Revised Final Environmental Study Report (24 MB) - Gold Canyon ...

Gold Canyon Resources Inc: Final Environmental Study Report Review
March 30, 2013
It should be noted, that database information used to assess the wildlife content of
the area is out of date, and does not reflect actual species abundance. In essence,
there is very little empirical data on birds used within the technical report.
5.3.3.1 Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) Methodology Deficiencies
This survey was conducted through a single session of 10, 10-minute interval non-fixed
radial observation periods, equating to 100-minutes of observation time. The technical
report references the fact that two separate radial observation sessions should have been
conducted, and only one was conducted due to the 2011 forest fire, and there was no
follow-up.
There were two general observation locations from which the study was conducted, having
a total of 11 observation sites; 8 within 2 km of the primary Springpole campsite and 3
roughly 36 km southeast of campsite. Only the 3 sites selected that are away from the
campsite, are near to where the intended road corridor will be implemented. The overall
methodology used to conduct the breeding bird survey was not written in the technical
report, only a reference was given for a paper by Konze and McLaren, written in 1997.
According to Environment Canada: Breeding Bird Survey Statistical Methods, BBS routes
are generally 24.5 km in length and consist of 50 three minute stops, spaced 0.8 km apart.
The total number of birds seen or hear within 400 m are recorded. From what was
described in the technical report, this methodology was not employed.
Recommendation: GCU should conduct a thorough assessment of birds present in the
regional study area, ensuring that adequate field-work is performed to overcome the lack
of current database information.
Recommendation: When GCU conducts their next bird survey, every effort should be
made to gather sufficient data in accordance with tested methodologies, that allows for
statistical analysis.
5.3.3.2 Whip Poor Will Survey (WPWS) Methodology Deficiencies
The methodology for this survey involved setting up automated birdcall recording stations,
which were setup to record for ten minute intervals, every hour between 8:30 pm and 5:30
am. The two recording stations were located on GCU patented claim area, located less than
200 m apart and no more than 600 m from the primary Springpole campsite. The WPWS
was conducted only once on June 17, 2011, and no action was taken to complete the
second recording session.
The Whip-poor-will is a threatened species due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Currently the OMNR is in the process of developing a species-specific habitat
regulation and recovery strategy for this species (OMNR: Whip-poor-will, 2009).
The methodology employed draws into question the validity of findings given that;
The stations were located close to the primary camp in which there is already a high
degree of industrial disturbance and noise;
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