Restoring the Upland Ecosystems of Buttertubs Marsh and Enhancing Western Painted Turtle Habitat

Abstract

Anthropogenic activities and urban development have disrupted native plant populations and allowed invasive species to establish and take over a variety of ecosystems across British Columbia. The purpose of this project is to restore an upland parcel of forest that has been overrun with invasive species and support conservation objectives for the red-listed Western painted turtle population (WPT) (Chrysemys pita bellii) living in Buttertubs Marsh Conservation Area. The restoration components for this project include the completion of ground inspection forms (GIFs), removal of invasive species, use of woody debris to create planting areas, planting of naturally occurring species, and installation of temporary fencing to deter wildlife grazing. The conservation objectives include the removal of invasive and undesirable species from active nest beaches, installation of five new basking logs, as well as educational sessions provided to local high school students. The results of the GIFs (Site Series = 01 FD Salal) determined the most suitable species to revegetate the site. The removal invasive species such as common periwinkle (Vinca minor), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus), spurge laurel (Daphne laureola), and English holly (Ilex aquifolium) decreases competition and allows native species to flourish. 750 kilograms (kg) of plant matter was removed from the restoration area and 415kg of invasive species and grasses were removed from the nest beaches. Repeated treatments are required to reduce the extensive populations of invasive species residing in Buttertubs Marsh and prevent them from reestablishing back into restored areas. The removal of invasive plants and undesirable vegetation from nest beaches can positively impact WPT populations as demonstrated in Figure 14. The combination of these conservation and restoration initiatives is necessary to protect sensitive ecosystems and species-at-risk in the province.