Our Projects

In 2021, Bailey in partnership with A.E.W. Limited Partnership (AEW) and J Hobbs Ecological Consulting (JHEC), was awarded two years of funding to complete an inventory for two sympatrically occurring federally listed endangered species: Pacific water shrew (Sorex bendirii) and Oregon Forestsnail (OFS) (Allogona townsendiana). Project work focused on identifying new occurrence locations and trialing novel non-invasive eDNA detection methods for the target taxa with the hope that gathered data could be used at a later date to support the creation of Wildlife Habitat Area (WHA) designations for OFS and Pacific water shrew. Work was completed within lower elevation peri-urban and rural areas along the Fraser Valley between Port Moody and Hope. Data collected during the field program helped to inform development of a habitat suitability model created by ECCC, to characterize and identify Critical Habitat (CH) for endangered OFS.

Data analysis, logistics planning, project management and general project coordination was completed by Bailey. GIS services provided by Campbell Geospatial. Pacific Water Shrew camera trapping and expertise provided by Jess Findley. Spatial mapping of proposed survey locations, GPS transect mapping, OFS occurrence mapping and final report writing was completed by both Bailey and JHEC. QAQC of data and field work, was completed by A.E.W, Bailey and JHEC. Administrative services were completed by A.E.W. Technical expertise on target taxa was provided by JHEC.

Part of this scope of work included developing a detailed training program targeted for the biologists, work crew, and maritime crew. The training program include included developing project-specific training materials, and training materials specific to the biology, behaviour, and identification of species found within the Kitimat Harbour, as well as standard protocols for estimating distance and weather conditions. This scope of work was a success: there were no non-compliance permitting issues, no marine mammals were harmed or disturbed during the work, all members of the highly diverse team worked collaboratively and amicably.

During the environmental assessment and permitting phase, Michelle Bailey filled the role of Marine Discipline Lead with Stantec. Michelle led a team of biologists in collecting data, literature, and traditional knowledge (TK), writing and reviewing assessments on every marine aspect (e.g., marine mammals, benthic invertebrates, aquatic vegetation, wake and prop wash impacts, disposal at sea sites). Included in the data collection scope of work were several training programs for the local communities. Each survey conducted teamed biologists with First Nations technicians who had been through the training programs (e.g., marine mammal observations, intertidal surveys, water quality). In this way, the trainees were able to hone their skills and often returned season after season and assisting with the training programs. This scope of work was a success: all permits were approved to complete the work, valuable environmental data was acquired in a scientific manner which contributed to the project and the larger scientific community, building positive relationships and capacity within the local communities (i.e., Haisla in Kitimaat Village, Gitga’at in Hartley Bay, and Gitxaala in Kitkatla).

Bailey is currently working with different contractors on other project scopes in Kitimat.

Watch video of Michelle Bailey discussing the assessment phase here

The AMF guidelines were developed by Metro Vancouver in 2014 to create a standardized approach for municipalities in the region to monitor stormwater, assess the effectiveness of Integrated Stormwater Management Plans (ISMPs), and recommend adaptive management practices. We sampled water quality, sediment quality, and benthic invertebrate data was collected each year. The AMF water quality program requires sampling during the dry season (between July and August) and wet season (between November and December). Each sample season is conducted over a 30-day period, with samples collected five times per season (distributed as evenly as possible throughout the 30-day period). The results of the assessments help the City and District of North Vancouver make informed decisions about their respective ISMPs.

¹Monitoring and Adaptive Management Framework for Stormwater. Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management. A Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan for the Greater Vancouver Sewerage & Drainage District and Member Municipalities. September 2014. Metro Vancouver.