"Applied Science, Faculty of"@en . "Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of"@en . "DSpace"@en . "UBCV"@en . "Williams, Peter Gerard"@en . "2009-10-28T23:05:14Z"@en . "2003"@en . "Master of Landscape Architecture - MLA"@en . "University of British Columbia"@en . "The Tsolum River flows through the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. A local stream stewardship group, the Tsolum River Restoration Society, has been working to restore the river's once-plentiful salmon population. The Society's director has expressed an interest in developing an interpretive trail system, based at an ecology-centre facility, to link their salmon habitat enhancement projects and explain them to the public. From this idea, the project's scope was expanded by the author, based on the rationale that the trail planning should encompass a broader program. As public trail development opportunities are rare, it was felt that the system should achieve the Society's goals, while providing an enjoyable recreational experience; accessing outstanding cultural and natural features; linking to other routes or trails; and providing an aesthetic experience. This project provides planning and design recommendations for achieving these objectives. Results of the project, including maps, diagrams, plans, and drawings, will be presented and discussed. Suitability analysis, utilizing a Geographic Information System, is the primary method used in data synthesis and trail layout. A theoretical paradigm, the Ecological Aesthetic, and associated methodologies will be discussed, and applications to the project will be described and assessed."@en . "https://circle.library.ubc.ca/rest/handle/2429/14280?expand=metadata"@en . "11511771 bytes"@en . "application/pdf"@en . "AN ECOLOGY CENTRE AND TRAIL SYSTEM FOR THE TSOLUM RIVER WATERSHED by PETER GERARD WILLIAMS B.E.S., The University of Waterloo, 1990 A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE in THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES (Landscape Architecture Program) We accept this thesis as conforming to the required standard THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA April 2003 \u00C2\u00A9 Peter Gerard Williams, 2003 In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for an advanced degree at the University of British Columbia, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for reference and study. I further agree that permission for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes may be granted by the head of my department or by his or her representatives. It is understood that copying or publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. Department of L-^ksc\u00C2\u00ABj>100yrs HPI Riparian Ecosystem nm Older Second Growth* p>>>] Wetland M i Riparian Zones Ecological Units H J clearcut <5yrs regen | forest 20-60 yrs old ~J rural residential \u00C2\u00A3 tree plantation | | open cleared corridor ~J scrub Area ] young conifer forest [~ | young cottonwood forest /Sj Watercourses ^ ^ H i g h w a y 19 '20m Contours 1:40,000 Figure 4. 3 Ecological Land Units 26 Each Landscape Unit was rated with a score of 1-3 for each of the above three criteria (1 = Low Suitability, 2 = Moderate Suitability, 3 = High Suitability). These three scores were added together, to result in one total aesthetic suitability score per unit, ranging from three to nine (3-5 = Low; 6-8 = Moderate; 7-9 =High). The results of this method, known as Ordinal Combination, represent the rating of each unit for aesthetic suitability for trail development. Given their distinct character and central importance to the trail layout and eco-centre location, riparian zones were mapped by buffering all major watercourses with a 30-metre setback on both sides of the channel. The 30-metre figure was based on orthophoto assessment, which revealed that much of the existing streamside vegetation had already been limited to this width through adjacent clearing. A field-based, qualitative, gestalt assessment of overall aesthetic suitability for trail development was conducted for these riparian zones, based on the following criteria: \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Enclosure - trees and shore-edge plants form the major space definition, sometimes in combination with high, steep banks \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Spatial expression - sinuosity represents variety and higher quality \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Water movement - an exciting and vivid quality in faster flowing streams \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Water appearance - a composite factor of its visual interest, clarity and colour, and its capacity to reflect light, or other features 27 The above criteria were based on a study by Litton (1974). The riparian unit rating for aesthetic quality ranged from 1 (lowest suitability) to 6 (highest suitability). When displayed in a GIS environment, the scores were classified as follows: 1-2 = Low Suitability; 3-4 = Moderate Suitability; 5-6 = High Suitability Despite the fact that the maximum riparian unit quality score is six (as opposed to the landscape unit maximum score of nine), this does not imply that the riparian units are of lesser quality. The classifications (low/medium/high) are used as the ultimate rating of aesthetic quality, and these appear on the resulting map (Figure 4.4) using the same colour scheme for both types of aesthetic rating. In general, overlap between the two aesthetic systems has been avoided, but in areas of minor overlap, the rating for the riparian zone dominates the underlying unit. Process: Ecosystem Scarcity Index Because interpretation of regional and local ecology is such a central theme of the trail system, it was felt that the trail should afford opportunities for experiencing rare or locally significant ecosystems whenever possible. For this reason, the relative scarcity of ecological unit polygons in the study area was determined, and used as criterion to be noted in the trail planning process. This helped to ensure that the trail system could encounter the maximum diversity of habitats. The final results of the scarcity index were displayed on the synthesis map (Figure 4.5) and used in a qualitative way to guide the trail layout. 28 Trail Suitability Ranking: Aesthetic Criteria 1000 Legend Wetlands riparian zone | I Low H\u00C2\u00A7|\u00C2\u00A7 Moderate \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 B High Landscape Units | | Low H i Moderate | High 20m Contours J\J Watercourses * HWY 19 1:40,000 d) 1000 2000 3000 4000 Meters Figure 4. 4 Trail Suitability Ranking: Aesthetic Criteria The areas of individual Sensitive Ecosystem Inventory polygons in the study area were calculated using Arcview. The total area of each sensitive ecosystem polygon type (e.g. 29 Wetland) was then determined. It was found that each of the ecosystem types (excluding Older Second Growth) individually amounted to less than 5% of the study area, and some totalled less than 3% of the study area. The same procedure was followed for the other types of Ecological Land Unit polygons, excluding only \"Clearcut\" and \"Forest 20-60 yrs\" (types that obviously totalled far more than 5% of the study area based on visual inspection of the size and frequency of polygons). Based on the above procedure, all of the ecological unit types were rated and displayed in the following way: \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 <3% of Study Area: Very High Scarcity \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 3-5% of Study Area: High Scarcity \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 >5% of Study Area: Relatively Common Process: Land Unit Synthesis A synthesis map was prepared, using Arcview GIS to overlay the results of the Aesthetic Suitability Analysis with the Ecosystem Scarcity results, in order to visually identify the highest priority areas for trail location. The overlay is summarized in the following relationship: Ecosystem Scarcity (Very High & High) + Aesthetic Suitability Ranking = Overall Priority. Those ecosystem polygons rated Very High and High [scarcity] were given coloured borders so they would be visible without obscuring the aesthetic rating's colour-coding. The resulting map (Figure 4.5 ) provided a data synthesis, useful for the design of possible trail layouts, and for determining the eco-centre site location. 30 Synthesis: Trail Suitability C A i 1000 1000 2000 Meters Legend Nodes Farnham Road Ecological Scarcity High Very High _ Wetlands / \ J existing trails [\"\u00E2\u0080\u00A2\"I Gateways / \ / 2 0 m Contours Riparian Zone Aesthetics Low J Moderate m High Landscape Unit Aesthetics Low Moderate | High ''Watercourses ] Comox Railway Bed I i Existing Parks 19 1:40,000 d) Figure 4. 5 Synthesis: Trail Suitability The map provides the means to view the spatial relationship between the nodes, in the context of the aesthetic and ecological scarcity ratings. This made it possible to connect 31 the nodes by trail, using the most suitable land units - those that had the highest aesthetic rating, and/or ecosystem scarcity. A candidate site for the eco-centre (the Headquarters Creek - Joshua Creek confluence) was already being considered, and visual inspection of the synthesis map confirms the suitability of that location. The criteria for the selection of this site are as follows: \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Proximity to interesting / sensitive ecosystems including Joshua Creek and Headquarters Creek riparian areas; herbaceous terrestrial zones; older second growth; wetlands; Cottonwood forest; young conifer forest. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 High aesthetic quality and experiential quality due to numerous creek channels, forest diversity, wildland character \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Central location relative to other nodes \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 One of two sites recommended by Jack Minard of the Tsolum Restoration society. The other, near the hatchery on Headquarters Creek, was investigated and, while also potentially suitable, is scheduled for clearcut logging in the near future. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Numerous salmon spawning habitats, as identified by S.H.I.M. (Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping), providing viewing opportunities. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Additional wildlife viewing opportunities: bears, eagles, mink, beaver, & riparian bird species. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Ease of access: close to Farnham road; link to Highway 19 is only about 1km away. 32 Distance Rating: Trail Nodes 1000 Legend 1000 2000 Meters Node Distance Rankinc \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 i <1 km | <1.5km <2 km <2.5 km 500m Buffer Ring V Wetlands Watercourses / 20m Contours / V / H W Y 19 1:40,000 (D Figure 4. 6 Node Distance Rating 33 Process: Node Distance Rating In order to further assess the suitability of the eco-centre location, the approximate distance from each node to the confluence site was measured using ArcView GIS. Lusk (2001) states that on a 3-10 km greenway, the number of preferred destinations is 3 to 4. If the predominant users are walkers, the destinations could be between 1 to 3.2 km apart. The node distance rating (Figure 4.6) shows that all of the nodes are within 2.5 km (measuring \"as the crow flies\") of the eco-centre site. Process: Trail layout Once the synthesis map had been created, a trail layout was digitized in Arcview by connecting the nodes to the eco-centre site and to each other, via the highest-rated suitability polygons (Figure 4.7). The layout also accesses those polygons with high / very high ecological scarcity. Several loop trails are possible, connecting to multiple nodes; the shortest of these loops is about 3.5 km long; there are several possible loops in the 5 km range. A loop encompassing most of the study area is possible; the distance is over 12 km. Some of these trails would be suitable for mountain-biking and horseback riding, however these uses are not encouraged on the core \"eco-centre\" area trails. The potential for conflict with other trail users in this area is high, and there is a significant amount of sensitive riparian and spawning habitat that could be in danger without controls. In addition, the trail to Wolf Lake Dam is probably not suitable for horses, due to its elevation gain. Motorized vehicles are not suitable for this trail system, due to the sensitivity of many of the ecosystems, and the potential for conflict with other users. 34 Proposed Trail Layout 1000 1000 2000 Meters Legend Node Distance Ranking | | Eco-Centre Location I |<1km H i 1-1.5 km 1.5-2 km \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 2-2 5 km f\u00C2\u00BBj> Proposed Trails \"/\/Farnham Road Ecological Scarcity High Very High MM Wetlands /V/existing trails [T] Gateways A / 2 0 m Contours Riparian Zone Aesthetics r ~ i L O W I Moderate Landscape Unit Aesthetics Low | Moderate High Watercourses Comox Railway Bed Existing Parks 'HWY 19 1:40,000 (D Figure 4. 7 Proposed Trail Layout 35 Links to existing trails and roads are achieved in the following locations (Gateways on Figure 4.7): \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 \"Headquarters Sawmill Trail\" - a node location, described above \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Proposed \"One-spot Trail\" - utilizing the former Comox Railway Bed \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Existing \"Tsolum Spirit\" Park - at confluence of the Tsolum River and Dove Creek \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Existing Bridge over Dove Creek - on Dove Creek Road \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Wolf Lake Logging Road Access - roads can be accessed at the dam, linking the trail user to a long network of roads leading into the upper Tsolum watershed 5. Eco-Centre Design Process and Results This section describes the design process leading to master planning and design details for the proposed eco-centre. Site Inventory Sensitive Habitat Inventory Mapping (S.H.I.M.), done in 1999, was accessed using an online G.I.S. system available through the S.H.I.M. website. This data consisted of numerous cross section points on Headquarters Creek and Joshua Creek. Each cross-section describes: the dominant vegetation type for 50 meters in either direction from the channel; channel wetted width and depth; bank slopes; and substrate material. Special features such as beaver dams, log jams, and side channels are also noted. This data was extremely valuable in understanding the site's ecology and the nature of the two channels and their tributaries. 36 The numerical S.H.I.M. cross-section data was combined with orthophoto interpretation, SEI data (Riparian), and G.I.S. base information to construct a hand-rendered graphic site inventory (Figure 5.1). The Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory classifies Riparian ecosystems into seven structural stages of vegetation based on age and structure of dominant vegetation. The inventory revealed a mature riparian ecosystem at Joshua Creek (SEI Riparian stage 6: mature coniferous-deciduous forest). The dominant tree species appears to be red alder, with conifers such as western redcedar in canopy gaps. From this inventory, candidate areas for nature interpretation, the precise eco- centre location, parking, and possible creek crossings were determined and overlaid on a Conceptual Diagram (Figure 5.2). The inventory results, in combination with the site program (described next) and overall project goals, informed the site master plan (Figure 5.3). Design Program: Eco-centre The design program is intended to meet the following requirements: \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Learning about the natural history of the site and the surrounding watershed (in the spirit of the Ecological Aesthetic) \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Site exploration by trail: engagement of the senses, and immersion into the site's wildland character \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 A starting point for longer hikes into the surrounding landscape \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Wooden, roofed shelter structure: A gathering place for education, meetings, presentations; seating for approximately 30 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Interpretive signage 37 Figure 5.1 Site Inventory 38 39 \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Facilities for river observation and seasonal observation of spawning salmon \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Wildlife viewing \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Restrooms / pit toilets \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Parking for 20 cars \u00E2\u0080\u00A2 Service vehicle access The proposed eco-centre is located on the point of land between Joshua Creek and Headquarters Creek (Figure 5.1). The rationale for siting the eco-centre in its position on the plan is as follows: 1. Overlooking the confluence of two channels, there are good creek viewing opportunities due to the relatively open canopy. 2. The location is a stable, upland area; the Headquarters Creek floodplain (to the west) is too low-lying, unstable and sensitive. 3. The forest character - a mature mixed forest with veteran trees - provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, and is aesthetically appealing. 4. A short hike, with creek crossing, is required to get to the centre from the parking lot. This provides a sense of entrance, and experiential quality, before arrival, without entailing major expense. Design Description The master plan (Figure 5.2) contains a series of design elements (described next), which in combination provide the appropriate range of visitor experiences and user 40 Figure 5. 3 Site Master Plan 41 needs. Figure 5.4 provides a more detailed plan of the central area, and Figure 5.5 diagrams the critical sequence and hierarchy of experiences and views encountered by users in the journey from the site entry to the eco-centre itself. a) Site Access and Parking The parking loop would be primarily entered from the south on Farnham Road, adjacent to the cottonwood forest. The crushed gravel road curves gradually to the parking areas, located at the base of a stand of mature Douglas fir trees. There is space for twenty vehicles in two separate pull-off parking areas. Restrooms are accessible directly from the parking area. b) Entrance The entrance structure is located between the two parking areas, set back to the border of the fir stand (Figure 5.6). The walk-through wood frame structure provides a clearly visible entrance to trail system and the whole site experience. There are also detailed way-finding maps and introductory interpretive information posted on the shelter. c) Forest Ecology Demonstration Area Immediately across from the entrance structure is the entrance to the Forest Ecology Demonstration Area. The vegetation in this area will grow and evolve over time, providing an opportunity to learn about forest ecology and succession. The area will re-establish the site's former forest association through varying stages of management. A trail winds through the young forest, with self-interpretive signs explaining the various stages of succession. 42 Cottonwood Forest Figure 5. 4 Site Plan: Main Area Restroa 43 d) Cottonwood / Riparian Ecotone Trail The main trail winds south through the Douglas fir stand and into an ecotone between the young Cottonwood stand and Joshua Creek's riparian forest. Shortly the boardwalk and bridge leading into the beaver dam interpretation area appears on the right as an option; though the trail also continues further south. Filtered views to the main destination of the eco-centre are maintained through the trees. e) Beaver Dam Interpretation The boardwalk crosses the wet, shallow-sloped riparian forest around Joshua Creek (Figure 5.7). Beaver dams and evidence of beaver activity are explained by interpretive signage with graphics. In this area the forest changes significantly due to the water levels; the canopy opens due the number of drowned trees. f) Eco-centre & Viewing Deck After crossing the boardwalk, the trail bends north and enters an older mixed forest stand, interspersed with veteran trees. A short hike through this mature forest leads to the open-sided, roofed learning centre structure (Figure 5.8). Inside are interpretive displays explaining the ecology of the site, with special attention to the role of the salmon as a keystone species in the ecosystem. Bench seating in the structure can accommodate groups of twenty or more (Figure 5.9). The structure is surrounded by forest, but opens up on the north side to a short trail leading to an elevated wooden viewing deck near the confluence of Joshua Creek and a tributary (Figure 5.10). The relatively open canopy here allows viewing of both streams and the surrounding alder forest, including Constitution Hill, just visible through the trees. 44 Figure 5. 5 Concept Diagram of Site Main Area 45 0. \u00E2\u0080\u00A2-, e w |\u00C2\u00A3S3\u00C2\u00A3 \u00E2\u0080\u0094 Entrance: walk-through shelter ' J .. '\ V'-. ,\ ^ i>/' N Road: , _ \ / ' / ' ' ' / rushed gravel | Assembly area: I I log benches ill ^yl.._ v urn WB \u00C2\u00AES ^ f r \u00E2\u0080\u0094 1 Gn Entry sign: F Demonstrati 3ssed swale \u00E2\u0080\u00A2orest Ecology on Area -Trail / 2m culvert \u00E2\u0080\u00A2\"' 8.Sm ' 7m ' 1.5m * Trail 4 Figure 5. 6 Site Entrance North Elevation. Scale 1:200 Wayfinding sign Interpretive Sign ,\u00E2\u0080\u0094:Pedestrian Boardwalk Wayfinding sign Red alder (wet) . si 23m 6% Trail Grade Ecotone Trail Figure 5. 7 Beaver Dam Interpretation Area North Elevation. Scale 1:400 46 g) Salmon Spawning Viewing Platforms The trail enters the Joshua Creek riparian zone, a mature mixed forest with red alder and western redcedar. An open wood viewing deck (Figure 5.11) allows stream viewing and is the first opportunity to view the spawning salmon, and the wildlife that depend on the salmon carcasses. Figure 5. 8 Eco Centre East Elevation. Scale 1:125 h) North Viewing Platform While most of the visitors are drawn to the southern points of interest upon arrival, an opportunity for quiet solitude exists to the north. A viewing platform on Headquarters Creek looks out over the water and into the serene floodplain red alder forest. The platform offers the chance to rest and enjoy the subtle beauty of the site, before continuing on the north trail towards other destinations, or returning to the entry area. 47 Figure 5. 9 Eco-Centre Axonometric Diagram. Scale 1:200 48 i) \"Logging Road Trail\" and Connections Further south, the trail meets an overgrown former logging road that winds west to Headquarters Creek through a young fir forest. After entering the creek's riparian zone, two separate crossings traverse the split channel. Then the trail forks, leading through the mixed forest to more spawning habitat to the north; or under the huge span of the Highway 19 bridge to head upstream. The trail gains elevation as it parallels the creek, stopping at a waterfall before reaching Wolf Lake. "Thesis/Dissertation"@en . "2003-05"@en . "10.14288/1.0091090"@en . "eng"@en . "Landscape Architecture"@en . "Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library"@en . "University of British Columbia"@en . "For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use."@en . "Graduate"@en . "An ecology centre and trail system for the Tsolum River watershed"@en . "Text"@en . "http://hdl.handle.net/2429/14280"@en .