| FREMP
> Estuary Management Plan
> Colour Coding
In
March 2005, revisions to the FREMP habitat classifications ("Colour
codes") were approved and the changes made available on the
FREMP GIS at our office and on the on-line FREMP
Atlas. They are also available by navigating to www.shim.bc.ca and clicking on "Atlas Gallery & Data Entry".
The
Fraser River is constantly changing, so the habitat inventory and
classification systems--data sets that help decion-makers determine
the conditions that will apply in planning and physical works along
the river--need to be reviewed and revised on a regular basis.
The
most recent habitat classification review was conducted in 2004
by an interagency group composed of representatives from Fisheries
and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada, the BC Ministry of Environment,
the Fraser River Port Authority, and the North Fraser Port Authority.
A backgrounder to that process is available on the publications
section of this website or by clicking here.
Click here
to see photos of the GIS used to update the colour codes.
Selected
site photos taken during the review process are available at the
FREMP office.
OVERVIEW OF THE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
Classification
(Colour-coding)
Shorelines
that include intertidal and near-shore riparian areas within FREMP
have been classified and colour-coded on the basis of the relative
values of their habitat features. Examples of habitat features include
mudflat, marsh, and bottomland forest. The classification system
is based on an inventory of all habitat types in the estuary.
The codes are intended to guide prospective developers in selecting
appropriate sites and identifying suitable design concepts prior
to making application for approval of their projects. Such approvals
are obtained through application to the appropriate Lead Agency
and subsequent review through the FREMP Coordinated
Project Review Process.
In 2003, the FREMP habitat inventory was updated using a "features
and functions" approach to capture more information on upland
structures and zoning, and lead to more objective determinations
of habitat classifications. These improvements stemmed from the
work of the Habitat Classification
Improvement Task Group.
The current
definitions for the codings, as revised in 2003, are as follows:
Red
Coded Shoreline (High Productivity)
Red
coded habitats include productive and diverse habitat features that
support critical fish and wildlife functions on-site or as part
of a more regional context and/or areas where habitat compensation
has been previously constructed to offset habitat losses. Development
in red coded areas is restrictive but may occur provided that mitigation
is applied through site location and/or design to avoid impacts
on habitat features and functions of the area. Habitat compensation
is not an option as a rule. The only circumstances whereby exception
to the above guideline can be considered are where the project is
specifically undertaken in the interest of public health and safety.
Even in these cases alternative siting and design mitigation must
be pursued to the maximum extent possible.
Yellow
Coded Shoreline (Moderate Productivity)
Yellow
coded habitats include habitat features that are of moderate value
in structure or diversity due to existing conditions (e.g. surrounding
land uses or productivity) and support moderate fish and wildlife
functions. Development may occur in yellow coded areas provided
that mitigation and/or compensation measures are incorporated into
the project design to ensure that there is No Net Loss, and where
possible a Net Gain, of productive capacity as a result of the project.
Mitigation options must be pursued to the maximum extent possible
prior to consideration of compensation for unavoidable impacts to
habitat features and functions.
Green
Coded Shoreline (Low Productivity)
Habitat
Green coded habitats include areas where habitat features and functions
are limited due to existing conditions (e.g., developed for port
or other urbanized uses). Development may occur in green coded areas
provided that environmental impacts are mitigated through appropriate
location, scheduling, design and operation and No Net Loss, and
where possible a Net Gain, in the productive capacity of the site
is achieved.
To
view the FREMP Colour Coding maps, and instructions for printing
the maps, please connect to the Shim Community Mapping site by clicking
here.
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