Species At-Risk Surveys

Client: Department of National Defence Canada

Project: The Department of National Defence oversees the management of the Vernon Military Camp, a 310-hectare training area situated in the Okanagan Valley, south of Vernon. The Okanagan Valley is known for its diverse ecosystem, containing several species that are protected under the Species at Risk Act. This legislation aims to safeguard species, their habitats, and critical ecosystems. In order to ensure compliance with the intent of the Species at Risk Act, the Department of National Defence requires comprehensive information on the presence, distribution, and habitats of rare insects within the Vernon Military Camp. This data plays a crucial role in guiding their operations and ensuring that they align with the protection and preservation of species and their habitats as mandated by the legislation.

Services: Masse Environmental took the lead in coordinating seasonal surveys focused on at-risk beetles, bees, robberflies, butterflies, moths, dragonflies, and damselflies. These surveys included comprehensive habitat mapping and the development of management recommendations specifically tailored to rare species found on the property. Notably, during these surveys, Masse Environmental made a significant discovery by identifying a previously undocumented robber fly genus and species in British Columbia. This groundbreaking finding was subsequently published in the Journal of the Entomological Society of British Columbia, contributing to the scientific knowledge and understanding of the region's insect biodiversity. The work undertaken by Masse Environmental demonstrates their commitment to conducting thorough ecological surveys, identifying and protecting rare species, and advancing entomological research.