Abstract
Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is an important marsh habitat for a number of diverse plant and animal species. This WMA is a part of a larger wetland complex within the lower Fraser River Watershed, providing important breeding, foraging and rearing habitat for various amphibian, waterfowl, and mammal species. The Pitt-Addington Marsh provides critical habitat for Western Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta bellii) whose nesting beaches have become increasingly scarce in the Lower Mainland due to urbanization and habitat fragmentation. The focal nesting beach for this restoration plan is located at the Primary Beach (PB), along the northeast side of the Homil'kum Marsh Loop Trail, in the WMA. This area is owned by the Province of BC and is co-managed by Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Nature Trust of BC, and the Habitat Trust Conservation Foundation. Throughout this area's colonial history, it was used for agricultural purposes such as haying and crop production. By 1951 it was diked, disconnecting waterways and disrupting ecological functions. The turtle nesting beach (PB) was created in 2015 to build the necessary Western Painted Turtle (WPT) nesting habitat. This restoration plan outlines goals to improve overall nesting quality and success for WPT populations at the Primary Beach within PittAddington Marsh. The PB site currently faces ongoing stress from the encroachment of invasive species, largely due to improper beach substrate. Apart from biannual vegetation maintenance, minimal restoration efforts have been undertaken at the site. These stressors have led to unsuitable nesting habitat and minimal use of the nesting beach by resident Western Painted Turtles. Improving nesting quality in the marsh will positively contribute to recovery initiatives for the Lower Mainland population of WPT. They are an ecologically important part of the wetland ecosystem and restoration of this turtle beach will help to promote the long-term stability of WPT populations. This restoration plan will address these stressors by replacing the existing soil with sterilized substrate that is more suitable for nesting, removing encroaching vegetation, and improving the accessibility of the beach for adult turtles, especially nesting females. A polyethylene root barrier will be installed around the perimeter of the nesting beach to deter root intrusion, and a wire mesh barrier will be installed underneath the substrate to prevent mole predation. Native vegetation will be planted around the fenceline of the beach to limit invasive species encroachment. To enhance the beach quality further, anchored basking structures will be added to improve overall habitat quality. Annual monitoring of vegetation growth, substrate condition, and nesting activity will help to actively inform management measures needed long-term. Ongoing routine maintenance will be required to manage vegetation encroachment and root barriers, as well as inspection of fencing and basking structures. These measures will help to ensure WPT habitat is maintained long-term to achieve the goals and objectives set at the beginning of the project. Community stewardship and outreach are another integral part of turtle beach restoration. Educational signage will be installed at entrances to the loop trail to educate users on restoration efforts. Vegetation management and native plantings will be offered for local community members and BCIT students. Long-term maintenance paired with community involvement will work together to create a successful restoration plan that can benefit Pitt-Addington Marsh and WPT recovery efforts.