.5 .2 2.5 .2 .2 2.5 15.0 15.0 2.5 15.0 15,0 .2 .2 2.5 .2 .2 2.5 .2 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 2.5 2.5 2,5 2.5 .2 7.5
.2 .2 2.5 .2 2.5 .2 .2 .2 .2 2,5 .2 2.5 .2
.2
.2
.2 2.5 2.5 .2 .2 15.0 15.0 .2 2.5 2.5 16.0 2.5 .2 2.5
.2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 2.5 .2 .2 2.5 15.0
15.0 2.5 2.5 .2 .2 ,2 2,515.0 .2 2.5 2.5 2.5
2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 2.5 .2 .2 2.5 2.5
.2 .2 .2 .2 .2 .2
.2
,2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2 .2 ,2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2 .2
.2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2 1.2 2.5 2.5 2.5
7.5
.2
.2
7.5 .2
.2 2.5
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2 .2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
2 .5
.2
.2 2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 2.5
.2
.2 2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
2.5 2.5 2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2
.2 2.5 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2 .2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
2.5
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
.2
83.3
86.1
88.9
100.0
77.8
&5. 7
75 .o
41.7
63.9
2 7.8
13.9
2.8
2.8
16.7
8.3
13.9
8.3
22.2
16.7
11.1
8.3
8.3
5.6
2.8
2 .8
2.8
2.8
2.8
5.6
8.3
REIWASH!I OFPLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (b) cont.
TEST SECTION: l!. SUBSTRATE: !!_]]!~
Agrost is tenuis 2.5 .2 2.5 .2 .2 5.6
Festuca ovina 2.5 2.8
Agrostis alba .2 .2 .2 8.3
Po a pratensis .2 .2 .2 8.3
Alopecurus pratens is .2 .2 5.6
Phleum spp. .2 .2 5.6
Bromus secal in us .2 2.8
Bromus tectorum .2 2.8
Hordeum jubatl..Dll .2 2.8
Agropyron trachycaulum .2 2.8
REINVASIO~; Oi PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (c)
TEST SECTION: ...!,!L_
~~l!.
Funari& hygrometries .2 .2 3 7.5 2.5 2.5 46.9
Leptobryum pyriforme • 7 .8 2.5 5 .l 15.0 2 .5 15.0 78 .l
Splachnum sterile 1.4 .2 .8 4.5 15.0 15.0 2.5 62.5
Marchant is po 1 ym:Jr ph a + .2 .8 1.4 .2 .2 46.9
Moss 214 .2 .2 .8 1.4 .2 62 .5
Aulacomnium acuminatum .2 .2 .2 .2 34.4
Bryum pseudotriquetrum + .2 .2 .2 34.4
Toment hypnum nit ens + .2 .2 25.0
Ceratodon purpureus + .2 15.6
Y..a.!..~1:..~r: tt~llt:..5_
Equ ise tum arvense + 1.2 21.9
Arctagrostis latifolia + + 3 .l
Achillea borealis .l .l 12.5
Salix spp. + 3.1
Epilobium angustifolium + 3 .l
REINVASION W PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (d)
TEST SECTION: _I_~ SUBSTRATE: !!_~N_E_~
SPE~~;:x:~of--=~~~=-==~=s--~~=C~==-?--~===~===~=~~=~i==~~=~~-==~==~~==i~=~==~~~==~====t~i=tJ:~--~~~~~=~===~~=~==~==L~==~~~=E-=~lJ-:-~~~~~~~ --=~~q:=-====
~SY2£.~~
Leptobryum pyriforme
Splachnum sterile
Funaria hygrometries
Marchantia p.:llymorp'-la
Moss 214
Ceratodon p·Jrpureus
Bryu.n pseudotriquetrum
Aulacomnium acurninatum
Hylocomium splendens
Tomenthyp:lu.'n nitens
Polytrichum junip~rinum
Sphagnum spp,
Y.&.!.£..ular ~l_ap_t_s_
Equisetum arvense
Arctagrostis latifolia
Equisetum scirp::lides
Equisetu:n silvatic:Jm
CRUCIFERAE
Potentilla spp.
Salix spp.
Eriophorum spp.
Epilobium an gust ifol ium
Salix alaxensis
Epilo~ium spp.
Ach illee boreal is
Carex spp,
.l .8
+ .l
+
.l +
.2 .8
.l +
+
+
+
.l 3.9 32.5 26.9 29.4 16.9 1.9 1.9 5.1 11.9 17.5 8.8 11.9 1.9 8.8 2.5 5.1 5.6 .2 .8 .8 1.4 .2
+ 1.3
.6 .l
+ + .2
• 7
.2 . 7 .l
+ .l
+ .l
+
+
+
.l
.l
+
1.4
1.3
• 7
+
.2
.2
1.4 .8 1.4 .8 4.4 5.1 8.8 11.7
1.4 6.0 + .l .8 .8 11.3 8.2
1.9 .8 .5 .2 5.6 1.4 5.1 2.5
.8 .l .8 2.5 1.9 1.9 .8 .l
.2 .2 + .2 .2 .2 .2
.l + .2 .8 .2
.2 .l .l .2 .2
.2
.2
.8
.2
• 7
.2
.l + .1 + .l .2 +
+
+ .l .6 .l .2
+
+ +
+
+
+
. 7 1.4
.8 .8
.8 • 7
+
.2 .8
+
.1
+
.l .1
5.6 2.5 17.5 23.1 14.4 8.8 1.4 8.8 1.4 5.6 .l
.2 .2 8.8 2.5 3.9 .2 .l 1.4 + .2
1.9 1.4 14.4 5.6 2.5 2.5 .l .9 .8 2.5 .8
.8 1.9 .8 .8 1.4 .8 .2 .2 1.9 .8 .8
.2 .l .8 .8 .8 .2 .1 .2 + .l +
.l .1
.2 .l
+
.2
+
.2
.2
• 7
+
+
.6
.l .2 +
.8 .2
.6
.1
• 7
.l
.8 .2 .2
.8 .2 .2
+
.8
.l
+
+
.l +
+
.6
.l + .2
.l .1
.1
.2
.2 .1 .2 .1
+ + +
+ +
+ +
.6 +
+ 1.3 +
+
• 6
+
.1 +
5.6 1.9 5.6 14.4 8.8 11.9 11.9 11.9 5.6 1.9 1.3
. 7 20.6 20.6 11.3 11.9 11.9 11.9 8.8 8.8
.l 11.9 8.2 8.2 5.6 8.2 15.0 5.1 8.8
1.9 11.9 14.4 2.5 1.9 1.9 5.6 .8 1.9
1.9 .2 .8 1.4 1.4 .8 .7 .1
.1 .1 .2 1.4 .8 .8 .1 .7 1.4
.l 1.4 .8 1.4 1.4 .8 .2 + .l
.8 .2 .8 .8 .8 .2 .8 .2 .2
+
+
.7
+
.l
.l
.2 .l + +
+ .6
1.3 4.5 10.6 18.9
+ • 7 .2
+ +
+
.6 +
.l
.6
.l + • 7
.2 +
+
.8 .2
.6 +
.2
+
.l
.1
.6
.6
.2
.6
.4
.l
+
.l
.l
+ 1.2 .l
+
.2 . 7 .l
.6 +
5 .l 1.4
1.9 +
.8
1.4 1.4
.2 .8
+ .l
.8 .8
+ .2
+
+ .6
.l +
.l .2
.2 +
1.4 1.9
.6 • 7 +
.l
.l + .l + +
+ + .2
.l +
.6
93.8
86.8
72.9
81.9
78.5
66.0
6"1.2
b4 .6
24.3
6.3
2 .l
1.4
31.9
16.7
25.7
16.0
19.4
5.6
20.1
4.9
14.6
10.4
13.2
2 .8
0. 7
REINVASION <A' PLOIS BY NATIVE SPECIES Table IV (d) cont.
TEST SECTION: -~V __ SUBSTRATE: ':!.~'!~
-----nm:----------z-------:l------c------s------r;-----y--------a·-------g----w------i1 ___ u _____ iY _____ f4 ______ Tf ______ i6-----w-----1if ____ li _____ T. ____ _
~~~lli.L_s=~_PLOT-=--------a b a b b ~----~~--~==~=~--~--b -=-~==~=-;-=~=~==}.--a===~--=~=---~---1!.=---~===~=---~==~=)=---;-=~==-Freg_~--==--=
Calamagrostis lapponica .6 0. 7
Rubus chamaemorus .6 + 1.4
Betula papyrifera + + + + + + 4.9
Pice a mariana + + + 3.5
Salix glauca + 0. 7
Vaccinium vitis-idaea + 0. 7
Stellaria spp. + 0. 7
Alopecurus pratensis .6 .6 1.2 3.5
Po a pratensis 1.4 .1 4.2
Festuca rubra .6 + 1.2 .1 4.2
Agrostis alba .1 .8 3.5
Agropyron trachycaulum .8 1.4
Agrostis tenuis + + .6 2.1
Poa palustris + o. 7
Phalaris arundinacea + o. 7
Hordeum jubatum + 0.7
Phleum spp. + o. 7
Response To Second Fertilization
Table V
Sec. Biomass Litter Sec. Biomass Litter Sec. Biomass Litter
No. Plot No. 'DJ!fm2 'DJI!m 2 Height (em.) No. Plot No. 'DJ!fm2 'DJ!fm2 Heigh.t (cm.l No. Plgt No. 'DJ!fm2 'DJ!fm2 Height (em.)
I P-2 307.6 40.8 24 -28 I P-18 122.0 10.4 80 -90 II P-17 187.6 86.8 90 -100
" P-2, 34-0-0 403.2 38 -42 " P-19 168.4 54.0 60 -70 " P-17, 34-0-0 219.2 90 -100
" P-2, 11-48-0 344.0 34 -38 " P-19, 34-0-0 316.8 60 -70 " P-17, 11-48-0 156.8 90 -100
" P-3 33.0 140.6 18 -24 " P-19, 11-48-0 161.6 60 -70 " P-18 283.2 33.2 100 -110
" P-3, 34-0-0 163.2 26 -30 " P-20 116.8 2.8 20 -30 " P-19 185.2 118.0 50 -55
" P-3, 11-48-0 108.8 22 -26 " P-19, 34-0-0 292.8 55 -60
" P-4 137.2 114.4 12 -18 II P-1 123.2 4.4 " P-19,11-48-0 172.8 45 -50
" P-4, 34-0-0 131.2 18 -24 " P-2 231.2 8.8 18 -25 " P-20 213.2 102.4
" P-4, 11-48-0 102.4 20 -26 " P-2, 34-0-0 209.6 25 -30
" P-5 105.2 9.2 14 -18 " P-2, 11-48-0 160.0 20 -25 III P-1 179.6 86.0 30 -35
" P-5, 34-0-0 273.6 36 -40 " P-3 92.0 128.8 35 -40 " P-2 514.4 40.8
" P-5, 11-48-0 163.2 16 -20 " P-3, 34-0-0 222.4 40 -50 " P-3 182.8 95.6 50 -55
" P-6 30.0 170.0 4 -8 " P-3, 11-48-0 156.8 40 -45 " P-3, 34-0-0 315.2 50 -55
" P-7 159.2 11.6 75 -80 " P-4 93.2 71.2 15 -20 " P-3, 11-48-0 344.0 55 -60
" P-7, 34-0-0 348.8 80 -90 " P-5 179.6 40.0 40 -45 " P-7 448.4 25.6 110 -120
" P-7, 11-48-0 254.4 75 -80 " P-6 58.0 140.0 5 -10 " P-7, 34-0-0 180.8 110 -120
" P-8 21.4 69.6 60 -65 " P-7 232.8 38.8 80 -85 " P-7, 11-48-0 305.6 110 -120
" P-9 70.4 60.8 10 -14 " P-7, 34-0-0 476.8 80 -85 " P-11 122.0 85.6 35 -40
" P-10 189.2 33.6 36 -40 " P-7, 11-48-0 379.2 " P-11, 34-0-0 273.6 40 -45
" P-10, 34-0-0 204.8 40 -44 " P-8 135.6 103.2 35 -40 " P-11, 11-48-0 144.0 35 -40
" P-10, 11-48-0 313.6 36 -40 " P-9 128.8 107.6 10 -15 " P-15 130.4 36.4 40 -50
" P-11 648.7 230.8 80 -100 " P-10 214.8 49.2 55 -60 " P-15, 34-0-0 235.2 45 -50
" P-11, 34-0-0 532.8 80 -100 " P-11 253.2 111.2 40 -70 " P-15, 11-48-0 150.4 40 -50
" P-11, 11-48-0 308.8 80 -100 " P-11, 34-0-0 278.4 40 -45
" P-12 377.6 70.4 55 -60 " P-11, 11-48-0 188.8 IV P-1 93.2 27.2
" P-13 234.0 250.8 25 -30 " P-12 208.0 66.8 35 -45 " P-2 422.2 9.6 25 -30
" P-14 136.4 137.2 12 -16 " P-12, 34-0-0 158.4 35 -40 " P-2, 34-0-0 384.0 34 -40
" P-15 233.2 16.4 60 -70 " P-12, 11-48-0 94.4 20 -25 " P-2, 11-48-0 363.2 25 -30
" P-15, 34-0-0 212.8 60 -65 " P-13 186.0 175.6 35 -40 " P-3 295.2 13.6 55 -60
" P-15, 11-48-0 275.2 60 -70 " P-14 114.8 88.4 15 -20 " P-3, 34-0-0 401.6 55 -60
" P-16 50.0 73.2 40 -45 " P-15 217.2 85.2 60 -70 " P-3, 11-48-0 472.0 55 -60
" P-17 151.2 22.4 100 -110 " P-15, 34-0-0 302.4 55 -60 " P-5 165.2 46.4 25 -30
" P-17, 34-0-0 177.6 100 -110 " P-15, 11-48-0 534.4 55 -60 " P-5, 34-0-0 217.6 40 -45
" P-17, 11-48-0 233.6 100 -110 " P-16 160.0 54.8 75 -80 " P-5, 11-48-0 161.6 25 -30
" P-7 272.0 76.4 30 -40
The visual results of the second fertilizer application are
shown in photo 5. This picture shows both fertilizer formulations
(34-0-0 in foreground and 11-48-0 in background) in a plot of
Creeping Red Fescue (Plot 2, Sec. II).
In a test to determine the nutrient levels in the plots one
year after initial fertilization of the mineral backfill mound,
samples were collected and analysed by Chemical and Geological
Labs in Edmonton. The results of these analyses are shown in
Table VI. Note the extremely low nitrate and phosphate levels.
4.5 SEEDING OF WINTER ROAD
As plots on the active test sections did not include a zero
control and a range of fertilizer levels, the major objective
of the winter road seeding project was to determine the response
of a standard seed mix to a range of fertilizer levels. Table
VII presents the results of this test.
Due to time limitations when sampling, the data are shown according
to a simple distinction; vascular plants and mosses. The mean
cover values indicate the response of these plants to the four
levels of fertilization.
A Duncan's Multiple Range Test was used to determine significance
of effects between rates of fertilization. There is a significant
difference in response of both vasculars and bryophytes between
the 0 and 100 kg/ha rate of fertilization. There is no significant
difference, in either case, between the 100 and 200 kg/ha rates.
There is however, a significant difference between 300 kg/ha
and either 100 or 200 kg/ha in the case of both vasculars and
bryophytes. Due to the highly significant difference between
replications, the magnitude of difference caused by different
fertilizer rates cannot be accurately determined.
-17 -
4. 6 PLANT COVER EFFECTS ON SOIL ENERGY BUDGET AND PERMAFROST RECESSION
The results obtained from the heat flux plate installations
are shown in Figures V to XIV. These provide a visual assessment
of the month to month (July to November) average hourly heat
flux in six revegetated plots, a denuded mineral backfill site
and an l.mdisturbed stand of black spruce forest. The lmi ts
of heat energy are expressed both in BTU's per square foot per
hour and calories per square centimetre per minute.
From this data the mean hourly heat flow was calculated for
each month at each instrumented site. Twenty monthly averages
were computed for the undisturbed and backfill site data (these
were installed in August 1971) and eight monthly averages were
used from the data for each revegetated plot.
A best fit sine curve was calculated for each plot, using the
least squares method, and these curves were plotted over graphs
of the original points for each site. Mean values of the sine
curves show that there was a net heat flow into the ground,
at each site, for the period studied. Table VIII presents the
results of this analysis.
In a study to determine the effect on near surface ground temperatures
caused by the chilled gas pipeline, a comparison of temperatures
recorded in 1971 and 1972 was made. Table IX presents a comparison
of only four plots, as the same pattern of results was evident
in all instrumented sites.
-18 -
PHOTO 5: Plot of Creeping Red Fescue established in 197 1. Two small
plots fertilized July 25, 1972, photo taken August 20, 1972. Subplot in
foreground was fertilized with 34-0-0 @ rate of 400 kg/ha, background
with 11-48-0 at the same r ate.
SOIL ANALYSIS, ONE YEAR Table VI
AFTER FERTILIZATION Sampled July 1, 1972
Sample Rate of Textural Loss on Available Total Total Cation
Number Plot Fertilizer Classification Ignition Carbonates Phosphates nitrogen Exchange Nitrates
(lbs/acre) (/owt.) (/o/Wt.) (ppm.) (%/wt.) Meg./100 gm (ppm).
(10-19-19)
Fl 1,5b 350 Fine silty 9.30 6.99 1.8 .24 11.1 2.0
clay loam
F2 I,7a 700 Fine silty 7.35 8.63 3.2 .21 20.3 .4
clay loam
F3 I, 17b 350 Medium 18.15 . 51 1.8 .44 58.0 1.1
clay loam
F4 I,l9a 700 Medium sandy 22.40 1.43 14.8 .61 38.88 .3
clay loam
F5 II ,2b 350 Medium 6.64 8.00 1.1 .18 17.5 1.0
clay loam
F6 II,5a 700 Fine silty 7.75 9.14 2.6 .20 19.3 .3
clay loam
F7 II, 17b 350 Medium 35.65 .84 2.6 .79 64.7 .3
clay loam
F8 II, 19a 700 Medium 24.87 .59 2.2 .56 59.6 1.4
clay loam
F9 III, 2b 350 Medium 12.04 7.54 1.5 .29 20.27 .2
clay loam
FlO III ,4a 700 Medium 11.50 6.56 1.8 .27 23.89 1.3
clay loam
Fll Ill, 17b 350 Medium 6.04 8.45 1.7 .17 14.38 .5
loam
Fl2 III, 19a 700 Fine silt 4.82 9.46 1.7 .11 11.78 .3
loam
Fl3 IV,2a 350 Coarse 1. 75 4.85 7.0 .08 3.22 .s
sandy loam
Fl4 IV,4b 700 Coarse 4.10 2.20 7.4 .12 12.70 .5
sandy loam
Fl5 IV, 17b 350 Fine silty 14.47 14.17 2.9 .37 21.97 .4
clay loam
Fl6 IV,l9a 700 Medium 15.16
clay loam
3.49 2.2 .36 27.72 .3
Ground Cover;
Test Area Replication
I
II
III
Mean
Standard Error
a
b
c
d
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
Oxbow Lake Winter Road
Vasculars
0
2.5
26.2
2.5
2.5
0.0
37.5
50.0
2.5
26.5
32.5
2.5
0.2
15.0
7.6
2.5
18.9
16.4
4.1
1
37.5
8.8
37.5
2.5
1.2
62.5
37.5
62.5
62.5
8.8
26.5
1.4
26.2
20.0
7.6
37.5
31.9
5.4
2
20.0
8.8
50.0
2.5
1.2
37.5
37.5
37.5
26.5
50.0
37.5
0.2
26.2
20.0
38.0
62.5
32.5
4.2
3*
62.5
75.0
38.8
15.0
1.4
62.5
87.5
50.0
26.5
26.5
62.5
1.2
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.5
5.0
T~ble VII
Bryophyta
0
0.2
8.8
1.4
0.2
1.4
7.6
15.0
2.5
20.0
8.8
1.4
1.4
1.4
0.2
0.2
0.2
4.4
1.5
1
8.0
0.2
8.8
8.8
38.8
37.5
15.0
26.2
50.0
20.0
15.0
0.2
15.0
1.4
1.4
8.8
15.9
3.6
2
7.5
0.2
15.0
8.8
26.2
26.2
15.0
26.2
37.5
50.0
37.5
15.0
26.2
8.8
8.8
18.8
17.4
3.2
3*
20.0
8.8
37.5
37.5
50.0
26.2
37.5
62.5
50.0
37.5
37.5
50.0
62.5
32.5
32.5
15.0
37.3
3.7
Figures represent percent ground cover. All areas, except replications
"a" and "h" in Test Area II, were seeded with a mixture of six graminoids
(Reed Canary, Climax Timothy, Fall Rye, Common Bromegrass, Creeping Red
Fescue, and Red Top) and two legumes (Alsike Clover and Alfalfa). The mixture
was spread at a rate of 30 kilograms per hectare with each species comprising
12.5% (3.75 kgm) of the mixture.
*Numbers 0, 1, 2, 3 indicate fertilizer rates in hundreds of kilograms
per hectare. The fertilizer formula contains 24% total nitrogen and 24%
available phosphoric acid (P2 o5 ).
20
19
18
11
18
15
14
13
12
11
10
..
%
"' --~
=> --..
~
"" => _.
~
--oC ...
%
44
LEGEND
CMICIID l'f:
INI11tllll APP·
DENUDED MINERAL UCKFI LL
AGROPYRON CRISTATUM GRD. COYER 1. 5t
POA PRATENSIS GRD.COYER 44.2%
ALOPECURUS PRA TENS IS GRD. COVER 91.5\
UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
HOUR OF DAY
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TID
CONTROL PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS
OYER TEST SECTION 1 JULY 11-31,1912
0. 09
0. 08
0. 07
D. 06
D. 05
0.04 ~ •
"' • <.> _.
oC <.>
D. 03 "" => _.
~
--oC
~
D. 02
D. 01
D. 01
D. 02
FIGURE Y
I CALl:
DATI
..........
-e
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
II
"' "' ~ 10 ,_ ...
=> ,_
"' ~
>< => ~ ... ,_
c ....
"'
LEGEND
CMICMID .V
DENUDED MINERAL BACKFILL
AGROPYRON CRISTA TUM GRO. COVER 1.5%
POA PRATENSIS GRO.COVER 44.2%
ALOPECURUS PRA TENS IS GRD. COVER 97.5%
UNO I STURBEO NAT! VE VEGETAl I ON
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO
CONTROL PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS
OVER TEST SECTION I AUGUST 1-31,1972
0. 09
0. 08
o. 07
0. DB
0. 05 ..
•
~
~
~
c 0. 04 "' ~
>< ~ ,_
c ....
"' 0. 03
0.02
0. 0 I
0. 01
0. 02
FIGURE VI
SCALI,
OAT I
"ltOJICT ...
o•a••• ••· ...
-8
15
14
I J
12
II
I 0
"' :
~
~
~
" =>
~
"' -=> ....
~
~ -..... :
LEGEND
DIIAWM IY
CMICIID IT,
.......... """'
DENUDED MINERAL BACKFILL
AGROPYRON CRISTA TUII GRD. COVER I. 51.
POA PRATENSIS GRD.COVER 44,2%
ALOPECURUS PRATENS IS GRD. COVER 97. 5!,
UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO
CONTROL PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS
OVER TEST SECTION I SEPTEMBER 1-30,1972
D. D9
D. DB
D. 07
0. 06
0. 05
0. 04 iii
~ -'-' .... c
'-'
-0. OJ => ....
~
~ c .....
:
0. 02
0. 01
0. 01
0. 02
FIGUHt VII
I CALl:
DATI;
........... ...
-II
20 :.... 0. 09
19 f...
I B
-0.08
17
16 -
r-0. OJ
15 -
14
-0.06 13 -
12 -
II -I-0.05
I 0 -
z -9 -"' 1-0. 04 ~ ;:;
~ B --' "' -~
~ z ~ -= LEGE NO ~
~ 7 ----OENUDEO MINERAL DACKFILL .., = --'
~ z AGROPYRON CRISTATUM GRO.COVER 1 . 5~;. r-0. 03 ------~ -~ = 6 ---POA PRATENSIS GRO.COVER 44.1". w
--' "' ~
~ ----ALOPECURUS PRATENS IS GRO. COYER 97. 5'. -w
"' 5 ---UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
-0. 01
4 -
3 -
1
:.... 0. 01
I
6 12 I B
0 ~~----=!=' ___ ==§'_=_[_.:_ ___ =t ==+.:-0
:-~-==t ·~ c+=-=:~
---·
I -
1 -
1-0. 01
3 -
4 -HOUR Of OAY
1-0. 02
5 -
FIGURE V Ill
0.,, ... 0 IY ~ NORTHERN
ORAWIII aT
ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
CAlGARY AL&£ATA
CANADJAN-ARCTIC GAs··s:ruov L TO. CMlCifO ., SCAlf
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO
OAT[
(M8tMl(IIIS AJ'J'
CONTROL PLOTS ANO THREE PLOTS
J'lltOJ[CT ....
l"IIIOJfCT MAJUoer• OVER TEST SECTION I OCTOBER 1971 011Aw•a •• f" -B
"" "' ~ .....
~
~
% -
~ = ~
~
..... ...
"'
20 -t-0. 09
19 -
18 -
17 -
16 -
I-0. 07
15 -
14 -
13 -1-0. 06
12 -
11 -1-0. 05
I 0 -
9 -
t-0. 04
LEGEND z
8 ----DENUDED MINERAL DACKFI LL -..
-----AGROPYRON CRISTA TUM GRO. COVER 1. 5~, ~
1 -POA PRATENS IS GRO. COVER 44. 2<, ~ ----~
----A LOPECURUS PRA TENS IS GRO. COVER 97. 5", r-0. 03 z -
6 ---UNO I STURDEO NATIVE VEGETATION ~ = ~
~
.....
~
5 -"'
1-0. 02
4 -
3 -
2 -f-0.01
I -
0 12 18
I I T r 1 I 1
1 -~---__ -_--_--_-_ --_ _-_-_ _-:___-=-~ __ _2:-_-_-
2 r---------------------------lt-o.o1
3 -
4 -
5 -
Dtl.t.'IIN IY
CHICKID l'f
HOUR OF OAY
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO
CONTROL PLOTS ANO THREE PLOTS
OVER TEST SECTION 1 NOVEMBER 1972
f-0. 02
FIGURE IX
I CALl
OAT I
LEGEND
__ UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
20 --DENUDED I.IINERAL BACKFILL
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
----AGROPYRON RIPARIUI.I GRD.COYER 2.6%
---FESTUCA ELATIDR GAD. COYER 55.0%
----FESTUCA RUBRA GRD. COYER 91.61,
"lt0.11CT ••••ellt
HOUR OF DAY
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TID CONTROL
PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS OYER TEST SECTION 3
JULY 17-31,1972
0.09
0. 08
0. 07
0. 06
0. D5
"' ~ .... --<
0. 04 :; -..
"" .... ....
' M
""~ D. 03 .,.
0. 02
0. 01
0. 01
0. 02
FIGURE X
OATI
l'ltO.IICT ... ........... . ..
-1!1
20
19
18
11
16
15
14
13
12
II
I 0
LEGEND UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
DENUDED II NERAL BACKFILL
AGROPYRON RIPARIUI GRD.COYER 2.6%
FESTUCA ELATIOR GRD.CDYER 55.0%
FESTUCA RUBRA GRD. COYER 91.6%
~ EI'IGII'IEEAI~ SERVICES LIMITED ~ CALC:.ARY ALaR.RTA
~~-.... s.no~•• L•••l•ol !. .. CIMR.!.RS ....,_
ANADIAN AR TIC TUDY L TO.
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO CONTROL
PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS OVER SECTION 3
AUGUST 1-31,1972
o. 09
0. 08
0. 07
0. 06
o. 05
0. 04
o.o3 E ...,
~
l:i
~
D.D2 a~
0. 01
0. 01
D. 02
•
'"'
FIGURE XI
I CAll
DATI
D••••t "' ...
-8
10
19
18
17
16
15 LEGEND
14
13
11
II
I 0
s
~ ..-c: ,...
z
~ ~
~ -~
"' "'
UNO I STURBED NATI YE VEGETATION
DENUDED I I NERAL BACKFILL
AGROPYRON A I PAR I UM GAD. COVER 1. 6%
FESTUCA ELAT I DR GAO. COVER 55. 0!,
FESTUCA RUBRA GRD. COVER 91.6%
I
!
I
1
..
\ I \
..
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO CONTROL
PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS OVER TEST SECTION 3
SEPTEMBER 1-30.1971
D. 09
0. DB
0. 07
0. 06
0. 05
0. 04
0. 03 ~
~ ..-;:;
n -..-
0. 01 " n
.,~
~
0. 01
0. 01
0. 01
FIGURE XII
our
... OJlCT ...
-B
LEGEND --UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
---DENUDED MINERAL BACKFILL
-----AGROPYRON R I PAR I Ull GRD. COVER 2. 6',
I 0 ----FESTUCA ELATI OR GRD. COVER 55. 0!,
----FESTUCA RUBRA GRD.COVER 91.6%
9 -f-0. 04
8 -
7 -
1--0. 03
6
"' "" ... ..... 5 ..., ~ ~
<= 0. 02 -f--4
...,
z -~ <= -"" ..... -<= " z ..., 3 ..... -~ ...
~ ~
"' "' ~
2 f-0. 01 -~ -"' -z
I -
HOUR OF DAY
1 I
6 I 0 I~ 18 212
0 I I I I I I I I 0 ------
1--------~=--=-~--------------_:-_-:..::.=.=."':-==-=.==:o-r ---
I -
2 -0. 01 -
3 -
4 -
1-0. 02
FIGURE X I I I
01111-D IY ~ ENGINEERI:cu:~::.~~S LIMITED
OltloWM IY CALGAitY ALIItATA
CHIC .. ID 1'1' cANAoiA~fARCTic _G_As'"si-uov LTD. IC.foll
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO CONTROL OAT I
"'''"''"' ·~· PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS OVER TEST SECTION 3 l'ltOJICT ...
JI'IIIO.tt:Ct MA.,.AIIII OCTOBER 1972 ..........
I l•<v -1!1
I 0
1-
LEGEND
UNDISTURBED NATIVE VEGETATION
DENUDED II NERAL BACKFILL
AGROPYRON RIPARIUI GRD. COVER 2. 6~
FESTUCA ELATI OR GRD. COVER 55. 0~.
FESTUCA RUBRA GRO. COVER 91. 6l,
= 6 t-
~
~
~ 5
I I
HOUR OF OAY
I
14
I I I
20
I I
24
I
.;:;...=:-::...=.....~~ .. -'P!"""" rr~,. • -·~ -
I
-------------------
OfUoW. eT
il'lltOJI[CT IIIIAWA.IIIt
AVERAGE HOURLY HEAT FLUX IN TWO CONTROL
PLOTS AND THREE PLOTS OVER TEST SECTION 3
NOVEMBER 197 2
-0. 04
-0. 03
0. 02
0. 01
0. 0 I
0. 02
n ,..
~
FIGURE XIV
I CALl
DATI
~IIO.IICT ...
o••••• ••
-e I ....
Instrumented
Plot
Undisturbed
Meadow Foxtail
(Plot lt12)
Creeping Red Fescue
(Plot #2)
Crested Wheatgrass L 2
(Plot tl16)
Kentucky Bluegrass
(Plot #5)
Meadow Fescue
(Plot #7)
Streambank Wheatgrass L 3
(Plot #10)
Percent Ground
Cover
100
97.5
91.6
1.5
44.2
55.0
2.6
mo/cm 2 yr
Influence Of Restored Plant Cover
On The Soil Energy Budget
L4
Heat In Heat Out Net
Ll Ll Ll
0.0503 0.0274 0.0229
0.0723 0.0164 0.0559
0.0843 0.0148 0.0695
0.0884 0.0184 0.0700
0.0909 0.0171 0.0738
0.1200 0.0181 0.1019
0.1428 0.0180 0.0248
Table VIII
One Year Average
Ratio to Heat Flow
Undisturbed (From Sine Curve Fitted To Data)
Plot cal./cm~ min BTU/ft? hr.
1.00 + 0.0019 + 0.421
2.45 + 0.0047 + 1.03
3.04 + 0.0058 + 1.28
3.07 + 0.0058 + 1. 29
3.23 + 0.0062 + 1.36
4.47 + 0.0085 + 1.88
5.47 + 0.0104 + 2.30
L 1 Units = cal.
1 cal • mo
ciii2Yr min = 43,200 cal/cm2 yr
Virtually no plant cover
over plates
L2 63% bryophytcover L4 This figure does not take into account
the effects of mass transportation.
TABLE IX
Comparison of Soil Temperatures, 1971 &
1972, to a Maximum Depth of 50 em
0 0
Plot Date Temperature c Plot Date Temperature c
6.5 em 21.5 em 37.0 em X 19.5 em 34.5 em 50.0 C'll X
1/7/71 5.3 2.5 0.8 2.9 1/7/71 6.6 4.5 2.£ 4.4
Intermediate 1/7/72 12.1 7.5 3.9 7.8 Canada 1/7/72 10.3 7.6 4.6 7.5
Wheatgrass Bluegrass
17/7/71 10.9 4.9 0.4 5.4 17/7/71 12.3 7.7 4.1 8.0
16/7/72 18.4 14.7 8.1 13.7 16/7/72 ----
18a 4b
Sec. 1 1/8/71 ll.8 7.8 2.6 7.4 Sec. ll 1/8/71 12.3 10.0 6.8 9.1
4% cover 1/8/72 13.8 12.7 9.3 ll.9 38/o cover 1/8/72 13.7 11.6 8.6 11.3
16/8/71 10.0 6.1 2.8 6.3 16/8/71 9.4 6.9 4.2 6.8
16/8/72 17.1 18.6 13.7 16.5 16/8/72 17.4 16.5 10.6 14.8
12.0 em 27.5 em 42.5 em 19.0 em 34.5 em 49.5 ern
1T7 /71 7.9 5.3 1.9 4.3 1/7/71 3.0 1.4 1.3 1.9
Intermediate 1/7/72 11.1 6.6 3.3 7.0 Streambank 1/7/72 6.0 2.2 -1.2 2.3
Wheatgrass Wheatgrass
17/7/71 17.3 9.3 4.5 10.4 17/7/71 8.9 3.6 0.6 4.4
18b 16/7/72 19.9 14.6 7.1 13.9 lOa 16/7/72 14.5 6.0 -0.6 6.6
Sec. IV Sec. ll
15/o cover 1/8/71 15.9 10.8 7.8 ll.S 62/o cover 1/8'71 11.9 8.0 2.8 7.6
1/8/72 13.4 11.4 7.3 10.7 1/8/72 11.0 6.6 0.7 6.1
16/8/71 6.4 7.9 4.8 6.4 16/8/71 8.6 5.4 2.8 5.6
16/8/72 17.2 14.7 8.4 13.4 16/8/72 14.2 7.3 1.1 7.5
Test section I was operated at -3.9°C (25°F) during both years.
Test section II was operated at -2.2°C (28°F) during the 1971
growing season and at -12.8°C (9°F) during 1972. Test section
IV was operated at -6.7°C (20°F) during 1971 and -15.0°C (5°F)
during 1972.
A brief summary of climatic records during these periods follows:
1971 1972
Mean Temperature (°F) 58.7 60.7
JUNE Mean sunshine hours 98.7 104.0
Total precipitation 0.28 1.63
Mean Temperature 62.9 62.0
JULY Mean sunshine hours 83.5 86.0
Total precipitation 2.21 0. 77
Mean temperature 53.1 61.2
.AUGUST Mean sunshine hours 48.3 64.3
Total precipitation 5.08 1.81
The three dtmensional permafrost profiles given in appendix
'B' provide an assessment of the effects of the plant cover
and operating chilled gas pipeline on the depth of thaw in the
active layer during the second operating season at Sans Sault.
-19 -
4.7 SLOPE STABILIZATION
On August 25th, 1972, the survival of shrub cuttings planted
on sideslopes and roadways was determined.
The survival of cuttings planted on the seismic line in the
fall of 1971 was:
Salix alaxensis
Salix arbusculoides
Salix planifolia
Alnus incana
Alnus crispa
Comus stolonifera
Betula papyrifera
94%
83%
22%
60%
100%
0%
0%
The grass seeded in the late fall of 1971 on this slope germinated
and grew well. The result of the combined treabnents was that
the slope was completely stabilized.
The survival success of cuttings planted in the two plots on
the winter road in June of 1972 was as follows:
Test Area I
Salix alaxensis 96%
Alnus crispa 100%
Alnus incana 67%
Test Area III
Alnus crispa 78%
Alnus incana 75%
Larix laricina 10%
Salix spp. 83%
Betula papyrifera 0%
Shepherdia canadensis 100%
-20 -
The time required to hand plant shrub cuttings on three areas
was determined. The total area planted was 315 m2 at a density
of 10.3 cuttings per square metre. This planting program required
52 man hours. These figures convert to 1650 man hr/hectare
or 660 man hr/acre. With more experience and improved efficiency,
plus a lower density, this could be reduced to 1500 man hr/hectare
or about 600 man hr/acre.
4.8 TUNDRA RESTORATION
The plots established on a seismic line between the Firth and
Babbage rivers on the Yukon north slope were revisited on August
29th, 1972.
The four seeding trials showed similar growth responses in this
habitat. Fertilizer is an absolute requirement for the growth
of all grasses seeded. The establishment in the fertilized
plots was patchy, as only Creeping Red Fescue was able to grow
in the depressions between tussocks and organic debris. Generally
the seeded grasses established only where mineral soil was exposed
at the surface, such as frost boils or seismic drill holes.
In these areas, however, the seedlings had attained a height
of only 10-12 centermetres.
The fertilizer stimulated the growth of native species, particularly
Arctagrostis latifolia.
Many of the Eriphorum (cottongrass) tussocks that were knocked
loose by tl1e bulldozer operation successfully re-established
themselves during the summer. Approximately 35 to 45 percent
of the cottongrass tussocks were estlinated to have rooted and
successfully continued to grow in unfertilized plots. Fertilization
appeared to improve the establishment success to 65-75%.
-21 -
Photo 6 shows a tussock of Eriophorum which had been knocked
loose and thrown up on the pile of organic debris in the centre
of the seismic line. Note that, to some degree, other species
such as willow are also tolerant to this stripping treatment.
Photo 7 shows the root system of the tussock. This one had been
completely loose when first visited in June.
The influence on the depth of thaw in the active layer of leaving
the stripped organic debris and cottongrass tussocks is shown
in Figure XV.
-22 -
PHOTO 6: A tussock of cottongrass (Eriophorum
vaginatum var. vaginatum) that had been knocked
loose by seismic activity in the winter.
PHOTO 7: The root systems dev eloped in one season by a cottongrass
tussock that had been sitting loose on the surface in June. Photo taken
August 29, 1972.
TUNDRA WATER TUSSOCKS & ORGANIC DEBRIS TUNDRA
I 0
~ 10 ....
~
:E
....
z 30
40 = .... .... PROFILE A AT THE LONEST POINT ON THE SOUTH SlOE OF THE RIDGE.
50
60
10 II 11 13 I 4 15 16
METRES
PONOEO WATER TUNDRA TUSSOCKS & ORGANIC DEBRIS
I 0
~ ....
~ 10 ....
z
30
.... .... 40 :;::
50
60
I 0 II 11 13 14n I 5 16
METRES
r-"-'--------------__:;D<:_:O.:;CO::;O"'_c'c=.;:::: .. :OIS::CO ... =-------------L--'='--~"'--J._:A:_;••,. "lllO.It:CT MMUeP
17
17
I B
I B
19 10 11 11
TUNDRA
PROFILE B NEAR THE TOP OF THE
RIOGE,SOUTH FACING.
19 10 11 11
FIGURE XV
MOATH A
EMGIMEEAIMG SERVICES LIMITED
CALGARY ALio!.RTA
!.NGII'I!.!.AS f'Oit
PERMAFROST PROFILE ACROSS
A SEISMIC LINE ON
THE YUKON NORTH SLOPE
I CALl
t"IIOJICT ...
DaAw•• •• ...
-II
5.0 DISCUSSION
The results of two season's growth of grasses on a simulated
pipeline right-of-way in the northern boreal forest show that
a binding plant cover can be successfully established and main-
tained at these latitudes. The results of other research projects
(Hernandez 1973, McGrogan et aZ.~ 1971, Bliss and Wein 1972)
confirm that revegetation of disturbed land surfaces in the
north is feasible. To be successful, however, the appropriate
grass species and fertilizer treatments must be used. Each
species grown in the north reacted differently to fertilization,
climate, soils, short growing season etc. The results of two
years of research at the Sans Sault test facility are discussed
in the following section.
5.1 EVALUATION OF SPECIES SEEDED AT THE ARCTIC TEST FACILITY
Generally, the results of the first season's trials were that
all species planted, germinated and grew well. Certain species
performed better under the subarctic summer conditions than
did others. However, not all species successfully overwintered
or demonstrated the same growth behaviour the second season.
The following sections discuss the second year results in detail.
5.1.1 Surface Litter Accumulation
The build up of an organic layer on the ground surface is a
very important feature if a balanced soil energy budget is to
be re-established over the pipeline or other disturbed areas.
Measurements taken in the spring of 1972 show the amount of
ground covered by dead plant tops after one growing season.
All species except the wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum~ A.eZongatum~
and A. intermedium produced 20% litter cover in at least one
test plot (Table III). Eight of the eighteen species produced
at least SO% cover in three of the four replications. Poa triviaZis~
-23 -
P. palustris, and Festuaa ovina produced greater than SO% litter
cover in one subplot in all four test sectons.
The effect of the initial fertilization on the amount of ground
covered by organic litter was examined. Though four species
showed a significant difference between fertilizer treatments
and four showed highly significant differences, there was no
consistent pattern to the response. Therefore, the differences
in litter accumulation is species and site dependent, not a
response attributable to either level of fertilization.
5.1.2 First Year Survival
The survival of grasses planned for use in right-of-way revegetation
must be understood as this is basic to a successful program.
The data presented in Table III is a measure of the number of
seeds initially sown in each plot to have survived successfully
the first full growing cycle. As there was very little seed
set in the first season, these figures are considered an accurate
measurement of the net survival in each plot.
The data show that the survival rate of Agrostis alba (Red Top)
and Agrostis tenuis (Brown Top) was very low following the first
winter. Both species did relatively well the first growing
season, but were set back severely the first winter. Growth
initiation of both was retarded by two or three weeks the second
year, but they came on to produce as much as 26% ground cover,
in one subplot, by fall.
Again no clear, consistent pattern is shown in the results when
analysing the effect of the two rates of initial fertilization
on survival in either organic or mineral media.
-24 -
In the few cases where there is a significant difference between
the two fertilizer rates, the greater survival has generally
been in subplot 'a', the highest rate. This is shown on test
sections II and III where the survival of Festuca rubra was
highly significant in plot 'a' on the mineral backfill. However,
on test section II Agropyron cristatum had a significantly higher
survival success on both organic and mineral substrate at the
lower fertilizer level. A similar response is shown by Agropyron
trachycaulum in section I on mineral soil.
When comparing the survival success on the two substrates, organic
mat and mineral backfill, only Festuca rubra (Creeping Red Fescue)
showed a consistently higher (highly significant) rate of success
on the mineral soil. Four others, Poa compressa, P. pratensis,
P. palustris and Festuca elatior, showed a significant difference
between survival on the two media 1n three of four plots. In
every case, survival was greatest on the mineral soil.
5.1.3 Growth of Plants in the Second Season
The percent ground cover is used as a 1neasure of the amount
of plant top produced and a relative measure of the ability
of each species to grow at the latitude of Sans Sault Rapids.
In evaluating the growth of these grasses, it is most important
that they grow well on the 1nineral backfill mound as this portion
of the right-of-way has had all plant cover destroyed. Examination
of Table III shows that all species except Festuca arundinacea
and Agropyron cristatum produced 30% ground cover on mineral
soil in one of four plots. Eleven of the eighteen managed 50%
cover on at least one plot, but only Festuca rubra (Creeping
Red Fescue) and Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow Foxtail) consistently
produced greater than 50% cover (Disregard Table III (c)).
-25 -
It appears that the effects of different rates of fertilization
at time of seeding do not carry over into the second season.
In assessing the rate of growth it should be noted that all
species attained an average daily growth of root in excess of
2.0 mffi in one or more plots and only four failed to attain 3.0
mm/day in at least one plot. The rate and depth of rooting
is important when selecting species for soil erosion control.
5.2 SUCCESSIONAL PROCESSES ON THE PIPELINE BACKFILL
The reinvasion of disturbed sites by plants is an important
and basic natural process, common, not only in the Arctic, but
in every biome of the world. A measurement and l.nlderstanding
of the rate and character of the successional phenomena on the
pipeline backfill, or other areas requiring revegetation, is
important as the seeding of grasses is not considered a long
term restoration measure. It is much more important that a
diverse, stable natural plant community quickly establish on
these areas.
Table IV (a to d) presents the data collected on the mineral
backfill. As the vegetation was completely removed, study of
this portion of the right-of-way aid in l.nlderstanding the processes
active in this test area. It is difficult to determine which
species have actually invaded the portion of the right-of-way
from which only trees and shrubs were removed. Therefore, the
data gathered from these areas are inserted as an appendix only.
Examination of Table IV shows clearly that mosses and liverworts
have become very well established on the pipeline backfill.
Only test section III lacks the heavy cover of bryophytes.
This is due probably to the well drained, very dry conditions
on the mol.nld itself.
-26 -
The significance of these data is that the invasion of the backfill
mound by mosses appears to be much more rapid than on disturbed
seismic lines or winter roads in the region which have not been
seeded and fertilized. Considering the importance of mosses
in building an insulative organic mat (Brown 1966) on the soil
surface, these data indicate that some modification of soil energy
exchange, due to bryophyte cover, could be expected in the second
growing season (Table VIII).
The apparent acceleration of bryophyte growth in these plots
is explained on the basis of the combined effect of improved
fertility and the creation of a micro environment at the ground
surface by the growth of grasses, conducive to the growth of.
mosses.
As a general rule, the soils of the Arctic and sub-Arctic are
nutrient poor. Fertilization quickly overcomes, at least temporarily,
these deficiencies, causing a stimulation of bryophyte growth
(Table VII). Observations in the plots on the winter road indicate
that fertilization alone is not a guarantee of moss growth.
It appears that fertilization stimulates the growth of seeded
grasses and legthues which in turn hold a layer of moist air
near the ground. Within the plots of better grass growth, con-
sistently better growth of moss cover was observed (Table VII).
Invasion of the mineral backfill mound by native vascular plants
has been much slower. Species of highest frequency values are
well known pioneer plants such as Aratagrostis ZatifoZia~ Epilobiwn
angustifolium~ and Equisetwn arvense. Photo four shows the
north end of test section II where Aratagrostis~ Seneaio aongestus
and Carex aquatilis cover much of the area adjacent to the mineral
backfill.
-27 -
As the process of succession continues, the need for the seeded
grass cover decreases. Continued monitoring of this phenomena
is required over the next several years in order to state accurately
the stage at which the grasses are no longer essential for erosion
control.
5. 3 NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND CONTINUED GROW'IH
Research in northern Canada and Alaska (Younkin 1972 in Bliss
and Wein 1972, Van Cleve and Manthei 1971) has shown clearly
the need for fertilization to grow the agronomic varieties of
grasses available for revegetation. Unlike the native species
which have adapted to the relatively low nutrient status of
Arctic soils, the forage grasses grow very poorly at these latitudes
unless fertilizer is added.
Based on soil tests of composite samples from the backfill mound
at Sans Sault, a fertilizer formulation of 10-19-19 was applied
at the time of seeding at the rate of 700 and 350 lb/acre.
The results of the first years growth of plots indicated that
most species grew equally well at 350 lbs/acre, though some
did produce better at the higher rate.
Bliss and Wein (1972) report that best results were obtained
when 100 kg/ha elemental nitrogen and 200 kg/ha elemental phosphorus
were applied at the time of seeding in the Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk
region. As this is even higher than the heaviest rate used
at Sans Sault (Table II), it is evident that fertilizer require-
ments are not uniform throughout the northern end of the proposed
pipeline route.
Tests were established on the winter road in June of 1972 to
determine a minimum initial rate of fertilization that would
produce a strong, vigorous growth the first growing season.
-28 -
Reviewing Table VII and the results from 1971, a fertilizer
recommendation for the Sans Sault region would be 75 kg/ha nitrogen
plus 100 kg/ha of both phosphorus and potassium. This recommendation
is made with the proviso that a revegetated area would be fertilized
a second time, probably in the spring of the second year.
Analysis of soil samples taken from plots one year after fertilization
show that mineral elements are quickly used by plants and microbes,
leached from the soil, or bound in a form unavailable to the
plant roots (Table VI). The apparent lack of nutrients in the
rooting zone explains the deficiencies which began to show in
the plants only one to two weeks after the samples were taken.
Photo five shows the response of creeping red fescue to 34-0-
0 and 11-48-0 after only one month. Ordinarily fertilizer would
be applied in the spring. However, as nutrient deficiencies
appeared in July, a limited test was established to determine
if these deficiencies could be overcome. The data presented
in Table V show that generally, there was a major increase in
biomass production after one month in the fertilized plots.
In general, the greater response was to nitrogen though the
wheatgrasses show a greater response to 11-48-0.
Due to the llinitations imposed by sample size and shortness
of time between application and sampling, the data do not reflect
clearly the true response to the second fertilization. Visually,
all species responded to the addition of fertilizer even though
it came in the middle of the growing season. As shown in photo
five, the foliage appeared much healthier and vigorous, generally
growing much taller than the unfertilized control.
-29 -
It appears evident that a second application of fertilizer will
be required to maintain a heal thy, vigorous growth of grass
on the pipeline backfill. Trials established in the fall of
1972 and additional plots to be added in the spring of 1973
will help define the requirements and formulations of fertilizer
to be applied in the second or third growing season.
5.4 PLANT COVER EFFECTS ON THE SOIL ENERGY BUDGET AND PERMAFROST
TABLE
Brown (1966) states that "vegetation has a direct influence
on the permafrost by its thermal properties which determine
the quantity of heat that enters and leaves the underlying ground
in which the permafrost exists." The importance of vegetation
and its influence on permafrost is well known in the literature.
A major goal of the revegetation program is to establish a plant
cover on disturbed areas which will, within a reasonable time
period, restore the balance of energy exchange in order to re-
establish the permafrost conditions to near "normal".
The work conducted during 1972 examined, by direct measurement,
the influence different plant covers had on heat flow at the
soil surface. This has included measurements beneath the understory
duff and vegetative layer within the undisturbed black spruce
forest at the test site.
Figures V to XIV chart the average hourly heat flux in six revegetated
plots, plus the undisturbed site and a mineral backfill location
devoid of vegetative growth. The graphs cover the period from
mid-July to the end of November.
-30 -
Figures V and X show an inverse correlation between the amplitude
of the midsummer 24 hour heat flux graph and the amount of plant
growth covering the soil surface. The identical relationships
carry through to the end of September, though the amplitude
decreased each month.
During July, August and September there was a constant flow
of heat energy into the ground within the undisturbed forest
cover. The average hourly heat flow during July was 0.0146
cal/cm2min (3.25 BTU/ft 2hr), August was 0.0131 cal/cm2min (2.90
BTU/ft 2hr), and 0.0072 cal/cm2min (1.61 BTU/ft 2hr) during September.
From October through to ~by there was a net reradiation of heat
energy from this site. The two plots of maximum plant cover
show a similar trend. For example, the average hourly heat
flow in plot #12, section I, Alopecurus pratensis (97.5% cover)
during July was 0.0139 cal/cm2min (3.09 BTU/ft 2hr), 0.0109 cal/cm2min
(2.43 BTU/ft 2hr) during August and 0.0002 cal/cm2min (0.05 BTU/ft 2hr)
during September. At the extreme, the average hourly heat flow
during July, August and September in the mineral backfill was
0.0271 (6.0), 0.0212 (4.7),and -0.0013 cal/cm2min (-0.3 BTU/ft 2hr).
As the amount of plant cover decreases the amplitude of the
July heat flux graph increases. During the morning, between
midnight and about 1000 hours, there was a reradiation of heat
energy from the plots of very little or no cover with a rapid
rise in heat flow into the soil between 1000 and 1600 hours,
followed by a rapid tapering off. This trend followed through
to the end of September with a shift of about one hour in the
peak. Note, that as the amount of plant cover increases, the
period of reradiation decreases and the maximum peak in the
graph decreases. As the amount of plant cover increases, the
peak in heat flow into the soil is displaced farther out of
phase with solar noon.
-31 -
Table VIII compares heat flow in the six revegetated plots to
the natural plant cover, the undisturbed forest stand. It is
evident from this analysis that sample year, 1972, was a wann
year with a net heat balance of +0.0019 cal/cm2 min or +0.421
BTU/ft 2 hr in the undisturbed site. If these data represented
a 'normal' year, there would be a slow attrition of permafrost
until completely eliminated in approximately 50 years at this
latitude.
If these data are adjusted to a balanced condition (0.0 heat
flow in the undisturbed site) then the plot of Meadow Foxtail
approaches closely (+0.0028 cal/cm2 min) the heat flow in the
forest site in 1972.
The analysis indicates that within two years of construction
disturbance, it is possible to restore a plant cover within
the northern boreal forest which will provide an effective,
though not complete, insulative cover. Recognizing that the ·
two plots of heavy growth do not necessarily represent the type
and amount of cover that will be obtained on an operational
scale, the data must be viewed with caution. Notwithstanding
the fact that 95% cover may not be obtained in two years on
a larger scale operation, the results to date are very encouraging,
indicating that an insulative plant cover can be re-established
within a reasonable time period.
Table IX presents soil temperature data from four test plots
recorded during July and August in 1971 and 1972. The purpose
of this comparison was to determine if the colder operating
temperatures of the pipeline in 1972 affected the temperature
of the soil within the rooting zone. As these data show, the
soil temperatures, to a maximum of 50 em, were warmer in every
case in 1972 than 1971.
-32 -
It is evident that air temperature, sunshine, and precipitation
during the summer months control the near surface soil temperatures.
These data are applicable to only the early years of operation
as they cannot be extrapolated into the future when a more complete
plant growth and layer of organic litter will cover the pipeline.
The permafrost profile presented in Appendix B (figure Bl) show
that the depth of active layer over the chilled pipe (section
II, -12.8°C) recovered, during the second year of operation,
to a level equal to or slightly shallower than the former depth
as plotted under the forest cover. This analysis shows that
the increase in depth of active layer following construction
will be rectified during the second operation season.
Transects crossing a ditchline not containing an active test
pipe were monitored during 1971 and 1972 to determine the effect
on permafrost of having the pipeline sit inactive for two years
before chilled gas is put through. The depth of thaw in the
dithline during the first season was 100 to 130 em. Figure
B-2 shows that the depth of thaw was not increased during the
second season even though the trench held about 15 centimetres
of water throughout the summer.
If water erosion can be controlled in the ditchline during the
inactive period between construction and start-up of the line,
thermal degradation around the line may stabilize after the
first summer. Exceptions to this would include very high ice
content soils including massive segregated ground ice features
which would probably continue to melt.
-33 -
5.5 SLOPE STABILIZATION TECHNIQUE
The fundamental objective of the project is the revegetation
of disturbed areas to prevent soil erosion. Part of that objective
includes the stabilization of side slopes and approaches to
rivers and stream crossings. As stabilization of critical areas
is essential, measures in addition to broadcast application
of grass seed and fertilizer may be required.
It must be recognized from the beginning that biological stabilization
techniques cannot correct for poor construction practices.
Critical areas must be properly designed for taking into account
the soil and permafrost conditions present. Beyond this, the
control of soil erosion is possible.
On minor slopes, the broadcast seeding of grass plus the planting
of shrub cuttings should be adequate. Experience gained at
Sans Sault shows that the propagation of many shrub species,
by means of stem cuttings, is a reliable method of revegetating
slopes with woody species.
Desiccation of stems above the snow did not appear to be a problem
as cuttings one metre tall successfully overwintered and continued
to grow the next spring.
The data presented in section 4.7 show that willows and alders
can be easily grown from cuttings. Comus stoZonifera and BetuZa
papyrifera cannot be used for slope stabilization. It can be
concluded from this that, though the technique of using cuttings
can be successful, planting on a larger scale by larger crews
would have to be under the direction of persons experienced
in plant identification.
-34 -
Stabilization of major slopes will probably require the placement
of a mat on the soil surface to hold the seed in place until
germinated and well established, as well as prevent soil erosion
during the establishment period. This mat may be thin and open
as the case with woven wood excelsior mats or may be made of
other organic or synthetic materials. It may be possible to
preseed and fertilize a thicker mat. In either case the purpose
is to hold the soil until the plants are successfully rooted.
Mats will have to be pegged down in order to hold them in position.
Metal or wire pegs could be used, but shrub cuttings would be
an even better choice. In the latter case the pegs themselves
would continue to grow and put down roots, further aiding soil
stabilization.
Specific recommendations regarding erosion control techniques
are contingent on the engineering specifications for side slope
stabilization.
5.6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY REVEGETATION
The seeding recommendations given here apply only to the mid-
Mackenzie River valley. Recommendations for revegetating mesic
tundra areas are given by Hernandez (1973).
When considering pipeline revegetation, it is important to recognize
the types of disturbed land surfaces which must be dealt with.
The first is the pipeline right-of-way which, due to the construction
procedures, will present two surfaces. One will be the backfill
mound over the pipeline. This will consist of a mixture of
materials excavated from depths to twelve feet, bermed up several
feet above grade, over the ditchline. The remainder of the
right-of-way will be covered with the native organic mat which
may be somewhat compressed on the working side of the ditchline
due to vehicular movements on a packed snow road.
-35 -
Depending on the source of aggregate, borrow pits will have
to be reseeded. These could vary from sand and gravel pits
in an esker to rock quarries. The variable sources of borrow
material will each dictate a specific restoration procedure.
Haul roads and abandoned stockpile sites present yet another
surface which may or may not require revegetation. If they
are to be revegetated it will be necessary to mechanically break
up the surface in order to create a suitable seed bed.
For the Sans Sault area, a reconnnended seed mix to be applied
by aerial broadcast techniques would include:
Boreal Creeping Red Fescue
Connnon Kentucky Bluegrass
Common I~adow Foxtail
Frontier Reed Canary Grass
@
@
@
@
10-15 lb/ac
10-13 lb/ac
10-13 lb/ac
10-15 lb/ac
An additional 5 lb/ac Climax Timothy or Meadow Fescue could
be used to add diversity to the mix. Timothy could replace
the Meadow Foxtail in the mix if the latter is not available.
On dryer, well drained soils, it is necessary to add 5 to 10
lb/ac Revenue Slender Wheatgrass. In this case, an equal amount
of Reed Canary Grass could be deleted.
Fertilizer recommendations were made in Section 5.3.
In 1972, plantings of alsike clover and alfalfa did not perform
well and are, therefore, not recormnended for the latitude of
Sans Sault. Undoubtedly these legumes would prove beneficial
in the seed mix in more southerly locations.
-36 -
In addition to the seeding recommended by Hernandez (1973) ~
tundra areas, mechanical stripping of the tundra mat and replacing
it to the top of the backfill mound would prove beneficial.
Figure XV shows the effect of this technique on the depth of
thaw in the active layer in the northern foothills of the British
~buntains. An additional benefit of this technique is the fact
that it will quickly re-establish an important component of
the natural plant community on the disturbed rights-of-way.
Caribou have been reported to seek out and feed on seeded grasses
at Prudhoe Bay CW. Mitchell, Personal Communication). The technique
of stripping and replacing the tundra mat should reduce the
attractiveness of the right-of-way to caribou as it will re-
establish a major proportion of the former plant community.
Stripping or sodding could be effectively used in two major
areas,
(1) the wet sedge tundra lowlands where there would be an
abundance of rhizomes in the sod that would continue to grow.
These areas would be difficult to establish grass from seed
due to the wetness of the area,
(2) the tussock cottongrass region in the rolling uplands
of the Arctic plateau. The tussocks of cottongrass quickly
re-establish as shown in photos 6 and 7.
-37 -
6.1 INTRODUCTION
The seeding and growing of grass on the pipeline right-of-way,
for the purpose of erosion control, is expected to create habitat
which will be utilized by micro tine rodents. The purpose of
the study was to gather basic data on populations, food habits,
and seasonal habitat preferences of the small mammals in the
vicinity of the Sans Sault test site.
A four month study of the small mammal populations was started
May 15th, 1972 with the following specific objectives:
1. To determine species of small mammals likely to invade
and damage the vegetation covering the pipeline.
2. To determine if linear openings in the forest cover such as
seismic lines and pipeline routes present an obstacle to small
mammal movements.
3. To determine if the population densities and activities of
small mammals in these disrupted areas are similar to those
found in the adjacent forest.
4. To determine if there is preferential selection of one or
more species of grass, which may result in excessive damage
due to overgrazing.
5. To determine the biomass of herbage consumed by rodents in
the experimental areas.
6. To suggest possible means of curbing small mammal damage
to the vegetation over the pipeline.
-38 -
6. 2 ME'ffiODS
6.2.1 Trapping Data
.1 The Study Area -The forest covering in the Sans
Sault area is dominated by black spruce (Picea mariana) averaging
four to five metres in height. Tamarack (Larix), willow (SaZix
sp.) Mbuntain alder (AZnus cPispa), white birch (Betula papyPifePa)-
were present in lesser and varying amounts. A listing of the
most frequent plant species, by strata, is given in Table X.
Cover values for the common species of vegetation were obtained
by visual examination of a 1 m2 quadrat at each trap site on
the study grids. Percent frequency was calculated on the basis
of occurrence compared to the number of quadrats read.
The entire study area was relatively level, resulting in generally
poor drainage.
The six study grids staked out around the test site are described
below:
Grid A: This area encompassed a section of a four to five year
old winter road, situated approximately one hundred metres north
of the camp. (Figure XVI). Three parallel traplines, 15.3
metres (50 feet) apart covered this grid. One was laid down
the centre of the winter road, while the other two were on opposite
sides of the central trapline. Thirty-three trap sites extended
along each trapline, adjacent traps were positioned 15.3 metres
(50 feet) apart. Thus, the overall dimensions of this grid
were 502.9 metres by 30.48 metres, resulting in an area of 1.53
hectares (3.79 acres).
-39 -
East of positions 27, 40 and 93, the terrain rises approximately
five metres, after which it remains level. A small creek with
very little flow, was located three metres west of trap site
93. lliring July and August the small creek was dry.
The vegetation was extremely sparse on the winter road in early
June, but changed dramatically during the sunnner. The dominant
vegetation on the road tended to be horsetail (Equisetumar>vense,
Equisetum jtuviatile), sedges (Carex sp.), Polar grass (AratagPostis),
hairgrass (Desahampsia), bluejoint (Calamagrostis), a rush GJunaus)
and willow shrubs (Table X) . Most growth was found in damp
regions, or along the margins of the winter road. Many areas
on the old winter road were devoid of vegetation. Throughout
the sunnner, the winter road was damp in most sections, certain
regions were under several inches of water.
Labrador tea (Ledum sp.), leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne aalyaulata),
blueberry (Vaaainium uliginosum) and spruce were the dominant
species along the southern traplines. Mosses provided the dominant
ground cover, but lichens (Cladonia) were also abundant. Due
to the open nature of the spruce stand and low density of shrubby
species, cover was extremely poor.
The northern trapline had a shrub layer similar to the southern
line; however, Labrador tea and mosses tend to cover the ground
more completely (Table X). Deciduous trees (Alnus arispa, Salix
sp.) were more abundant when compared to trapline 1. This resulted
in better cover for the small mammals. Over all, trapline 3
exhibited a heavy canopy and tended to be cooler and moister
than trapline 1. Previously, the northern trapline was itself
an old winter road, which explains the presence of more shrubby
deciduous vegetation.
-40 -
Table X: Cover and Frequency values of the most common species of vegetation found in the
grids under study.
Species
TREE
Alnus
crispa
Betula
glandulosa
Larix
laricina
Pice a
mariana
Salix
sp.
SHRUB
Agropyron
SP.
Alnus
crispa
Andromeda
polifolia
Notes: 6-point coverage+= Present but rare, 1 = 1-5%, 2 = 6-25%, 3 = 26-50%,
4 = 51-75%, 5 = 76-100%.
Common Grid A Grid B Grid C Grids D & E Name
Trapline Trapline Trapline Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
1 2 3 % % %
Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
'7o % %
STRATA
Green + 19 1 45 15 + 30 Alder --------+
Dwarf
Birch -------- --
--------------
Tamarack I 20 ----+ 27 ----+ 13 + 20
Black I 29 27 13 I 50 Spruce ----+ ----+
Willow + 8 + 3 1 21 + 10 I 45 ----
STRATA
Wheatgrass
Green + 8 ----+ 9 + 9 + 9 + 5
Alder
Bog + 8 -- --
+ 6 + 39 1 54 --10
Rosemary
Grid F
~over Freq
%
----
----
+ 14
+ 14
+ 17
----
+ 48
Table X (Cont'd.)
Species Common Grid A Grid B Grid c Grids D &E Grid F Name
Trapline Trap line Trapline Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
1 2 3 % % % %
Cover Fr7;q Cover Freq % Cover Fr7;q
Arctagrostis Polar + 31 + 48 + 30 + 54 + 46 + so + 46 sp. grass
Arctostaphylos
rubra
Bearberry 1 38 ----+ 9 1 49 1 72 + 20 1 72
Betula Dwarf + 8 ----+ 12 ------1 ---- ----glandulosa Birch
Calamagrostis Reed 1 55 + 5 sp. grass ------------ --------
Car ex sp. Sedge
+ 2 1 42 + 16 1 61 + 41 ----+ 2
Chamaeda~hne Leather leaf 1 46 + 12 + 54 1 66 + 60 5 calycula a ------
Deschampsia sp Hair grass + 60 ------------------------
Empetrum Crowberry + 27 + 15 + 12 + 5 --+ 30 nigrum ------
Equisetum Horsetail 12 1 64 1 60 24 43 + 53 arvense + + + ----
Equisetum Horsetail 1 36 5 fluviatile --------+ ------------
Equisetum Horsetail + 42 + 27 + 41 + 40 + 80 + 73 scipoides ----
Eriophorum sp. Cotton grass ---------- ------ ------------
Table X (Cont'd.)
Species Connnon Grid A Grid B Grid c Grids D & E Grid F Name
Trap line Trap line Trapline Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
1 2 3 % % % %
~over Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
% % %
Geocaulon Bastard + 44 + 39 + 6 + 20 + 16 lividum toad flax --------
Juncus sp. Rush 1 55 ------------------------
Larix Tamarack + 2 laricina ----+ 12 + 5 + 12 + 8 + 22
Ledum Labrador
sp. tea 1 87 ----1 39 + 44 1 34 2 95 1 82
Linnaea Twinflower + 8 6 borealis ----------------------
Oxycoccus Cranberry ---------- --
+ 5 + 2 + 20 + 6 microcarpus
Parnassia Grass-of-
palustris Parnassus ----+ 9 --------------------
Pice a Spruce + 62 ----1 27 + 3 + 48 + 25 1 45 mariana
Plantago Rib grass --+ 27 ---------- ----------sp. --
Potentilla Shrubbt ------ --+ 3 + 12 + 20 ----+ 22 fruticosa cinque oil
Pyrola Wintergreen + 15 ----+ 3 + 5 + 5 + 50 + 6 sp.
Ranunculus sp. Crowfoot -------- --------+ 8 + 10 + 4
Table X (Cont'd.)
Species Conunon Grid A Grid B Grid c Grid D&E Grid F Name
Trapline Trap line Trap line Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
1 2 3 % '7o % %
Cover Freq Cover Freq Cover Freq
% % %
Rosa Wild
acicularis Rose + 8 ----+ 9 + 3 + 21 + 30 + 7
Rubus Cloud-
chamaemorus berry + 23 ----+ 12 + 33 + 43 ----+ 25
Salix Willow 2 sp. + I 48 + 15 + 15 + 7 + 20 + 2
Smilacina False + 27 10 5 trifolia Solomon-seal ------------+ ----+
Vaccinium Blueberry + 54 1 45 1 64 1 82 + 60 1 88 uliginosum ----
Vaccinium Bog
vitis-idaea cranberry 1 67 ----1 54 + 7 1 48 2 100 + 33
Epilobium Fireweed
sp. ----+ 30 -------------- ------
Alopecurus Foxtail
pratensis ------------+ 3 ------------
GROUND STRATA
---------Mosses 3 88 + 15 4 93 2 90 3 96 2 100 3 88
Cladonia sp. Lichens 1 60 ----1 39 + 39 1 43 4 100 2.4 80
----------Litter 1 48 ----1 45 I 80 ++ 39 ----1 38
•..
TRAPLINE 3
ROW 3
NORTHERN TRAPLINE
0 5
0
0 9
TRAPLINE I
ROW I
o II
SOUTHERN TRAPLINE
M¥1110.
0 13
0
0 17 °
TRAPLINE 2
ROW 2
OLO WINTER ROAO
0 19
OAT I ....
o23
SCALE
F!ET
50 100
15.3 30.6
IE! RES
1111e•o IY:
....... ...
CMac•ro .,. , ......... ... ,,. .
.. .. o.,rc:T ...........
~TE
o31
0
ILLUSTRATION OF STUDT GRID A (a section of an
old wrnter road) WITH QUADRATS NUMBERED
CALGAIIY ALM.aTA
I:NGIN~EIIS ,_
FIGURE XVI
IC GAS STUDY L TO.
ILLUSTRATION OF STUDY GRID A
SCALI:
...... .. ....
-II
Grid B: This area was located over the buried, active section
of the cycling loop. (Figure XVII). Approximately one-half
of this grid was composed of organic material. Table X shows
that the organic region provided poor cover and is characterized
by the existence of relatively few species of plants.
The grid was relatively flat. The western quadrats tended to
be wet throughout the study, accumulating water after a rain.
Plot B was rectangular, 152.4 metres (500 ft) long and 38.1
metres (125ft) wide. Each quadrat was 7.62 metres (25ft)
square, which resulted in an overall area of 0.57 hectares (1.43
acres).
Grid C: A service road separated this grid from grid B. (Figure
XVIII). Both grids had identical dimensions and quadrat sizes.
The first two trap rows sloped gently to the east. Throughout
the study, water-filled depressions were present in the western
half of this grid. .Again, spruce was the dominant tree, mmmtain
alder and willow were uncommon. Labrador tea, leatherleaf,
Bog cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and bearberry (APctostaphyZos)
comprised the dominant vegetation of the shrub strata. Mosses
were the primary constituent of the ground layer (Table X).
Grids D and E: Because these areas were adjacent to each other
and their vegetation was for all intents and purposes homogeneous,
one section (20 metres by 20 metres) common to both grids was
staked out for vegetation analysis. As is show.n, lichens formed
a very heavy ground cover. Labrador tea and Bog cranberry were
the dominant shrubs and Picea maPiana was the dominant tree
species (Table X). Ground cover was poor, as was generally
characteristic in areas displaying an abundance of lichens.
-41 -
Each of these grids was divided into 22.86 metre square (75
feet square) quadrats; overall grid dlinensions were 228.60 metres
(750 ft) by 228.60 metres. The total area was 5.23 hectares
(12.91 acres).
A moss filled depression occurred in the northwest corner of
grid D (Figure XIX). Trap site 1 of grid D and 80, 81 and 100
of grid E were in a region which had been scraped clean of vegetation.
At these positions, only segments of sedges and mosses existed.
Trap locations 10 and 11 of grid E were situated on an old winter
road. Blueberries and mosses dominated as this area was wet.
Some grass plots of test sections two and four were within the
boundaries of grids D and E.
Grid F: This grid was situated partly on test section three
and partly in the spruce forest (Figure XVII). Tree cover was
poor due to extensive clearing by survey crews. Lichens were
abundant here and the soil tended to be dry. M.lch of the western
part of test section three was under water for the duration
of the study. Therefore, a large section of this grid could
not be properly studied. Trap sites 3, 4, 93, 97 and 98 were
located on the gravel pads upon whid1 refrigeration units were
located. Dimensions of this grid were identical to those of
grid B .
. 2 Trapping Procedures -Trapping commenced at grid
A for a three night period. After this. time, traps. were taken
to the next grid in alphabetical order until grid F had been
trapped. Thus, each grid was trapped for three days in an eighteen
day trap cycle. Having completed a trap cycle, the traps were
returned to grid A and the procedure repeated. Thus, during
the summer, five eighteen day trap cycles were carried out (Table
XI).
-42 -
TEST SECT I ON I
COLD LOOP
t--t------------------------------+----1--+---l"llelllO IY:
t--t------------------------------+----1--+---ICMIC•ID rt
t--t------------------------------+----1--+---IIJI.Utl:lllll """
t-=".::•·..__ _____________ _!H~•::::••="~'::: .. :_ ____________ _jl._~!!...--L"~'-l..•~ .. ~· ••o,•n ......... ..,..,_
NOTE
THE EXPERIMENTAL PIPELINE LOCATED AT SANS SAULT
RAPIDS N.W T ANO LOCATIONS OF THE STUDY GRIDS
ENCLOSING THIS PIPELINE
LEGE NO
BURIED 48 1n PIPE
ELEVATED 48 1n PIPE
ELEVATED 16 1n PIPE
GRAVELLED ROAO
FIGURE XVII a NTH ~ ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
... --• ..._ u.~ u~,:,~:u~L=TA
CANA lA ARCTIC GAS STUDY L TO. SCALI NOT TO SCALE
LOCATIONS OF THE STUDY GRIDS
o••••• •• -· llll'f'.
GRID B GRID C
0 1"---o---L--o---q 0 0 0 0 0 '~ BLEND PLOT 10 I 1 I
0 lo----<>---o--4 0 0 0 0 0 ~ VEGETATION GROWING IN THE PLOTS INDICATED FOR ILL FOWL BLUEGRASS PLOT I 9
I + I TEST SECTIONS.
0 ~--o---<>--i 0 0 0 0 0
INTERMEDIATE WHEITGRISS PLOT 18
0 ~--o--1-o---q 0 0 0 0 0
TILL WHEITGRISS PLOT 17 I I
0 ~--o--o--""' 0 0 0 0 0
CRESTED WHEITGRISS PLOT I 6
1 + I 0 j<r----<>--~-4 0 0 0 0 0
SLENDER WHEITGRISS PLOT I 5 I I
0 p---o-r-<>--4 0 0 0 0 0
BROWN TOP PLOT I 4 I I
0 p----<>-_,_--<j 0 0 0 0 0
CREEPING BENT GRASS PLOT 13
I t I 0 lo-----<>---<>--4 0 0 0 0 0 LEGEND MElD OW FDXTII L PLOT I 2 I I --BURIED PIPE
0 t>---o-r-<>---~ 0 0 0 0 0 ----BOUNDARIES OF THE EXPERIMENTAL PLOTS REED CANARY PLOT II I TEST SECTION I
0 rr---o---o--~ 0 0 0 0 0
STREIMBINK WHEITGRISS PLOT I 0 1 1+ I 0 p---o--o---<l
"'
0 0 0 0
SHEEP FESCUE PLOT 9 ~-~r~-~ 0 0 0 0 0 0
TILL FESCUE PLOT 8 I I
0 lo---o--o--~ 0 0 0 0 0
MEADOW FESCUE PLOT 7
I t I 0 jo---o-~-4 0 0 0 0 0
ROUGH BLUEGRASS PLOT 6 I I
0 p---o-x-4--_q 0 0 0 0 0
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS PLOT 5 I I
0 p---o--o---1 0 0 0 0 0
CANIDA BLUEGRASS PLOT 4
I + I 0 p---o--o---<l 0 0 0 0 o--,-RED TOP PLOT 3 I I 7. 6 METRES 15 FEET
0 p---o-t -o--4 0 0 0 r 7 SM ~--_i
CREEPING RED FESCUE PLOT 1 I I r-i
0 1'>---<>---o---<j 0 0 0 0 0
BLEND PLOT I
I -t I 0 b---<>--o---d 0 0 0 0 0
ORGANIC SECTION
I SERVICE ROAD FIGURE XVIII
Dlllt•D IT: ?fBt ENGINEEAIN~o;i~.~~S LIMITED
DIUWif ''· CALGAifY AL.I;8TA
CMICKID • ., , CANADiAN-ARCTIC GAs'"5:ruov LTD. ICALI.
DATI , ............ ,.,., l'ltO.IICT ...
LOCATION AND DIMENSIONS OF STUDY GRIDS 8 ANO C ...... .. ,l ... ... DISCih"ICNI DATI .. .. ..... I'.O.IICT MAIUIU -· ftiVISIONI
WINTER TEST ROAD
0 0 II 0 0 50 "II " 31
~~~~-;_:_0 0:: : : : : : : : : : : : :
010 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X )(. )1. X><. X. X X')(
0 ~ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X X X '( )( X --"--X X
I ~------::----
LEGE NO
x GRID 0
o GRID E
---BURIED PIPE
--ELEVA TEO PIPE
1 TEST SECTIO~-
o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 )I( X. X X X X)( X )1. )(
I
I
TEST SECTION Ill COLO LOOP
NUMBERS SHOWN REPRESENT TRAP
SITE NUMBERS.
o I o 0 0 X X X " )(
I
o I o 0 To 0 0 X X X X )( )(
I 22 9 METRES
L
TEST SECTION II .
SERVICE ROAD
0 20
I
0 41 x20 x21 ,.40 x41 x 60 x 61
~
22 9 METRES
~-;--------------------------------------------------------------------~---------+--~~o•••••o aT
1-'-;--------------------------------------------------------------------~---------+--~~DRAW-eY
~-;--------------------------------------------------------------------~---------+--~~CHEc«ro•v
1-'";.:':..J· '-------------------------------=":.:":::<::OO.:._"c:'":::: ... =ts"'oOJtS=------------------------__jl.___:D::AT:::I ____ .J...:o.:._¥.-J.:A:: .. ~· ~ltO.IlCT MAfi!AIIIt
" X
)( X
X 80
"
X I 00
ILLUSTRATION SHOWING THE
LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT
OF GRIDS D AND E
FIGURE XIX
OAt' I
o••••• ... I •••.
-Ill
Table XI. Dates of trapping periods for each of the six study grids.
Period Grid A Grid B Grid C Grid D Grid E Grid F Trap
Cycle
1 6-816 9-11161 12-141 15-171 18-201 21-231 =1
-72 72 6172 6/72 6/72 6/72
2 24-261 27-291 30-21 14-161 17-191 20-231 =2
6/72 6/72 7172 7/72 7/72 7/72
3 24-261 27-291 30-ll 2-41 5-7 I 8-101 =3
7172 7172 8172 8/72 8/72 8172
4 12-141 15-171 18-201 21-231 24-261 27-291 =4
8/72 8172 8172 8/72 8/72 8/72
5 30-ll 2-41 5-7 I 8-101 11-131 14-161 =5
9/72 9/72 9172 9172 9172 9/72
In order to minimize trap mortalities, traps were set at 2200
hours, and examined at 1000 hours the next day. The time, during
which the traps were open, was one in which maximum small mannnal
activity occurred (Hamilton, 1937). Fresh bait, which consisted
of peanut butter and rolled oats, was placed on the trap door
nightly. Stale bait on the trigger pan was removed at least
once every three days and a new bait installed. Traps were
positioned within two metres of each grid stake; the location
depended on the presence of burrows, runways, droppings and/or
grass clippings. Each grid, except grid A, was trapped with
100 Sherman live traps. Grid A was covered by 99 such traps.
All traps were numbered and their positions marked on a cover
map of the area. Each study plot was numbered and records from
that area kept separate from the others. When an animal was
captured for the first time, it was toeclipped for identification.
The following data were recorded: species, trap number, trap
site number, weight, sex and unusual characteristics. Data
pertaining to sex was further broken down as follows: for male,
position of testes; and for females, vagina perforate or not,
nipples in suckling or non-suckling condition and pregnant or
not. Once this data was obtained, the animal was released.
In varying habitats, some distance from the study grids, 50
Museum special snap traps were set and checked daily. These
were set for six consecutive days, after which they were relocated.
Each capture was dissected and data categorized into the following
divisions: species, date, location, habitat type, weight, total
length, tail length, hind foot length, ear from notch, kidney
weight, and breeding condition. Breeding condition was broken
down into:
-43 -
Female data: 1) lactating or not;
2) perforate or non-perforate
vaginal orifice;
3) number, length and weight of
embryos.
Male data: 1) scrotal or abdominal testes,
weight and length of left
gonad;
2) visible or non-visible epididymal
tubules.
A positive finding for any of the above sexual characteristics
was assumed to represent maturity. These findings as well as
data on lab-reared individuals and field observations, were
used to divide the animals into three age classes accordli1g
to weight.
Age classes are considered important in order to understand
the population dynamics of a species.
Below are age classes believed to have existed in the environment
under study.
Meadow vole (Microtus pennsyZvanicus): juvenile < llgm.
subadult 11 < 24 gm.
adult _::_ 24 gm.
Tundra red-backed vole (CZethrionomys rutiZus):
-44 -
juvenile < 8 gm.
subadult 8 < 20 gm.
adult _::__ 20 gm.
.3 Population Density -Population densities were computed
for all grids based on the number of voles captured or assumed
present in each period. An animal captured in period X and
recaptured in Period X+ 4, was believed to be present in the
grid during these periods. Densities were calculated in numbers
per hectare (2.47 acres) to provide a better understanding of
the data. Individuals captured in more than one grid were considered
as separate individuals in the density calculations for all
study areas. Any vole captured in one period only was termed
a migrant. Residents were frequently trapped in the same grid .
. 4 Home Range -Blair's (1940) exclusive boundary strip
method was employed for determination of home range (Stickel
1946). In order to calculate an animal's home range, it had
to be captured a minimum of five times, in at least four different
trap sites. Capture sites of grids D and E were combined in
order to determine whether regions of the habitat were favoured
by a particular vole species. No home range findings for grid
A, the old winter road, were determined. Instead, the movements
of animals across this thoroughfare were investigated to determine
whether or not it constituted an obstruction to small mammal
activities .
. 5 Capture Frequency -For each period, the number of
individuals captured at individual trap sites were calculated
for grids B, C and F. This assigned a trap frequency value
for each trap site. If the same animal was captured at the
same trap location within one period, the capture frequency
would be one for that individual .
. 6 Weather -Daily weather was recorded at the Sans Sault
weather facilities. The average weather data for each trap
cycle was computed from the Sans Sault weather data (See Table
. XII).
-45 -
.7 Predators -The presence of predators was recorded
when observed. No traps were set for predators, however, several
masked shrews (Sorex ainereus) and dusky shrews (Sorex vagrans)
were captured in snap traps.
6.2.2 Extent of Small Mannnal Activity in Plots
In the first half of June and September, each plot on the four
test sections was examined for small mannna1 activity. The presence
of grass clippings, tunnels, droppings, grass pilings, trails
and nests was recorded. The extent of rodent activities was
categorized as follows:
0 no damage to vegetation, no small mannnal activity anywhere.
1 some evidence that small mannnals are present in the plot.
2 extensive damage to vegetation in certain regions of the
plot
3 --vegetation destroyed.
The values obtained for the individual grasses of each test
section were averaged. Observations concerning the condition
of the vegetation growing over the berm were also recorded.
6.2.3 Summer Consumption of the Experimental Grasses
Vegetation studies at Sans Sault have demonstrated the role
vegetation plays in controlling soil erosion. This being the
case, it was deemed important to establish the utilization of
the standing crop by small mannnals. In the autrnrrn. of 19 71,
1/4 m2 wire exclosures were placed in numerous plots. The vegeta-
tion inside and outside the exclosures was clipped, dried and
weighed in June. Twenty, 1/16 m2 exclosures were placed in
each of test sections one, three and four in early June, 1972.
These, and equivalent sized plots outside the exlosures were
clipped in mid-September.
-46 -
Trap
Cycle
1
2
3
4
5
Table XII: Weather summary in the study area (Sans Sault Rapids)
by trap cycles.
0 Mean
Dates Mean Temperature c. Wind Precipitation
Speed
Maximum Minimum Mean km/hr. Rain Snow
(em.) (em.)
6/6/-24.7 10.6 19.4 14.2 .23 --
23/6/72
24/6/-26.2 12.7 22.1 11.6 .26 --
23/7/72
24/7/-21.7 10.2 15.9 11.9 .31 --
10/8/72
12/8/-23.0 10.8 16.9 8.1 ----
29/8/72
30/8/-11.1 0.3 6.0 13.2 .06 --
16/9/72
(em.)
Total
.23
.26
.31
--
.06
6.2.4 Seed Preference Experiments
A number of meadow voles, chestnut-cheeked voles and tundra
red-backed voles were live trapped in regions remote from the
study area. Each animal was contained in a cage, all animals
being housed in an enclosed shed. Temperatures, in this building
ranged from 18-21°C with a photoperiod of eighteen hours daylight/six
hours darkness. An illllimited water supply was provided. A
choice of Purina lab chow or seeds of grass varieties under
study was offered each animal for a six day duration. Consumption
values of each food type was determined by weighing the foods
daily. This number was subtracted from the previous days value,
giving the amoilllt eaten for that particular twenty-four hour
period. After each six day test, a new seed variety was introduced
to the experimental animal. Daily consumption was not calculated
if the animal spilled seed from its container.
6.3 RESULTS
6.3.1 Trapping Data
For the six grids, 806 captures were recorded in a combined
total of 9,000 trap nights. Three hundred and thirty-four individuals
(144 tillldra red-backed voles and 190 meadow voles) were captured.
Sex ratios differed for the two species. Meadow voles showed
a 1:1 ratio (X 2 = 0.0, p .OS), while tillldra red-backed voles
had a high number of males (X 2 = 7.9, p .05) (See Table XIII).
Clltside the study area, 258 animals were snap trapped. 1his
total was composed of 129 tillldra red-backed voles, 112 mead~
voles, 25 masked shrews, and 2 dusky shrews. Sex ratios were
foillld to be illlequal for tundra red-backed voles hut within the
chi square, random values for meadow voles.
-47 -
The population densities of each species for the study are shown
in Figure XX -x:JN. The populations of all grids established
in natural habitats exhibited two population density maximums
(See figure XXII -XXIV). One of these occurred in June, the
other had not been attained at the termination of the study.
This would occur when the juveniles and migrant numbers no longer
offset the losses by death and emigration.
Grids B and F (enclosing vegetation test sections) did not illustrate
these fluctuations (Figures XXI, x:JN). Populations peaked in
either the late spring or late summer. In early September,
the number of inhabitants in these grids began to decline.
While the population density in grid B (test section one), was
declining, across the road, in grid C, the population density
showed an increase (Figure XXII).
Population density per hectare varied greatly among grids.
Grids D and E generally illustrated the lowest densities (the
maximum number of both being 10. 3/hectare) . In comparison with
the other grids, A and C constantly showed high densities.
Grid C exhibited the highest density during the study (~8.4
animals/hectare in period two).
The meadow vole and tundra red-backed vole populations showed
synchronous fluctuations, meadow voles being the most abundant
in all regions except grid A. Age class composition for each
of the early summer populations demonstrated that adults and
subadults were the main constituents of the population. Late
summer peaks were an outcome of an upsurge of subadul ts, while
adult numbers diminished in most instances. (Figures XXVI -
XXIX) . These trends were not observed in grids B and F (test
sections one and three, Figure XXV, XXX.).
-48 -
Table XIII: Sex ratios calculations for the total number of
meadow voles and tundra red-backed voles live and
snap trapped.
Males Females x2
Live trapping
Microtus 95 95 *
Clethrionomys 89 55 7.9
Snap Trapping
Microtus 71 51 *
Clethrionomls 85 44 6.5
* not significant at p = .OS, ldF
FIGURE XX POPULATION DENSITY FOR GRID A FIGURE XX I POPULATION DENSITY OF MEADOW VOLES AND
0 VE R THE FIVE TRAPPING PERIODS TUNDRA REO-BACKED VOLES IN GRID B
30 30
~ 15 / 15 , ~ -, ~
~ , , -1"-, ~ , ,
~
~ , ,
~ "' 10 ~ ~ 10
~
~ , ' , I ~ ' , ~ ~ ~ ' ~
~ ~ ~ ' ~ ~
0 I 5 ' ~ I 5 ' z ' / 0 I ' , z ,
' , ,-~ ' ,
10 v' 10
I
I
5 ~---5 /_ 1--------/,
,
~ -------------LEGEND
1 3 4 5 TOTAL CAPTURED ) j 4 5
TRAPPING PERIODS --------TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLES CAPTURED TRAPPING PERIODS
50 ----MEADOW VOLES CAPTURED
• FIGURE XXI I THE NUMBER OF
1\ MEADOW VOLES ANDTUNDRA I'
I I RED-BACKED VOLES PER HECTARE FIGURE XXIII PO PULA! I ON DENSITY OF TRAPPED ANIMALS FOR EACH PERIOD
40 I . 11
I I IN GRID C IN GRID D
I .
I I
' I
I . ~I 0 ~ .
~ I I = -30 I I -~ I I ~ ~ I
~ I ~
' I ~ B "' I "' • ~ I I = " ~ I • ~ ~ I I ~ , \
0 1D I I 0 6 , \
z I • z I \ ' ' I , ,
I I ,. ' \ I I , ~ 4 I \ I I , I I
I 0 I , ,. \ I \ .. ------.., I
I \ I
1 l/ ----, \ ~-------------_... .... ............... \..-------;'
I
'--------' ---
1 3 4 5 1 3 4 5 TRAPPING PERIODS TRAPPING PERIODS
OISII.:O IY ~ ENGINEERIN~o:~::~~~$ LIMITED
DIU,Wif loY. CALGAIIIY ALioi.IIITA
Eaill-ri•l s.,..n.,_ Ll•lle<f EMGI"'I.Ir.IIIS 1'011
CMlC.IO IY: CANADiAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY LTD. I CALl.
DATI
llliiiiiNIIIIII A~t" "IIIO.tiCT ... ...... .. ., ... •.. DIICihl'fiOII •uc IY . ..... 'IIIO.IICT MMUIPI -· fiEVISIOM
"" .... ....
0
""
FIGURE XXIV POPULATION DENSITY OF
TRAPPED ANIMALS FOR EACH PERIOD
IN GRID E
3 4
TRAPPING PERIODS
TOTAL CAPTURED
TUNDRA REO-BACKED VOLES CAPTURED
MEADOW VOLES CAPTURED
~-+--------------------------------+-----+--+-;0&111-D IY:
~+---------------------------------------------~----~~~ DIU••• IT.
~+---------------------------------------------~----~~~ CMlCKID IY ·
.... -+--------------------------------+-----+--i--1U'IIMIIttl API'
J-:"!:'".l....--------------=DI:_:SC:;:O::OPT::;O.:::OO:::-:c=::-------------_.L-__:D:.::AT:_:Ic..__.L..:.OT:...J..::A•;.;.•;· I'IIOtiiCT MAIIIoUPI
fiiVIIIOfill
"" .... ....
0
""
30
25
20
I 5
I 0
'
FIGURE XXV TOTAL POPULATION DENSITY AND
...............
IGE CLASS COMPOSITION OBSERVED IN
GR I 0 F
,, ~..... ', '"'-'',, "" ........ ' ... '-____ ::.=..::----..... ~~~ ,,_
3 4
TRIPPING PERIODS
---TOTAL CAPTURED
-------ADULT MEADOW VOLES CAPTURED
----SUBIDULT MEADOW VOLES CAPTURED
-NOATHEAII ~ EIIGIIIEEAIIIG SERVICES LIMITED
/ ~ CAUiARY ALKRTA cii ... '-~.':·ARCTIC GAs'"sTUDY LTD.
f..----____ --1
f..----____ ---4
~-----------i
oaT I ~----·-·----~~i ~-· f•"'
__ ,
FIGURE XX VI THE AGE CLASs COMPOSITION FOR EACH SMALL MAMMAL SPECIES
IN GRIO A
6 I
20 ,
' I ,
I ..., , ' I ~ ,
I -' MEADOW VOLES I ~ TUNDRA R E 0-BACKE 0 ' '
I ~ I 5 VOLES ' ..., , ..., I % ,
~ 4 I , -I ~ / ~ I ...,
~ I ... ..., I 0
,
% I ,
I z I 0 , ,
~ I , ..., I , ... / , ,
0 , ,
z 2 , ,
,r ,
, , 5 , , , ' , ,
' ,
, , , ,
_, ,
/ LEGEND ,
2 3 4 5 ADULTS 2 3 4 5 TRAPPING PERIODS -----------SUBADULTS TRAPPING PERIODS -----JUVENILES
FIGURE XXV II POPULAr I ON DENSITY OF ADULTS.SUBADULTS AND JUVENILES
FOR MEADOW VOLES AND TUNDRA RED-BACKED YO ES IN GRID c • II
I\
20 I \ 4 \
I
I I
I \ / \ MEADOW VOLES I I
,
I I (MICROTUS) I 3
,
I 5 I ' I ,
I I I ...,
I I
, ~ ..., I I -~ I
I , I ~ -\ I
~
~ I I , ...,
~ I I , % 2 ' ..., I D ,
% I \ I ~ ' I I ,./
...,
~--------.J
I
~ I I
... ..., , ... , I 0 ,
I \ z I
0 I \.------I
z I I I
5 I I
I TUNDRA RED-BACKED V 0 LE S
/ ~ I (CLETHRIDNOMYS) I
I
, y/ --, ,
I
I
2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5 ........ ,,. ' li8t ENGINEEAIN';.•;E;;V;CES LIMITED
DIU••• IT. CALGAaY ALKJITA
CMIC•IO IY &NADi'AitiRcTic c;A5'"5i-uov LTD. I CALl:
lUI.
ltrlllflllltl AllP· PIIO.IICT ... •.. PIIO.IICT MAM.UP
....... •.. , ...
OltCIII"IOtl OAT I ., ......
JIIVIIIOiill -·
4
~
"" -,_ ..,
~3
"" ,~ ~ .... I\
0 I \
\ .. I
2 I \
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I
I
I
I
I
I
2
~ 2
MEADOW YOU
(MICROTUS)
\ .
\
\
\ . .
\ /
\ ,
\ ,
\ , ,
' , "'
3 4
TRAPPING PERIOD
MEADOW VOLE
(MICROTUS)
,
, , , , , , , , ,
5
FIGURE XXVI It AGE COMPOSITION OF EACH SPECIES OF SMALL
MAMMALS IN GRID D.
LEGEND
---ADULTS
-------SUBADULTS
----JUVENILES
~
oc -,_ 3 ..,
~
"' oc
~ ....
0 2 ..
TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLE
(CLETHRIONOMYSJ
___ ......... -...........
...........
,
,
3 4
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
TRAPPING PERIOD
FIGURE XX IX POPULATION DENSITY OF ADULTS AND SUBADULTS
OF MEADOW VOLES AND TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLE IN GRID E
~ -
2. 0
1.5
TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLE
(CLETHRIONOMYS)
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
"" -,_ ..,
~
"'
"" ~ ....
I
I
I
I
1
I
I
r--------
,_ ..,
~
"' oc
~ ....
0
I • 0 A___/-
0 I ..
,' ~,... .... , I ,' ........ ,'
~' ............ , ,
,'
3 4
TRAPPING PERIOD
t--1r----------------------------------+-----+-+--l Dltii .. D 11'.
OfiAW" 1'1'.
t--1r----------------------------------+-----+-+--ltMltKID 1'1':
IMIIMIIIIII ......
... DATI:
..
. 5 ,'
3 4
/
I
I
TRAPPING PERIOD
I CALl. ... ,..
o••••• ••· 1" ... -1!11
FIGURE XX X AGE CLASS CUMPOSITION FOR FIGURE XXXI POPULATION DENSITY AND BENSITIES
SMALL MAMMALS SPECIES IN GR I 0 B. OF EACH SPECIES IN EACH TRAPLI NE OF
GR10 A.
I 2 ~ 20 . ' , ' , ' , ' I 0 , ' ' MEADOW VOLES TRAPLI HE I , ' . ADULTS I 5 r, 3 . ' ~ . ' rr·------
"" B , ' ----------SUBADUL TS ' , ' ' ~ , ' ----JUVENILES ' I
~ , ' ' I
~ I ' ~ ' = 6 I 10 . -2\ "" I ~
~ . ~ ' ~ I ~ \ , = ' = 4 ,
~ "" ' ~ ' ~ 5 ~
= ' ~ 2
~/~ I --.... _--...... ---------------
2 3 4 5 1 3 4 5
TRAPPING PERIODS TRAPPING PERIODS
15 15
FIGURE XXXI (CON'T) POPULATION DENSITY ,''3
AND DENSITIES OF EACH SPECIES , ,
,
IN EACH TRAPLINE OF GRID A. l , ,
20 10 " I -------'2 ' ,.. NOTE \ II
TOTAL CAPTURED \ I \ I ' I ---------TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLES CAPTURED \ I I 5 ----MEADOW VOLES CAPTURED 15 I I
' I
~
"" tf NUMBERS REPRESENT NUMBER OF RED-BACKED I I -TRAPLINE 1 ' I
~ CAPTURED IN TRAPLINES 1-3 WITHIN THE \ I
~ \ I
~ SAME PERIOD. \ I
10-I 0 \ I
"" \ I
~ ~ I I
~ "" I I -;~ TRAPLINE 3 ~ = ~
~ ~ = 5 -::;r--·-""5
~
~
"
, = r--------~ -----v--_::_-;::;:%' ___ ----------
2 3 4 5 1 3 4 5
TRAPPING PERIODS TRAPPING PERIODS
Oltto•o IY ~ NORTH_c._l~l'< ........ , .
ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
CALGARY ALU..TA
I.I'Mlol"l.l.lll3 n. ll!..el_rl&,~LI•itd
C14U:KID IY CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY L TO. I CALl,
DATI
•••n•r11111 •~~· ........ c, ... ... ....... •.. ,I .... OISCitiP!'I .. DATI .. . ..... ,. •• ,let .,,..,,,. -II fiiYIIIO.
Adults alone made up the high early summer population in grid
A, no subadults of either species were captured until period
three. Comparisons of captures for each trapline of this grid
were made (Figure XXXI). These calculations illustrated trapline
3 as having the highest population density of all three traplines
with the exception of period one. Tundra red-backed voles were
rarely captured on the old winter road (trapline 2). However,
numerous tundra red-backed voles crossed the winter road within
a trapping period (Figure XXXI). Meadow voles were not captured
on both sides of the winter road within a trapping period.
They were, however, frequently trapped on the winter road on
one day, and in an adjacent area the next. Numbers of meadow
voles trapped on the winter road tended to increase throughout
the study. This region appeared to be unfavourable to tundra
red-backs, but constituted part of their home range according
to recapture data .
. 1 Home Range -Data obtained on grids B, C and F (0.58
hectares) indicate a. home range for male meadow voles of 0.08
hectares, while the home range of females averages 0.04 hectares
(Table XIV). Only two tundra-red backed voles were captured
frequently enough to meet the criteria used in home range calcula-
tions. Their individual home ranges were 0.057 and 0.024 hectares
for the male and female respectively. The values for both species
are considerably smaller than the home range sizes computed
in grids D and E. In each case, males of other species exhibited
larger home ranges than the females. The home range of tundra
red-backed voles appeared to cover a larger area than meadow
voles. Home ranges overlapped extensively between both individuals
of the same species and of different species.
-49 -
The home ranges. situated in grid B were located on the test section
only, those for grid F extended into the forested region of
the grid. Few animals in grids D and E extended their home
range into the area beyond the cold loop. This was possibly
due to the presence of the surrounding service road .
. 2 Trap Frequency -This section illustrates important
activity differences in natural and experimental areas. Meadow
voles were captured frequently in all sections of grid C, while
the tundra red-backed voles favoured the eastern quadrats (Figure
XXXII, XXXIII). In grid Band F, tundra red-backs were captured
on only two occasions (Figure XXXIV, XX]]). In these grids
meadow voles appeared to favour certain plots of the test sections.
From the trap frequency values, plots composed of creeping red
fescue, red top, kentucky bluegrass, meadow fescue, streambank
wheatgrass, reed canary, meadow foxtail and a blend of all grass
varieties were favoured by the residing meadow voles.
6.3.2 Predators and Climate
Few predators were sighted during the summer. In May, two Great
horned owl (Bubo virginianus) were observed above the study
grids daily. Three short-tailed weasel (MUstela erminea) all
juveniles, were captured in the area of the Sans Sault Camp.
A timber wolf (Canis lupus), one black bear (Euarctos americanus),
two red foxes (Vulpes fulva) and a wolverine (Gulo luscus) were
occasionally observed in the study grids. The timber wolf obviously
affected the population densities as it would remove, kill and
devour small mammals captured in the Sherman traps. Analysis
of fox scats showed evidence of small mammal consumption. These
signs were the only indications of predator activity.
-so -
.Table XIV: Mean home range values for meadow voles and tundra red-backed
voles in grids B, C, F and combined grids D and E.
(A) Meadow voles
Individuals Average no. Mean home Mean home
of times range in range in
trapped sq. metres acres
Males
Grid B --------
Grid c 2 5.0 741 + 289 .18 + .07
Grid F 3 5.3 794 + 115 .19 + .03 --Combined
Grids D --------
and E
Females
Grid B 2 5.0 523 + 145 .12 + .04 -Grid C 2 5.0 465 + 41 .11 + .01
3 5.3 300 + 115 -Grid F .06 + .03 --Combined
Grids D 4 5.3 21165 + 526 1.01 + .13 --and E
(B) Tundra red-backed voles
Males
Grid B --------
Grid c 1 5.0 581 .14
Grid F ---------
Combined
Grids D 8 6.1 7534 + 1254 1.86 + .31 --and E
Females
Grid B --------
Grid c 1 5.0 262 .06
Grid F --------
Combined
Grids D 3 7.7 7186 + 1659 1.77 + .41 --and E
ol o I .I 0 2 o I 0 0 0 I 02 02
TRAP FREOUENCY VALUES FOR 0 2 .I TRAP FREQUENCY VALUES FOR 02 o I 01 01 3
TUNDRA RED-BACKED VOLES IN 0 0 0 MEADOW VOLES IN GRID C 0
GRID C FOR THE DURATION OF 01 o I
FOR THE DURATION OF THE o I o1 o I
THE STUDY.NUMBER OF CAPTURES 0 0 0 STUDY.NUMBER OF CAPTURES 0 0
INDICATED BY ARABIC NUMERALS. INDICATED BY ARABIC NUMERALS. o I .3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 o I 0 0 0 o I
0 0 o I 0 0 0 o I 0 o I .2
0 0 0 0 0 0 o I 0 0 0
3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .I 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 o I
0 0 o I 0 0 .1 0 0 o I .z
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .3 ol .4
0 o I 0 0 I
:}~ 0 0 0
0 }--~ 1. 6 METRES 1.6 METRES
0 0 o I 0 0 0 0 o I
0 0 ~-1. 6 METRES ~-1 6 METRES 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .1 .3 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 o I .1 .1 o I
SERVICE ROAD 0 SERVICE ROAD o I o I o I .3 I 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 o I 01 o I 0
0 0 0 0 0 o I 0 0 3 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
FIGURE XXX Ill FIGURE XXXI I
01110-D OY
ftiBt EI<GINEERII<r:.o:~~~~~S LIMITED .......... CALGAaY ALNIITA
~-rifo· s--Ll•ll... ltMGIIOIE.ItiiiS ...,_
CMICiliO 0'1' CANADiiri ARCTIC GAS STUDY LTD. I CAll.
DATI
UIDI .. llllll .,.~ TRAP FREQUENCY VALUES ~ •• ,,c., ... ... DIICftl"tOII
....... .. ,f" .. DATI .. .... ""0oi1Ct MMAOIJI
MVIIIOflll
-1!1
MEADOW VOlES I MICROTUS
TUNDRA REO-BACKED VOlES (i)ClETHRIONOMYS GRAVEl PAD 1
,-...,.-' TRIP SITES 1
\ \ ( 4 \ 3 ', :::..,.,:
BURIED PIPE
• r------+"-·-+-_Q),.I'---~
I I
0 0 ~-------~--~~------~
10 BlEND
: 1 19 FOWl BlUEGRASS
~-------~~~7-~------~
I 18 INTERMEDIATE WHEATGRISS
.~~-------+~--7-~------~
1 17 Till WHEITGRISS 0 f---------'--!-_______ _.
16 CRESTED WHEITGRISS
15 SlENDER WHEITGRISS
~----+-~-----+
1 14 BROWN TOP
0 1-------+--'--!--+-~-----~
1 1 1 13 CREEPING BENT GRASS
~------~7-------4
f------e-'(jJ""I '+---:~:'-----_1 __ -----iz 11 ME I D 0 W F 0 X Til l
I 1 II REED CANARY ~-----~~--7:~~-----~ 1 10 STREAMBINK WHEITGRISS
0 ~-----~~--7-~-----~
: 9 SHEEP FESCUE
: 1 B TAll FESCUE
0 ~---~~-7~~~------~
I
I I I
I
01~----+--~1~1-4~----3~
I
I I I
I
o·~-----~~L-~:~.-------~1
I I i I f----.-~~~~~~----~
·~------~1~1~1~~4~---~1
I I
1 I
I I BURIED PIPE I _!
·-<.1
GR 10 B
FIGURE XXXIV
7 MEADOW FESCUE
6 ROUGH BlUEGRASS
5 KENTUCKY BlUEGRASS
4 CANADA BlUEGRASS
3 RED TOP
1 CREEPING RED FESCUE
I BlEND
, ~ __ ~ o r_-T---------i1--J_--..-
1
------.,
; f--------+---il--.-~~----~ ZO BlEND
19 FOWl BlUEGRASS I : I
0 ~---~~~ ~-~--~
•
I
TEST 1 :
18 INTERMEDIATE WHEITGRISS
SECTION I I I 17 Till WHEITGRISS
I : I ~----~-~~~~-+~--~
I I I:
0 0 f--------.--oi--T-~------~
o I o 11---------.---i''--T-....,_....:4 ______ -1
I
01
I
I
0
I
0 --0 /
0 1f-------~---i~--L!~~-------1
I
I
0 ~-------~~..;..'--------~
-' I : : ~f--------~L-~~--------1
16 CRESTED WHEITGRISS
15 SlENDER WHEITGRISS
14 BROWN TOP
13 CREEPING BENT GRASS
IZ MEADOW FOXTAil
II REED CANARY
10 STREIMBINK WHEATGRASS
9 SHEEP FESCUE
B Till FESCUE
7 MEADOW FESCUE
6 ROUGH BlUEGRASS
5 KENTUCKY BlUEGRASS
4 CANIDA BlUEGRASS
/
I' • o I 9\ lf---------+--:L--!-: ----------l
, / I I
3 RED TOP
Z CREEPING RED FESCUE r
I
\
9 ~-}a. :~---------~L-7: --------~
TRIP SITES I L.__ ____ _ll~l ____ __j
I I
1.,..,(~
NOTE GRID F
I BlEND
NUMBER OF RODENTS CAPTURED IT EACH TRIP lOCATION DURING THE STUDY
ARABIC NUMERAlS INDICATE NUMBER OF CIPTURES.(EXCEPT FOR TRIP SITES)
FIGURE XXXV
t--+-----------------------------------------------------------+--------1--+-l Dt:lle•o IT: filA, ENGINEERING SERVICES LIMITED
-
NOATHUII'I
-~ CALGARY AL.R.RTA
..,"c,-'_:-:_'-','-:....._::-::"'-:,,.-,_..,.ite4 !:NGI .. R.!.RS 1'0111
CANADIAN ARCTIC GAS STUDY L TO. t--+---------------------------------------------------------+--------1--+-l CI'+ICKI D IT
NUMBER OF RODENTS CAPTURED AT EACH TRAP LOCATION
r".:;'·-'-------------------------=O:::IS:::CO:::I"':::':::";== .. :::IS:::I-=---------------------_L__:D::•.:.:nc_ __ LO:_:Y-L':::':c..t"· I'IIO.IIC:T llloUIA.Illl
loU I:
"ltO..t(CT ... , ...
-Ill
No correlations between weather and small animal activities
were calculated during the study. However, nights of light
rain resulted in higher capture numbers as has been previously
shown by Odum and Gentry (1957).
6.3.3 The extent of Small Mammal Activity in the Plots
From the average June values, almost all of the experimental
grasses were invaded and cropped to varying degrees by small
mammals (Table XV) • Snap trapping of test section four, in
the fall of 1971, indicated that chestnut-cheeked vole were
the sole residents. Chestnut-cheeked voles were absent from
the other test sections.
When compared to the utilization of the vegetation observed
in June, September cropping of the experimental plots was minimal.
However, red top, meadow fescue, reed canary grass, fowl bluegrass
and blend plots were again extensively utilized. Meadow foxtail
and crested wheatgrass did not exhibit signs of vole activity
in either June or September. The meadow vole was the only vole
frequently captured on the test sections throughout the summer.
6.3.4 Summer Consumption of the Experimental Grasses by Small
Mannnals
Due to the limited sample size, lack of uniformity in growth
of grasses, and an unfortunate placement of exclosures, the
data obtained in this study cannot be interpreted in terms of
actual consl..Uilption. However, the increase in standing crop
biomass during the summer for each test section is clearly evident
in these data (Table XVI).
-51 -
6.3.5 Seed Preference Experiments
Findings from this study indicated that tundra red-backed vole
preferred the seed of only two grass varieties to lab pellets,
(Table XVII). These were creeping bentgrass and brome grass.
On the other hand, meadow voles favoured all grass seeds over
lab pellets. They showed a definite preference for the seeds
of creeping red fescue, reed canary grass, tall wheatgrass and
intermediate wheatgrass. Chestnut-cheeked voles showed a preference
for all grass seed to lab pellets except reed canary grass,
slender wheatgrass and tall wheatgrass. Two of these grass
varieties (creeping red and tall wheatgrass) were favoured by
the meadow vole, but disliked by the tundra red-backed vole.
The combined daily food consumption of seeds and lab pellets
for tundra red-backed vole, meadow voles, and chestnut-cheeked
voles were 4.17, 6.83 and 6.89 grams respectively.
6.4 DISCUSSION
The two species inhabiting the experimental grids (meadow voles
and tundra red-backed voles) exhibited summer population fluctuations
similar to those seen in other small marmnal populations (Hamilton,
1937, Tanner 1950, Butsch 1954, Getz 1961, Fuller 1969). Population
peaks occurred in the early summer and fall. The over-wintering
adult population was responsible for the first peak. The second
population peak was composed mainly of subadults; adult numbers
tended to show either high mortality or a high rate of migration.
It is a subadult class which endures the cold winter months
(Blair 1948). The two population peaks obtained in the live
trapping studies indicated that normal small mammal populations
existed in the study areas (Svihla 1929, Coventry 1937, Blair
1948, Gunderson 1950, Butsch 1954). The population densities
were not unusually high (Hamil ton 1937, Fuller 1969) • However,
population densities and species composition for tracts an the
pipeline and old winter road, illustrated that direct disturbances
by man do affect small mammal activities. By collating the
-52 -
Plo
No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ll
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Table XV: Extent of damage to the experimental grasses in the
four test sections covering the pipeline in June and
September, 1972. See Section 6.2.2. * test section
T.S *1 T.S 2 T.S 3 T.S 4
Grass June Sept June Sept. June Sept June Sept. Mean Mean
Species June Sept.
Value Value
Blend of all 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 1 3 2
grasses
Creeping Red 0 0 3 0 2 1 2 2 2 1
Fescue
Red Top 2 0 2 2 3 2 3 2 3 2
Canada Blue 3 2 1 0 3 1 3 0 3 1
Kentucky 1 0 2 0 1 3 2 0 2 1
Bluegrass
Rough Blue-3 2 1 0 2 3 3 0 2 1
grass
Meadow Fescue 0 3 1 3 3 2 3 3 2 3
Tall Fescue 3 2 2 0 3 0 3 0 3 1
Sheep Fescue 3 0 3 0 3 0 2 0 3 0
Streambank 2 0 2 1 0 1 3 0 2 1
Wheatgrass
Reed Canary 3 3 2 3 1 0 1 2 2 2
Meadow Fox-2 0 0 2 1 0 2 2 1 1
tail
Creeping Bent 3 0 3 3 1 0 3 1 3 1
Brown Top 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 0 2 0
Slender 3 0 3 3 2 0 2 0 3 1
Wheatgrass
Crested 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 1
Wheatgrass
Tall Wheat-3 0 3 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
grass
Intermediate 3 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 2 0
Wheatgrass
Fowl Blue-3 3 2 1 0 0 3 2 2 2
grass
Blend of all 2 2 3 3 0 0 2 0 2 grasses 1
Table XVI: Mean biomass values between enclosed (experimental) and
unenclosed (control) areas of the experimental grasses
planted in the four test sections covering the buried
pipe. Plots showing no June values did not have
exclosures installed in them during the fall of 1971.
June Biomass Values September Biomass Values
Plot Grass wt. of grass wt. of grass wt. of grass wt. of grass
No. Species inside the outside the inside the outside the
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
ll
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
exclosures exclosures exclosures exclosures
(gm/m 2 ) (gm/m2 ) (gm/m2 ) (gm/m 2 )
Blend of all -- --
137.6 118.4
grasses
Creeping Red ----316.8 568.5
Fescue
Red Top 93.6(2) 70.8 (2) 291.2 214.4
Canada Blue ----56.5 74.1
Kentucky Blue-----190.9 187.7
grass
Rough Blue-----153.1 184.5
grass
Meadow Fescue 10.6 (1) 41.2 (1) 394.7 447.5
Tall Fescue 44.8 28.8 (1) 88.5 6.4
Sheep Fescue 108.4 (2) 84.0 (2) 32.0 22.4
Streambank 65.2 (1) 41.2 (1) ll2 .0 105.6
Wheatgrass
Reed Canary 66.8 (1) 144.0 (1) 213.3 244.8
Meadow Foxtail 68.8 (3) 64.8 (3) 307.7 162.1
Creeping Bent 68.4 67.6 (2) 175.5 269.3
Brown Top 99.2 (1) 128.4 (1) 5.9 0.5
Slender ----185.6 217.6
Wheatgrass
Crested 13.2 (1) 22.8 (1) 59.2 18.1
Wheatgrass
Tall Wheatgrasf ----ll5.2 130.7
Intermediate ----60.8 121.6
Wheatgrass
Fowl Bluegrass 7 0.8 (1) 88.0 (1) 132.8 70.4
Blend of all 65.2 (1) 84.8 (1) 222.9 91.2
grasses
( ) Values in parentheses indicate the number of test sections
sampled. If no parentheses are shown then the test sections
sampled were three.
Table XVII: Daily consumption of grass seeds and lab pellets by meadow voles, chestnut-cheeked voles
and tundra red-backed voles in controlled conditions.
Meadow voles Chestnut-cheeked voles Tundra red-backed voles
Grass Species of Average Daily Daily Average Daily Daily Average Daily Daily
Seeds Offered No. of Seed Lab No. of Seed Lab No. of Seed Lab
Animals Days Con sump-Pellet Days Con sump-Pellet Days Con sump-Pellet
Animal tion Consump-Animal tion Con sump Animal tion Consump-
Exposed (gm) tion Exposed (gm) tion Exposed (gm) tion
to Seed (gm) to Seed (gm) to Seed (gm)
Creeping Red Fescue 6.0++ 6.1 0.2 6.0++ 7.5 0.2 5.5++ o.o 3.8 Red Top 6.0++ 7.0 0.7 5.0++ 8.2 1.6 5.3++ 1.2 3.5 Canada Bluegrass 5.5++ 7.5 1.7 6.0++ 6.8 0.1 5.0++ 0.2 3.7 Kentucky Bluegrass 6.0++ 3.0 0.6 6.0++ 10.2 0.4 5.0++ 0.0 4.3 Rough Bluegrass 6.0++ 2.6 1.6 6.0++ 3.5 0.0 6.0++ 2.6 2.3 Meadow Fescue 6.0++ 1.4 1.1 5.0++ 7.3 0.9 6.0++ 0.0 3.2 Tall Fescue 6.0++ 5.1 0.0 5.0++ 6.2 0.0 6.0++ 0.1 4.1 Sheep Fescue 6.0+ 6.7 0.0 4.0+ ll.l 0.0 6.0++ 0.1 5.3 Streambank Wheatgrass 6.0++ 5.2 1.1 6.0++ 6.0 0.7 6.0++ 0.0 3.6 Reed Canary 6.0++ 6.2 0.2 6.0+ 0.5 4.2 5.5++ 3.0 1.7 Meadow Foxtail 6.0++ 6.0 0.6 5.0++ 3.2 2.7 6.0++ 1.0 2.4 Creeping Bent 6.0+ 13.8 1.1 6.0++ 6.1 0.0 6.0++ 2.5 0.9 Brown Top 6.0++ 6.8 0.5 4.5++ 4.1 1.0 6.0++ 0.5 3.4 Slender Wheatgrass 6.0++ 3.6 1.0 6.0++ 2.3 2.7 6.0++ 0.2 4.4 Crested Wheatgrass 6.0++ 5.1 1.1 6.0++ 5.0 2.6 5.0++ 0.4 3.5 Tall Wheatgrass 6.0+ 4.5 0.0 6.0+ 0.2 5.0 6.0++ 0.0 4.2 Intermediate Wheatgrass 6.0+ 2.5 0.0 ------6.0++ 2.0 2.1 Fowl Bluegrass 6.0+ ll.5 0.0 ------5.5++ 1.3 3.2 Clover ------------6.0++ 2.7 1.7 Fall rye ------------6.0++ 2.7 1.7 Alfalfa ------------3.0++ 1.2 2.1 Timothy ------------3.0++ 0.4 4. 7 Brome ------------
Average 6.83 6.89 4.17
+ no. of animals exposed to the particular seed
data from all grids, it is evident that when population densities
are expanding in their natural environment (period 4 and 5 in
Grids C, D and E, Figure XXII -XXIV), the number of inhabitants
in experimental test sections tended to decline (Figures XXI
and "'XYN) •
At this time, small mammal numbers should have been maximal
since large numbers perish during the winter. This being the
case, population data from Grids Band F suggest that with the
coming of winter, small mammals were moving out of the experimental
grass areas. However, the high numbers captured in Grid F in
period one, and summer vegetation damage data appeared to signify
the opposite (Figure "'f.YN, Table XV) . The grass plots appear
to offer an untapped food reserve and shelter in the winter.
It is quite probable that small mammals do occupy this region
during the winter months. A notable deviation from the population
density values obtained in period one for Grid B appeared in
Grid F. This may be explained by the fact that depletion of
the vegetation occurred earlier in Grid B than in Grid F. Thus,
it would appear that the inhabitants of Grid B had already migrated
to more favourable habitats at the time this study commenced.
The quantity of vegetation utilized in June on test section
three (Grid F) was less than in test section one (Grid B, Table
XV).
Live trapping data for Grid A indicates a relationship between
population densities and habitat type. Tundra red-backed voles
did not inhabit the winter road, but frequently moved across
it. Thus, it appears that barren tracts of land do not confine
tundra red-backed vole activities. The meadow vole, on the
other hand, was a regular occupant of the old winter road.
Numbers captured here were low, but a gradual increase beginning
in period three suggests an inclination to overwinter here.
-S3 -
In September, several piles of clipped rush (Junaus) were noticed
on the road, suggesting preparation for winter. The increasing
number of meadow voles inhabiting the old winter road may have
been a result of tundra red-backed voles excluding them from
the woods (Cameron 1964, Clough 1964, Morris 1968). This, however,
is not believed to have been the cause as meadow voles did not
appear to have been excluded in other grids, nor did their numbers
decrease in the forest traplines of this Grid (Figure XXXI).
It is also worthwhile to note that the winter road vegetation
is preferred more by meadow voles than tundra red-backed voles
(Bailey 1924, Ognev 1964). The forest margin may provide shelter,
while ample food is available on the winter road. Comparisons
of trapline population values in Grids A, B and C indicate that
population density differences between natural and experimental
regions are quite evident.
Area preferences on the test sections, size of home ranges and
seed selection experiments demonstrate the importance of knowing
the dominant species of a particular area. No two species eat
exactly the same food, prefer the same habitat or behave in
the same manner.
In this and other studies, the home range of the meadow vole
was found to be small (Blair 1941, Getz 1961). This, combined
with understanding of food preferences, points out the ease
with which meadow voles could inhabit the vegetation over a
pipeline and/or well vegetated roads.
Data on trap frequency for test sections B and F indicate which
grass species meadow voles favour as food, nesting rna terial
and shelter. This data, together with the findings on utilization
of various experimental grasses, illustrates that meadow voles
will clip, burrow and feed on creeping red fescue, red top,
meadow fescue, reed canary grass and meadow foxtail.
-54 -
No habitat preferences were evident when the same analysis was
conducted on trap frequency values found for Grid C (Figure
XXXII). A comparison of biomass data in and out of the exclosures
should have provided a quantitative measure of forage consumption
by small mammals during the summer. This would have also shown
the grass variety most likely to be utilized by small mammals.
Unfortunately, the data obtained were inconclusive. The small
exclosures used may have restricted the grass plants, causing
growth retardation. In addition, roots of the grasses may have
been restricted in their development due to barriers imposed
by the wire exclosures sunk into the ground.
It is evident that seeds of all grass species were consumed
by meadow voles. However, because the number of voles used
in seed testing experiments was small, consumption values cannot
be considered representative of the species. The results of
the seed selection experiments still indicated that meadow voles
favoured the seed of all grass species over lab pellets. It
is felt that these results can be extended to the animal's natural
environment. The findings of this study and other studies show
that meadow voles feed on the leaves, stems and seeds of numerous
grass species (Bailey 1924).
As chestnut-cheeked voles were not discovered in any of the
study areas, statements with regard to the food habits of this
vole are limited to information based on seed preference experiments
and observations of vegetation in areas where this animal was
captured.
The seed preference experiments illustrated that the chestnut-
cheeked vole consumed the seeds of all but three varieties.
These exceptions were reed canary grass, slender wheatgrass
and tall wheatgrass.
-55 -
Because the chestnut-cheeked vole is extremely rare, no information
concerning their food preferences is available. However, clippings
of Polar grass (Aratagrostis) were observed where these animals
were trapped. It is also known that grasses and seeds do constitute
a major part of microtine diets (Bailey 1924, Bee and Hall 1956).
The October 1971 observations of vegetation cropping in test
section four imply that chestnut-cheeked voles have utilized
experimental grasses.
The reasons for the chestnut-cheeked vole population moving
into test section four in the autumn of 1971 is unknown. This
may have been due to a population "high". Microtines are known
to exhibit population cycles resulting in abnormally catastrophic
numbers every four years Q1amilton 1937, Lack 1954, Schulz 1964).
Krebs (1966) believes that it is in arctic and subarctic regions
that periodic fluctuations in population size are the most violent.
It is postulated that if these population extremes occur, there
may be mass movements onto the pipeline right-of-way which may
give rise to erosion problems as the grass cover is consumed.
When studying the tawny lemming (Lemmus trimuaronatus 3 density
of 111/ha) Thompson (1955), found that the standing crop of
vegetation at the end of the summer on Alaskan tundra was reduced
nearly fifty per cent. In the same area, Schulz (1964) reported
fifty to ninety per cent declines in yield after a high of 173
lennnings/ha and declines in nutrient content, particularly phosphorous,
calcium and nitrogen. Not only is the vegetation clipped and
consumed, but seeds are also eaten.
-56 -
The formation of extensive, complicated systems of runways may
have profound affects on the vegetation. These runways result
primarily in removal of any living plant matter which may occur
originally, or grow up subsequently in the trail. Small mammals
also tend to gnaw the grass tufts which border the runs (Summerhayes
1941). Tunnels tend to damage the root systems of grasses as
well. This study has shown that the local small mammals possess
different home range areas, food preferences and habitat requirements.
By obtaining this information for all small mrumnals along the
proposed pipeline route, a reasonable estimate concerning time
and place of invasion by a particular species on pipeline vegetation
could be made.
Tundra red-backed voles exhibited larger home ranges than meadow
voles. Because of this large home range size and the short
distance between trap sites, few home range areas could be calculated
on the small grids (Hayne 1949). Movements were not hindered
by an old winter road, seismic lines, service roads or revegetated
areas. However, unlike meadow voles, the tundra red-backed
vole did not occupy these areas for a long duration. These
areas appeared to be within tundra red-backed voles' home range.
Just as a body of water may be enclosed within a home range,
so are these tracts of land. Conversely, meadow voles demonstrated
no hesitancy in occupying the vegetation covering the old winter
road or grassed test sections.
Tundra red-backed voles favoured few experimental seeds to lab
pellets, which strongly implied little desire for grains when
in their natural habitat. Their absence in the test section
further substantiated the statement that the red-backed vole
would have no tendency towards inhabitation of vegetation covering
the pipeline.
-S7 -
6. 5 CDNCUJSIONS
The work at Sans Sault clearly confinns: the fact that every
species of small mammal exhibits different behaviour·and habitat
preferences. Meadow voles established small home ranges, situated
in damp regions where horsetails, berries and Polar grass -were
abundant. They were not hesitant to occupy experimentally grassed
regions and well-vegetated winter roads. This species ~ the
resident of the above mentioned regions in the autumns of 1971
and 1972. It is evident, from seed preference experiments,
that seeds constitute a large part of the meadow vole's diet.
Similar seed preference experiments, wi. th chestnut -cheeked voles,
demonstrate this vole to be a seed eater as. well. Of. the sixteen
experimental seeds tested on the chestnut-cheeked vole, tall
wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass and reed canary grass were the
only species not preferred to lab pellets. Observations of
damage to the vegetation in test section three, suggests their
preference for m.nnerous grasses.
Tundra red-backed voles preferred drier regions and exhibited
a tendency to avoid unfamiliar areas. The favourite foods of
this small manunal are berries, nuts, twigs, flesh. and some native
seeds (Ognev 1950, Peterson 1966). Few of the experimental
seeds were constnned in larger quantities than lab pellets by
these voles. They do not represent a problem to any of the
experimental grasses or vegetation flourishing on the old winter
road.
-58 -
As this study examined only two species, conclusions apply only
to the meadow vole and the tundra red-backed vole. The manner
in which species, such as the lemming (Lemmus sp.), which dwells
in tundra regions, and deermice, (Peromysaus sp.), which inhabit
northern Alberta, will react to the new habitat created cannot
be accurately stated. Examination of the feeding habits, habitats
and population densities of each rodent encountered along the
pipeline route would enable appraisal on the types and quantities
of grass to be planted on critical terrain which must have a
plant cover for erosion control and may be subject to over grazing
by small mammals.
Utilization of the seeded vegetation, during the growing season,
by small mammals in the Sans Sault area was relatively light.
Observations in the fall of 1971 and spring of 1972 indicated
much heavier cropping during the winter months. The strong
recovery of grass, as shown by the biomass measurements, indicates
that microtine use of these plots has not significantly reduced
the erosion protection provided by this vegetation. The conclusion
drawn is that species of the genus Microtus~ in low to moderate
numbers, do not present a serious threat to the revegetated
cover on the pipeline right-of-way.
This four month study illustrated the fact that small mammals
occurring in "average densities", for a particular area, do
not cause large scale destruction of the reseeded vegetative
cover. However, when small rodent densities for a particular
species attain a "population high", extensive destruction to
vegetation over the pipeline may ensue. Knowledge of when and
where these "highs" will occur would provide the opportunity
to initiate measures to minimize vegetation damage or carry
out maintenance reseeding.
-59 -
There is a possibility that a localized stimulation to the population
may occur due to the availability of highly nutritional forage.
This in time may result in an artificial "high" in populations
adjacent to the seeded right-of-way causing unusually high consumption
of the grass. A possible example of this may be evidenced with
the local occurrence of the chestnut-cheeked vole. The last
published report on this rodent was by Preble in 1908. However,
in the fall of 1971, chestnut-cheeked voles were abundant on
test section four. Extensive utilization of the grasses in
this section due to the clipping and burrowing activity of these
animals was evident. There is a suggestion here that there
may be future problems with this species.
6.6 RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to properly consider the question of small mammals
and the impact they may have on the restored plant cover, it
would be necessary to conduct similar studies in several locations
along the pipelli1e route. Information on feeding and habitat
preferences of each species could then be considered when selecting
grass mixtures. If a seed eating small mannnal is abundant in
an area, then a grass species which propagates mainly by rhizomes
would be desirable.
The point in time at which a vole species reaches its population
peak for the year must be determined. Considering a seed eating
rodent that achieves a high population density in the early
summer and fall, the appropriate grass variety to plant would
be one which sets seed in July and August. Tirus, the small
mammals will be less inclined to move into the pipeline vegetation
at times of maximum densities.
-nO -
In critical locations, such as sideslopes and approaches to
rivers, special care may have to be taken to protect the vegetative
cover maintaining soil stability.
1. The planting of "dummy" or lure crops composed of grass
or legume varieties known to be preferential forage would
aid in the protection of vegetation over the pipeline.
2. Patented electronic devices are now on the market which
emit very high frequency sounds intolerable to mice and
rats.
Other possible means of controlling small mammal populations
include chemosterilants (Davis 1961, Howard and Marsh 1969,
Kennelly et al.~ 1972), phermones (Muller-Veiter 1966 and Rolls
1971), and chemical repellants. None of these chemical means
are recommended for this project.
Insight into the potential problems which small mammals may
create, as provided by studies such as this, will aid in main-
tenance planning and contingency preparations.
-61 -
7.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
The revegetation research carried out at the Sans Sault test
facility has demonstrated that it is feasible to establish and
maintain a plant cover over a buried pipeline in the northern
boreal forest.
Specific conclusions drawn from this study are:
(1) The best species for revegetation in the Sans Sault area
are:
Boreal Creeping Red Fescue
Common Kentucky Blue Grass
Common Meadow Foxtail
Frontier Reed Canary Grass
Climax Timothy
Revenue Slender Wheatgrass
Meadow Fescue
(2) Fertilizer required to establish and maintain growth of
the above varieties on a pipeline backfill mound would be applied
at the rate of 75 kg/ha nitrogen plus 100 kg/ha of both phosphorus
and potassium. It will be necessary to apply additional fertilizer
in the second or third growing season. . An exact recommendation
on a follow-up fertilization must await further field testing.
(3) In two growing seasons, a seeded plant and litter cover
can be built up which will substantially modify the heat energy
flow into the backfill mound.
(4) The planting of willow and alder stem cuttings has proven
to be an effective method to control erosion on sideslopes.
In the case of major slopes it may be necessary to stake down
erosion control mats to hold the soil until the grass germinates
and the seedlings become firmly established.
-62 -
(5) Mosses and liverworts quickly invade and establish under
the seeded grasses over the backfill mound. Vascular plants
are slower to invade, except in areas which collect and hold
water. These areas are dominated by CaPex aquatiZis.
(6) In addition to seeding and fertilizing the right-of-way
in tundra regions, stripping the vegetative mat prior to construction
and replacing it to the backfill mound will aid in reducing
the depth of thaw and quickly re-establish the former plant
connmmity.
(7) Small rnannnals occurring in "average densities," for a particular
area, do not cause large scale destruction of the reseeded vegetative
cover.
-63 -
8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bailey, V. 1924. Breeding, feeding and other life habits of
meadow mice~ (Microtus). J. Agric. Res. 27: 523 -540.
Bee, J. W. and E.R. Hall. 1956. Mannnals of Northern Alaska.
Kansas Univ. Mus. Nat. History: 180 -188.
Blair, W.F. 1940. Home ranges and populations of the meadow
vole in southern Michigan. J. Wildl. Manag. 4: 149 -161.
Blair, W.F. 1941. Techniques for the study of mannnal populations.
J. Mamm. 22: 148 -157.
Blair, W.F. 1948. Population density, life span and mortality
rates of small mammals in the blue-grass meadow and blue-
grass field associations of southern Michigan. Amer. Midl.
Nat. 40: 395 -419.
Bliss L.C. & R.W. Wein. 1972. Plant community responses to
disturbance in the western Canadian Arctic. Can. J. Bot.
50: 1097 -1109.
Brown, R.J.E. 1966. Influence of vegetation on Permafrost.
N.R.C. 9274, Research Paper No. 298.
Butsch, R.S. 1954. The life history and ecology of the red-
backed vole, CZethrionomys Gapperi gapperi vigors~ in
Minnesota. Ph.D. thesis. Univ. of Michigan. 148p.
Cameron, A.W. 1964. Competitive exclusion between the rodent
genera Microtus and CZethrionomys. Evol. 18: 630 -634.
Clough, G.C. 1964. Local distribution of two voles: evidence
for interspecific interaction. Can. Field. Natur. 78:
80 -89.
Coventry, A.F. 1937. Notes on the breeding of small Cricetidae
in Ontario. J. Mannn. 18 : 489 -496.
Davis, D.E. 1961. Principles of population control by gametocides.
Trans. N. Am. Wildl. Con£. 26: 160 -167.
-64 -
Fuller, W.A. 1969. Changes in numbers in three species of small
rodents near Great Slave Lake, N.W.T. Annales Zoologici
'Pennici 6:113-114.
Getz, L. L. 1961. Home ranges, terri tori ali ty, and movement of
the meadow vole. J. ~fumm. 42: 24-~6.
Gunderson, H.L. 1950. A study of small mammal populations at
Cedar Creek Forest, Anoka County, Minnesota. Occas. Papers
Hinnesota ~fus. ""Jat. Hist. , Minneapolis, no. 4, p. 7 plus
49, illus.
Hamilton, W .. 1 • , Jr. 1937. The biology of micro tine cycles.
J. of Agric. Res. 54: 779-790.
Harowitz, W. (ed.l 1970. nfficial methods of analvsis of the
association of official analytical chemists. '"ssoc. nffic.
~al. Chern., Washington, D.~. 1015 p.
Hayne, D. ''I. 1949. Calculation of size of home range. ,T. Hannn.
30: 1-18.
Hernandez, fl. 1973. Revegetation studies Norman Wells, Inuvik and
Tuktoyaktuk, N. W. T. and Prudhoe Bay, Alaska: '\pplication to
the proposed pipeline route. r.or the Environment Protection
Board, Winnipeg, ~nn.
Howard, W.E., and R.E. ~rarsh. 19n9. Mestranol as a reproductive
inhibitor in rats and voles. J. Wildl. ~bnaga. )3: 403-408.
Kennelly, J .. T., 1-1. V. Garrison and B .E .. Tohns. 1972. Laboratory
studies on the effect of U-5897 on the reproduction of wild
male rats. .J. Wildl. ~1anag. '\4: 508 -513.
Knapp, R. 1958. Einfuhrung in die Pflanzensoziologie. I.
'\rbeitsmethoden der Pflanzensoziologie. 2nd edn. Verlag
Eugen Ulmer, Stuttgard. 112 p.
Krebs, C. 1966. Demographic changes in fluctuating populations
of Microtus caZifornicus. Ecol. ~bnogr. 36: 239-273.
Lack, D. 1954. Cyclic mortality. J. Wildl. Monag. 18: 25-.37.
~{cGrogan, J.P., A. r.. Condo and J. -:'Jeubauer. 1971. Tundra restora-
tion: Two-year response study of generic related grass types
introduced onto disturbed Prudhoe Bay area tundra. Soc.
netroleum Eng. Paper 3249. Am. Inst. Mining, Hetallurg. and
Petroleum Eng., Dallas, Texas. 12 p.
Hiller-Velten, H. 196n. Z. Vergl. Physiol. 52: .101.
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~1orris, R.D. 1968. Competitive exclusion between Microtus and
Clethrionomys in the aspen parkland of Saskatchewan. .r. ~famrn.
so: 291-:'101.
ndum, E.P. and J.B. rentry. 1957. The effects of weather on the
winter activity of old-+ield rodents. J. Mamm. ~8: 72-77.
Ognev, S.I. 1964. ~~ls of the u.s.s.~. ~nd adjacent countries.
Israel program for scientific translations Ltd. 7: 88-105.
Peterson, R.L. 1966. The manrnals of eastern Canada. nxford
Univ. Press, Toronto.
Preble, E.A. 1908. A biological investigation of the Athabasca-
Mackenzie region. U.S. Biol. Surv., N.A. Pauna No. 27:
274 PP., 25 pls., 16 figs.
Rolls, K. 1971. ~'ammalian scent marking. Science 171: 443-449.
Rowe, J.S. 1959. Forest regions of Canada. Department of Northern
Affairs and Natural Resources, Forestry Branch. Bulletin 123.
Schulz, A/~. 1964. The nutrient-recovery hypothesis for arctic
microtine cycles. II. Ecosystem variables in relation to the
arctic microtine cycles, p . .S7-68. In D. Cresp (ed.) Grazing
in terrestrial and marine environments. Blackwell's, Oxford.
Stickel, L.F. 1946. Experimental analysis of methods for measuring
small manmal populations. J. Wildl. Manag. 10: 150-159.
Summerhayes, V.S. 1941. The effect of voles on vegetation. J. Ecol.
29: 14-118.
Svichla, A. 1929. Breeding habits and young of the red-hacked mouse,
Evotomys. Papers of the :Mich. Acad. of Science, Arts and
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Tanner, H.C. 1950. The life history and ecology of the red-backed
mouse (Clethrionomys Gapperi gapperi (Vigors)), in the wild-
erness area, Algonquin Park, Ontario. Un:publ. ~faster of Arts
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Thomnson, D.Q. 1955. The role of food and cover in population
fluctuations of the brown lemming at Point Barrow, Alaska.
Trans. N.A. Wildl. Conf. 20: 166-174.
-66 -
Van Cleve, K. ~nd J. Manthei. 1971. ~evegetation of disturbed
tundra and taiga surfaces. n. 22 In 22nd Alaska Sci. Con£.,
College Alaska, Aug. 1971. Alaska-rriv. AAAS. 163 p. (abstracts)
Younkin, W.E. 1972. Revegetation studies of disturbances in the
Mackenzie Delta region. p. 175-229. In Bliss, L.C. and R.W.
Wein (eds.), Botanical studies of natural and man modified
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Islands. ALUR 71-72-14, Dept. of Indian Affairs and Northern
Develcmment, Ottawa, Ontario. ~88 p.
-67 -
uY 11 XIUN:iddV
PLOT
SPECIES SUB PLOT
Aulacomnium acuminatum
Tomenthypnum nitens
Marchantia polymorpha
Moss 214
Hylocom ium splendens
Leptobryum pyriforme
Ceratodon purpureus
Splachnum sterile
Calliergon richardsonii
Sphagnum spp.
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Pleurozium schreberi
Funari& hygrometries
Ditrichum flexicaule
Drepanocladus vernicosus
Cinclidium stygium
Polytrichum juniperinum
Cladonia spp.
Peltigera spp
Cetraria nivalis
Vascular Plants
Carex aquatilis
Vaccinium uliginosum
Arctostaphylos rubra
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Rubus chamaemorus
Equisetum palustre
Ledum groenlandicum
Arctagrostis latifolia
Salix planifolia
REINVAS ION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _J_ SUBSTRATE: ORGANIC
a _a
4 10 --"12"--:-__ 13
a b
11 14 15 16
a a a b a a b
17 19
a
+ 2.6 33.2 18.2 1.3 .9 1.0 .6 .5 .1 1.3 .9 .5 3.8 .6 2.7 3.0 .9 .5 2.6 3.4 .6 1.3 11.3 11.3 1.3 .9 3.4 .6 3.0 5.1 .6 1.0 1.8 9.3 21.4
6.2 8.8 17.1 3.0 5.4 5.4 10.4 3.0 3.0 .2 + .6 .9 .6 + .5 .4 .6 2.6 3.0 .9 5.4 5.9 .4 .1 .4 + + + .8 + .5
.4 + + .5 .5 .1 .2 .1 + .8 .8 2.6 + .4 .2 7.1 .9 .8 .1 .2 .1 2.5 + + 2.9 3.0 .5 1.3 • 9 2.5 .2 + +
.4 .5 + + + 6.7 8.8 + + 3.0 .4 .4 + + .1 + + + .1 +
.4 .4 .4 .6 .4 .4 .2 .6 .3 .4 1.9 + + + .1 .4 + .4 .4 .8 .2 .6 .2 .1 .2 + .3 .2 2. 7 .9 .6 3.0 .5 .2 .2
+
.4 .4
+
20.013.0
+ .5
3.0 .9
.5 .2
+
.4
.4 .4
.5 + .6 + .6 + .2 .1 .9 .4 .5 .2 1.0 .5 .1 .1 .8 .5 .9 .5 .1 .4 .6 6. 7 .4 +
.4 + + .9 + + + + .5 .5 + + ' .9 .9 3.0 .6 .1 3.0 .5 .5 .4 +
.5 + + + .5 + + + + .4 + + + + .1 .4 + + 2 .5 .9 .5 +
6.2 + + +
+ + + .5 + + .9 .5 + + .8 .5 .4 + . 6
.4 + + + .4 .5 .9 + + .5 .2 .2 + + .1 .1 + .1 + .1 + + .1
.4 .2 .1 .2 .3 + .2 .1 . 7 .1 .2 .2 .2
+ + + + + + .1 .4 + .4 + +
+ .5 + + + .5 .1 + +
+ + + + + + + + +
+ .1 + + + +
+ .4 + + .1 + .1 .1 + + + + + + + + .9 .9 .6 .1 + +
+ + + + + + + + + + +
+ +
.1 3.8 3.8 .8 2.5 2.5 3.3 .9 .4 3.0 .4 2.5 .4 + 2.5 .4 .4 .8 .4 +
.4 3.8 1.0 1.4 1.0 1.3 3.0 3.0 1.8 1.3 .5 1.0 + .1 .5 + .8 1.2 1.2 1.7 1.7 .9 .9 .1 1.2 .9 1.2 1.3 .5 1.3 3 .o
+ • 7 .4 .5 .8 .4 .4 .4 + + .4 . 9 3 .3 1. 7 1.2 1.3 1.3 .8 .9 1.3 1.3 3.8 1.7 .9 3.4
.5 .5 1.3 .1 + + .1 3 .o .2 + + + 1.3 .5 + + .4 + .5 1.3 .2 1. 7 1.4 .9 + .4 .9 .2 .9 1.0 .8 .9
+ + 1.2 .4 .5 .8 .8 .4 + 1.2 + + .4 .5 .4 .4 .2 .5 .5 .4 .4 + .8 .4 .5 .9 1.0 .9 .9 .5 1.0 1.2
.5 1.0 1.4 1.3 .5 1.0 .5 3.0 .5 .9 .8 + .5 .5 .4 .4 .5 .4 + .1 + + + +
.1 + 1.3 + + .8 .9 .2 .4 + .1 .4 .8 + + .4 + .1 .5 + .4 .5 .5 .5 + .5 .5 .9 .5 1.7 .5
+ + + .6
10.4
.4 + .5 .8 .4 + + .9 .5 .4 .1 .4 .2 +
Figures Represent Percent Ground Cover
+ -Species is present but rare
.2 .1 .4 .5 .2 .6 1.0 1.0 1.0 • 6
%
Freq,
75.9
42.1
41.7
18.0
48.2
37.0
44.9
19.9
1.8
11.1
30.1
11.1
13 .o
10.6
1.4
6.9
5.1
12 .5
6.0
0.5
24.5
54.2
25.0
50.9
32.4
39.4
38.4
44.4
1.8
~"!"_ ___________ 2 __ _
SPECIES SUBPLOT
Andromeda polifolia .8 .5 .2
Smilacina trifolia + +
Carex spp.
Equisetum scirpoides
Vaccinium vi tis -idaea
Epilobium angustifolium
Betula glandulosa .5 .1 .4
Rosa acicularis
Ranunculus lapponicus +
Potentilla fruticosa + + +
Calamagrostis lapponica
Empetrum nigrum
Eriophorum angustifolium
Equisetum arvense
Epilobium spp.
Eriophorum spp.
Salix spp. +
Salix alaxensis
Salix glauca
Betula papyrifera
Oxycoccus microcarpus +
Picea mariana
Achillea borealis
Senecio congestus
COMPOSITAE
Agrostis alba
Hordeum jubatum
Alopecurua pratens is
Poa palustris
Poa pre tens is
Phalaris arundinacea
Poa compressa
REINVASirn CF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _I._ SUBSTRATE: ORGANIC
4 10 ll 12 13 1~4~--.1·5----.1~6----1f ___ lla:_ 19
a b _--..£_ __ !!_ __ L __ l!. __ b __ a __ b --~--a __ b _ _!. __ b __ '!._ ...!!.. __ b~-~· b __ a ___ b b a b b
.1 + + .2 + .2 .2 + .1 .5 .2 .1 + + + .9 .5 .9 .5 .5 .9 .1 .2 .1 .1 .1 + .2 + .5
+ + 2.5 .4 .4 3.0 .1 + .4 + .4 + + + .9
.63.3 + + + + + + .5 .9 .2 .5 .5 .4 + + .4 .4
+ + + .1 + + .1 + + + .1 .2 .2 .2 .1 .1 .1 .2 .5 .1 .5 .6 .2 .2 .2 .5
+ + + .4 .4 + + + .4 .4 + + + + + ~ .2 .2 .5 .1 .2 .6 .1 .2
+ + + + + + 2.5 + .4 .4 .4
.4 .4 .4 + .4 + + +
+ .1 .8 + .4 .4 .4 + + +
+ + + + + + + ~ .4 .4 + .1 + + + + .2 + + .1
.4 • 7 + + + + + .4
2.5 .4 + + + ~ + .4
+ + .4 .4 .4 + .4
1.2 + + + +
+ + + .2 .1 + .4 + +
+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + .1 + +
+ .4 .4
+ + + + + + + + + + + ~
+ .4 +
.4
+ + .1 + + +
+ + + + +
+ + + +
+
+
+
.5 .4
+ .4
.4
+ + + +
+
+
+
%
Freg.
44.4
14.4
18.5
28.7
30.1
5.1
6.9
5.1
16.7
6.5
3.7
2.8
2.8
10.6
12.5
1.8
6.0
1.8
0.5
4.6
2.8
1.8
0.5
0.5
0.5
2.3
1.4
0.5
1.8
0.5
0.5
0.5
REI NV AS ION Of PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: .....u.._ SUBSTRATE: ~~NIC
17
----PLOT _________ 2 _______ 3 ______ 4 ____ 5 ____ 6 _______ 7 ______ 8 ____ 9 _____ 1o ____ 1f------l2--l3 14 15 16
SPECIES SUBPLOT---==-a -b a _ b _ --b--8--b-----b----b-----b--a b b a b _ _!. __ J?_---;-==~==:=;---b--_--..:-o..-_-_--'-b'-----"-18 -,-----"1"-9
0!.--~-L~:... __ _
Ceratodon purpureus ,2 .1 1.2 .1 1.2 .1 2,5 .1 8.8 2 .5 ,2 .2 7.6 18.9 2.5 1.2 26.2 7.5 26.2 8.8 8.8 .1 18.9 26.2 38.8 31.2 8.8 18.9 18.9 8.8 32.5 15.0 7.6 7.6 79.2
Leptobryum pyriforme 7.6 .2 1.4 7.6 26,3 7.6 .1 2.5 15.0 8.8 26,2 8.8 26,2 7.6 8.8 2,5 15.0 7.6 8.8 1.2 1.4 7.6 8.8 .1 .1 1.4 2,5 1.4 8.8 20.0 18.9 2.5 8.8 8.8 1.4 .2 93 .I
Aulacomnium acuminatum 1.415.0 ,2 18.9 1,4 .2 8.8 .2 ,2 1.4 1.4 1.4 7.6 1.2 1.4 1.4 7.6 1.4 7.6 18.9 .2 1.4 1.4 1.4 7.6 1.4 38.8 1.4 2,5 8.8 1.4 18.9 1.4 8.8 26.2 20.0 97.2
Marchantia polymorpha 1.2 .2 .1 .1 ,2 1.2 1.4 .1 2,5 8.8 ,2 7.5 1.2 8.8 .2 2,5 20,0 2,5 1.2 1.4 2.5 2.5 8.8 15.0 26.2 37.5 15.0 26.2 8.8 .1 1.4 76.4
Tomenthypnum nitens .1 1.4 .1 .2 .1 ,1 .1 1.4 7.5 1.2 ,2 .2 1.4 .2 1.2 1.2 7.6 31,4 18.8 7.6 18.9 18.9 2.5 8.8 7.5 1.4 55.6
Hylocomium splendens ,2 .2 1.4 1.2 .1 7.5 2.5 ,2 .1 .1 .2 1.2 .2 1.2 1.4 1.4 .2 15,0 .1 2,5 1.4 7.6 1.2 .2 7.5 1.2 7.5 18.9 7.6 18.9 1.4 18.9 69.4
Moss 214 1.2 .1 1.4 .1 .2 ,2 .2 ,2 .2 1.4 1.2 7.6 1.4 .2 1.4 .2 ,2 ,2 1.4 .2 1.4 2.5 1.4 8.8 1.2 1.4 1.4 .1 .2 .2 1.4 .2 1.4 .2 1.4 18.9 91.7
Sphagnum spp. .1 .1 .1 7.5 1.2 7.5 .1 .2 .1 1.2 .1 .1 .1 .1 1.2 .2 7.6 8.8 .1 1.4 1.2 36.1
Bryum pseudotriquetrum .1 .5 .1 .1 .1 .2 ,2 .2 .2 .1 ,2 1.2 ,2 ,2 1.4 1.2 1.4 1.4 7.5 1.2 2.5 1.4 ,2 .2 7 .6 .2 1.4 1.4 65.3
Splachnum sterile 1.2 .1 .2 .2 7.5 1.2 7.6 .1 2,5 7.5 1.2 ,2 .1 .1 .2 ,1 ,1 .2 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .2 .1 .1 .I 1.4 .1 .1 52 .8
Pleuroz ium schreberi .1 .1 7 0 6 .1 .1 1.4 .1 ,1 1.4 ,2 .1 1.4 .2 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 1.4 .1 .1 38.9
Polytrichum juniperinum .1 .1 .1 .1 ,2 .1 1.4 1.2 1.2 .1 1.2 1.4 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 .1 .2 .1 .1 .2 3 7.5
Ditrichum flexicaule .1 .1 .2 .1 .1 1.2 .2 .1 .1 .1 .1 1.2 .1 .I 18.1
Pohlia nutans .1 1.2 1.2 .1 1.2 6.9
Drepanocladus fluitans .1 1,2 2 .8
Cinclidium stygium .1 .1 2 0 8
Paludella squarrosa .1 1.4
Calliergon richardsonii .1 1.4
Cladonia spp. .1 1.2 .1 .1 1.2 .1 .1 1.4 1.4 .1 .1 1.2 .1 .1 1.2 .1 .1 ,2 .1 29.2
Peltigera spp. .1 .1 .1 l.. .2
Cetraria nivalis .1 .1 4.2
Vascular Plants
Arctagrostis latifolia 1.2 7.6 31.2 18.8 7.5 7.6 .1 1.2 1.2 7.5 .2 .l .1 .1 .1 ,l 1,2 2.5 2.5 26.2 .2 2.5 1.4 8.8 51.4
carex aquatilis 1.2 18.8 18.8 8.8 8.8 18,9 8.8 18.8 7.5 .1 22 ,2
Vaccinium ul igi no sum 1.2 1.2 1.2 .1 ,2 .1 .1 .1 .1 1.2 .1 2,5 2.5 .1 ,2 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 8.8 8.8 15.0 8.8 8.8 65.3
Er:Juisetum scirpoides
Rubus chamaemorus
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Equisetum silvaticum
Andromeda pol ifol ia
Calamagrostis lapponica
Ledum groen land icum
Oxycoccus microcarpus
Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Eriophorum angustifoliu;n
Ledurn decumbens
Ranunculus lapponicus
Equ ise tum arvense
Rosa acicularis
Epilobium spp.
Salix spp.
Alnus crispa
Carex spp
Eriophorum spp
Arctostaphylos rubra
Epilobium angustifolium
Picea mariana
Potentilla spp
Betula glandulosa
Linnaea borealis
1.4 .1
.2 .2
.1 1.2
.2 .1
.1
1.2
1.4 1.4
.1 1.1
.1
.2 1.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2 15.0
.1 .1
7.5 .1
1.2
.1 .1
.1
.1
.2 1.2
1.2
.1 .1
.2
.1
1.2
.1
.1
REINVASION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _u_ __
.2 .2 26.2
.1 1.4 2.5
1.2 .1 1.4
1.4 7.6
1.4
7.5 1.4
1.2 1.4 1.4
.1 .1
.1 2 .s .2
.1 .2
.1 2. 5 .2
1.2
.1 1.2
.1
.1
1.2
7.5 .1
.1
1.2
1.2
.1
1.2 1.2
.1 1.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2 1.2 2.5 .1
1.4 7.6 8.8 .1 .2
.1 .2 7.5 1.2 .1
7.5 1.2
.1 7 .s
1.2
.2 .1
.1
1.2 1.2 1.2
.1 .1
1.2 .1
.1 1.2 1.2 .1
1.4 .2 .2 .1
.1 1.2 .1 .1
.1 1.2
.1 1.2 1.2
.1 .1
1.2 .1
.1
1.2
.1 .1
.1
.1
.1
1.2
.1
.1
1.4
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1 .1
.1 2 .s
.1
.1
.1 .2
.1
.1
.1
.1 .2
.1 .1 .1 .1
1.4 1.2 2.5 2.5
1.2 .1 .1 .1
.1 .1 1.2
1.2 1.2
1.4 .1
.2 .2
.1 1.2
.1 .2 1.4
1.2
.1 .1
.1 1.2
.1
.2
.1 .2
.1 2.5
1.2 .1
.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
1.2
.1
.1
.1
.2
.1
1.2
.1 1.4 1.4
1.4 2.' 1.2
.1 1.2
.2 .2 [.2
1.4 1.4 2.5
.1 7. 5 1.2
.1 .1 .1
1.2 1.2
.1
1.2 7. 5
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1 .1
.1
.1 .1 1.4
.1 .1 .1 .1
.2 .1
.1
.1
1.2
.1 1.2
.1
.1 1.2
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2 1.4
1.2
1.2 1.2
1.2 8.8
1.4 2.5
1.2
.2 .1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.1
1.2
.1 .2 1.2
.2 1.4 .1
.1
1.2
1.4
.1
1.2
1.2
.1
.1
.2
.1
.1
1.4
.1
7.5
1.4
1.4
.1
.1
.1
.1
1.2
.2 .1 .1
1.2 2.5 2.5
1.4 2 .s 1.4
.1 .1
1.4 2.5 1.4
.1 .1
1.4 1.4 1.4
7. 5
.2 .1
.1
.1
.1
.1
.2 .1
.1
.1
.2
.1
.1
.1
1.2
1.2
.1
2. 5
.1
1.4
1.2
1.2
.1
.1 .1 1.4
.1
68.1
73 .6
50.0
40.3
59.7
38.9
51.4
19.4
47.2
6. 9
2 7.8
26.4
5. 6
16.7
30.6
30.6
11.1
11.1
9. 7
12.5
6.9
9. 7
5.6
5.6
1.4
REINVASION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _u__ SUBSTRATE: ~~N_!_'C
-----PL"o:r----------z------f------4--------f-------6------7-----s-------9-----To _____ ir-----u-----rf---14----rs-----1-6-----rr----18 ____ 19 _______ % __
~--S~B_iL.£!=======--• --~--;----~----;-==}=-·-----b=-__-.:_;--b -=-'!.=~-1:_-==~--~--..!.--=-~=-;'-=_£.--<!_ __ l=---=~=}_-=-_!.-=b--_a_--b -==-8-==f==--8-=~--a b ---;===b----;---b--F~=
Betula papyrifera .1 .l .l .l .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 12.5
Salix alaxensis .1 .l .l .1 .l .1 .1 .1 12.5
Populus tremuloides .l .1 .l .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 11.1
Achillea borealis .1 .1 .l .1 .1 .1 9. 7
Smilacina trifolia .1 .1 .1 .1 .1 6.9
CRUCIFERAE .1 .l .1 .1 .1 4.2
Larix laricina .1 .1 .1 4.2
Potentilla fruticosa .1 .1 .1 4.2
Salix glauca .1 1.4
Ranunculus gmelinii .1 2.8
Pyrola spp. .1 1.4
Trifolium spp. .1 1.4
Juncus spp. .1 1.4
Agrostis alba 8.8 1.4 .1 1.2 .1 11.1
Poa pratensis 1.4 .1 .1 5.6
Phleum spp. .1 ,2 1.2 5. 6
Poa trivialis 1.4 .1 .1 5.6
Festuca rubra 1.2 .l 4.2
Hordeum jubatum 1.2 1.4
Poa palustris .1 .1 .1 .1 6.9
Alopecurus pratensis .1 .1 2 .8
Phalaris arundinacea .1 .1 1.4
Festuca elatior .1 .1 2 .8
Agrostis tenuis .1 1.4
Bromus secal inus .1 1.4
Avina spp. .1 1.4
Agropyron trachycaulum .1 1.4
REimrASION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _l;.l..!.... SUBSTRATE: ~!_<;_
~~~E3_~l~l~~~==-~~===~=~~=·~~i=~=i_:~~=~1==~-7 --:=~i=-!=~===~===~===~~=~~~=~~i==~~f~-~~?i~~~~~~s===~~~l---~=~~~~====!~====-~==--===-~~~===~==--==
~.>:."-<!
Leptobryum pyriforme
Splachnum sterile
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Funaria hygrometries
Marchantia p:Jlym::>rpha
Aulacomnium acuminatum
Ceratodon purpureus
Moss 214
Tomenthypnum nitens
Drepanocladus vernicosus
Cinclidium stygium
Hylocomium splendens
Ditrichum flexicaule
Paludella squarrosa
Calliergon richardso':lii
t!Jccop!tyt'!
Cladonia spp.
Y.•-•-~l:_~Plal!!_s_
Equisetum palustre
Equiaetum arvense
Vaccinium uliginosum
Carex aquatilis
Arctostaphylos rubra
Equisetum scirpoides
Ledum groenland icum
Salix spp.
.9
1.2
5.0
+
.1
+
+
3.4
+ .9
.5
.4 2.5
+
+
+ +
+
+ .5
.9
.4
+
+
.4
+ + .9 2.5
+ 2.5 +
+ + .4
+
+
+
2.5 3.0 3.0 22.5
11.2 .2 2.6 +
.5 .4 .4 .4
2.5 6.3 3.0
+ .4 .4
.4 + +
+ + .4
+ +
8.8
.1
7.6
.1
1.4
2.5
.2
.1
.2
.1
1.2
1.2
1.2
1.2
.1
.1
.1
1.4
18.9
7.5
7.6
.1
.1
1.4
.2
.2
.2
.1
.1
.l
.2
18.8
7.5
.2
1.2
50.0 15.0
3 7.5 26.2
.1 .2
20.0 .2
7.6 1.4
1.4 2.5
7.6 1.4
1.4 .2
.1 1.4
.1 .1
2.5 7.6
1.2 .1
1.4 1.4
.1
.2
75.0
45.8
64.6
56.3
56.3
70.8
58.3
7.2.9
58.3
14.6
8.3
27.1
6.3
2.1
2.1
12.5
20.8
70.8
39.6
18.8
18.8
52.1
25.0
22.9
REINVASION OF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECfiO:;: ~I_L SUBSTRATE: QR£A_"!~C:
Potentilla fruticosa .4 1.2 .1 14.6
Arctagrostis latifolia + 1.2 .1 .1 2 5.0
Ca. rex s pp. + + .1 1.2 16.7
Eriop~orum spp. + 1.2 .1 16.7
Salix glauca 1.2 .1 12 .s
Salix alaxensis .4 .1 8.3
Eriophorum angustifolium + .4 4.2
Andro:neda polifolia .1 + .1 20.8
Vacciniun vitis-idaea .1 .1 12.5
Leduil decum':>ens .1 .1 12.5
c:1amaedaphne calyculata + .1 8.3
Epilobium spp. + .1 8.3
R'inunculus lappo:1icus + 4.2
Stellaria spp. .1 6.3
Achillea borealis + 2.1
Epilobium angustifolium + 2 .1
Festuca ovina 1.2 .1 12 .5
Hordeum jubatum • 3 18.8
Phalaris arundinacea .1 6.3
Festuca elatior .1 6.3
Agrostis alba .1 6.3
REI NV AS ION OF PLOIS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _IY._ SUBSTRATE: Q.~l!!_<_:
--------p-L-or------------y------y------,;-----s-----T------r------8------9---To-----~c------i't _______ f3 ___ 14 _____ !5 ______ f6--17---f8 _____ T9---------------~------------
s_P~~!.E_s ___ Sj£~f(~f===---a_=~=--;===~=~£=~--=~---b--=~=~===~=-~--.!.--~---~ --b==l!.---~=~~==b--a ---~=--i!.--=:€==~=-b=&-=€==~==}_~=-~-b-i!:===b--~-~=============~~~L=--====--==
!Lr.LC!£.~
Aulacomnium acuminatu.n + 2.6 .2 + 1.0 3.4 1.1 3.0 1.0 1.3 1.0 5.9 1.0 3.4 1.0 4.1 .6 8.0 3.1 15.9 3.1 1.4 3.1 6.3 5.5 5.5 9.3 17.6 7.6 1.3 13.8 5.5 73 .1
Leptobryum pyriforme .1 + + + 2.5 .4 2.9 2.5 2.5 6.4 .9 6.7 3.8 5.5 3.4 2.6 7.2 3.4 s.s 7.5 1.0 3.4 3.4 .s 3.0 3.0 1.0 6.3 3.4 1.3 1.7 .9 1.4 .9 3.0 2.9 63 .4
Ceratodon purpureus .s .2 .1 + .8 + .4 .5 .s .4 .2 3.4 .2 + .5 1.0 s.s .s .5 1.3 3.8 2.5 .5 3.0 5.8 .9 1.0 .5 1.7 .9 3.1 .9 2.9 2.9 46.8
Splachnum sterile + + .4 + 2.5 .4 .4 .4 6.7 .4 .9 3.0 3.4 + .9 .9 .5 .4 3.0 • + .5 + .5 + .s 2.6 + .9 1.2 3.0 + 36.6
Moss 214 .4 + 5.0 6.2 2.9 .4 .4 + .4 .4 .5 .5 .1 .5 1.8 .5 .5 + + 1.0 .6 .1 .5 .5 .s .1 .9 + .5 .9 .9 + .s + .2 + 47.2
Marchantia polymorph& + + + + .4 + .4 .1 + .5 .5 + .5 .5 .8 .6 .2 .6 3.0 + 2.7 1.3 1.3 1.0 3.4 3.4 2.1 .6 .9 .9 .s + 51.9
Funaria hygrometries + + + .4 + .4 .4 .4 2.5 2.6 3.0 .6 2.5 .9 .9 3.0 3.0 .4 .2 .4 .4 + .5 + .1 .1 + .5 .5 .4 .4 35.2
Tomenthypnum ni tens + + + .1 .5 + .6 .2 .2 2.7 .5 3.4 .1 1.0 3.4 .4 .1 3.4 .9 6.3 1.3 2.6 .s .4 + + .1 + 43 .5
Hylocomium splendens .1 + + .2 .1 .2 .2 + .9 .6 .2 .6 .2 1.3 .6 .s .s .9 .s .9 .2 .9 .9 .5 + .2 + .2 .9 .63.0 + .5 .6 1.3 .9 64.4
Bryum pseudotriquetrum .1 + .4 + + + .1 .1 .2 + .1 .2 .6 + .2 .2 1.2 .6 .2 .2 1.0 .1 .6 .2 1.0 .5 2. 7 1.2 .2 .1 .2 1.0 .5 .1 57.4
Sphagnum spp + + .4 + + 1.3 .5 + .1 + + .9 + + + + 16.7
Drepanocladus fluitans .4 + 2.5 + + 3. 7
Ditrichu:n flexicaule + .4 + + + .5 + + + + .5 + + + + 12 .5
Polytrichum juniperinum + + + + + + + 4.2
Cinclidium stygium .1 + + 3.2
Calliergon richardsonii + 0.9
Drepanocladus vern icosus + 0.5
Meesea trifaria + 0.5
Cladonia spp. + + .9 .4 .5 + 2.5 + .9 + + 3.0 13.4
Poeltigera spp. + + .4 + + .2 + .4 + + + + + + 11.1
Cetraria nivalis + 0.5
Equisetum arvense + + .5 6.3 6.3 .2 .5 + 10.5 3.0 6.7 .9 .9 + 2.5 .5 8.8 6.7 .4 2.5 + 25 .9
Vaccinium ul ig inosu.ll 2.5 .4 2.6 .5 1.3 .3 .9 3.0 1.3 1.7 .4 .9 .5 .9 + 3.4 .1 .9 3.4 3.0 .2 .5 .9 1.0 .2 .4 .5 .s 3.4 .9 3.8 .5 53.7
Arctostaphylos rubra .4 2.5 .4 .4 2.5 1.7 1.2 7.1 1.7 3.3 7.1 .9 .8 2.9 .4 + .4 + .8 + + .4 .5 .4 24.5
RE!NVASION CF PLOTS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: _!_'!._ SUBSTRATE: Q!\.~~!.S.
~F£~:~~kic=~==--=~~~===~=--~==~~=~~~=--b===~=~-b===~~~==~~=~==~=~=~~~=~~~==~~~i===~-~2=i~:;=[~~==~=~=~=-b-==z~~~==~==L=~~~==~=9~============-=====&~q:~====~--===
Arctagrostis 1atifolia .4 + + + .5 1.0 + .2 .2 .4 .5 .4 .5 6.7 .4 .5 1.3 3.4 6.7 .8 .6 .9 .5 3.4 .9 37.0
Ledum groen1andicum .4 .4 .9 .1 .1 .8 .5 .2 .8 .9 1.0 1.3 .5 1.2 .9 .5 + .5 .9 .4 .4 + .4 .5 .1 + .5 + 2.5 .4 1.3 1.3 39.8
Equisetum scirpoides + + .1 .5 .2 .2 .6 .2 3.0 1.0 .9 1.8 3.8 .9 .9 .6 .6 + .1 + .5 .2 .5 + .1 .8 .2 .1 .1 .4 .1 .6 .2 .2 62.5
Carex vaginata 3.0 10.8 .4 3.0 4.2
Chamaedaphne calyculata
Rubus chamaemoruo
Vaccinium vi tis ~idaea
Eriophorum spp.
Andromeda polifolia
Equisetum silvaticum
Salix spp.
Carex spp.
CRUCIFERAE
Alnus crispa
Ranunculus lapponicus
Rosa acicularis
Salix alaxensis
Potentilla fruticosa
Epilobium angustifolium
Equisetum palustre
P;:~tentilla spp.
Salix glauca
Pop'..llus tre.nuloides
Betula papyrifera
Calamagrostis lapp::mica
Empe trum n igrum
.4 +
+ .4
.4 +
.4 .5 2.5 + + .4 1.3 .1
+
+ + . 5 .4 .4
2.4
+
+ + .4
.8
+
+
.9 +
.4 +
+ .4 .9 .9 .1 .9 .93.0 .5
.9 2.6 1.2 1.3 .4 .4 .4 .1 .5
.1 .1 + .4 .4 + + +
.4 +
+ .4 .5 .9 + .1 .9 .4 +
+ + + .6 .4 .2 1.3 .2
.4 + + + + .4 .1 +
.9 .1 .5 + +
+ +
+ + +
.4 +
+ + +
.4 .8
+ +
.9 +
.4 .4
+
+ + + + +
+ .4
.4 +
.5 1.0
.4
.1 +
.6 +
.4
.4 +
.1 .2 .6 .4 .1 +
.4 .4 + + .1
.4 .4 + .4
+
+
.4 +
+
+ +
.4 2.9 + + 3.0 .4 2.5
.9 .6 .4 .1 .2 .2 + .2 + .4 +
.6 .4 + .4 + .1 + .1 .9 .1 .5 +
+
.4 .2 1.0 1.0 .1 .5 .4 .4
.4
+
.4
.4 1.3 .1 .4 +
.4
+ +
.4
.4 .4 + +
+
.4 .4
+ .4 + + .4 .1 .4 + +
+ + +
.2 .4 +
+ + +
+ + + +
+
.4
1.0 .2
+ .4
.5 .2
.4
.2 .5
. 2 .4
+ .4
.4
.5 .4
+
38.4
22.2
29.2
7.4
29.6
28. 7
17.1
11.6
10.6
1.9
15.3
3. 7
8.8
1.4
4.2
2 .3
2 .3
1.4
1.4
8.3
3.7
1.9
REINVAS lOll Oi' PLOIS BY NATIVE SPECIES
TEST SECTION: .1.11__
------J?Lo-r------------z------r-----,-------s-------6-----r------s------9------ro----"Tr------rr-------rf----rc---rs-------u;---w-----18----T9 _______________ i _____________ _
~ITc..!_E_s_ SU~[(~========~==~===~==~===~==~-~===~==c=~==:!:==~=--=:f==~==~===~===~===;--~==~====~===~==~~~==l!---!.==~=~==~===;--=)===~==~====~---~-=======--===-Fr~tL:----:====--=
Senecio congestus + + .4 1.4
Epilobium spp. + + + 6.0
Cat'ex aquatilis .4 0.5
Eriop~orum angustifolium .4 0.5
Smilacina trifolia + + .2 3.2
Achillea borealis .l + + 2.3
Picea mariana + + 1.9
Betula glandolosa + + 0.5
Oxyoccus microcarpus + 0.9
Geocaulon lividum + + 0.9
ORCHIDACEAE + + 0.9
Sparganium spp. + 0.5
COMPOSITAE + 0.5
Stellaria spp. + 0.5
Pyrola secunda + 0.5
Pedicularis spp. + e.s
Agrostis al~a 1.8 .9 4.6
Festuca rubra .4 + 2.3
Agrostis tenuis .4 + 0.9
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GROUND SURFACE
PERMAFROST
SCALES
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TABLE SEPT. 21, 1972
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LEGEND
SCALES
GROUND SURFACE
PERMAFROST TABLE -SEPT. 21, 1972
HORIZONTAL
VERTICAL r100
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