Ungulate Winter Ranges. Within the SQCF, species specific ungulate winter ranges (UWRs) have been established through provincial legal orders to provide for and protect spatially defined areas containing high suitability habitat attributes considered to be required for the winter survival of two identified ungulate species – Mountain Goat (Oreamnos americanus) and Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) (Table 7 and Appendix 1: Cultural Features, Water and Wildlife map). The orders provide measures for the management of each UWR polygon. In some UWRs (i.e. Mountain Goat Winter Range, Deer Winter Range – Retention) timber harvesting is not permitted. In other UWRs (i.e. Deer Winter Range – Rotational Units) some harvesting is permitted but only consistent with specific management requirements to protect key habitat features. All activities within 500 metres of a Mountain Goat winter range polygon, with the potential to disturb overwintering goats (e.g. timber falling, yarding, road building, blasting, helicopter flights, loading, hauling) must occur between May 1st and October 31st of any given year. Table 7: Ungulate Winter Range Types and Area in the Squamish Community Forest Type of Ungulate Winter Range Area Deer Winter Range – Rotation 206 ha Deer Winter Range – Retention 90 ha Mountain Goat Winter Range – No Harvest 515 ha In addition to the legally defined measures, SQCF will apply best practices to further protect habitat at the site level. Examples include protection of unique habitat features such as mineral licks, day beds, and travel corridors, the use of retention silviculture systems, and retention of large crown trees to provide snow interception cover. These features will be protected through strategic placement of WTRAs or individual tree retention.
